From Policy to Practice: The Role of Strategic Environmental Assessment in Coastal Zone Management in Qatar

Abstract

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of contemporary environmental governance because it operates at the strategic level—policies, plans and programs—where long‑term development trajectories are established and where cumulative and indirect effects can still be avoided. In Qatar, the coastal zone concentrates a large share of the nation’s population, transport corridors, industrial hubs, tourism assets and cultural heritage, while also supporting sensitive marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, tidal flats and sabkhas. These ecosystems are exposed to intensive development pressure, and to escalating climate risks including sea‑level rise and compound flooding. This paper defines the role of SEA in delivering high‑level environmental policy objectives within coastal zone management in Qatar, and proposes practical pathways for strengthening policy integration, alternatives appraisal, cumulative effects governance and monitoring‑led adaptive management. The study adopts a qualitative methodology combining structured literature review (with emphasis on 2024–2025 sources), synthesis of Qatar’s ICZM and SEA documentation, and comparative case study learning from Europe, Australia and Gulf-region practice. The analysis shows that Qatar has a strong foundation: SEA has been embedded in national spatial planning and within the ICZM planning cycle. However, SEA’s strategic value is not fully realized without binding triggers for coastal policies and programs, cumulative effects registers, climate‑scenario testing and performance monitoring. The paper recommends an SEA‑enabled ICZM cycle for Qatar, anchored in enforceable screening, ecosystem‑service thresholds, climate‑risk mainstreaming and transparent reporting.