| Abstract: | This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed sand pumping for beach
nourishment and minor modifications and repairs to existing coastal protections structures in
Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa, located on Furanafushi, North Malé Atoll.
This resort, like several other resorts and inhabited islands across the Maldives, is subjected
erosion and several coastal protection structures have been constructed. The resort has been
undertaking a beach nourishment program for quite some time, which has been suspended
temporarily for environmental clearance by the Tourism Ministry as structural modifications
and unregulated beach enhancement have caused damages to the environment.
Continuous beach nourishment, where it is feasible due to natural setting, is the most
optimistic and reliable means of beach nourishment. In Full Moon, continuous beach
nourishment is quite feasible and has been proposed. In addition, almost the entire perimeter
of the island shoreline has been protected by various structures including breakwater, seawall,
groyne and revetments using various materials such as concrete, coral rubble and tetrapods.
Some of these structures, especially the rubble mound breakwaters on the southern face of the
island needs regular repair. Solutions are being sought everyday to protect the ocean villas on
the eastern periphery from wave attack, so the tetrapod revetment behind the concrete seawall
in the area needs constant improvements. Therefore, it is also proposed to consider sand
pumping with minimal structural protection in order to improve the beaches as well as
aesthetics of the coastal environment. The management will continue to undertake monitor the
coastal changes so that decisions to modify the coastal zone is based on about a year’s data for
hydrodynamic processes.
Sand pumping is a feasible and less environmentally damaging option than other shore
protection options given that the coral reef areas are at a considerable distance from the beach.
It is also a more aesthetically acceptable option. Sand pumping has very low negative
environmental impact but considerably improves the appeal and aesthetics of the resort
thereby increasing tourist satisfaction. Sand pumping is also necessary in order to fill eroded
areas even if structural protection is provided. The negative impacts to environment include
loss of habitats for some bottom dwelling organisms in the nearshore environment (mud
feeding, filter feeding and juvenile fish etc). However, this is not a significant ecosystem in the Maldives, especially in Furanafushi the impact significance is almost negligible. Also, the
impact from sedimentation and sediment re-suspension is low due to good flow of currents in
the area. The same impact on the borrow areas may be slightly more given slightly higher
diversity and abundance of organisms in those areas. However, even this is low in the case of
Furanafushi given that the sand borrow areas will be from the already dredged areas as well as
naturally existing deep lagoon with sandy bottom. Also, the impact significance of siltation or
sedimentation is low with almost negligible impact on the reef. The same applies to small
modifications or repairs to the existing coastal structures.
The positive impacts of resuming beach nourishment will be that it will help to protect coastal
properties (e.g. guest rooms) and other amenities, particularly on the southern side and part of
the northern side, where beach is required for tourists. Similarly, protecting the ocean villas
on the east would help to bring an end to guest complaints and improve guest satisfaction.
Some modifications to existing groyne field on the north may help to retain beach for longer
and minimize the frequency of beach nourishment. Possible improvements to the existing
breakwaters including the option of gradually changing the coral rubble to rock boulders, for
instance, would also help to improve the environmental outlook of the resort and improve
beach erosion problems.
The overall environmental impacts of the project assessed using appropriate matrices,
professional experience/judgement and the results obtained on existing situation of Sheraton
Full Moon Resort and Spa indicated that the proposed project has net positive impacts
compared to overall negative environmental impacts. Given that the project has major socioeconomic
benefits although there would be some minor negative environmental impacts, it is
recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed.
Environmental monitoring recommended for the project includes the monitoring of the
shorelines and beach profiles at project site before, during and after the works. Marine water
quality including turbidity, salinity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and total suspended
solids need to be monitored during the sand pumping operation and every three months
thereafter. Annual monitoring reports have to be submitted to the Environmental Protection
Agency during the monitoring period. Regular monitoring is important because the
environmental clearance that will be given after two years from the initial approval would be
given based on regular environmental monitoring records of the past two years. |
