| Abstract: | This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment carried out for the
proposed agricultural development project on Alif Dhaalu Hukurdhoo.
The project is proposed by an individual, Aminath Arusha Ibrahim. The project targets at
using Hukurudhoo to produce high value agricultural produce to be sold to the local market.
The project is believed to produce fresher and higher quality agricultural produce such as
lettuce, tomato capsicum and bell pepper; most of which are imported at high price in the
current market. The aim of the project is to reduce dependency on imported agricultural goods
as well as make better produce available from the Maldivian market at a reasonable price.
Under the project, roughly 1ha of the island will be cleared and a small harbor (100m by
150m) will be constructed. Services related to the project, such as staff accommodation,
power, water and storage facilities will also be established on the island during the
construction phase.
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 proposed agricultural development on Hukurudhoo will produce majority of the produce
via hydroponics, as such plots dedicated to farm 4 main crops are designated on the island;
Tomato: 1134m2
Lettuce: 1244m2
Capsicum: 1244m2
Bell pepper: 1244m2
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
Alif Dhaalu Atoll as a whole, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased
business opportunities. The main negative environmental impacts of the project are identified
to be the changes to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation and impact on the
EIA for the Proposed Development of Agriculture on ADh. Hukurudhoo
Proponent: Aminath Arusha Ibrahim P a g e | xii
Consultant: Sandcays
marine environment from sedimentation due to harbor construction work. The main
mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance take place only where
necessary and dredging activities be carried out within a short period of time. Septic tanks
systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative
environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the
island.
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.
Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative for a
remote harbor in contrast to the proposed embedded design. Also, “no-development” option
was also analyzed so that the island could be used by local community as is currently being
used. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island
for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances
under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of
alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation.
It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of
the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic
benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed
project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which
takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This
monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to
construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is
specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and
indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics
of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance.
In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry
out the proposed project to develop Hukurudhoo as an agricultural island; nonetheless, the
consultants suggest proponent to explore alternatives presented in this EIA prior to
construction. |
