Environment impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation and resort development project in Dhiffushi Reef, Kaafu Atoll

Abstract

This Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts the proposed land reclamation and resort development project in Dhiffushi Reef, North Male’ Atoll. The proponent of this project is Mr. Hamid Ismail, H. Hirifushi, Male’ Maldives. The project contractor has not been finalised yet. The EIA consultant is CDE Consulting. Architect is Gedor Architecture, Maldives. This EIA has been developed based on the Term of Reference (ToR) issued by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 28 February 2013. This document is submitted by the proponent to EPA to fulfil the requirements for an IEE under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulations 2007 have been used as the basis for developing this document. The Government of the Maldives (GOM) in its efforts to enhance the economic potential of the Maldives has been trying to speed up the planned increase in tourist bed capacity in order to meet the steady increase in tourist arrivals. So far, the construction of resorts has lagged behind and there is a need to introduce more beds as soon possible. This project forms part of the overall effort to increase bed capacity. The Male’ region with its proximity to the Male’ International Airport offers unparalleled advantages to develop certain types of tourism products. However, there are not enough islands in the Atoll or even the region to consider for new developments. Almost all available islands have been leased or handed over to relevant authorities for economic or infrastructure development. The only available option is to reclaim land from shallow reefs. A number of resorts have already been enlarged through reclamation such as One and Only Reethi Rah, the former Dhonveli Beach Resort, Sonevagili Island Resort, Paradise Island Resort, Fun Island Resort and Olhuveli Island Resort. These islands have increased their bed capacity through reclamation. There are also a number of new islands being created from land reclamation in Male’ Atoll such as Hulhumale’ Island and Gulhifalhu Island. This method is now accepted in Maldives as the main means to relieve land shortage. In 2008, the GOM decided to lease a section of the reef of Kaashidhoo Island (an inhabited island) located in Male’ Atoll. The project was opened for bidding and Mr. Ahmed Shafeeg (Ma. Nivico, Male’) won the bid. Kaashidhoo Island is one of the largest islands of Maldives located in the Kaashidhoo Channel as an Oceanic Island or a separate ‘one island” atoll. The reef area allocate for the development was northern end of the reef system. Following the award, Mr. Ahmed Shafeeg came to an agreement with Mr. Hamid Ismail to finance and build the property. Mr. Hamid Ismail has now been granted the rights to build the property. The proponent initiated studies to develop the concept plan for the resort. However, it soon became apparent that the proposed site is highly exposed to strong wave activities during both NE and SW monsoon. The cost of development was found to be extremely high due to the existing conditions on the site. There were concerns that the existing Kaashidhoo Island shoreline may also undergo drastic changes due to any reclamation in the reef. Moreover, accessibility to the island was identified as being difficult due the need to cross the notoriously rough South Kaashidhoo Channel. Given the challenges and difficulties in financing the project in Kaashidhoo Reef, the proponent requested GoM for a location change to another site in Male’ Atoll. During 2011, GoM decided to develop some of the sand banks within Male’ Atoll already leased for resort activities to be reclaimed and developed as resort islands. Under this programme, three reefs have already been finalised for reclamation. This includes ‘Navaagan Island” and Nakachchaa Huraa reef in Male’ Atoll. There were also a number of other reefs in consideration including 10 islands in one reef comprising 100 ha and 10 other islands from various locations within atoll reef (M. Solih, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism 2012, Pers. Comm, 15 Jan). Under this programme, the GoM decided to allow the proponent to switch the location to Dhiffushi Reef in Male’ Atoll. It has to be noted that this would be the first time where an island is proposed to be reclaimed from scratch to develop a resort island. Approval has also been granted to reclaim and enlarge an existing island (Kuda Viligilli) about 3 km south of the proposed site. The proposed location within the reef has been suggested by the Ministry of Tourism and the final location was fixed by the proponent in consultation with the Ministry.