Strategic environmental assessment for sustainable coastal zone management in Saudi Arabia, aligning with vision 2030

Abstract This research examines the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in promoting sustainable coastal zone management in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with Vision 2030. Focusing on key coastal regions, namely the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, the study explores SEA’s capacity to guide development activities toward long-term environmental sustainability. Through a comparative analysis of SEA and traditional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), the study emphasizes SEA’s proactive, integrative, and participatory approach to decision-making. The findings illustrate how SEA enhances the strategic alignment of national environmental objectives by fostering resilient and sustainable strategies that balance development with conservation in Saudi Arabia’s coastal zones. Ultimately, SEA is identified as a crucial instrument in achieving Vision 2030’s sustainability goals, offering a pathway to safeguard coastal ecosystems while supporting economic growth.