The Role of SEA in Delivering High Level Environmental Policy Objectives in Coastal Zone Management in Egypt

Abstract

Egypt is witnessing a rapid urbanization and economic development that have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts. Since 1994 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for various projects and implementation of its mandatory recommendations have been used as a means to minimize environmental impacts. Recognizing the continuous impacts on the natural environment due to human activities, and aiming to further strengthening the EIA system, Egypt initiated its National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2006. However, two decades after its implementation, EIA is still not adequately integrated into the higher-levels of policy making in Egypt nor its benefits are sufficiently appreciated by the wider community. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) used as a tool for addressing the environmental concerns resulting from the implementation of polices, plans and programs may contribute into enhancing EIA system and influencing its benefits to the wider public. This paper evaluates the current EIA system, and discusses the potential role of SEA in overcoming the EIA shortcomings and delivering high level environmental policy objectives in Egypt. The potential role of SEA in sustaining the coastal zone in Egypt is investigated as an example in this paper. Despite challenges of implementation, it is concluded that introducing SEA into the environmental assessment in Egypt may contribute positively into achieving high level environmental objectives and promoting the principles of sustainable development.