Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed reclamation of 25.79 hectares at Eydhafushi island, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves reclamation of 25.79 hectares in Eydhafushi island, Baa Atoll. The project aims to increase the available land space in Eydhafushi island, mostly to address the housing needs of the community. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. One of the biggest development challenges facing Eydhafushi island is lack of space for further development. Reclamation is a realistic need for the island as the island is presently saturated with no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities. The present population of the island is roughly 3190 (Eydhafushi Island Council, 2013). The island council has got more than 400 applications for new housing plots. None of these applications can be processed at present. Existinghouses are overcrowded and too many families having to live in the same house is creating social and health issues. Due to lack of space, quite a number of houses have now been constructed to at least two or more storey’s. Unfortunately, the island council is unable to allocate new housing plots due to lack of space. Twenty five (25.79) hectares will therefore be reclaimed from the south and south east side of the existing island that would be developed and zoned for both residential and commercial use. Reclamation is therefore a serious necessity for the people of Eydhafushi. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging and reclamation 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. 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 a large area of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. The project is mainly driven by the social and economic gain for the development of Eydhafushi island through benefits achieved from increased land. The project is also expected to affect the house reef of Sonevafushi indirectly through sedimentation. 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. Discussion and information were given to the management of Sonevafushi resort regarding the project and their concerns and views were also incorporated in the stakeholder consultations. The project would have a lot of negative environmental impacts. However,balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult to measure. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to 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 socio-economic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The reclamation of Eydhafushi does pose significant threats to the marine environment as a large area of the reef will be destroyed. The project also pose some challenges to the environment and operation of the nearby resort, Sonevafushi. There will be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site as well as indirect sedimentation impacts to the neighbouring resort, Sonevafushi. Despite these negative impacts, this project will benefit the community of Eydhafushi significantly through increased availability of land for housing and commercial activities. The limited space available for reclamation in Eydhafushi is something that has its long term impacts. With the implementation of this project, the entire reef system will fully besaturated and there will not be any opportunities for further reclamation. While this is the long term outlook, the area available for expansion on the other is very limited and although there are advantages, the project does pose serious questions about the future development of the island. The additional land created will provide a temporary solution for housing and other commercial activities, but for a limited period. Unless this land is utilized in the most efficient way, the benefits will not last long. The government in collaboration with the Island council therefore needs to develop a practical master plan to utilize the additional land in a way to sustain a balance between development and land use. Land use planning should consider the housing needs for the future generation as well as balance with economic and recreational facilities. These are questions that need to be answered as otherwise; the reclaimed land will be fully saturated within a matter of few years