Second addendum to the EIA for the ongoing airport development project in Maamigili, South Ari Atoll

Abstract

This Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposed changes to the airstrip development project in Maamigili, South Ari Atoll. Maamigili is situated in one of the key tourism dominant resorts in Maldives. The ongoing development of an airstrip in Maamigili addresses the need for improved transport infrastructure to complement the thriving tourism industry in the atoll. Seaplane operations have been planned on the western end of the island to enhance the services of Maamigili as a regional hub. The present designs of the area, particularly coastal protection, do not suit sea plane operations and other marine transport needs of the area. A key objective of the Maamigili Airport is to transport tourists from Surrounding islands and atoll to Male’ International Airport. The proposed changes to the project will address this issue, by constructing creating additional areas as a sheet piled quay wall and dredging the lagoon on the western side of the island. This is the second time the plans for the western end has been modified to suit the changing needs of developing Maamigili as a key service provider for the tourism sector. The initial change proposed to use the western end for transporting passengers, including a small terminal, quay wall construction and backfilling. The major objectives of the proposed project activities are to: 1) Improve airport services offered to the tourism industry 2) Facilitate future sea plane activities 3) Improve marine transportation 4) Mitigate coastal erosion