The present research characterizes the elements that generate risks and environmental impacts in the port societies of Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena, in order to establish a comparison with international standards, which allow generating recommendations to improve environmental management in these areas. The comparative analysis is established taking into account that in the port areas there are high environmental risks due to the productive dynamics, transport, loading and unloading of the merchandise, which is why it is important to promote efficient strategies based on an integral and detailed observation of the problems that arise. For the development of the research, is proposed a qualitative and descriptive methodology, based on the application of observation guides in the port areas of Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla, as well as a literature analysis process that allows recognizing good environmental practices on international port societies. Among the findings is that the main environmental factors that must be improved and evaluated in the ports are the handling of bulk, solid waste, liquid discharges and training of human resources. The foregoing is key for port societies to continue establishing themselves in the country as spaces for economic growth and development, while contemplating good environmental practices that improve the articulation of productivity with the adequate management of resources and with the needs of the local population.
