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Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for agriculture development in Gdh. Hudhuvaarulaa, Menthanhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa, Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll
(2016-08) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham
The report constitutes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study carried out for Hummingboy Farms (HBF) Pvt.Ltd. for the proposed development of 10 hectares of commercial scale agricultural farmland and the necessary infrastructure in Gdh, Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonireha islands located, southeaster section of South Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- Initial estimate of the project cost is USD 10.2 million and is expected to recoup within six years. Major part of the investment will be on development of seawater cooling system, harbour and access channel, retractable roof envelope, rainwater harvesting system and condensate water collection system, electro chemical sewerage system, solar photo voltaic energy system, infrastructure for staff and service areas, other main infrastructures and equipment. The project will be developed in two main phases. Phase one includes development of an access channel 425x15m and a harbour 50x50m and 3 hectares of advanced hydroponic greenhouses (Approximately 4 hectares of land clearance in GDh. Hulhuvaarulaa), development of power grid, integrated rainwater harvesting system, electro chemical waste water recycling units, installation and operation of deep sea cooling system, Infrastructure construction including power house, oil storage tanks, waste management facility staff accommodation etc.. All key systems will be contained within bunded enclosures, such as the backup generators and fuel storage, and the Solar Power battery centre. In the growing operation best practice in storage and use of all bulk nutrients will be employed. Most of these developments will take place in Hulhuvaarulaa Island. 3- Phase two of the project includes clearance of 6 hectares of land for green house development (2 Hectares from Hulhuvaarulaa and 4 hectares from Menthanduaa and Golhaalaa); construction and operation of accommodation, green houses and other facilities; operation and management of 10 hectares of farm land in four islands. 4- The main produce of the farm will be commercial scale production of tomatoes, strawberry, raspberry and bell pepper. 5- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and considers a wide range of negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project (development and operations) in the four islands. Major findings of this study was based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and on-going agricultural projects through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 6- The proposed project activity will take place on Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa and the reef. The four islands are uninhabited islands and shares the same house reef with 6 more islands, Maavaarulaa, Kondaanahutta, Farehulhedhoo, Kalhemamal, Maavadhuvaa and the inhabited island of Gadhoo. Four island Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated islands (thee islands Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa are sand cays and Dhoonirehaa is a rubble cay) situated on the south eastern rim of Gaafu Dhaalu (Gdh) Atoll. The cluster of four islands are located northern half of Gadhdhoo reef which is a huge reef platform EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd over 10km long with varying width ranging between 1-1.8km. The total area of the reef platform is over 14.5km2. 7- Vegetation on the four islands is different due to the nature of the soil content; mainly Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are different from Hulhuvaarulaa. Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated shingle cays (rubble cays) and the eastern part of Menthandhoo is also dominated by rubble. Hulhuvaarulaa formation is completely different form the rest of the islands as the main soil content of the island is calcareous coral sand hence the vegetation succession of the island is more or less similar to the majority of islands in the Maldives. In the three islands that are facing the semi enclosed water bodies, vegetation facing the water body (eastern side of Hulhuvaarulaa, western side of Menthandhoo and Golhaala) have similar vegetation type, where the outer layer consists mainly of, Pemphis acidula (kuredhi), Tournefortia argentea (boashi) Pandanus tectoris (Boakashikeyo) Scaevola taccada (Magoo) with occasional Guettarda speciosa (Uni), Hibiscus tilaceus (Dhiggaa) and Calophyllum inophyllum (Funa), Ochrosia Oppositfolia (Dhunburi), Cordia Subcordata (Kaani) Thespesia Populnea (Hirundhu), Ficus Benghalensis (Nika). Coconut palm Cocos nucifera is scattered in various parts of the three islands Hulhuvaarulaa Menthandhoo and Golhaalaa and abundant mostly in the inner and central parts of the three islands. Few Barringtonia asiatica (Kinbi) trees were encountered in Hulhuvaarulaa and two Mangrove trees were found on the western side Menthandhoo. Only few coconut palms are observed in Dhoonirehaa. 8- The total vegetated area of Hulhuvaarulaa is 251,092m2, Golhaalaa 150,588m2, Menthandhoo 104,027 m2 and in Dhoonirehaa 52,336m2. Vegetation clearance required for land based construction, including pathways etc., is approximately, 73,664m2 in Hulhuvaarulaa, 21,000m2 Menthandhoo, 21,000m2 Golhaalaa, and 13,88m2 in Dhoonirehaa. This represents approximately 29% of Hulhuvaarulaa, 20% Mendhandhoo, 13% of Golhaalaa and 2% of Dhoonirehaa vegetation cover. 9- Parts of Gadhdhoo Reef encompassing the 4 islands of Hulhuvaarulaa, Golhaallaa, Menthandhoo and Dhoonirehaa can be characterized by distinct bio geomorphic zones. Fore ref zone on the eastern side, backreef rubble zone, backreef seagrass bed on the eastern side, shallow lagoon at the atoll lagoon ward side and seagrass bed in between the islands in the central tidal flat semi enclosed bay area. The reef system reef and lagoon is rich in fish diversity and abundance. 10- In the process of EIA study an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, was assembled for the proposed development project in Gdh. Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a consequence of project activities. 11- The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. The study has identified that most severe negative environmental impact for the islands would be from clearance of 10 hectares of vegetation reef-flat and lagoon excavation for access channel and harbour development and trenching to lay the deepsea cold water intake and outfall pipeline. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. 12- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some alternative design for harbour recommended to locate harbour basin between the reef flat and EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd the island approximately 100 off the shoreline and use a piled jetty to connect the harbour basin and the shoreline. However, given the nature of the proposed development and the fact that fairly heavy load will be transported frequently through the infrastructure, practicality of such a harbour needs to be considered and evaluated as an alternative to the proposed harbour in Hulhuvaarulaa. Also the study found, based on similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance relatively soon (around 3-5 years). IN order to gather consistent data on possible changes taking place it is proposed to undertake an extensive post-development monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 13- The study has identified the following beneficial effects form the proposed agricultural development project in Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa: • Creation of competitive agriculture market for locally grown fruits and vegetables; • Availability of locally grown high quality salad crops that can cater for the high-end tourist resort • Employment: Temporary (10-30 job opportunities during construction period) permanent (over 10-20 jobs during operational phase); • Development of business opportunities in supply and services; and • Capacity building and technology transfer opportunities in modern farming practices. • Improvement of public facilities and infrastructure, general improvement of social conditions and service industry activities, in addition to the increased national agriculture and economic infrastructure. • Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of the four islands; • Improvements in environmental quality of the island; • Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and • Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The study found no evidence that the project requires or involves: • loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; • resettling of local communities; • removing or destroying cultural properties or archaeological sites; • contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. 14- On the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the proposed agriculture development project in Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agricultural development in Maashigiri Island, Raa Atoll
(2016-03) CDE Consulting
The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the proposed agricultural development project in Maashigiri Island, Raa Atoll. The proponent of this project is Flower Island Pvt Ltd, Maldives. The main rationale for the project is to expand the agricultural industry in the atoll, in order to diversify local economy and increase economic and food security. The project involves two main components: (1) physical infrastructure development and; (2) agricultural activities. Key infrastructure include a jetty for island access, administrative and staff facilities, research facilities, utilities (power, water and sewerage) and roads, agricultural houses and irrigation system. Agricultural activities include establishment of a nursery, agricultural fields, forestry areas, and greenhouses. The project is estimated to take 18 working months to achieve full completion of construction works. 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 1993 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Moderate levels of live coral cover was observed in the island reef system. No Turtle nesting sites were observed on the island but locals in Maduvvari did state that there were occasional sightings. Special attention will be given to avoid disturbance to potential turtle nesting sites during construction and operation. Significant adverse impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are anticipated to be the potential impact of vegetation clearing on terrestrial biodiversity, impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent marine life, and the health and safety risks to construction workers. Agricultural activities during the operational phase, particularly the use of pesticide and artificial fertilisers, can also have significant negative impacts on the environment. These include soil erosion and loss of soil fertility, and groundwater and marine water contamination. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The main mitigation measures during construction include revegetation after construction, carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, construction of bunds where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, and employee training and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. During the operational phase, sustainable agricultural practices, including drip irrigation, crop rotations and composting will be adopted to minimise the impacts associated with intensive agriculture. The alternatives evaluated for the project are alternative irrigation techniques, alternative outfall locations and alternative sewerage systems. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes as well the groundwater and marine water quality as these are the key areas that may be impacted from this project in the long term. Use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers, and irrigation water will also be monitored. 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 will provide 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 terrestrial environment due to vegetation clearing and marine water quality and marine biodiversity due to construction activities, as well as the potential long-term impacts of intensive agriculture on soil, groundwater and marine environment. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to minimise these impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture development project at Lh. Lhohi
(2016-08) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Frozen Lemons Pvt Ltd. This EIA report covers agriculture development project at Lhohi, Lhaviyani Atoll. Lhohi is located on the southern side of Lhaviyani Atoll. This island is leased to Frozen Lemons Pvt Ltd by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. Frozen Lemons is the proponent of this project. Frozen Lemons had acquired substantial knowledge and information about commercial agriculture and officials of the company had travelled to neighbouring countries and visited different agriculture projects to gain more experience and information on different agriculture businesses which could be development in islands of Maldives. The project is proposed in Lh. Lhohi. The vision is to establish agriculture in Lhohi which ensure commercial and environmental sustainability. The main aim of this agricultural project is to lessen import of agriculture products to meet the local demand. Work is planned for sustainable agrofarming ensuring the use of environment friendly technology. Under this project, fertilizers will be made using the waste on the island itself and different types of fruits and vegetables will be grown. Agriculture on the island will be done in three main ways. It will be done directly on land, in greenhouses and using hydroponic technology. Water for the crops will be of two sources: harvesting rainwater and desalination using seawater. The Drip Irrigation System will be used for water conservation and will be the main system for watering the plants. The project will develop the necessary infrastructure in the area of power, water, sewage and wastewater to make the proposed agriculture project sustainable. The project also involves developing accommodation and living areas for the researchers and famers on the island. The EIA was undertaken to assess the environmental and social impacts of this project. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the terrestrial environment. Lhohi is not a large island that has been included in the EPA’s Environmental Sensitive Areas list due to the small mangrove ecosystem found on a small area of the island. The development on the island would be carried out by leaving a buffer from the mangroves areas. This would significant reduce the impacts on the mangroves found the island due to the proposed agriculture development on the island. Moreover, there will be impacts on marine environment from jetty constructions. During the operational stage, environmental concerns are much less and are associated with energy, water, and waste and wastewater management. The mitigation measures are provided in the report with alternatives. It is vital to conduct the activities, during both construction and operational stage, in line with mitigation measures emphasized in the report. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed project will be creation of job opportunities in the atoll and development of the agricultural industry in the country. This project will create enormous economic opportunities both in the construction and operational stage through creation of both short-term and permanent jobs and business opportunities especially for the locals at Kurendhoo. This project will introduce and promote the development of agriculture production systems on commercial scale enabling Maldives to provide additional avenue for employment and income generation. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of terrestrial, coastal and marine environment. It is important to follow this monitoring programme not only to comply with the regulation but also to ensure that the impacts are measures in realistic terms.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture development project at Undoodhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-08) Sandcays
This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment carried out for the proposed agriculture development project at Baa. Undoodhoo. The project is proposed by an Individual Mr Ibrahim Abdul Latheef. The proposed project involves producing high value agricultural products for sale in the local market. The project aims to reduce dependency of the local populace on imported fruits and vegetables by growing as many different species of fruits and vegetables on the island. The project will also provide job and training opportunities to youth and contribute to the overall development of the country. It is proposed to produce banana, Papaya, watermelon and mango on the island. An area of 9040 sq.m of land is allocated for farming. The proposed project will have several support facilities including power, water, sewerage, jetty, staff and visitor accommodation and storage facilities developed on the island since the island is remotely located. Under the project, roughly 1.3Ha of the island will be cleared towards the middle of the island. For farming and all support facilities will have a foot print of upto 10% of the total island area. Two jetties of each 60m wil be constructed on eastern and western side facing the natural channels. Services related to the project, such as staff accommodation, power, water and storage facilities will also be established on the island during the construction phase. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. The project areas including clearance areas and dredge areas have been studied. In addition, the island’s vegetation and shorelines were mapped. The studies indicated that the hydroponics area consisted primarily of coconut palms with other island vegetation. It has been estimated from the vegetation surveys that a total of 320 coconut palms (cocus nucifera), 38 Funa/Alexander Laurelwood (Calophyllum inophyllum), Midhili/Country almond (Terminalia catappa) , and 22 other mature trees would need to be cleared, but a lot of it can be preserved if the buildings are appropriately designed/setout. The proposed jetty area has natural channels as deep as -3m MSL. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both construction phase and operational phase of the project. Some of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive resulting mainly from improved socio-economic conditions, increased economic activities in Baa Atoll, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impacts of the project are identified to be the changes to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation and impact on the marine environment from a small degree of sedimentation due to dredging for jetty installation. Mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance take place only where necessary and coconut palms are transplanted on other areas of the island or other island where the trees may be required. It is also required to plant two trees for every mature tree or coconut tree cut down. Septic tank systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the island. The island has a waste management area where green waste will be composed to be used as fertilizer. The activities proposed in the project comply with environmental laws and regulations of the Maldives, including requirements of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. These have been outlined in the report. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative access facilities, sewage disposal, water production and energy generation. The “no-development” option was also analyzed in light of alternative uses of the island. However, upon analysis of the no-project option, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances and use of the island. Considering the other potential alternative uses of the island, the lack of beach on the island does not make it most-suited for tourism development although beaches can be enhanced and a resort can be developed on the island, which would be a better option considering the revenue that it will generate and greater employment potential. The local agricultural produce in market such as those from Maafahi have been contributing to food security and availability of fresh agroproducts for a number of years. Hence, such small scale agriculture projects are becoming increasingly important for the sustainable development of the Maldives. Alternatives to water supply, wastewater disposal and electricity have also been considered. The use of groundwater for the proposed project is minimal only to non portal use of staffs as it is slightly saline and could not be used for irrigation. Wastewater treatment would have negative impacts for the proposed project in terms of use of fuel-based electricity for the treatment process. Therefore, the proposed septic tank system is considered appropriate for such a small scale operation involving a small labour force. Alternative sources of power have also been looked at and recommend the use of solar (photo-voltaic) technology to the greatest possible extent. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the project. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary especially with ground water contamination with the use of fertilizers. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Undoodhoo as an agricultural island. The recommended alternatives may be considered in the light of improving environmental performance of the proposed project.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island at Meemu Fenfuraaveli
(2013) ReefTAC Maldives
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposal for an agricultural development at the island of Fenfuraaveli in Meemu Atoll. The purpose of the project is to develop Fenfuraaveli as an agricultural island with the aim of boosting the agricultural output of the country by providing fresh and organic produce to neighbouring islands and resorts. The project also aims to increase employment opportunities for locals. The MDP Alliance Manifesto (2008-2013) stipulates “expand the use of technology, such as hydroponics in the agricultural sector to help develop and diversify the sector”. M. Fenfuraaveli was leased during President Nasheed’s presidency by the National Planning Council. Several islands were leased for such projects by the Government of Maldives with the aim of increasing agricultural productivity within the country and decreasing import of produce. The project aims to develop the island mainly for hydroponics and cultivation with the inclusion of a poultry farm.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island on Hukurudhoo, Alif Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(2016-06) Sandcays
This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment carried out for the proposed agricultural development project on Alif Dhaalu Hukurdhoo. The project is proposed by an individual, Aminath Arusha Ibrahim. The project targets at using Hukurudhoo to produce high value agricultural produce to be sold to the local market. The project is believed to produce fresher and higher quality agricultural produce such as lettuce, tomato capsicum and bell pepper; most of which are imported at high price in the current market. The aim of the project is to reduce dependency on imported agricultural goods as well as make better produce available from the Maldivian market at a reasonable price. Under the project, roughly 1ha of the island will be cleared and a small harbor (100m by 150m) will be constructed. Services related to the project, such as staff accommodation, power, water and storage facilities will also be established on the island during the construction phase. Environment Impact Assessment is required before undertaking any developmental project such as agriculture development that may have a significant negative impact on the natural environment of the island under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Hence, this report is written to fulfill the legal obligations under the EIA regulation. The proposed agricultural development on Hukurudhoo will produce majority of the produce via hydroponics, as such plots dedicated to farm 4 main crops are designated on the island;  Tomato: 1134m2  Lettuce: 1244m2  Capsicum: 1244m2  Bell pepper: 1244m2 The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both construction phase and operational phase of the project. Some of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive resulting mainly from improved socio-economic conditions, increased economic activities in Alif Dhaalu Atoll as a whole, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impacts of the project are identified to be the changes to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation and impact on the EIA for the Proposed Development of Agriculture on ADh. Hukurudhoo Proponent: Aminath Arusha Ibrahim P a g e | xii Consultant: Sandcays marine environment from sedimentation due to harbor construction work. The main mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance take place only where necessary and dredging activities be carried out within a short period of time. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the island. The activities proposed in the project comply with the environmental laws of the Maldives, its rules and regulations, including requirements of those agencies relevant to the agricultural development works enforcement. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative for a remote harbor in contrast to the proposed embedded design. Also, “no-development” option was also analyzed so that the island could be used by local community as is currently being used. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Hukurudhoo as an agricultural island; nonetheless, the consultants suggest proponent to explore alternatives presented in this EIA prior to construction.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island on Linboakandhoo, Raa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-01) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the proposed development of agriculture on Linboakandhoo, Raa Atoll. The project is proposed by Linboakandhoo Investment Pvt. Ltd. The project targets at using Linboakandhoo for agriculture and produce some of the imported fresh food locally to reduce cost to consumers and also provide them with better quality goods. Among the proposed activities to be carried out on the island includes coconut oil production and free range chicken farming. There will be clearance of about 2ha of the land and construction of a jetty. Services related to the proposed project such as water, sewerage, energy and waste will also be established during the construction phase. At present, Linboakandhoo is an uninhabited island not used for any purpose. However, locals of the nearby communities use the island to collect coconuts, go on picnics and gather firewood. Small sizes of the islands and absence of adequate natural freshwater supplies along with the climatic factors make it hard for majority of food imported to the Maldives to be planted and harvested on a commercial scale. However, there are some species such as melons, egg plants, bananas and coconut palms which can be farmed and harvested economically. The produce can be sold to the growing tourism industry which imports majority of their agricultural products from other countries. Hence, to develop the agricultural industry of the Maldives and to potentially cater mainly for the market demand from tourism was amongst main goals of this project. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative uses of the island such as for a tourist resort. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor negative with highly positive socio-economic impacts. The main negative impacts from the project include habitat loss from vegetation clearance, sedimentation and consequent impacts on marine wildlife health and waste generation during the operational phase. The mitigation measures outlined for these impacts include conserving mature trees to the greatest possible extent, relocating large live corals at the proposed jetty area and establishing dust control plans in addition to employing best-practice guidelines during the operational phase. The most positive socio-economic impacts related to the project are increase in job opportunities, reduction in prices of agricultural produce and increase of national revenue. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Linboakandhoo as an agricultural island.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island on Ungulu, Raa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-05) Sandcays
This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for the proposal of an agricultural development at the island of Ungulu, Raa Atoll. Environment Impact Assessment is required before undertaking any developmental project such as agriculture development that may have a significant negative impact on the natural environment of the island under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Hence, this report is written to fulfill the legal obligations under the EIA regulation. The project is proposed by Ms. Aasima Hassan and the island of R. Ungulu is also leased to Ms. Aasima in 2016 to develop agricultural activities. The proposed agricultural project, at Ungulu is based on production of high quality banana, papaya and coconuts for supplying produce to surrounding resort islands. This project also involves along with the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana, papaya and coconut plantation, small scale goat husbandry and poultry farm, establishment of a fuel reserve and infrastructure such as packing and storage facilities, utility facilities and staff quarters. The proposed development would produce some of the imported fresh food locally to reduce cost to consumers and also provide them with better quality goods. The proposed project has the following major components:  Agro-Forestry: The concept of growing agricultural crops alongside forest trees, for integrated farming systems  Banana (1100m2 plot), Papaya (1100m2 plot) and Coconut Plantation (3268m2 plot): areas are dedicated to growing banana, papaya and coconut palms with some areas allocated for native trees.  Goat Husbandry and Poultry Farm: Providing goats to buyers for religious festivals and poultry products to the market.  Fuel Storage Tanks: to store fuel needed for the operation of the power plant in the island Ungulu agriculture development project is part of the embodiment of the Government’s vision for promoting food security and to increase yield and optimum land use through improved and high yielding crops and hybrid varieties, cultivation designed for more sustainable and commercial scale agricultural produce such as year round banana produce and Maldivian coconut produce. The project would include infrastructure to support the project and land clearance for banana, papaya and coconut plantation. This project involves the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana, papaya and coconut plantation along with goat farm and poultry farm and utility and other required infrastructure such as packing and storage facility and staff accommodation. Construction of the buildings will be kept to a minimum; staff accommodation, kitchen / dining facilities will be constructed to accommodate about 20 people for the agricultural works. A small harbor is to be constructed on the southern side of the island while a small jetty will be constructed on the northern side of the island. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both construction phase and operational phase of the project. Some of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive resulting mainly from improved socio-economic conditions, increased economic activities in Raa Atoll as a whole, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impacts of the project are identified to be the changes to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation and impact on the marine environment from sedimentation due to harbor construction work. The main mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance take place only where necessary and dredging activities be carried out within a short period of time. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the island. The activities proposed in the project comply with the environmental laws of the Maldives, its rules and regulations, including requirements of those agencies relevant to the agricultural development works enforcement. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative for a remote harbor in contrast to the proposed embedded design. Also, “no-development” option was also analyzed so that the island could be used by local community as is currently being used. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Ungulu as an agricultural island; nonetheless, the consultants suggest proponent to explore alternatives presented in this EIA prior to construction.