Addendum IV to development of a 190 rooms tourist resort on Lh. Kanifushi

Abstract

Lh.Kanifushi was awarded to be developed as a tourist resort to Mohamed Nasheed. Initially to be developed by One and Half Degree Pvt. Ltd., and an EIA was submitted and approved. In a later development, Kanifushi Investment Pvt. Ltd took over and proposed a number of changes to be brought about in the site plans and submitted a new addendum, addendum III was submitted to get approval to start with the construction. Seamarc was the consultant for the initial EIA as well as the three addenda which were submitted afterwards. A number of issues presented in the different reports are still relevant at present and the bulk of the information is available in the main EIA report. The initial authorization was granted through decision note (88-ES / MIS / 2007/ 41) and the latest changes through decision note (88- DS / NI - KAN / 2010/ 30) which was partly carried out. The present addendum is necessary as Kanifushi Investment Pvt. Ltd. has obtained from the Ministry of Tourism the authorization to build 50 extra rooms in total provided the built up area remains within the regulations. The major differences brought about are listed below: • Change in the water jetty design and building of an additional 30 bungalows. • Additional 20 bungalows on the northern coastline of the island. The present addendum first presents the changes brought about in the design, followed by a discussion on the environmental consequences of these changes. Appropriate mitigation measures are presented together with alternative options. A summary table giving the pros and cons of the changes is given before concluding on the environmental appropriateness of the changes.