Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed reclamation of 25 hectares at Guraidhoo island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves reclamation of 25 hectares in Guraidhoo island, Thaa Atoll. The project aims to increase the available land space in Guraidhoo island, mostly to address the housing and industrial needs of the community. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. One of the biggest development challenge facing Guraidhoo island is lack of space for further development. Reclamation is a realistic need for the island as the island is presently saturated with no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities. The present island is a combination of Guraidhoo and a small uninhabited island on the north of Guraidhoo, which was joined through reclamation. This union was the result of the harbour construction project which reclaimed the shallow lagoon between the two islands. Today, the northern part, which used to be a separate island is used for industrial use, mostly fish processing. The present population of the island is roughly 1980 (Thaa Atoll Guraidhoo Island Council) of which 1012 are males and 968 are females. The island council has got more than 200 applications for new housing plots as existing houses are overcrowded and too many families having to live in the same house is creating social and health issues. Twenty five (25) hectares will therefore be reclaimed from the south side of the existing island that would be developed and zoned for both residential and commercial use. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging and reclamation projects constitute significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, and sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas to contain sedimentation of the remainder of the reef or at least minimize it significantly. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. The project is mainly driven by the social and economic gain for the development of Guraidhoo island through benefits achieved from increased land. The reclamation will also bring a short term solution to the chronic erosion on the south and southern tip of the island. This area is undergoing severe erosion and annually, the loss of land is something that has not been tackled properly. The reclamation of the south with adequate protection will bring an end to this and protect the island’s infrastructure, mainly houses close to the coastline. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. It is inevitable that there would be a lot of negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The reclamation of Guraidhoo does pose significant threat to the marine environment as a large area of the reef will be destroyed. There will also be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly through increased availability of land for housing and commercial activities. The additional land created will provide a temporary solution for housing and other commercial activities, but for a limited period. The end result and the real benefit of this project can be achieved through developing a realistic and more future oriented land use