DC Field | Value | Language |
dc.contributor.author | Water Solutions | - |
dc.date.accessioned | 2019-06-30T11:10:11Z | - |
dc.date.available | 2019-06-30T11:10:11Z | - |
dc.date.issued | 2014-05 | - |
dc.identifier.citation | Water Solutions. (2014). Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Olhahali, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Male': Maldives | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4200 | - |
dc.description.abstract | This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water
Solutions Pvt Ltd for the development of Olhahali Island in North Male’ atoll in to a resort.
This project is proposed by Grand Meridian Pvt Ltd. The resort is developed with a total bed
capacity of 100.
Olhahali is located in the North Male’ Atoll, on the northern rim of the atoll on its own
reef system. The island will be developed into a resort with 40 villas. Olhahali island is
located about 57 km from capital Male’ and lies southwest of Gaafaru island with a distance
of 7.4 km. Olhahali island is formed within a coral reef system at the north edge of the North
Male’ atoll. The reef is triangular in shape with the widest area towards the east. There are
two distinct deep lagoons formed in the reef system on the west side of the island.
Olhahali is a very small island and the land area is not adequate to develop a resort
island. Hence it was proposed to extend the island and Ministry of Tourism approved the plan
to increase the size of the island. Therefore, it has been approved by the Tourism Ministry to
extend the island by 2.29 hectares under the proposed redevelopment. The island area after
the reclamation would be 4.83 hectares. Discussions among the proponent, architects and
environmental consultants have led to island extension possibilities thereby reducing the
amount of fill material required for the extension. One of the main reasons for doing this was
to ensure that there is minimal dredging from island’s lagoon. These alternative designs are
considered to be environmentally and economically favourable.
In addition to design alternatives, alternative methods of dredging and filling have
been considered so that minimal siltation would take place. The purpose of this is to protect
the beautiful house reef from short term damage that may cause irreversible ecological loss.
The recommended option considers minimal island extension together to minimise effect on
long shore sediment transport and possible eutrophication in certain areas due to island
extension. In order to ensure minimal sedimentation, bunds around the reclamation area
recommended to be placed around the filling areas.
Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of
the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting
mainly from pumping and filling sand for island extension. Similar impact has been identified
for the excavation of the inner and outer entrance channels. The second most important
environmental impact would be that arising from the construction of water villas, especially
the impact on marine environment. For both dredging and water villa construction, the main
impact would be that of sedimentation on the nearby reef areas. This impact is considered to
be short-term and cumulative, adding to the impacts from snorkelling and dhoni or boat
operations. The impact significance is considered to be major (without mitigation) given that
the reef flat and slope around island is quite alive, especially at the proposed development
area, more towards the existing island. The impact of the machinery is also considerable
given that works would be undertaken in reef flat areas. The socio-economic benefits of the
project are quite high and may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project
on the physical environment of the island, if adequate measures are taken to protect the
environment.
Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in
detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The proposed mitigation measures will have
to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The main negative environmental
impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation, which may cause death of corals. The
coral reef being the main tourism asset needs to be protected. In fact, there is a great
economic imperative to protect reefs. Hence, the mitigation measures have been selected with
that in mind. For this reason, the Proponent finds it easier to accept the proposed mitigation
measures and have made commitment to undertake the mitigation measures as proposed in
the EIA report.
The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives
to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner for both reclamation and
resort development component. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social,
economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed redevelopment project
according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and
environmental monitoring programme. | en_US |
dc.subject | Resort development projects | en_US |
dc.subject | Legislative and regulatory considerations | en_US |
dc.subject | Existing coastal environment | en_US |
dc.subject | Existing marine environment | en_US |
dc.subject | Existing terrestrial environment | en_US |
dc.subject | Existing socio-economic environment | en_US |
dc.subject | Environmental impacts | en_US |
dc.subject | Mitigation measures | en_US |
dc.subject | Environmental monitoring | en_US |
dc.subject | Environmental impact assessments | en_US |
dc.title | Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Olhahali, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives | en_US |
dc.type | Technical Report | en_US |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
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