| Abstract: | 1.1 Background
The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment
of the proposed agricultural development at Hulhidhoo, Vaavu Atoll by Aarah Investment Pvt
Ltd. The capital cost of the project is MVR 10.43 million.
1.2 Project Detail
The proposed project involves the development of Hulhidhoo as mix-use island with an
agricultural and tourism component. The agricultural component of the project utilizes
hydroponics technology with a vertical farming system to cultivate vegetables and herbs. The
produce will be supplied to resorts within the Atoll. The tourism component of the project
involves the construction of a Water Sports Centre at the western side of the island. This will
cater to the resorts, and can also be used by the atoll community, if desired. In addition to the
two key components, the project also involves construction of a football court and coffee shops
on the island.
1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives
1.3.1 Key impacts
Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development works
(constructional impacts) and operation of the facility (operational impacts) have been identified
through interviews with the resort management, field data collection and surveys and are also
based on past experience of consultation in similar development projects, as well as a review
of similar projects.
Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The potential direct or indirect impacts
on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed project include:
➢ Moderate direct impacts on the marine ecosystem quality due to construction of
access jetty (piling works)
➢ Major impact on terrestrial environment due to need for vegetation, especially that
at the mangrove area
➢ Minor impact on groundwater due to dewatering during construction stage and use
of septic tank system during operational stage
➢ Minor impact on seawater quality due to brine discharge during operational phase
➢ Impact on ecosystem and air quality, due to solid waste generation during
construction and operational phase Positive impacts due to the project are the positive social impacts, in terms of job availability
especially during the operational stage. The training programmes for the Atoll community in
the area of hydroponics also opens opportunities for new business ventures. The open access
to the water sports centre and football pitch is a major social benefit, as this promotes a more
inclusive development. Furthermore, the implementation of the solid waste disposal
programme by the proponent as a part of the CSR component of the project, is a major benefit
for the community, as it addresses a key issues being faced by all islands communities of
Maldives. Overall, the project has a positive impact, on the national economy, and that of the
Atoll community. Additional impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report.
1.3.2 Mitigation measures
The severity of impacts is predicted by reviewing the design plans and construction
methods. Mitigation measures are formulated in light of the findings by the project engineers
(for the different methods to be used during the construction phase).
Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction and operational stage of the project.
During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize impact on the
environment due to the various construction methods. A construction method that has the least
impact on terrestrial and/or marine environment has to be utilized. Detailed mitigation
measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report.
1.3.3 Alternatives
Considering the alternatives for the project in terms of location and type of economic
activity to be carried out has been decided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and the
proponent, through lease of the island to the proponent for a specific purpose. Apart from the
type of economic activity and location, other aspects for which alternatives have been
considered in the report are:
➢ Construction method of jetty
➢ Location of M&E facilities building
➢ Feed water intake method
Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in
Section 10 of the report. Of these, the location of M&E facilities building is of significance, as
the alternative location greatly minimizes the impact due to vegetation clearance, as it offers
the opportunity to avoid clearance from the mangrove area. Thus, from an environmental aspect the consultant strongly feels the alternative location is the more feasible option and thus this
option is selected.
The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental
impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. Environmental impacts due to the
proposed project are minor to moderate overall, while discontinuation of the project means a
loss of income and revenue to the proponent and the national economy, as well as a loss of
number of benefits for the Atoll community. Hence, it is concluded that continuation of the
project with the implementation of the different mitigation measures to minimize
environmental impacts is a feasible option. |
