North Caspian Sea Biodiversity Master Plan
Safeguarding vital coastal resources and communities in a petroleum-rich region
- Location: North Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan
- Date: 2010 – 2012
- Client: AGIP-KCO
- Project Type: Environmental services
Master planning to keep natural resources understood and protected
Italian offshore oil operator Agip KCO commissioned Hydro Nova to support the protection of the environment of the northern zone of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. Using our integrated coastal engineering technology, we analyzed pressures on the local environment and economy to determine the optimal measures for sustainability and developed the region’s first actionable Coastal Zone Biological & Geological Management Masterplan.
Agip needed a decision and planning tool to ensure the best possible outcomes for local flora and fauna while ensuring the longevity of its operations in the north Caspian coastal zone.
Our solution provided Agip a Master Plan that assesses and reduces the impacts of the company’s operations on the Caspian Sea environment. Strategic guidelines will help Agip implement conservation and protect the local ecosystem and wildlife for years to come.
Services Provided
Integrated Coastal Master Planning
We deployed an integration of methods to develop the Master Plan, including: Ecosystem Based Management (EBM), Determinant Pressures State Impact Response (DPSIR), Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles, Geographic Information System (GIS), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Satellite Remote Sensing and Interferometry and field surveys and data validation.
Strategic Guidelines for Ecosystem Management
We developed guidelines for the conservation, management and sustainable use of ecosystem and biological resources in the transitional North Caspian Coastline of Kazakhstan.
Natural Hazard Audit
Our multi-hazard assessment identified the main hazards in the region, including marine inundations, pollution, habitat loss and industrial hazards. Analysis of main risks was carried out under present conditions and simulated future worst credible scenarios.
Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
We conducted a full SEIA of the northern Caspian Sea region, including a detailed analysis of human pressures on the local environment.
Master Plan
Final result was the Master Plan, identifying the main sensitivities of the territory and proposing a set of guidelines and recommendations for the future economic development of the area prioritizing conservation of its natural ecosystems.
