Environment - ތިމާވެށި
Browse
Item 6th National report for the convention on Biological Diversity(United Nation Environment Programme, 2019-07-20) United Nation Environment Programme; ޔުނައިޓެޑް ނޭޝަންސް އެންވަރމަންޓް ޕްރޮގުރާމްItem A brighter future for Maldives powered by renewables : road map for the energy sector 2020–2030(Asian Development Bank, 2020-11) Asian Development Bank; އޭޝިއަން ޑެވެލޮޕްމަންޓް ބޭންކްThe Republic of Maldives comprises 1,192 small islands in the central Indian Ocean, with a population estimated at 533,941 people in 2019. Maldives has been a development success in the recent decades, mostly attributed to the revenues from a flourishing tourism industry that comprises around 25% of the national gross domestic product (GDP). The magnitude of the economic impacts caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the economic model implemented in Maldives over the recent decades. It will take months or even years to reach the tourism goals of the country. The country’s recovery will largely depend on the rapid transformation and diversification of its economic activities. Reliable and affordable energy supply are needed to address the transformation challenge. Maldives does not have reserves of fossil fuels, but it has abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and ocean. Investments in renewable energy are an opportunity to lower the costs of electricity production and reduce fuel imports and the burden on government finances. This Road Map establishes the guidelines to transit from a fossil-fuel- based energy sector to a cost-effective, business competitive, affordable, and sustainable renewable energy.Item A rapid assessment of natural environments in the maldives(International Union for Conservation of Nature އިންޓަރނޭޝަނަލް ޔޫނިއަން ފޯ ކޮންސަރވޭޝަން އޮފް ނޭޗަރ Government of Maldives ގަވަރމެންޓް އޮފް މޯލްޑިވްސް, 2020) Dryden, Charlie; ޗާލީ ޑްރައިޑެން; Basheer، Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ބަޝީރު; Grimsditch، Gabriel; ގްރިމްސްޑިޗް ގެބްރިއެލް; Mushtaq، Azim; އާޒިމް މުސްތާޤު; Newman، Steven; ސްޓީވެން ނިއުމަން; Shan، Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ޝާން; Shidha، Mariyam; މަރިޔަމް ޝިދާ; Zahir Hussain; ޙުސައިން ޒާހިރުItem ABC education book on climate change(Live & Learn Environmental and Community, 2012-04) Ministry of Education and TrainingItem Addendum to environmental impact assessment for the Male’ west coast re-development project(2016-01) Musthafa, AmirThis is the First Addendum to the approved main EIA prepared for the redevelopment of the Male’ west coast area. The main EIA was approved on 10th September 2015. The proponent of the project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This addendum is based on the proposed transplantation of 70 young coconut palms from K. Kaashidhoo to the on going Male’ West Coast Development project. It is a legal requirement under the Amended EIA Regulation 2012 that EIAs/Addendums be prepared and approved for projects that may generate negative environmental impacts. This Addendum has been prepared as per the approved Terms of Reference (TOR) on 7 December 2015. The scope of this EIA involves studying the existing environmental condition of the proposed project areas and surrounding environment, identifying potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts and propose an environmental monitoring plan. The palms are to be uprooted from the site for the proposed construction of jail and from households. This site for jail construction is at the western end of the island and is under the Jurisdiction of Maldives Correctional Services. It is envisaged that the project will have several socio-economic benefits. This includes providing a means of shelter and relaxation to the community in Male’ City, especially in the Maafannu district. Moreover, it would assist in alleviating the burden these large no. of trees had been causing the community in K. Kaashidhoo. From this perspective, the project can be regarded as means to balance the amenities in both communities. The economic benefits to the coconut tree owners from the sale of the coconut palms could also be considered as a direct positive impact. Furthermore, the Kaashidhoo council had committed to plant 2 trees for each palm that has been removed in more strategic locations in the island, where tree plantation is required. Negative impacts include the holes that would be left after the digging. It may become a public nuisance, although the area is seldom used by the community. As a mitigation measure, the holes would be filled with sand available onsite, without the need for dredging. Provisions such as monitoring are proposed to understand the overall impacts of the project over the long term. Therefore, considering the beneficial nature of the project for both communities, and minimum environmental impact that can be easily mitigated, it is proposed to proceed with the project. However, it is recommended to have proper monitoring in place to observe any future impacts that project may result in.Item An ecological assessment of coral reefs in the South Ari marine protected area(IUCN, 2020) Dryden, Charlie; ޗާލީ ޑްރައިޑަން; Basheer, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ބަޝީރު; Grimsditch, Gabriel; ގެބްރިއަލް ގްރިމްސްޑިޗް; Newman, Steven; ސްޓީވަން ނިއުމަން; Robinson, Danielle; ޑެނިއެލް ރޮބިންސަން; Shan, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ޝާން; Shidha, Mariyam; މަރިޔަމް ޝިދާItem Assessing the management effectiveness of three sites in the Maldives : stakeholder survey results(Joint Nature Conversation Committee, 2022-03) Ocean Country Partnership Programme; Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Maldives; އޯޝަން ކަންޓްރީ ޕާޓްނަރޝިޕް ޕްރޮގްރާމް; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެންވަޔަރަންމަންޓް، ކްލައިމެޓް ޗޭންޖް އެންޑް ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީ، މޯލްޑިވްސްItem An assessment of damage to Maldivian coral reefs and bait fish populations from the Indian ocean tsunami(Commonwealth of Australia, 2005) އޮސްޓްރޭލިއަން ގަވަންމަންޓް; ގަވަންމަންޓް އޮފް ދަ ރިޕަބްލިކް އޮފް ދަ މޯލްޑިވްސް; Australian Government; Government of the Republic of the MaldivesItem Beachwatch : managing our beach erosion(Live & Learn Environmental Education, 2006-11) Cambers, Gillian; Henderson, Robbie; Ahmed, Zameela; Shafeeqa, Fathimath; Smith, JadyItem Building climate resilient safer islands in Maldives environmental and social management framework (ESMF)(Green Climate Change, 2018) Government of the MaldivesItem Building climate resilient safer islands in the Maldives(Green Climate Fund , 2025) Green Climate Fund ; Japan International Cooperation AgencyItem Challenges and opportunities for sustainable management(World Bank, 1998-07) Hatziolos, Marea E.; Hooten, Anthony J; Fodor, MartinItem Clean communities : environmental education and community mobilisation program(]Live & Learn Environmental Education], 2018)Item Clean communities : facilitating community involvement in solid waste management(Live & Learn Environmental Education, 2006) ރޮބީ ހެންޑޭސަން; ޒަމީލާ އަހުމަދު; ފާތިމަތު ޝަފީގާ; ޖޭޑީ ސްމިތް; Henderson, Robbie; Ahmed, Zameela; Shafeeqa, Fathimath; Smith, JadyThis document is a training program intended to guide staff from Government Ministries or Community based organizations (CBO's) to deliver the 'Clean Communities' training program to island communities in the Atolls. Waste management is one of the biggest environmental challenges in Maldives. The 'Clean Communities' approach recognizes and supports the Maldives Government' policy direction toward decentralization in the delivery of social services. Effective waste management requires communities to take ownership of waste issues, starting from the household level. Through participation in this program, communities will be supported in making changes to household waste management practices, and undergo a process of learning that will provide participants with skills, knowledge and empower them to participate in decision making effecting waste management on the island and Atoll level. 'Clean Communities' is based on the 'train the trainer' approach, where key community members are trained to pass on skills and knowledge to other members of the community.Item Climate change and migration in Maldives(Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, 2017-08-03) Stojanov, Robert; Kelman, Ilan; Procházka, David; Daniel, Němec; Barbora, DužíItem Climate change impacts on health and livelihoods : Maldives assessment(Red Cross Red Crescent Health Center ރެޑް ކްރޮސް ރެޑް ކްރެސެންޓް ހެލްތު ސެންޓަރ, 2021-04) Aditi Kapoor; އަދިތީ ކަޕޫރު; Tilly Alcayna; ޓިލީ އަލްކައިނާ; Tesse de Boer; ޓެސް ޑެ ބޮއާ; Kelsey Gleason; ކެލްސީ ގްލީސަން; Bivishika Bhandari; ބިވިޝިކާ ބަންޑާރި; Dorothy Heinrich; ޑޮރޮތީ ހައިންރިކްItem Climate change impacts on health and livelihoods : Maldives assessment(International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2021-04) Kapoor, Aditi; އަދިތީ ކަޕޫރުItem Climate emergency act to achieve carbon neutrality in Maldives by 2030(Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, 2022-11-01) Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy ; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް ކުލައިމޭޓް ޗޭންޖް، އެންވަޔަރަމެންޓް އެންޑް އެނާޖީItem Climate risk country profile Maldives(World Bank Group, 2021) World Bank Group; ވޯލްޑް ބޭންކް ގުރޫޕްItem Coastal vulnerability, adaptation & resilience in local communities of North Ari Atoll(International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and Government of Maldives., 2020) Shaig, Ahmed; އަހުމަދު ޝާއިގުItem Community mural : a facilitator's guide to mobilising community environmental action : toolkit(Live & Learn Environmental Education, 2006) Henderson, Robbie; Ahmed, Zameela; Shafeeqa, Fathimath; Jauhary, Ahmed Riyaz; Smith, JadyItem Community water : a community based water monitoring toolkit using the H2S paper strip test : toolkit(Live & Learn Environmental Education, 2006-11) Fatijake, Mari; Carpenter, Clive; Henderson, Robbie; Ahmed, Zameela; Shafeeqa, Fathimath; Jauhary, Ahmed Riyaz; Smith, JadyItem A compilation of reported fish kills in the Maldives(Marine Research Center, 2007) ޝާފިޔާ ނައީމް; ޝަހާމާ ޢަބްދުއްސައްތާރު; Naeem, Shafiya; Abdul Sattar, ShahaamaThis paper describes the series of fish kill events that were reported since the initial event in July 2007, investigative studies carried out to date and their results, as well as the limitations faced during the investigation.Item Coral reefs status and trends of North Ari islands under different management regimes (2015-2019)(IUCN Maldives, 2020) Dryden, Charlie; ޗާލީ ޑްރައިޑަން; Basheer, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ބަޝީރު; Moritz, Charlotte; ޝާރލޮޓް މޮރިޓްޒް; Birrell, Chico; ޗިކޯ ބިރެލްItem E-waste management guidelines : Atolls Education Development Project : AEDP (P1777638)(Ministry of Education މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން, 2022-05) Ministry of Education; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެޑިއުކޭޝަންThe Maldives Atoll Education Development Project (AEDP) is organized under five components: (a) enhancing curriculum delivery; (b) continuing teacher development; (c) measuring and enhancing system performance; (d) coordination, monitoring, capacity building and technical assistance; and (e) contingent emergency response. These components and the activities under them were prepared through a process of consultation and collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE); the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT); the atoll education agencies; public and private employers; academics and school principals, teachers, parents and students. The components and activities are also based on the knowledge and experience gained through the implementation of the Learning Assessment and Measurement (LAMP) Global Partnership for Education (GPE) trust fund.Item The economic potential of article 6 of the Paris Agreement and implementation challenges(International Emissions Trading Association, 2019-09) Edmonds, Jae; Forrister, Dirk; Clarke, Leon; Clara, Stefano de; Munnings, ClaytonItem Ecosystem services assessment of North Ari Atoll Maldives(IUCN, 2017) Agardy, Tundi; Hicks, Frank; Nistharan, Fathimath; Fisam, Abdulla; Abdulla, Ameer; Schmidt, Amir; Grimsditch, Gabriel; ޓަންޑީ އަގާޑީ; ފްރޭންކް ހިކްސް; ފާތިމަތު ނިސްތަރަން; ޢަބްދުއްﷲ ފިސާމް; އަމީރު އަބްދުއްﷲ; ޝްމިތު އާމިރު; ގޭބްރިއާލް ގްރިންމްސްޑިޗްItem EIA for construction of K. Villingili west harbour & slipway project(2015-11) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the for the construction of a harbour and a slipway on the western side of Villingili Island, K. Atoll. 2. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. 3. This EIA report was prepared for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 with the purpose of conducting an assessment of possible impacts on biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project. 4. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives. 5. The main construction activities of the proposed project involve construction dredging of the existing harbour basin to a depth of 3m at mean sea level. The dimensions are 73m by 21m. A 73m long seawall made from rock boulders will be laid on the reef-flat on the western side of the island. The beach on the northern side of the harbour area will be filled and nourished. The construction activities will be completed within 150 days from the start of the construction phase. The project cost is estimated as MVR 09 million. 6. This development aims to improve the degraded western harbour with additional facilities with the objective of improving country’s critical infrastructures. With the development of the western harbour at Villingili it is expected it would contribute alleviate the issues of the congestion at the Villingilli main harbour and make available critical facilities to the people living in Villingili to enhance their socio-economic development. Villingili with a sizeable population currently lacks a proper waste transfer arrangement. With the development of the slipway, it is expected a critical aspect of the waste management will be resolved thereby bringing environmental as well as health benefits to the community. 7. The consultants assessed the potential environmental impacts using sound scientific methodology, literature review and experiences from the past projects of similar nature. In addition views and opinions of the key stakeholders have been reflected in the report. The main findings have been summarised in the following sub-paragraphs. a. Improving the harbour facility in Villingili will benefit boat owners, fishermen of Villingili in particular and those requiring boat maintenance service in general. b. Environmental impacts assessment carried out for the project indicates that the project can be successfully implemented without an irreversible significant damages to the environment. c. The project, however, has inevitable low magnitude negative impacts, including, sedimentation over parts of the reef, noise and vibration from construction activities, pollution from solid and hazardous waste. In addition, construction activities may result in temporary closure of the beach area with resulting loss of income to small businesses which depend commercial activities centered on the area. Additionally, boat owner who use western harbour may also face difficulties when its closed off for reconstruction. During the operational phase of the project, it is predicted with the proposed design of the harbour water stagnation within the harbour basin is likely to occur and that during southwestern monsoon floating litter could accumulate near the shoreline of the harbour. d. All environmental and socio-economic impacts identified in the report are temporary, localised and can be mitigated with the actions proposed. e. The project is in line with the government’s policies of developing access facilities, improve transport infrastructure and can be implemented in fully compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. 8. The Proponent has given full commitment to undertake mitigation measures and carryout the monitoring to ensure negative effects are effectively mitigated and corrective measures are taken in a timely manner. 9. It is thus concluded that the project’s benefits outweighs its imposition on the environment and it can be implemented while giving due consideration to concerns related to the environment.Item Energy efficiency photography competition 2015(Strengthening Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies Project (SLCEIS), 2016-01-28) Strengthening Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies Project (SLCEIS); Ministry of Environment and Energy; ސްޓްރެންތެނިންގ ލޯ ކާރބަން އެނާރޖީ އައިލަންޑް ސްޓްރެޓެޖީސް ޕްރޮޖެކްޓް; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެންވަޔަރަންމަންޓް އެންޑް އެނާރޖީItem Energy sector at a glance : 2013-2016(އެނަރޖީ ޑިޕާރޓްމަންޓް، މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެންވަޔަރަންމަންޓް އެންޑް އެނަރޖީ, 2017-01-23) އެނަރޖީ ޑިޕާރޓްމަންޓް، މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެންވަޔަރަންމަންޓް އެންޑް އެނަރޖީ; Energy Department, Ministry of Environment and EnergyItem Energy supply and demand : fund for Danish consultancy services assessment of least-cost, sustainable energy resources, Maldives : technical report(Energy Consulting Network, 2003-04) Energy Consulting Network; Danish Technological Institute; GasCon; TechWise; އެނަރޖީ ކޮންސަލްޓިންގ ނެޓްވާރކް; ޑެނިޝް ޓެކްނޮލޮޖިކަލް އިންސްޓިޓިއުޓް; ގޭސްކޮން; ޓެކްވައިސްItem Enviromental impact assessment : MLD greater Male' waste to energy projact - waste to energy plant part A(Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Maldives for the Asian Development Bank, 2020-03) Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Maldives; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް އެންވައިރަމަންޓް އޮފް ދަ ރިޕަބްލިކް އޮފް މޯލްޑިވްސްItem Environment and social management framework for the proposed solar PV projects under Accelerating Sustainable Private Investment for Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) programme(Ministry of Environment and Energy, 2014-03) Shaig, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ޝައިގްItem Environment impact assessment for the proposed dredging component of the resort development project in Ithaafushi Reef, South Male’ Atoll(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is the evaluation of the potential environmental, socioeconomic and natural impacts of the proposed dredging component of resort development project in Ithaafushi reef. The EIA Regulations published by EPA has been used as the basis for preparing this document. The proponent of this project is Ithaafushi Investments Private Limited. An EIA has been prepared and approved for the project on October 2015 under the Tourism Law. The First Addendum to the EIA was submitted MoT on June 2016 and is pending approval. This EIA has been specifically necessitated as the proponent has opted to use a Trailing Hopper Suction Dredger (THSD), which requires dredging from atoll lagoon. Any development outside the boundary of tourist property requires a separate EIA approval from EPA. Thus, this report only looks into the dredging component of the project. The overall project involves reclaiming a total area of 20.8 Ha in Ithaafushi Reef and the development of the necessary infrastructure for the functioning of a stand-alone 240 bed (120 room) bed capacity. The property will comprise of three separate islands but will be operated as single property. The component proposed under this EIA is to use a THSD to dredge about 500,000 cbm of sand from the atoll lagoon of North Male Atoll and reclaim the proposed island. The rationale for the proposed dredging technology is due to the availability of a TSHD in the Maldives. THSD was proposed as the preferred option on the original EIA if a ship was to become available. The proposed borrow area is located in the atoll lagoon in North Male’ Atoll approximately 27-30 km from Ithaafushi reef. Distance to nearest Marine Protected Area from the borrow site is 1.8 km and distance to sensitive environment is about 1.1 km. A total of 500,000 cbm of sand will be dredged for reclaiming Ithaafushi reef. The site has been identified due to the presence of sand, reusability and proximity to reclamation site. Dredging activity will take approximately two to two-and-a-half weeks and a total of 17 trips will be made by TSHD. Duration of the overall project is 24 to 30 months. The proposed borrow site has also been used to reclaim the Male’ SW harbour area. The proposed developments are generally in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations. Additional approvals are required for the following before commencement of project activities. They include dredging and reclamation approval from EPA, detailed drawings approval from the Ministry of Tourism and construction approval from Ministry of Tourism. Existing environment utilises the baseline data collected for the original EIAs. Works already completed in the reef include construction of sand bunds for Island B and dredging the entrance channel. For this report, borrow area sediment quality, marine environment and marine water quality around borrow sites was assessed. In addition, a detailed bathymetry survey was undertaken. Results of the assessment at proposed borrow site showed limited fines and 80 – 90% moderate sized material suitable for reclamation. The nearest MPA to the proposed dredging site Giraavaru Kuda Haa has excellent coral life and abundance fish. The most significant negative impact from this project during construction are typical impacts associated with dredging and reclamation. All marine organisms within the footprint of dredging will be lost. In addition, increased levels of turbidity and sedimentation inhibit corals ability to successfully reproduce. Others include impacts on ambient noise level, air quality and greenhouse gas emission, marine water quality, changes in hydronamics, impacts on unique habitats and impacts on visual amenity for nearby resorts. Main socioeconomic impacts include the impacts on marine biodiversity and visibility around house reefs of nearby resorts and dive spots in the region. Loss of marine fauna and impact on reef systems will cause a direct impact on the revenue of the resorts. The presence of sensitive environment within the vicinity is a concern, particularly due to the recent coral bleaching event, cumulative impacts from the recently completed Hulhumale’ reclamation project and cumulative impacts of dredging from the same site for Male’ SW harbour construction project. The key mitigation measures proposed for the construction stage include finding options to mitigate noise and air pollution, increased turbidity and sedimentation, resource and social conflicts. To mitigate turbidity and sedimentation, bund walls are proposed to control sediment dispersal during dredging and reclamation and use of ‘green valves’ in the TSHD to minimise impacts from the water overflow during loading into the hopper. Relevant stakeholder must be informed about the project at all stages to mitigate any resource and social conflicts. Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. Alternative options have been explored for no changes to dredging method, shore protection and to master plan. Alternatives have also been explored for harbour options, outfall locations and alternative locations for borrow sites. Given strong benefits for the project it is recommended to proceed with changes and preferred option for harbour is proposed northwest corner for aesthetics. Four sites have been studied for potential borrow sites, but South Male’ atoll is left untouched due to the manoeuvring difficulties for a large ship in the area. It is proposed to use the proposed borrow site with stringent adherence to TSHD overflow control. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts associated with THSD activities, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. The Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as operational aspects of the resort, particularly in relation to THSD operations. The monitoring plan in the addendum has been updated as per the changes made to the project. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated to be USD 5,000 per year. Since the project already has a monitoring programme approved for the original EIA under MoT, the overall programme must incorporate the programme presented in this report. The report must be submitted to both MoT and EPA. Stakeholder consultations were held with Environmental Protection Agency, Marine Research Centre, The proponent, Baros Maldives, Centara Rasfushi Resort and Spa and Diver’s Lodge Maldives. Attempts were made to consults with Kohdhipparu island but were non-responsive. Stakeholder consulted raised concerns on the impacts dredging activity will have on notable dives spots and house reefs of the nearby resorts. Given the vicinity of a MPA around the dredging site, stakeholders recommended exploring alternative borrow sites. The proponent emphasized on the importance of the changes made to the project. EPA noted that a separate EIA may be required to be approved by EPA. This EIA has been initiated based on this suggestion. The main conclusion of this report is to move forward with the proposed changes with the proposed alternatives and the suggested mitigation measures. It has been proposed to move forward with THSD use as it reduces the timeframe of impacts by 6 months which is a substantial environmental benefit compared to a CSD.Item Environment impact assessment for the proposed nationwide submarine cable by Ooredoo Maldives(2016-05) CDE ConsultingThis document is submitted by the proponent to the Environmental Protection Agency to fulfil the requirement for an EIA under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulation 2012 has been used as the basis for preparing this document. The proponent of this project is Ooredoo Maldives. The project involves laying a communication submarine cable stretching the entire archipelago of Maldives. The estimate length of the cable is 11,000 km, and is divided into 5 main segments with 6 landings sites. The main rationale for the project is to increase the capacity, and improve the quality of all telecommunication services provided by Ooredoo Maldives. The proponent estimates that they will not be able to cater for the growing demand for telecommunication services in a near future with the existing system. In each island a cable ship will lay the submarine cable and it will be passed to the reef flat using experienced divers and small boats. A concrete stabiliser clamped on reef flat will be used to pass the cable line from reef flat to a precast concrete trench on the seabed in each island. An existing trench will be used in B.Eydhafushi and Hulhumale’. Cable line will pass through the trench to Beach Manhole (BMH). In Gdh, Thinadhoo, geo-bags at beachfront will have to be cleared to facilitate the transfer of cable to BMH. MTCC has been contracted to clear the geobags and to build the precast concrete trench in Thinadhoo. Submarine cable will be connected to a land cable inside BMH and the land cable will then pass through an earth trench to Connecting Landing Station (CLS) in each island. The proposed development plans are generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. The key laws and regulations applicable are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Maldives Telecommunication Act, Fisheries Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Waste Management Regulation 2013, The Environmental Liability Regulation, EIA decision note is required before implementation of this project. The cable landing sites for all the proposed islands are existing Ooredoo Antenna Stations and does not require the removal of any vegetation from these areas. The cable laying route (on land) up to the cable landing site in each of the islands follow an existing road or pathway from the beach with the exception of Hdh.Kulhudhuffushi and S.Hithadhoo. The reefs flat at all islands are mainly made up of rocky bottom, with low live coral coverage. Large seagrass patch occurs on the reef flat near shore along the cable route in Kolhufushi. Live coral abundance is higher mainly near the reef edge of all islands. Highest live coral coverage was recorded at Thinadhoo, while the lowest was recorded in Kulhudhuffushi. The most significant negative impacts from this project during construction stage would be, loss of sessile marine life within the cable route, and the potential health and safety risks to the workers and general public associated with offshore cable deployment, and excavation works on land. The project mainly has positive socio-economic benefits; via improvement in quality and speed of telecommunication service provided by Ooredoo Maldives across the Maldives. The key mitigation measures proposed for the construction stage include relocation of live coral colonies on the reef flat of project sites to nearby locations, and strict measures to minimize healthy and safety risks to workers and the general public from the project. Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. Alternative options have been considered for method of excavation on land. Main concern of the utility providers and telecommunication service providers in all the islands is potential damage to their existing infrastructure in the footprint of proposed land cable during excavation works. Manual excavation has been recommended over the use of an excavator to reduce the risk of damage to existing cables and pipelines. It has also been recommended to inform these institutions prior to commencing the earth trenching works. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 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, provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as operational aspects of the project. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated around US$ 4000 annually. The main conclusion of this report is to move forward with the proposed development after with the proposed alternatives and the suggested mitigation measures. PreparedItem Environment impact assessment report for the development of an mariculture project in Lh. Gaaerifaru(2016) ReefTAC MaldivesThis Environmental Impact Assessment report outlines the findings of our environmental studies for breeding, larval production and mariculture of Plectropomus areolatus (Pisces: Serranidae: Epinephelinae) on Lh. Gaaerifaru. The island has been leased to Ocean Quartiers Properties Pvt. Ltd by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The project aims at establishing a high nutritional value of reef fish for both local consumption and resort supply, and for export as well. And establishing the setup based on the local conditions provided. It also aims at gaining knowledge transferable to other similar projects in the Maldives. The Study Area contains detailed maps of the site plan and the boundaries, along with the justification of the site. Scope of work includes the descriptions of the proposed project. Reclamation works, estimated to be over within 3 months, will commence once the setup is confirmed. The works of the sea cage will start along with the reclamation works and is estimated to take about 3 months to finish. The Grow out tanks, office, laboratory and packaging facility works will take place after. And this is estimated to finish within a 4 month period. The jetty and the Shore protection work will start once the reclamation project starts and is estimated to take 3 months to finish the works. The scope of work also points out the inputs and outputs during constructional and operational phase. Furthermore, focuses on the type of species and types to be cultured. This includes the taxonomy and morphology, biology and ecology, spawning aggregations, sex-associated colour differences, environmental ranges, known geographical distribution, conservation status, history and the process of aquaculture of Plectropomus areolatus. Continued furthermore on the cages and tanks, the location the size details along with the phases for various purposes are explained. The acquisition, Brood Stock spawning, artificial spawning, rearing of the larvae, grow out, feeding, waste removal methods, and disease control and health management of the juveniles of the targeted species are thoroughly explained in this chapter. Even though the targeted species is Plectropomus areolatus, further compatible candidate species are mentioned as well. The justification and methodology for jetty construction is explained, along with the duration estimated for the task. Reclamation plans for the site are given, with the location and size of the burrow areas on a detailed map of the site. Justification for the locations chosen, the methodology of this process and quantity of sand needed for the phase, its duration and labor works estimated is included as well. Power supply and oil storage for the whole project is explained along with the amount of solar power required to operate the whole facility and the location best to install the solar panels. Solar power will be used as a backup, only if the diesel power generators are shut off or in case of maintenance or system failure. The transportation method and volume of diesel required are explained. Solid waste and sewage waste disposal methods are explained thoroughly with the overall scheme for the waste management plan. The project management chapter points out the approximate area for the reclamation of land. More on the sea cages grow out tanks for the egg-rearing, larval-rearing and juvenile rearing are mentioned. Furthermore, the build of coastal structures to prevent the migration of the pumped sand along the shore are explained. The jetty, solar power house, office, laboratory, packaging facility and water storage is looked upon briefly. Seawater inlet and outlet explains the uses of seawater for stocking and rearing seeds, larvae and juvenile fishes in tanks. The location of where the channel should be dredged, its reasons are explained along with the schedule of work which contains three phases. The site preparation and mobilization phase, the constructional phase, and the operational phase to be continued till the end of the lease period. Description of the environment focuses on the climate, bathymetry of the site, the marine environment, and the hazard vulnerabilities. The climate includes the temperature, rainfall and humidity of the climate. It also includes the wind, waves and current. The bathymetry gives out a detailed map of the site area showing the areas and depths of the all-around reef system. The marine environment explains the methodology and results of the fish, substrate and coral survey transects with the aid of pie and bar charts. The seawater quality is also included in the marine environment, with the location map and the geo-coordinates of locations the water samples were collected. Finally, the hazard vulnerability states the effects caused in case of a tsunami generated in the Indian Ocean. The chapter of potential impacts on the natural environment and mitigation measures includes the identification of the impacts discussed between the EIA team and the proponent, and the mitigation measures identified. The mitigation measures include the existing environmental concerns, the impacts on the natural environment during the constructional phase, and the impacts during the operational phase. The project alternatives discuss with the advantages, disadvantages and the recommendations for alternatives. These alternatives include the no project option, alternative types of species, alternative methods of culture, alternative location for the jetty, and the alternative energy required. The various types of environmental monitoring, measuring and recording of environmental, social and economic variables associated with the development impacts are explained in the monitoring plan. The monitoring program is represented in a table containing the details of the different three phases, methods, estimated cost and other information. The statements and the main concerns are looked upon under the stakeholder consultation which includes Inter-Agency coordination and public/NGO participation members. Three meetings were held to discuss these concerns and ideas which include the scoping meeting, the island council meeting, and a meeting held with Marine Research Center.Item Environment impact assessment report reclamation of Himmafushi K. Atoll, Maldives(2015-12) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. 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.Item Environmental & social management framework : the enhancing employability through human capital and entrepreneurship development project(Ministry of Higher Education, 2019-02) Ministry of Higher Education; މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް ހަޔަރ އެޑިއުކޭޝަންItem Environmental and social code of practice : construction of a mechanical composting building at existing IWRMC at Rinbudhoo, Dhaal Atoll(Ministry of Environment, 2021-01) Zahir, Hussain; ޙުސައިން ޒާހިރު; Sattar, Shahaama A.; ޝަހާމާ އ. ސައްތާރު; Abdulla, Aishath; ޢާއިޝަތު ޢަބްދުﷲ; Musthag, Azim; އާޒިމް މުސްތާގް