| Abstract: | This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Maldives transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). MTCC has been awarded the project by Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project includes beach nourishment and construction of shore protection measures on the northern tip of the island of Maafushi.
The project involves shore protection works and beach nourishment of the northern side of Maafushi island, South Male’ Atoll. The project aims to:
Protect the north side from erosion, by nourishment with sand.
Increase the available beach space in Maafushi island on the north side.
Construct a set of groynes to retain the sand.
One of the biggest development challenge facing Maafushi is lack of recreational space. With the increase in guest houses, the demand for beach space has never been this high and it is now in competition with locals who also utilizes the same space for recreational purpose.
The present population of the island is roughly 3500 and there are 248 households. The development of guest houses in the island has increased the burden on the available beach space for recreation. The northern part of the island has been allocated as recreational space for guests as this area can be easily segregated from the main population. However, beach erosion on this side is affecting guest house businesses and will continue to pressure if a solution is not found. With limited recreational space, at present, there is a lot of mix of both locals and foreigners. Presently, the only beach area that is available for the islanders is very small as most of the beach areas have been allocated for guest recreation.
Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and beach nourishment works. Dredging and beach nourishment projects constitute significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, and sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas to contain sedimentation of the remainder of the reef or at least minimize it significantly. In addition, completing the filling works in the shortest time frame is a significant mitigation measure that can help avoid serious and prolonged reef damage. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of these areas and hence, their population will drop in areas affected by sedimentation. The project is mainly driven by the environmental and economic gain for the development of Maafushi island.
Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. In addition, the business community, most notably members representing the Maafushi guest houses were met and discussions were held with them about the project, nourishment methods and the best possible type and methods for costal protection.
It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socio-economic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential.
The beach nourishment and coastal protection of Maafushi does pose some threats to the marine environment. There will be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly. |
