Abstract:
The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental
clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to construct the proposed
submerged seawall at Coco Island Resort, Makunufushi, South Male’ Atoll. The proponent of
this project is Orchid Resorts Management Pvt Ltd, Maldives.
The main rationale for the project is to reduce impact from wave, currents and propeller activity
to the lobster cage of the Cocoa Island resort located on the Northern side of the island. Given
the condition of the area, occasional strong current usually results in physical damage to the
lobsters in the cage and in many occasions death. There is an urgent need to reduce the damage
to the lobsters to make this activity viable.
Thus, it is proposed to construct a 10 m long submerged seawall that would reduce the impacts.
All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and
relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations
applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and the Tourism Act.
The proposed project site was observed to have a pile of dead coral placed during construction
phase of the resort. The area, at present, consists of dead coral.
Significant impacts during construction phase of the project are the potential sedimentation,
reduction in marine water quality, temporary turbidity, and subsequent impact on marine life and
safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation
measures recommended in the report
The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours
and calm weather, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work
schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete
construction activities in the shortest time possible.
The alternatives evaluated include an alternative project site. The proposed site is the preferred
option as this site already has dead corals and environmental damage is less compared to the
alternative site. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed
preferable, given the condition of the existing conditions.
The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated
impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for
monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition, it provides evidence of
compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.
In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations
of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts on the marine
water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been
proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts
