Marine ecological baselines and environmental impact assessment studies in the Sudanese coastal zone. A review

Abstract

The unique coastal and marine ecosystems of Sudan need protection against anthropogenic influences. This report provides a review of the key Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) which occur in Sudanese coastal and offshore areas, with emphasis on their localisation, importance and state of condition. The report also highlights some of the major threats to the stability of these VECs and includes information which may be important in connection with industrial environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies and monitoring activities in Sudanese coastal and marine waters. Environmental legislation and governing systems of Sudan with special relevance to marine ecosystem resources are described in addition to industrial and societal developments and the most important Sudanese research and educational institutions and programmes that are relevant for the issues addressed. Finally, a list of key gaps of knowledge and recommendations of future actions which may serve to improve the environmental management and protection of VECs in Sudanese coastal and marine waters is presented in the last section of the report.