- SPECTRA Co. for Real Estate and Touristic Investment was in the process of establishing Palma House Resort in Hurgada.
- The company was planning to feed the beach in the project area with sand due to encountered erosion, which aimed at retrieving the shoreline condition before erosion and maintaining the same shoreline of adjacent touristic villages.
- The company commissioned Environics to prepare an analytical study of satellite images to determine shore erosion and alternative protection measures for the project, followed by a full EIA study.
Analytical study of satellite images
- The analytical study was prepared to identify site characteristics, analyzing and comparing satellite images of the shoreline over different years to detect changes and determine the extent of beach erosion.
- A field visit was carried out to the project site to determine the condition of the beach and the condition of the marine environment in the area corresponding to the project through a rapid marine survey.
- Shore protection alternatives were proposed to protect the beach from erosion and avoid any risks or threats to project construction due to this erosion. The best alternative was recommended in terms of expected efficiency and economic feasibility, and environmental impacts were assessed for the selected alternative.
Full EIA Study
- A full EIA study (Form-C) was prepared following the analytical study.
- A field visit was carried out to perform field and marine surveys at the project site and the surrounding area. Relevant documents and published reports were reviewed, GIS was used in the process of analyzing and evaluating data and the preparation of illustrative maps.
- The study encompassed: description of the project and baseline environment; the relevant legal and regulatory framework; analysis of alternatives; assessment of environmental impacts and proper mitigation measures, as well as an environmental management and monitoring plan.