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 zones in the 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. Maamigili will be used as a regional hub for tourism transfers. The proposed changes will enhance the transfer if tourists to and from Maamigili Airport. The present designs of the area, particularly coastal protection using sheet piles, do not suit the low wave activity in the region. The proposed changes to the project will address this issue, by changing the proposed coastal protection methods from sheet piles to armour rock revetment. 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.