Sustainable development is a multi-disciplinary area that requires a global understanding of environmental, economic and social issues. Sustainable development in coastal areas, in particular, requires an understanding of the interaction between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Environmental Engineering - Sustainable Development in Coastal Areas course aims to introduce core environmental concepts, with a focus on the coastal areas of the Benguela region. The course includes an introduction to the socio-economic and environmental coastal areas of South Africa, Namibia, as well as Angola, followed by a discussion of governance rules and management tools required for their sustainable development. The remaining modules are dedicated to resources such as water, energy, air and natural living resources and cover aspects relating to their use, depletion or degradation, and protection. The course also addresses the rich natural resources along the coast and associated conservation and tourism activities.