Environmental impact assessment first addendum for the resort development project on Randheli Island, Noonu Atoll

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to assess the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the proposed changes to the resort development concept plan of Randheli. This document has been produced with reference to the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed resort (2004) and subsequent monitoring data. Randheli Island is one of the islands earmarked for tourism development by the government in 2004. The previous developer, Cyprea Pvt Ltd acquired the rights to lease and develop the tourist resort in a public bid. The current developer, I & T Management acquired the rights from Cyprea Pvt Ltd in 2009 under a private agreement. The primary rationale for the proposed alterations is to address the perceived shortcomings of the initial development concept in accordance with the vision of the new developers, so as to provide an improved tourism product. This report covers the changes proposed for the concept, current status of the existing environment, potential negative and positive impacts of the proposed changes, potential mitigation measures required to minimize or manage these impacts and changes to the monitoring program. The baseline conditions of the island are largely based on data obtained from monitoring activities undertaken from 2002 onwards and the original EIA document completed in 2004. The main alterations proposed to the development concept include changes to the layout of the back‐of‐house structures and changes to the location of the Dive Center and Specialty Restaurant. Only additional impacts on the environment that may result from the proposed changes to the original development concept have been discussed. Social impacts are not considered in this assessment as the general impacts of resort development have been addressed in the initial EIA. This report is produced in accordance to the technical guidelines and EIA regulations prepared by the Environment Protection Authority. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this project was issued after scoping meeting held at Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 23 June 2010. The ToR is attached in Appendix A.