Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Coastal Infrastructure and Planning Principles

• Definitions and types of coastal infrastructure

• Coastal ecosystems and development pressures

• National and international policy frameworks (e.g., ICZM, SDGs)

• Planning processes and stakeholder roles

• Activity: Mapping critical coastal infrastructure in your region

Module 2: Coastal Hazards, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment

• Coastal erosion, storm surge, and flooding

• Climate change impacts: sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion

• Risk and vulnerability assessment methods

• Decision-making under uncertainty

• Case Study: Coastal risk assessment using historical data

Module 3: Environmental Considerations in Coastal Planning

• Coastal biodiversity and habitat protection

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for coastal projects

• Marine spatial planning and land-use zoning

• Legal frameworks for coastal protection and development

• Exercise: Drafting environmental planning checklists

Module 4: Coastal Infrastructure Design Concepts and Considerations

• Shoreline stabilization: seawalls, groynes, revetments

• Flood defense systems and stormwater management

• Coastal drainage and access infrastructure

• Integration with port, tourism, and community infrastructure

• Practical: Analyze coastal defense cross-sections

Module 5: Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategies

• Building with nature and nature-based solutions (NbS)

• Design considerations under future climate scenarios

• Adaptive infrastructure design principles

• Managed retreat and coastal realignment options

• Group Exercise: Coastal adaptation strategy for a vulnerable zone

Module 6: Spatial Planning Tools for Coastal Infrastructure (GIS Focus)

• Introduction to GIS for coastal planning

• Mapping shoreline changes and hazard zones

• Use of satellite imagery and topographic data

• Scenario modeling for infrastructure expansion

• Hands-on: GIS lab session on coastal zoning and suitability analysis

Module 7: Coastal Infrastructure Financing and Feasibility

• Funding mechanisms: public, private, PPPs, climate finance

• Cost-benefit analysis and economic justification

• Lifecycle planning and maintenance budgeting

• Case Study: Financial analysis of a multi-use coastal protection project

Module 8: Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Policy Integration

• Institutional roles in coastal infrastructure development

• Participatory planning and community involvement

• Conflict resolution in coastal land use

• Policy harmonization between sectors (transport, environment, housing)

• Activity: Simulated stakeholder roundtable on a coastal port development

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Maintenance Planning

• Performance indicators and evaluation tools

• Monitoring infrastructure and environmental interactions

• Maintenance planning and asset condition tracking

• Adaptive management strategies and post-implementation reviews

• Workshop: Draft a Monitoring and Maintenance Framework

Module 10: Case Studies and Final Planning Project

• Lessons from major coastal infrastructure projects

• Review of planning reports and EIA documentation

• Group Project: Develop a Coastal Infrastructure Plan (integrated GIS, resilience, and stakeholder input)

• Presentations and feedback

• Closing reflections and certification