By Isqil Najim
The fate of the world’s oceans hinges on a dramatic, immediate change in global construction policy, according to a Nigerian expert Engr. Morakinyo Moses Adesulu of Sceptre International Services Ltd.
Adesulu said this while presenting a paper at the NSE technical Session during the recently concluded International Conference and Annual general meeting. According to him, conventional coastal and marine infrastructure—ports, seawalls, and platforms—are actively driving the ecological crisis. He demands a universal pivot to Sustainable Marine Infrastructure (SMI), an integrated framework that views development and conservation as inseparable.
Adesulu explained that while oceans are vital, absorbing most of the planet’s excess heat and generating 50% of its oxygen, human activity, especially infrastructure development, contributes significantly to their decline. He said that Traditional marine infrastructure (TMI) has historically failed because it “tends to prioritize economic and engineering goals over environmental and social considerations.”
Structures are often built merely for engineering purposes without regard for the ecological consequences. This approach creates severe problems, including habitat loss, fragmentation of marine life, and the degradation of water quality.
He highlights that infrastructure like the 8.5km Eko Atlantic seawall in Lagos, though protective, “has altered the hydrodynamics of that area and sediment transport that could affect adjacent areas,” illustrating how construction can disrupt natural sediment flow and alter coastal morphology. Furthermore, activities associated with traditional structures introduce “noise, light pollution, and physical barriers” that disturb marine animals and obstruct migratory routes.
SMI is presented as the only way to transform these threats into opportunities, moving past TMI’s shortcomings. It is a philosophy that requires infrastructure to be designed, constructed, and operated to enhance ecosystem functions. Adesulu details a future built on innovation. This includes implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), such as restoring mangroves, oyster reefs, and seagrass beds to stabilize coasts, which “both reduce erosion and foster biodiversity.” It also involves Eco-Engineering, a blend of performance with ecology through incorporating features like textured seawalls and eco-concrete that “encourage colonization by marine flora and fauna.” Finally, the shift requires Adaptive Infrastructure, using flexible floating systems and modular components that “are designed to operate in harmony with dynamic marine conditions, adapting to tides, currents, and climate variability.”
In his compelling conclusion, Adesulu states his core principle:
“SMI is not just a technical challenge; it is a moral and environmental imperative and a cornerstone of ocean conservation and climate resilience… Adopting sustainability principles is not merely an environmental necessity but a strategic imperative for ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the world’s oceans.”
He emphasizes that SMI “represents a revolutionary shift from conventional engineering practices toward an integrated approach that values both ecological integrity and human prosperity.” By prioritizing long-term ecological health, societies can ensure that coastal development is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
To achieve this critical shift, Engr. Adesulu offered six strategic recommendations, outlining an “integrated, interdisciplinary, and action-oriented paradigm” for future investment and policy.
First, to refine the engineering itself, future research must focus on Advancing Eco-Engineering by scaling up biomimetic coastal structures and Nature-Based Solutions to integrate ecological functions seamlessly into engineering designs.
Second, to enhance efficiency and transparency, governments and industry must invest in Digital Transformation and Smart Infrastructure Systems, investigating the use of AI-driven predictive analytics, IoT-based monitoring, and Digital Twins to manage marine assets in real-time and ensure environmental compliance.
Third, to support global climate goals, there is a necessity for research into Climate Resilience and Carbon Neutrality Pathways, examining the use of low-carbon materials and innovative methods for carbon capture through marine ecosystems.
Fourth, to ensure fairness and inclusion, the industry must focus on Socioeconomic and Governance Dimensions, investigating community-based management models and inclusive benefit-sharing mechanisms to respect local culture, livelihoods, and aid global participation.
Fifth, for long-term capability, Capacity Building, Education, and Knowledge Sharing is vital, involving partnerships among universities, communities, and research institutions to integrate traditional ecological knowledge and build cross-sectoral expertise, especially in developing coastal nations.
Finally, to harmonize global effort, the world needs to prioritize Global Monitoring, Standards, and Policy Alignment, developing universal indicators and certification standards for SMI to integrate its performance into UN SDG 14 monitoring systems and ensure coordinated action.
These recommendations represent a clear pathway for policymakers and industry leaders to move beyond fragmented, reactive development toward a coordinated, resilient, and regenerative marine future.