Addendum 1 to environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Maadhoo Finolhu, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the resort development at Maadhoofinolhu, Kaafu Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project at Maadhoofinolhu which has been approved by 12 August 2014 by Ministry of Tourism. This Addendum to the EIA shall only be used for the purpose of issuing the Environmental Permit under the EIA Regulation 2012 and Environment Law 4/93. This project is proposed by DPC Private Limited. The island is proposed to be developed as a 100 villa resort island. Main changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project are; creating a sand bank C with an area of 3,400 sqm to develop , relocation of the guest arrival facilities to north western side of the island allowing development of additional beach villas on western side of the island , relocation of the entrance channel to north western side of the island, shifting the water villas on northern side of the island, relocation of the spa complex on sand bank B and developing an overwater resturant between the main island and sand bank B. The materials from dredging of the entrance channel would be used for the reclamation of the island. The materials for the creation of the sand bank C would be obtained by dredging shallow lagoon on north eastern side of the island near the proposed water villas on this side of the island. The dredged area would be used as a swimming area by the guests at the water villas. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by reclamation activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and reported in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported in follow up monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom and adjacent coral reef. Alternatives to the project have also been considered. An alternative would be to create additional land at sand bank B that would be created on north eastern side of the island. But this option would bring the real estate value as creating a separate sand bank to develop the presidential suite. 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. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which mainly covers the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among other parameters. As the impacts are felt on the marine environment, it is important to undertake this monitoring. The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed development project according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme.