| Abstract: | This report is based on the proposed Mariculture project in HDh. Makunudhoo Island. The
proponent of the project is Biosphere Investment Pvt. Ltd., a firm set up to undertake
mariculture and/or agricultural investments in the country.
An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as
they fall under the ‘Jadhuvalu: Raa’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would
further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on
favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on the environmental
sustainability of the project.
The major findings of this report are based on qualitative and quantitative assessments
undertaken during consultations; research and site visit between February 2013 and April
2013. Available long-term data were collected from available sources, such as long-term
data on meteorology and climate from local and global databases.
Project is to take place at a 1 Ha land area on the southern tip of Makunudhoo island, with
an additional 10 Ha of lagoon area dedicated for the works. This EIA report analyses the
impacts of the project by dividing the project into 3 sections: Construction of infrastructure,
establishment and use of utilities, handling and harvesting sea cucumbers.
This EIA will cover the full scale of the project. The project proposes to clear the entire area
without the removal of larger plants, while also ensuring minimum impact is felt on the area
immediate to the existing shoreline. To ensure this, a vegetation buffer zone of 20m from
the shoreline will be maintained around the project site. The second phase of the project will
require 3 HA of land, therefore this EIA will cover this land area. However, approval for the
3 HA has not been obtained, and the approval will be submitted to the regulatory bodies
before work commences on this area.
The project requires power, water, and sewerage facilities to be provided on site. The
project proposes to utilise the island mains power supply as the primary power source, while
establishing several backup power generators. Septic tanks will be built for sewerage
facilities, and rain water will be collected as the primary source of drinking water.
Additionally, sea water will be pumped to be used for the project, and the waste brine will
be discharged after treatment.
The main component of the project is handling, harvesting and exporting the sea cucumber
species Holuthuria scabra, also known as ‘sand fish’. The species is not a native species to
the Maldivian environment; however it has been imported and grown in the country at a
large scale in other similar projects. This project proposes to use this locally available
broodstock material to commence operation. The client additionally wishes to import
broodstock from abroad, possible from Sri Lanka or Malaysia in the near future, after
obtaining the necessary approvals. Currently the project has only been approved by the
Fisheries Ministry to utilise local broodstock. This EIA covers the impact on importing new
broodstock and the function the species will play as an invasive species in the local
environment.
The impacts that were analysed for the different stages of the project resulted in the
following outcomes.
•Construction of infrastructure for the proposed project will only have minimum
environmental impacts,
•Impacts from the use of utilities and services including water and waste management
will lead to moderate impacts.
•The actual culture, harvesting and handling of sandfish has the potential to have
significant environmental impacts
•The project has numerous socio-economic benefits which is favourable on both a
local and national level.
Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for each significant project
component have been given. The most significant alternative is to entertain the no project
option for the entire project, by weighing the pros and cons of undertaking the project.
Additionally, alternatives for the project sites, species to be used, use and discharge of water
and sewage, and energy source is discussed in greater detail. The environmental impact of
the alternatives are discussed and the preferred alternatives are given. This study does not
favour the no project option and recommends an alternative source of energy for the project,
and also the establishment of a sewerage treatment plant, and a solid waste management
centre. It is also recommended to have the site restricted to the public both from the land
and the lagoon, with a buffer area of 100m in the lagoon.
It is recommended to continue to monitor the impacts of the proposed project by regular
monitoring of ground water, marine water and the changing marine environment. It is not
anticipated that there will be significant changes to the terrestrial environment after the
initial site clearance and therefore this component has not been proposed to be intensely
studied. A two stage-monitoring plan is given, which recommends monthly monitoring
during the 1st year and less frequent monitoring for the next 5 years. Undertaking the
monitoring, along with the mitigation measures is necessary to ensure the sustainable
development of the project with minimum harm to the environment.
The positive socio economic and environmental impacts from the project far outweigh the
negative impacts. In addition to the economic advantages, if the proponent establishes the
mitigation measures given in this report and undertakes regular monitoring, while also
involving the community in educational or awareness programs, the project can lead the
way in environmental sustainability for the community at both a local and national level.
Therefore it is highly recommended that this project take place as proposed with these
measures in place. |
