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Item Environmental impact assessment proposed mixed use residential complexes in Hulhumale’ hiyaa vehi project(2017-10) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, Ibrahimi) AMIN Construction Pvt. Ltd. proposes to develop 3 Real Estate Complexes for mixeduse residential and commercial purposes in Hulhumale’ known as Hiyaa Vehi Project. The project will be undertaken in 3 land plots (C2-1; C2-2; C2-3) located on Moonimaa Magu and Reethigas Magu. The complex in each land plot will comprise of two residential blocks with a common ground and first floor. The first block (Block A) in each complex will be 13-storey and the second block (Block B) will be 14-storey. The land area of the plots are C2-1 (25,487.52ft2 / 2,367.87m2), C2-2 (27,543.31ft2 / 2,558.86m2) and C2-3 (27,282.07ft2 / 2,534.59m2). Each complex will be developed in a floor area of 14,962ft2 (1,390m2) and the remaining areas will be left as open space. ii) Upon completion of the proposed project, Block A will have 62 apartments and Block B will have 72 apartments in each complex. Hence the total residential use units will be 402 in the three complexes. The Ground Floor and First Floors of the three complexes will be developed as commercial, parking and access ways. A total of 33 car parking slots and over 500 motorcycle parking slots together with some commercial units will be developed in each complex in ground and first floors. iii) The sites will be excavated to a depth of 2.5m to lay the foundations. The entire boundary will be shored with corrugated sheets supported by iron beams as a safety measure while preparing the site ready for construction. The buildings will be developed separately. Each building will rest on a raft foundation. MWSC and STELCO utility services based in Hulhumale’ will be used for all construction and operation purposes. Dewatering will be primarily done on the open areas nearby, hence, no groundwater will be lost from the proposed development. Excavated material will be transported to designated areas in Hulhumale’ 2. iv) The EIA has been prepared as per the EIA Regulations 2012 developed directly under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act and identifies that development of such buildings exceeding 31m in height and over 10 storeys with greater than 5ft foundation require an EIA to be undertaken and approved by EPA before commencement of construction. Terms of Reference for the EIA was approved by 19 September 2017. v) In addition to Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, the project has to comply with Dewatering Regulation, Waste Management Regulation, Hulhumale’ Planning and Building Construction Regulation: Neighborhood 2 and 3, Land Act as well as comply with Maldives National Building Code recommendations. vi) In order to understand existing environmental conditions of the proposed project area, assessments have been undertaken including ambient noise levels, traffic volume and movement, groundwater quality, soil and vegetation, physical condition of the roads. vii) The proposed project will be undertaken in 3 land plots C2-1; C2-2; C2-3. C2-1 is located at 4°13'16.84"N / 73°32'26.01"E. C2-2 is located at 4°13'14.65"N / 73°32'25.79"E and C2-3 is located at 4°13'12.57"N / 73°32'25.59"E. All land plots are located on Moonimaa Magu and Reethigas Magu. viii) The highest noise level was recorded at Site 1 located on the southern side of the project site having 51dB. This is relatively low noise levels compared to other areas due to low traffic and minimal activities that are currently happening in the area. Occasional traffic found on the southern side of the project area raises noise level to a certain degree. Site 2 which is located in the middle of the plots had lesser noise (45dB) as no major activities are happening in the area. Site 3 located on the northern side of the plots had slightly increased noise (49dB) which is attributed to some temporary work happening in the plots. Site 4 located on the western side had the lowest level (43dB) as there are no major activities currently happening in the area. ix) The highest traffic along the road recorded was from motorcycles having 28 during the hourly period. The second highest traffic volume is from cars, mainly taxis having an hourly movement of 12 at the time of the assessment. Some movement of trucks and lorries were seen mainly coming and going out of construction sites. x) The general condition of the soil indicates that upper layers of the soil profile contains medium to dense coral sand with varying depths of loose sand below 2m. Groundwater is found at a depth of 1.4m. xi) The groundwater condition at the site is normal with no peculiar condition of parameters tested, except that some 1 MPN/100ml of Faecal Coliform counts have been recorded from C2-1. However, this is not a serious level. All other sites had 0 Coliform Counts. xii) There are no vegetation found inside the project boundary. However, some mixed mature vegetation are found by the roadside which is out of the proposed project boundary. Hence, there is no requirement for removing these vegetation and there will be no major impacts on these vegetation. xiii) There are currently no buildings adjacent to the proposed plot or the immediate surrounding area, however, some buildings similar to the proposed project is planned to be undertaken within the vicinity. C2-4, which is the southern plot (not part of the project) is getting ready for construction. Also, about 75m southwest of the proposed project, a site is getting ready for construction. xiv) The road condition by the project site namely Reethigas Magu and Moonima Magu are in good condition. No damages and cracks have been observed. xv) The environmental impacts that may be associated with the proposed project are predicted and assumed in the EIA Report. These environmental impacts are divided into construction phase and operation phase environmental impacts. Most of the construction phase environmental impacts are believed to occur from excavation, dewatering, construction activities, operation of construction machinery and vehicles and construction waste disposal. The main environmental impacts believed to occur during operation phase of the project include domestic waste and increased traffic within and around areas. xvi) With appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures as well as conformity to all the legal and regulatory requirements as outlined in the EIA Report, the project is believed to control or minimize most of the environmental and social impacts both during construction and operation phases of the development. Important considerations with regards to mitigating environmental impacts include closing the boundary of the project area, placing safety and dust nets around the building, regularly transporting construction waste and avoiding material transport during peak traffic hours as well as designating proper time periods for construction works have been identified. xvii) Unlike short-term environmental impacts from the proposed development, it has longterm beneficial social and economic impacts, which is believed to tremendously contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Hulhumale’ that can be sustained for over longer periods. xviii) Although during construction of the project, negative environmental impacts from construction activities have been envisaged, with appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures, these impacts will be reduced to a considerable level. Also, with positive socio-economic outlook of the project and considering the overall importance of such a development in Hulhumale’ to alleviate social housing stress, it is concluded that the project is an important project that can be implemented for the benefit of social and economic development.Item Environmental impact assessment proposed MEQ boatyard development project Himmafushi Island, K. Atoll(2017-11) Zuhair, Mohamedi. The proponent of the project, MEQ Boatyard Pvt. Ltd. proposes to develop a full fledge boatyard with all facilities at the existing boatyard found in Himmafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll. The existing boatyard has been leasedާby Himmafushi Island Council to MEQ Boatyard Pvt. Ltd. for a period of 25 years in 2016. ii. The scope of the project is to reclaim existing waterway having 1.1ha from fill material obtained from the lagoon, develop support infrastructures such as boat building factory, workshops, slipway, and boat lifting facility, staff accommodation and office building and develop support services including powerhouse, RO plant, compressor room, fuel and water storages. iii. Under the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and EIA Regulation 2012, the proposed boatyard development project requires an EIA to be carried out and approved from EPA prior to commencement of work. The report presents major findings of the EIA report. iv. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 3 August 2017. v. The scope of this EIA is to assess the existing environmental condition of the project site in Himmafushi Island and surrounding environment, identify potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes due to the project on a regular basis. vi. The proposed boatyard is located on the south-western side of Himmafushi Island at 4°18'27.71"N / 73°34'4.95"E. The southern part of the island has been allocated for light industrial developments as per the land use plan of the island. The existing land area of the boatyard is 230,000ft2. vii. Himmafushi island is an inhabited island with a population of over 1,700 having an area of 42ha found in a relatively large reef having an approximate length of 4.3km located on the eastern periphery of North Male’ Atoll. About 21ha of land has been reclaimed in 2016 making the total land area of the island 63ha. Two other islands are found within the same reef. They are Paradise Island Resort located at 2.2km south and Gili Lankanfushi Resort located 1km south of Himmafushi island. viii. There are two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) vicinity of the project location. Thamburudhoo Thila MPA is located close to the project site at distance of 1.8km NE and Lankan Thila MPA is located 4.2km SW. There are two Sensitive Sites (SSs) within the vicinity of the project site too, they are Huraagandu SS located at a distance of 4.1km north and Okebe Thila SS located at a distance of 6km SW. ix. Two locations from the reef was assessed to understand existing condition. The coral reef assessments indicate that out of the two sites, the highest live coral cover recorded was from Reef 1 located on the western outer reef having a live coral cover of 8%. The main live coral cover type consisted of Porites and other massive coral varieties. Impacts of coral bleaching of 2016 is evident from the reef. Reef 2 site located on the inner reef on the western side had only 1% live coral cover and predominantly covered with dead coral, rubble and sand. Since an access channel and other areas have been previously dredged close to Reef 2 site, large number of corals were observed to be dead. x. A detailed lagoon bathymetry was undertaken from the proposed project area in order to understand the average depths of the lagoon in relation to MSL. The depth of the existing waterway ranges between -3.6m to -0.4m MSL. The existing waterway will be reclaimed as part of the project. The lagoon outside of the waterway boundary has depths ranging -4m and deeper into the existing deep inner lagoon having -6m MSL. xi. Currents recorded from the lagoon by the project site were relatively low having 0.13m/s (Drogue 1) and 0.08m/s (Drogue 2). Relatively low current flow in the area is believed to be due to presence of an outer reef that reduces incoming currents into the inner deep lagoon area. xii. Impact analysis indicates that most of the environmental impacts occur during construction are of short-term and during operation are of long-term in nature. Impacts such as dredging and land reclamation proposed as part of the project have moderate impacts. Since there is no major requirement for site clearance, its impacts have been identified to be negligible. Although some machinery will be used during construction, their impacts have been identified to be minor mostly related to noise and dust during operations. During operation phase, most of the impacts have been identified to be moderate including activities related to boatyard operations as well as impacts related to solid waste and hazardous waste. A notable social impact has been identified to be moderate due to health risks associated with the operations including contact with dust, chemicals and hazardous substances. xiii. Environmental mitigation measures have been identified for all environmental impacts that may be generated as part of the proposed project. Additionally Boatyard Management Best Practices outline key measures for protecting environment and human health from the project. xiv. Although there are a number of environmental impacts from the proposed development, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive social and economic outlook of the project and considering the overall need of the project to region, it is concluded that the project could be undertaken.Item Environmental impact assessment for proposed coastal protection works in AA. Ukulhas Island(2015-10) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimThe Project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy for undertaking coastal protection measures on the northern shoreline of AA. Ukulhas Island. The focus of the project is to protect the northern side of AA. Ukulhas Island as the area is currently undergoing serious beach erosion, which is currently reaching up to island infrastructures. In order to protect the area, the Ministry of Environment and Energy proposes to undertake beach replenishment of a 6,600sqm area on the north and design and construct a 280m long rock boulder revetment along the replenished shoreline. The project has been awarded to Sas e Senok JV Pvt. Ltd. on design and built basis. As the contractor for the project, Sas e Senok JV Pvt. Ltd. has undertaken the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report to be submitted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 23 September 2015. The scope of this EIA is to assess the existing environmental condition of Ukulhas Island and surrounding environment, identify potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes on a regular basis. Ukulhas Island is located at 4°12'56.35"N and 72°51'49.13"E in a single reef found on the NE corner of North Ari Atoll. Both the island and reef is elliptical in shape and has a SE and NW orientation. The length and width of the island are approximately 1000m and 215m respectively. The area of the island is estimated to be 22ha. Main environmental impacts from the proposed project will be from sedimentation including water quality deterioration, reef damage as well as direct destruction of lagoon habitats within the project boundary. Although, these impacts are inevitable, it is effects can be reduced by implementing various environmental management and mitigation measures such as undertaking sand pumping and beach nourishment operations coinciding with low tide and on calm days as well as undertaking the operations in the quickest possible timeframe to reduce impact exposure period. During the operation of the resort, solid waste and wastewater disposal as well as certain tourist activities is believed to generate the most significant environmental impacts especially on the marine environment where the impacts may range from marine pollution, water quality deterioration, potential health risks, destruction of marine habitats as well as aesthetic and cumulative impacts. The project is believed to generate a number of beneficial impacts. These include protection of a critical island environment, protection of school and waste management center. With regards to mitigating and reducing significant environmental impacts from the project, the following measures including use physical barriers such as earthen berms, sand beds and rock boundaries to close reclamation areas, undertake the activities in shortest possible time and on calm days at low tides, reclamation to be undertaken in sections within the boundary, directing sedimentation into the deep lagoon area and number of other measures have been proposed. Although during construction of the project, significant environmental impacts from dredging and land reclamation activities as a result of sedimentation and direct destruction of habitats have been envisaged, with appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures, these impacts will be reduced to a considerable level. Also, with positive social outlook of the project and considering the overall need for the project, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned.Item Environmental impact assessment for proposed coastal protection works in Dh. Maaenboodhoo Island(2015-11) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimThe proposed project is to protect areas affected by beach erosion on the NE, SE, NW and SW of Dh. Maaenboodhoo Island by means of rock boulder revetment breakwater and geobag revetment. In this regard, it is proposed to build a 220m long rock boulder revetment breakwater along the NE side, 550m long rock boulder revetment breakwater along the SE side, 225m long geo-bag revetment along the NW shoreline and 190m long geo-bag revetment along the SW shoreline of the island. Furthermore, profiling and backfilling of beach areas on the NW and SW sides as well as obtaining core fill material for the rock boulder revetments are an important part of the proposed project. As the proponent of the project, it is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy and has been awarded to Sas e Senok JV Pvt. Ltd. on design and built basis. As the contractor for the project, Sas e Senok JV Pvt. Ltd. has undertaken the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report to be submitted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 23 September 2015. The scope of this EIA is to assess the existing environmental condition of Maaenboodhoo Island and surrounding environment, identify potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes during construction and post construction stages of the development. Maaenboodhoo Island is found at Longitude 72.963335 and Latitude 2.695566 in a 5km long reef found on the southern periphery of Dhaalu Atoll. The island is found in the NE tip of the reef and has a NE-SW orientation. The longest point of the island has approximately 950m and the widest point has approximately 350m. The average area of the island is about 20.4ha. Main environmental impacts from the proposed project will be from sedimentation including water quality deterioration, reef damage as well as direct destruction of lagoon habitats within the project boundary as well as permanent changes to the shoreline of the island where project activities will be implemented. Although, these impacts are inevitable, it is effects can be reduced by implementing various environmental management and mitigation measures such as undertaking the activities of the project coinciding with low tide and on calm days as well as undertaking the operations in the quickest possible timeframe to reduce impact exposure period and construct physical barriers to reduce sedimentation. During post construction, environmental impacts identified include risk of flooding in land fill areas as well as physical damage to geo bag revetments as a result of excessive and some destructive use. The key benefit of the project is to protect the shorelines of the island from further beach erosion and protect infrastructure on the island. With regards to mitigating and reducing significant environmental impacts from the project, the following measures including use of physical barriers such as sand beds and undertake the activities in shortest possible time and on calm days at low tides, as well as directing sedimentation into the deep lagoon area and number of other measures have been proposed. Although there are a number of environmental impacts from the proposed development, some of these can bring permanent changes to the environment of the island, other impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive social outlook of the project and considering the overall need for the project, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned.Item EIA for the development of an agricultural product at Baa. Hulhudhoo(2015-10) Zuhair, MohamedThis report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for the proposal of an agricultural development at the island of Hulhudhoo, Baa 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. Aminath Muna and the island of B. Hulhudhoo is leased to Ms. Muna in 2015 to develop agricultural activities. The proposed agricultural project, at Hulhudhoo is based on production of high quality banana for supplying produce to surrounding resort islands. This project also involves along with the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana plantation, the establishment of mushroom culture infrastructure such as a laboratory, grow-out houses for mushroom, packing and storage facilities. The mushroom produced would also be supplied to resorts. The proposed project has the following major components: 1. Agro-Forestry: The concept of growing agricultural crops alongside forest trees, for integrated farming systems 2. Banana Plantation: Over 50 plots (150ft by 150 ft) is dedicated to growing banana, with some areas allocated for fruit orchards. 3. Mushroom culture: producing fresh mushroom by using impregnated spawn and supply to resorts Hulhudhoo 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 mushroom culture. The project would include infrastructure to support the project and land clearance for banana plantation.This project involves the establishment of commercial farming plots for banana plantation along with mushroom culture infrastructure such as a laboratory, grow-out houses for mushroom, 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 no more than 15 people for the agricultural works. A small stilt-jetty is constructed on the western 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 Baa Atoll as a whole, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impact of the project is identified to be the changes to the islandecosystem from clearance of vegetation.The main mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance takes place only where necessary. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-termnegative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to bebased on the island.The Proponent, are committed to undertake monitoring during all stages of the project and the cost monitoring programme has been endorsed. 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. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that needed to be looked in to during construction and operational stage. In my opinion, even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the terrestrial environment, the significant positive impacts that would arise from the agricultural development in Hulhudhoo would provide such as asset for the well-being of the population and residents of Baa Atoll.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Kuda Bandos, North Malé Atoll(2014-06) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimIn mid-2005 and early 2000 the government leased large number of uninhabited islands for development of picnic islands for a relatively low rent. Those picnic island were developed and most of them are used as exclusive high end tourist resort, but the revenue generated for the government from those islands are very low due to low land rent. Therefore in order to generate more revenue to the Government the cabinet during the MDP Government decided to eliminate all picnic island and allocated them for resort developments. This decision was enforced in 2012. In this respect if the picnic island is within 700m radius of an existing resort the government offered the island to the resort if they are willing to pay the acquisition cost of the island, which is about 6 million US$ per hectares. Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd, paid the acquisition cost of Kuda Bandos Island and decided to convert the island to a mixed local and foreign tourist resort retaining the local picnic concept, and established Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd which is a joint venture company with 10% share of the Government of Maldives. This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a resort for mixed local and foreign tourist in K. Kuda Bandos Island located in North Central part of Malé Atoll. Kuda Bandos development project involves development and operation of 90 rooms, two and half-three star resort, with all the necessary facilities and amnesties. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 13.5 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socioeconomic activities. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in Kuda Bandos Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. The proposed project activity will take place on Kuda Bandos Island, an uninhabited island lies in an N-S oriented triangular shape reef on the central part of North Malé Atoll. The island is situated on the southern end of Kuda Bandos Falhu. Vegetated area of Kuda Bandos is approximately 3.27 hectares and island area is approximately 3.9 hectares. Total area of the reef where Kuda Bandos Island is situated is approximately 11.3 hectares and the total area of the reef flat is 5.8 hectares. After the proposed development the total built-up area of the island will be 7,450 m2 which is about 18% of the total land area of the island. Kuda Bandos Island has thick and healthy vegetation all around and inside the island. The canopy of the island is generally high all around the island except for the northern and western sides where a well-established vegetation mostly consisting of mature Funa, Dhigga, Magoo, Kuredhi, young Ruh, Boakashikeyo and Uni. In general, it can be estimated that the vegetation constituent of the island can be divided into around 50-55% Ruh, 20-25% trees such as Dhigga, Funa, Kaani, Uni, Magoo and Boakashikeyo and 15-20% comprising of introduced vegetation used for landscaping such as Saima, Kandholhu, Farudhaa Bageechaa, Croyton and others. Kuda Bandos is formed within its own coral reef system inside the atoll. The coral reef is triangular in shape and the island is found in the middle of the triangle in an egg-shape. This coral reef system has a perimeter of approximately 1.3km measuring from the outer reef edge. Kuda Bandos coral reef covers an area of approximately 7 hectares including the reef slope and the reef-flat. The general reef condition can be regarded as fairly good with increasing live coral cover of 12% on average and diversity towards the northern side of the reef. The lagoon system of Kuda Bandos has an average depth of 1 – 1.2m during high tide periods. It is a relatively small lagoon which is only found from north-east to the eastern side of the island having an approximate area of 8,745m2. The lagoon found on the north-west, west and south-western sides of the island are saturated with beach areas hence, very narrow areas of the lagoon were visible at the time of the assessments. During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in Kuda Bandos Island. 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 result of project activities. 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. Vegetation clearance has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed development. 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. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications to the proposed layout based on the considerations given to the maximum land use and preserve the existing trees and minimise vegetation clearance which will have more impacts on the island. The report has come-up with an extensive 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. As part of the assigned tasks of EIA a list of stakeholders were provided in the TOR to undertake extensive stakeholder consolation during the EIA preparation process. This is because some concerns were raised by the media, soon after the Government’s decision to convert Kuda Bandos to a resort, stating that the island will be closed for local picnics after the development. The issue was discussed with the stakeholders and the truth about the misconception was cleared during the consultation. All the stakeholders except Malé City Council welcomed the proposed development. Malé City Council is on the opinion that Kuda Bandos is the only remaining island near Malé for the picnickers from Malé City and it is the only place where people of this congested city can go and take a breath of fresh air. Therefore they are in the opinion that resort development in Kuda Bandos should not go ahead and the island should be left as it is only for the picnickers from Malé despite the fact that the island will still be accessible for local picnickers after the proposed resort development. The following improvements for the facilities for picnickers and camping site in Kuda Bandos was suggested by the stakeholders during the discussions. 1. Increase the number of public toilets and improve the quality and maintenance 2. Provision of feeding rooms for babies 3. Increase the number of showerheads and properly maintain the water network 4. Increase the number of life guards and first aid facilities 5. Increase the number of guest rooms allocated for the Maldivians 6. Properly demark the picnic and tourist areas with appropriate signage The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Kuda Bandos: Establishment of local tourism opportunities mixed with international tourism Establishment of readily available picnic facilities and other amenities such BBQ pits, dining areas etc. Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of Kuda Bandos Island; 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 report found no evidence that the resort development in Kuda Bandos requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; 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. 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 resort development in Kuda Bandos will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Kodhipparu, North Male Atoll(2014-04) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Kodhipparu Investment Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a three star resort development in Kodhipparu Island located in North Malé Atoll. The proposed project includes development of 108 guest rooms and necessary infrastructure to establish and operate the resort in Kodhipparu Island. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 15 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the country. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socio-economic activities This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in Kodhipparu Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. The proposed project activity will take place in Kodhipparu Island (man-made island by accumulating sand through use of coastal structures and reclamation). The island lies on an irregular shape reef, with a deep lagoon at the center. Kodhipparu Island is located on the eastern end of the E-W oriented Kodhipparu Falhu on the southwestern side of North Malé Atoll. Kodhipparu being located on the southwester rim of the atoll it is exposed to high energy oceanic swells during the southwest monsoon and refracted, reflected and regenerated indirect fetch waves during the northeasterly monsoon. Due to the exposure of Kodhipparu reef to the direct oceanic waves during southwest monsoon the calmest area within the Falhu is on the eastern end. Hence Mr.Ali Fulhu who started constructing the island was aware that the eastern end of the reef is the most stable area with the least energy within Kodhipparu Falhu. The fact that Kodhipparu Island being a man-made island it does not have a proper soil layer with humus content. Most of the existing plant species are very young and introduced by the workers in order to stabilize the cay and hold sediments. Most of the vegetation consists of very basic salt and spray tolerant coastal plants, dominated mainly with, Scaevola sp. Tournafortia sp. Pemphis sp. and some coastal shrubs. Recently planted beach hibiscus, coconut trees, and Thespesia sp exist at the central part of the island. Love birds and parrots are being introduced and reared at the island in cages. Shorebirds and seabirds were known to visit the island. Two species of reptiles were observed, these were the mourning gecko (Lapidodactylus lugubris) and the garden lizard (Calotes versicolor). The overall reef of Kodhipparu reef is not in a good condition. Generally the live coral cover does not exceed 10% in any part of the surveyed area and consists of coral mainly branching and table corals. Percentage of dead coral was found to be very high 30-75% in most areas, particularly on the northern and northwestern side. The water in Kodhipparu is highly saline and not usable for washing or gardening. At present fresh water on the island is transported from Malé and supplemented by the rainwater catchments. During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in Kodhipparu. 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 result of project activities. 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. Sedimentation and increase in suspended sediment level in the water, has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the entrance clearance. 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. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications for resort layout and landscaping. Also the report found, based on the 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 soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive 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. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Kodhipparu: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of Kodhipparu Island; 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 report found no evidence that the resort development in Kodhipparu requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; 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. On the basis 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 planned development in Kodhipparu Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.