| Abstract: | This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the
proposed development of agriculture on Linboakandhoo, Raa Atoll. The project is proposed
by Linboakandhoo Investment Pvt. Ltd.
The project targets at using Linboakandhoo for agriculture and produce some of the imported
fresh food locally to reduce cost to consumers and also provide them with better quality
goods. Among the proposed activities to be carried out on the island includes coconut oil
production and free range chicken farming. There will be clearance of about 2ha of the land
and construction of a jetty. Services related to the proposed project such as water, sewerage,
energy and waste will also be established during the construction phase.
At present, Linboakandhoo is an uninhabited island not used for any purpose. However, locals
of the nearby communities use the island to collect coconuts, go on picnics and gather
firewood.
Small sizes of the islands and absence of adequate natural freshwater supplies along with the
climatic factors make it hard for majority of food imported to the Maldives to be planted and
harvested on a commercial scale. However, there are some species such as melons, egg plants,
bananas and coconut palms which can be farmed and harvested economically. The produce
can be sold to the growing tourism industry which imports majority of their agricultural
products from other countries. Hence, to develop the agricultural industry of the Maldives and
to potentially cater mainly for the market demand from tourism was amongst main goals of
this project.
Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative uses of
the island such as for a tourist resort. 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.
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 minor
negative with highly positive socio-economic impacts. The main negative impacts from the
project include habitat loss from vegetation clearance, sedimentation and consequent impacts
on marine wildlife health and waste generation during the operational phase. The mitigation
measures outlined for these impacts include conserving mature trees to the greatest possible
extent, relocating large live corals at the proposed jetty area and establishing dust control
plans in addition to employing best-practice guidelines during the operational phase. The
most positive socio-economic impacts related to the project are increase in job opportunities,
reduction in prices of agricultural produce and increase of national revenue.
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 Linboakandhoo as an agricultural island. |
