Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Projects

Description

This course introduces the principles, procedures, and applications of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for marine projects. It covers the main stages of the EIA process, including project screening, scoping, baseline environmental studies, impact identification and prediction, evaluation of alternatives, mitigation measures, environmental management plans, monitoring, and reporting. The course focuses on marine and coastal development projects such as ports, offshore energy facilities, aquaculture systems, desalination plants, coastal infrastructure, and other ocean-based activities. Particular emphasis is placed on environmental regulations, stakeholder participation, biodiversity protection, cumulative impacts, and sustainable project development. By the end of the course, students will be able to: Explain the principles and stages of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Identify potential environmental impacts associated with marine and coastal projects. Conduct basic environmental baseline assessments and impact analyses. Apply appropriate methods for predicting and evaluating environmental impacts. Develop mitigation measures and environmental management and monitoring plans. Analyze the role of environmental regulations, stakeholders, and public participation in EIA. Evaluate alternatives and propose sustainable solutions for minimizing the environmental impacts of marine projects.

Program

Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Blue Economy and Management of Coastal Resources (MSc SBEM)

Objectives

• To provide students with a fundamental understanding of the principles, procedures, and importance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in marine projects. To develop students’ ability to identify, predict, and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of marine and coastal development projects. To examine the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing environmental assessment and marine environmental protection. To introduce methods and tools used for environmental baseline studies, impact prediction, risk assessment, and mitigation planning. To develop students’ understanding of stakeholder engagement, public participation, and environmental decision-making. To promote sustainable planning and management practices that minimize environmental impacts and support the Sustainable Blue Economy.