Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4021
Title: Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agricultural development in Maakurandhoo Island, Noonu Atoll
Authors: CDE Consulting
Keywords: Project description
Policy and legal framework
Existing environment
Impacts identification
Significant impacts and mitigation measures
Alternatives
Environmental monitoring plan
Environmental management plan
Stakeholder consultations
Potential data gaps and assessment limitations
Issue Date: Mar-2013
Citation: CDE Consulting. (2013). Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agricultural development in Maakurandhoo Island, Noonu Atoll. Male': Maldives
Abstract: The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the proposed agricultural development project in Maakurandhoo, Noonu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Beyond Hospitality Pvt Ltd, Maldives. The main rationale for the project is to expand the agricultural industry in the atoll, in order to diversify local economy and increase economic and food security. While tourism in the atoll is limited to two resorts at present, eight new resort development projects are underway, and offer a substantial market for agricultural produce. The project involves three main components: (1) physical infrastructure development, (2) agricultural activities, (3) hydroponics training. Key infrastructure include two jetties and a harbour basin for access, administrative and staff facilities, training facilities, utilities and roads, agricultural houses and irrigation system are among the physical infrastructure to be developed. Agricultural activities include establishment of a nursery, agricultural fields, shade houses and greenhouses, and hydroponics systems. The initial development will have 3 fields of about 0.33 Ha each, for cultivation of papayas, bananas and one field for mixed crops. The hydroponics training centre will train residents from nearby islands in well-equipped classrooms, and a dedicated ferry for transfer of trainees will be arranged. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are Environmental Protection and Preservation Act 1993 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Relatively high live coral cover was observed in the island reef system. Turtle nesting sites were observed on the south-western side of the island. Special attention will be given to avoiding disturbance to turtle nesting sites during construction and operation. Significant adverse impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are anticipated to be the potential impact of vegetation clearing on terrestrial biodiversity, impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent marine life, and the health and safety risks to construction workers. Agricultural activities during the operational phase, particularly use pesticide and artificial fertilisers, can also have significant negative impacts on the environment. These include soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, and groundwater and marine water contamination. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The main mitigation measures during construction include revegetation after construction, carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, construction of bunds where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, and employee training and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. During the operational phase, sustainable agricultural practices, including drip irrigation, crop rotations and composting will be adopted to minimise the impacts associated with intensive agriculture. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods, sediment control methods, dredge waste disposal sites, alternative jetty locations, alternative irrigation techniques and alternative crops. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes as well the groundwater and marine water quality as these are the key areas that may be impacted from this project in the long term. Use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers, and irrigation water will also be monitored. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition it will provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts on the terrestrial environment due to vegetation clearing and marine water quality and marine biodiversity due to construction activities, as well as the potential long-term impacts of intensive agriculture on soil, groundwater and marine environment. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to minimise these impacts.
URI: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4021
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