Diploma in Coastal Ecosystem Protection
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Coastal Ecosystem Protection
This program provides you with the tools to understand and address the challenges of marine conservation. Learn about the dynamics of coastal ecosystems, from mangroves and reefs to estuaries and beaches, and their vulnerability to climate change and pollution. Acquire skills in environmental monitoring, ecological restoration, and environmental legislation to actively contribute to the sustainability of our coasts.
This program provides you with the tools to understand and address the challenges of marine conservation.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates biology, ecology, oceanography, law, and environmental management.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analyze successful conservation projects and learn from practical experiences.
- Management Tools: Master environmental impact assessment and coastal planning techniques.
- Expert Network: Connect with leading professionals in marine conservation and coastal management.
- Immediate Applicability: Develop conservation and management projects tailored to your local context.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 14-05-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Professionals in biology, ecology, and environmental sciences seeking to deepen their knowledge of the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems.
- Environmental consultants and public administration technicians requiring practical tools for impact assessment and land-use planning.
- Members of NGOs and civil society organizations working in the protection and restoration of coastal areas.
- Advanced students in related fields seeking specialization in coastal ecosystem protection.
- Professionals in the tourism and fishing sectors interested in promoting sustainable and responsible practices on the coast.
Study flexibility
Designed for professionals Features: online modality with live and recorded classes, discussion forums and downloadable material to study at your own pace.
Objectives and competencies

Implement marine conservation strategies:
Establish and manage marine protected areas, promoting sustainable fishing and combating marine pollution.

Assess and mitigate coastal environmental impacts:
“Implement measures for the prevention and control of marine pollution (MARPOL), managing waste, ballast water and atmospheric emissions, complying with current regulations and reporting incidents.”

Sustainable management of coastal natural resources:
Implement marine conservation practices and coastal ecosystem restoration, minimizing the impact of human activities and promoting biodiversity, in collaboration with local communities and government entities.

Develop and promote responsible ecotourism:
“Design routes and activities with low environmental impact, involving local communities in the management and benefit of tourism.”

Design and implement coastal climate change adaptation plans:
Assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and ecosystems, prioritizing interventions based on nature-based solutions and participatory governance.

Restoring and protecting the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems:
Implement programs for the restoration of degraded habitats and the control of invasive species, prioritizing collaboration with local communities and applying nature-based solutions.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to climate change: causes, impacts, and projections.
- Coastal vulnerability: indicators, assessment, and mapping.
- Coastal ecosystems: functions, services, and threats.
- Coastal dynamics: erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and storms.
- Coastal infrastructure: typologies, risks, and adaptation.
- Integrated coastal planning: principles, tools, and governance.
- Nature-based adaptation measures: ecosystem restoration.
- Coastal engineering: soft and hard solutions for coastal protection.
- Policies and legal frameworks: instruments for climate change adaptation.
- Financing adaptation: sources, mechanisms, and projects.
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- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management: Principles and Challenges
- Coastal Dynamics: Waves, Tides, Currents, and Sediment Transport
- Coastal Ecosystems: Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Beaches, Estuaries, and Their Ecological Importance
- Legal Framework and Policies for Coastal Management: National and International Instruments
- Coastal Monitoring Tools: Remote Sensing, GIS, Numerical Modeling
- Coastal Vulnerability and Risks: Erosion, Flooding, Climate Change
- Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Coastal Zones: Hard and Soft Defenses
- Conservation of Coastal Biodiversity: Protected Areas, Ecological Restoration
- Community Participation in Coastal Management: Involvement of Local Stakeholders
- **Environmental Impact Assessment of Coastal Projects**: Methodologies and Best Practices.
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- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management: Principles and Objectives
- Coastal Dynamics: Erosion, Sedimentation, Littoral Transport, and Modelling
- Coastal Hazards: Floods, Storms, Climate Change, and Vulnerability
- Legal and Institutional Framework: Policies, Regulations, and International Agreements
- Citizen Participation and Governance: Actors, Processes, and Decision-Making
- Coastal Resilience: Adaptation, Mitigation, and Recovery Strategies
- Green Infrastructure: Ecosystem Restoration and Nature-Based Solutions
- Sustainability Indicators: Assessment, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Development
- Case Studies: Examples of Successful coastal management and lessons learned
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- Introduction to Coastal Surveillance: Objectives, Importance, and Challenges
- National and International Legal Framework: Coastal Laws, Treaties, and Conventions
- Surveillance Instruments: Radars, Satellites, Drones, Sensors, and Patrols
- Risk Analysis in Coastal Environments: Identification, Assessment, and Prioritization
- Crisis and Emergency Management: Contingency Plans, Communication, and Response
- Protection of the Marine Environment: Pollution, Spills, and Invasive Species
- Maritime and Port Security: Infrastructure Protection and Access Control
- Interinstitutional Collaboration: Coordination between Authorities and Agencies
- Information Management: Data Collection, Analysis, and Dissemination relevant
- Ethics and Responsibility in Coastal Surveillance
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management (ICM): Concepts, principles, and evolution.
- Legal and Institutional Framework: National and international policies for ICM.
- Vulnerability and Risks in Coastal Zones: Natural and anthropogenic threats.
- Coastal Resilience: Adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of climate change.
- Coastal Communities: Participation, governance, and sustainable development.
- Tools for ICM: GIS, modeling, and environmental impact assessment.
- Coastal Ecosystem Management: Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
- Green and Blue Infrastructure: Solutions based on nature.
- Marine and Coastal Territorial Planning and Management: Instruments and processes.
- Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Integrated Coastal Management: Indicators, monitoring, and continuous adaptation.
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Career opportunities
- Coastal Zone Management Technician: planning and sustainable management of coastal natural resources.
- Environmental Consultant: environmental impact assessment, design of mitigation and restoration measures.
- Environmental Educator: design and implementation of educational programs on coastal ecosystems.
- Scientific Researcher: study of biodiversity, ecology, and threats to coastal ecosystems.
- Protected Area Manager: management and conservation of natural parks and coastal reserves.
- Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries Technician: development of sustainable practices in aquaculture and fishing production.
- Environmental Inspector: monitoring and enforcement of environmental legislation in coastal zones.
- Ecosystem Restoration Technician: implementation of projects for the restoration of mangroves, dunes, and other coastal ecosystems.
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Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Mastery of Advanced Techniques: Learn to assess the health of coastal ecosystems and design effective conservation strategies.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Legislation: Understand the legal framework for coastal protection and how to apply it in real-world projects.
- Development of Practical Skills: Participate in simulations and case studies that will prepare you to face real-world environmental challenges.
- Networking with Experts: Connect with industry leaders and build a strong professional network to boost your career.
- Prestigious Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that validates your expertise and sets you apart in the job market.
Testimonials
The Diploma in Coastal Ecosystem Protection provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the implementation of a mangrove restoration program in my community. Thanks to the techniques I learned, we successfully reforested one hectare of degraded mangrove, observing a significant increase in the area’s biodiversity, including the return of migratory bird species. This success has motivated us to expand the project and work with local communities to ensure the long-term conservation of this valuable ecosystem.
The Diploma in Marine Biology & Conservation exceeded my expectations. I acquired solid theoretical and practical knowledge, from species identification to the design of conservation strategies. The field trips were invaluable, allowing me to apply what I learned in real ecosystems. Thanks to the training I received, I secured an internship at a renowned research center, where I currently collaborate on a sea turtle monitoring project.
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to lead a mangrove restoration project in my community. Thanks to the knowledge I gained about coastal ecology, resource management, and environmental policy, we were able to increase mangrove cover by 15% in the first year, positively impacting local biodiversity and coastal resilience to climate change.
I applied the knowledge I gained from the diploma program to the restoration of a degraded mangrove in my community. The project, based on the methodologies I learned, achieved an 80% increase in vegetation cover within a year, revitalizing the ecosystem and benefiting the families that depend on it.
Frequently asked questions
The conservation and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems, through the study of their components, threats and protection strategies.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, beaches, dunes, estuaries, coastal lagoons and marshes.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Coastal Legislation: International and National Instruments.
- Legal Framework of the Coastal Zone: Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain, easements, concessions, and authorizations.
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Principles, objectives, and tools.
- Coastal Planning Instruments: Coastal Management Plans, marine strategies.
- Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in coastal projects.
- Adaptation to Climate Change on the Coast: Mitigation and adaptation measures.
- Protection of Marine and Coastal Biodiversity: Natura 2000 Network, protected species.
- Coastal Risk Management: Erosion, flooding, extreme events.
Public participation and governance in coastal management.
Coastal resilience: Ecosystem-based approaches and hybrid solutions.
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor