EIA for the development of an agricultural product at Baa. Hulhudhoo

Abstract

This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for the proposal of an agricultural development at the island of Hulhudhoo, Baa Atoll. Environment Impact Assessment is required before undertaking any developmental project such as agriculture development that may have a significant negative impact on the natural environment of the island under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Hence, this report is written to fulfill the legal obligations under the EIA regulation. The project is proposed by Ms. Aminath Muna and the island of B. Hulhudhoo is leased to Ms. Muna in 2015 to develop agricultural activities. The proposed agricultural project, at Hulhudhoo is based on production of high quality banana for supplying produce to surrounding resort islands. This project also involves along with the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana plantation, the establishment of mushroom culture infrastructure such as a laboratory, grow-out houses for mushroom, packing and storage facilities. The mushroom produced would also be supplied to resorts. The proposed project has the following major components: 1. Agro-Forestry: The concept of growing agricultural crops alongside forest trees, for integrated farming systems 2. Banana Plantation: Over 50 plots (150ft by 150 ft) is dedicated to growing banana, with some areas allocated for fruit orchards. 3. Mushroom culture: producing fresh mushroom by using impregnated spawn and supply to resorts Hulhudhoo agriculture development project is part of the embodiment of the Government’s vision for promoting food security and to increase yield and optimum land use through improved and high yielding crops and hybrid varieties, cultivation designed for more sustainable and commercial scale agricultural produce such as year round banana produce and mushroom culture. The project would include infrastructure to support the project and land clearance for banana plantation.This project involves the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana plantation along with mushroom culture infrastructure such as a laboratory, grow-out houses for mushroom, packing and storage facility and staff accommodation. Construction of the buildings will be kept to a minimum; staff accommodation, kitchen / dining facilities will be constructed to accommodate no more than 15 people for the agricultural works. A small stilt-jetty is constructed on the western side of the island. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both construction phase and operational phase of the project. Some of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive resulting mainly from improved socio-economic conditions, increased economic activities in Baa Atoll as a whole, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impact of the project is identified to be the changes to the islandecosystem from clearance of vegetation.The main mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance takes place only where necessary. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-termnegative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to bebased on the island.The Proponent, are committed to undertake monitoring during all stages of the project and the cost monitoring programme has been endorsed. The activities proposed in the project comply with the environmental laws of the Maldives, its rules and regulations, including requirements of those agencies relevant to the agricultural development works enforcement. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that needed to be looked in to during construction and operational stage. In my opinion, even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the terrestrial environment, the significant positive impacts that would arise from the agricultural development in Hulhudhoo would provide such as asset for the well-being of the population and residents of Baa Atoll.