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Title: | Environment impact assessment report reclamation of Himmafushi K. Atoll, Maldives |
Authors: | Maldives Energy and Environmental Company |
Keywords: | Description of the project Regulatory considerations Survey methods Existing environment Hydrography Socio-economic environment Stakeholder consultations Impacts and mitigation measures Alternatives Environmental monitoring |
Issue Date: | Dec-2015 |
Citation: | Maldives Energy and Environmental Company. (2015). Environment impact assessment report reclamation of Himmafushi K. Atoll, Maldives. Male': Maldives |
Abstract: | 1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for the
reclamation of 21.6 hectares land on the southeastern lagoon of Himmafushi to facilitate much
needed additional land for the residents of the island. The project is proposed by Ministry of
Housing and Infrastructure. According to EIA Regulations 2012, an Environmental Impact
Assessment is required for reclamation and dredging projects. Hence, this report has been
prepared to fulfil the requirements under the EIA regulations.
2. Himmafushi is a highly industrial island community and the industrial footprint covers 30% of
the total land area, 35% is utilized for residential plots and 25% used for government use. As a
result, almost all land available is currently being used for housing, economic establishments
and socio- economic infrastructure on the island and the island is land-locked. Hence, there is
an urgent and immediate need for additional land to meet the various demands. It is estimated
that 745,200 cubic metres of borrow materials would be needed to reclaim 21.6 hectares of
land in Himmafushi. The proposed locations for the sand borrow areas are within intra-atoll
basin of AA Atoll. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include
alternatives for the dredge areas, dredge method and alternative locations for land reclamation.
3. Himmafushi is located in a sensitive geographic area where its house reef is shared by two
popular tourist resorts and two marine protected areas are situated within close proximity to the
island. These sensitivities have been taken into account when analysing the impacts.
Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both the reclamation (construction)
phase and operational phase of the project. The negative impacts of the project would be felt
mostly during the construction (reclamation) phase and on the marine ecosystem.
Sedimentation has been highlighted to be one of the most important negative effects of the
project. Following careful evaluation of the negative impacts, appropriate and practical
mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce adverse impacts that would arise from the
project. Significant positive impacts have been identified for the implementation phase
resulting. The project would not only address the land shortages for housing but also will boost
the economy of the island due to stimulated businesses. These positive effects would translate
into improved socio-economic conditions and improved well-being of the community.
4. The Proponent, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is committed to undertake the necessary
mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project. The project is in line with
the national development polices of the government and panned to be executed in compliance
with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives pertaining to conservation of the
environment.
5. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that shall be taken into account during
construction and operational stage of the project. Even though this project does have significant
environmental impacts to the marine environment, with appropriate measures, those negative
effects can be mitigated to an acceptable level. It is also worth highlighting significant positive
impacts that the project is expected to bring to the community would translate into improved
living conditions and overall social well-being of the community. |
URI: | http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4731 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment E
|
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