Policy & Strategic Planning Program Development Program Implementation Resource Assessment Environmental Assessment Information Technology Observer Programmes Institutional Development Performance Monitoring Information Sharing Technical Training Coastal Zone Management NRSP Land Water Interface Social Development
During the last two decades, changes in public attitude toward the natural environment and increased awareness of past losses and current threats have forced many industries and government agencies to evaluate the impacts of their activities on natural processes. Pollution, coastal development, dredging and habitat loss all impact natural resources in the coastal, nearshore and offshore ecosystems. Likewise, the direct and indirect impacts of fisheries are often overlooked, poorly recognized or inadequately understood. Fishing gear, methods of fishing and poor fisheries management regimes can all have destructive impacts on marine habitats and both targeted and non-targeted species.
MRAG has developed considerable experience in the undertaking of environmental assessments. Projects include research to support establishment of ecological reserves, assessment of pollution controls, studies on the effects of flood control systems, identification of conflicts between fishing gear types, threats to non-target species, and design of guidelines to minimize the loss of biodiversity. Assessments have been conducted on behalf of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GEF), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the European Commission.