ASSESSING THE COSTAL RISKS IN DOHA MUNICIPALITY SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS THROUGH STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA)

M. G., Elmalky,; , M. A., Al-Ansi; A. M. S., Al-Marri,

doi:10.21608/jes.2018.21858

ASSESSING THE COSTAL RISKS IN DOHA MUNICIPALITY SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS THROUGH STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Department of Environmental Basic Sciences, Institute of environmental studies & research, Ain Shams University

² Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University

³ Laboratories section, Quality and Safety Department, Public Works Authorities, State of Qatar

10.21608/jes.2018.21858

Abstract

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is designed to help countries to make their policies, plans and programs more sustainable. The aim of this research is to ensure that environmental considerations are fully integrated into a decision-making process at the earliest possible stages. Implementing SEA of spatial plans has the potential to reduce the negative environmental impacts and enhance the positive effects.
Coasts of Doha are projected to be exposed to increasing risks, including coastal erosion, due to climate change and sea-level rise. The level of flooding in Qatar increases with the increase in sea level rise for the two climate change scenarios 2040 and 2100 (ICZMPCCSLR, 2014). This increase is associated with the increase in the impact on both socioeconomic and natural systems. Doha municipality spatial development plans must consider the flooding and sea-level rise of Doha’s coasts. Future iterations of the National Spatial Strategy and/or National Development Plan must recognize the increasing vulnerability of coastal populations to coastal and climate change risks, e.g. flooding and sea level rise and establish a strong institutional system for monitoring of coastal indicators, identifying and assessing in particular, the land subsidence in the coastal area. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for future development plans must Carrying out with strong follow up taking Sea Level Rise (SLR) into consideration and building up a strong early warning system and contingency plans against flooding.

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