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Item Environmental impact assessment for harbor extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gdh. Atoll(2016-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbour extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 843,060. The proposed project involves extension of the existing facility (which lies on the northern side of the island) by addition of 61m (along its length) to the eastern side of the facility. The project also involves construction of the main quay wall along the extension area and a sand bund breakwater along the outer boundary. Dredged material sourced will be disposed along the shoreline to the east of extension area. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis showed that the main impact due to the project was during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. This impact was also anticipated to be of low effect due to the location (shallow intertidal area with seagrass beds) and scale of project (even though loss of seagrass beds from project site is a permanent impact). Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Positive impact due to the project is the availability of a bigger and more planned area (dedicated area for unloading and passenger use) for use by the numerous vessels of the island and those who visit the island. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative has only been considered for the material to be used for breakwater construction and location of extension. The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are which are mainly of low effect and short term. The benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts and hence the no-project scenario is not considered a feasible option. The Consultant feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation was undertaken with Island Council regarding the concept drawing formulated by MHI. The council stated that they require a side quay wall to be included in the eastern side and if excess dredged material is available back filling areas where erosion is observed. Based on the stakeholder consultation, MHI agreed to change the concept design to include a side quay wall at the eastern side. The revised final drawing is provided in Appendix 5 of this report.Item Environmental impact assessment report development of 100 bed hospital at Addu City(2017-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a 100 bed tertiary level hospital at Hithadhoo, Addu City. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and total estimated cost of the project is approximately MVR 162 million. The proposed project will be developed through redevelopment of the Equatorial Convention Centre which was developed in Addu City to host the SAARC Summit in 2011. Parts of some ponds introduced for aesthetic and flood control purposes within landscaping of ECC development would be backfilled for the construction of the Services and Utilities buildings on the south western and south eastern side of the main building. Once completed, the hospital will be handed over to the Ministry of Health, as the main operator and regulator of the Health sector in the Maldives. The facility will be constructed and developed to provide care in a number of departments and areas, details of which are provided in Section 5.2.1. 1.2 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Moderate impacts on pond water and groundwater resource due to backfilling works; Minor impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plots allocated for construction of infrastructure; Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work; Impact due to flooding within vicinity Impact due to waste generation, especially during operational phase Risk of accidents on hospital staff and patients Positive impact on social wellbeing and health due to provision of good quality care Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include: • Preplanning ways so as to expose backfill material sourced from MRDC, Addu City to rainfall, to decrease its salinity • Proper waste management and disposal to mitigate issues due to domestic waste and hospital related biohazardous waste • Establish Standard Operating Procedures for all departments and facilities at the hospital, so as to avoid accidents which pose risks to the staff and patients Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives has been considered with respect to project location, as there is disagreement from the Council regarding proposed location. While proposed location is an existing structure and thus project development would have minor impact on environment, it is also considered by the island community as a site of significance and hence do not want to turn the facility into a hospital. The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project and disagreements regarding use of ECC for the project would no longer be an issue. However, this means that health care for the population of Addu City will be provided as is now, through the Regional Hospital, which does not offer all of the facilities as proposed in the project. Hence, the community would not benefit from many benefits offered through better health care facilities and services offered through the project. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, given that the project development is mainly at an existing structure. Hence the benefits of developing the hospital and better health care facilities outweigh the cost to the environment and are seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not an ideal solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. One key recommendation of the consultant is the formulation and implementation of regulations which regulate the healthcare sector, especially those related to development of healthcare facilities (and criteria) and waste disposal from healthcare facilities. This is crucial for the improvement of the sector through both proper service provision and mitigating environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment report agricultural development project at Hulhidhoo, Vaavu Atoll(2017-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed agricultural development at Hulhidhoo, Vaavu Atoll by Aarah Investment Pvt Ltd. The capital cost of the project is MVR 10.43 million. 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves the development of Hulhidhoo as mix-use island with an agricultural and tourism component. The agricultural component of the project utilizes hydroponics technology with a vertical farming system to cultivate vegetables and herbs. The produce will be supplied to resorts within the Atoll. The tourism component of the project involves the construction of a Water Sports Centre at the western side of the island. This will cater to the resorts, and can also be used by the atoll community, if desired. In addition to the two key components, the project also involves construction of a football court and coffee shops on the island. 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development works (constructional impacts) and operation of the facility (operational impacts) have been identified through interviews with the resort management, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultation in similar development projects, as well as a review of similar projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed project include: ➢ Moderate direct impacts on the marine ecosystem quality due to construction of access jetty (piling works) ➢ Major impact on terrestrial environment due to need for vegetation, especially that at the mangrove area ➢ Minor impact on groundwater due to dewatering during construction stage and use of septic tank system during operational stage ➢ Minor impact on seawater quality due to brine discharge during operational phase ➢ Impact on ecosystem and air quality, due to solid waste generation during construction and operational phase Positive impacts due to the project are the positive social impacts, in terms of job availability especially during the operational stage. The training programmes for the Atoll community in the area of hydroponics also opens opportunities for new business ventures. The open access to the water sports centre and football pitch is a major social benefit, as this promotes a more inclusive development. Furthermore, the implementation of the solid waste disposal programme by the proponent as a part of the CSR component of the project, is a major benefit for the community, as it addresses a key issues being faced by all islands communities of Maldives. Overall, the project has a positive impact, on the national economy, and that of the Atoll community. Additional impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report. 1.3.2 Mitigation measures The severity of impacts is predicted by reviewing the design plans and construction methods. Mitigation measures are formulated in light of the findings by the project engineers (for the different methods to be used during the construction phase). Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction and operational stage of the project. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize impact on the environment due to the various construction methods. A construction method that has the least impact on terrestrial and/or marine environment has to be utilized. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Considering the alternatives for the project in terms of location and type of economic activity to be carried out has been decided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and the proponent, through lease of the island to the proponent for a specific purpose. Apart from the type of economic activity and location, other aspects for which alternatives have been considered in the report are: ➢ Construction method of jetty ➢ Location of M&E facilities building ➢ Feed water intake method Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. Of these, the location of M&E facilities building is of significance, as the alternative location greatly minimizes the impact due to vegetation clearance, as it offers the opportunity to avoid clearance from the mangrove area. Thus, from an environmental aspect the consultant strongly feels the alternative location is the more feasible option and thus this option is selected. The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. Environmental impacts due to the proposed project are minor to moderate overall, while discontinuation of the project means a loss of income and revenue to the proponent and the national economy, as well as a loss of number of benefits for the Atoll community. Hence, it is concluded that continuation of the project with the implementation of the different mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts is a feasible option.Item Environmental impact assessment harbor construction works at Maduvvaree, Raa Atoll(2015-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbor construction at R. Maduvvaree. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.45 million. The proposed project involves construction of the harbor facility on the southern side of R. Maduvvaree. The harbor will have dimensions of length 211m and maximum width of 86m. The entrance will be from the existing entrance on the south eastern end of the facility. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was due to dredging works which is anticipated to have a moderate impact on marine habitats as a result of sedimentation. Positive impact foreseen is availability of safe harbor for the fishing fleet of the island and additional of land area. Other minor to moderate impacts are discussed in section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including mitigation for the event that the project might be stopped prior to the completion of all works. In such cases, it is advised to ensure that the mitigation measures outlined for this scenario in Table 9 are implemented prior to the departure of contractors. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Equipment/method used for dredging Location of harbor The “do-nothing” option or no project scenario would mean that the large fishing vessel fleet of island would face the same existing difficulty of not having appropriate berthing and safe harbor. However, the no-project scenario also means that the environmental impacts due to the project, which are moderate in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats, will be completely avoided. The existing facility is in need of repair; the outer breakwaters are damaged and does not properly stop waves during NE monsoon. Hence the community feels that southern area is adequate for a harbor, furthermore the area is already dredged therefore cost for construction will also be lower. Therefore given that the benefits of construction of the facility are more significant than the environmental impacts, continuation of the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment swimming area development at Bodufolhudhoo, AA Atoll(2015-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1 Non-technical Summary Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed swimming area development in AA Bodufolhudhoo. The proponent of the proposed project is Bodufolhudhoo Island Council. The total estimated cost of this project is MVR 200,000.00. The proposed project involves dredging the sea grass meadow at the south eastern side of Bodufolhudhoo and creation of a recreational beach and swimming area for community use. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation have been identified through interviews with the island council, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the project are categorized into reversible and irreversible impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase, while some impacts are inevitable during the operation stage. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that the project is envisaged to have minor impacts on the environment due to dredging works at the proposed swimming area (sea grass meadow). Positive impacts due to the project are anticipated to be few, including availability of recreational beach and swimming area for the community and guest operations at the island. Other positive impacts include potential indirect income opportunities in the future through the development of guest house industry. Other impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the reclamation of a sand bund at the outer perimeter of the swimming area to reduce extent of sediment plume. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences esulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Equipment/method used for dredging Location of swimming area Location of dredged material disposal areaThe no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project, which is minor in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats would no longer be an issue. Given the minor environmental impacts, positive impacts outweigh the negative in terms of positive social impacts. Hence discontinuation of project is not seen to be feasible. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. The consultant feels that the project with its minimal impact on the environment is feasible and can be continued with the implementation of proper mitigation measures as outlined in the report.Item Environmental impact assessment report for construction of 14 storey mix use building at STELCO compound, Male’(2016-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background This report is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of a 14 storey mix use building at State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) compound. The proponent of the proposed project is State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves development of a mix use building in the compound of the current STELCO plot, right next to the current STELCO head office building in Male‟. The basement level and part of the ground level is dedicated to parking while the remaining area of the ground floor is allocated for the lobby, circulation and showroom. The first floor of the building is allocated for shops and the second and third floors are to be used as office spaces. The fourth and fifth floor are dedicated for use as convention halls and floors six to ten are to be used as offices. The floors eleven and twelve are allocated for residential apartments while the thirteenth floor has recreational areas such as aerobics/saloons/pool bar/café/pool and gymnasium. Finally, the fourteenth floor which is the terrace has a space allocated for the green roof while the lower roof has tanks for rainwater collection. As part of the construction works, ground improvement measures will be undertaken through micropiling work. 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar construction projects. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts which are anticipated to arise due to the proposed works are as outlined below: Ground water contamination/salinisation due to dewatering works. This is foreseen to be minor and short termed. Social impacts due to groundwater shortage: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed Noise and air pollution during the construction works due to machinery and equipment; impact intensity will vary during different phases of the project Vibration impacts during micropiling work Impact on traffic due to road closure during foundation and floor slab casting periods: minor to moderate impact which is short termed and only during a few days of the project Operational phase of the project is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts. 1.3.2 Mitigation measures There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are mainly discussed for the construction stage since no significant operational impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering, excavation and micropiling works and monitor groundwater shortages. Dewatering should also be carried out as per outlined in the Dewatering Regulation which has been gazetted on 31st December 2013 and will come into effect from January 31st 2014. Detailed mitigation measures are outlined in Table 21 of the report. The report also highlights Grievance redress mechanisms in Section 10.1 of the report. While the operational stage is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts, it should be noted that the proponent has already identified certain measures to conserve energy, and minimize the impact on the environment due to various operational activities. These measures are identified in Section 5.10 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Given the scope of the project and the utilization of typical construction methodology and foundation types, alternatives have only been considered for very few components including: the method used for soil stabilization discharge location of extracted ground water Additionally, a „no-project‟ scenario has also been considered, but not considered feasible due to the need for the project (increased office space and convention halls). Hence given that the impacts to the environment due to the project are mostly minor impacts, this option has been considered not feasible. Alternatives are discussed in Section 9 of the report. The Consultant concludes that the proposed project and methods identified are feasible and can be carried out with minimal impact on environment, especially through implementation of mitigtion measures identified in the report.Item Environment impact assessment for the construction of weather mast at Hoarafushi, HA. Atoll(2016-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction of a 77m (with the instrument boom and lightning arrester total hight will be 82m) high weather mast at HA. Hoarafushi for collection of wind data. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The total estimated cost of this project is USO 191,000.00. . This project is a component of "Renewable Energy Resource Mapping and Geo-spatial Resource Mapping - Maldives Project". The current works are part of second phase of the project which involves data collection for 24 months at several locations around Maldives for developing a validated mesoscale wind atlas for the Maldives. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives The proposed project is not expected to have any impacts during the operational phase. The Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was minor and on various parameters of the terrestrial environment such as vegetation and groundwater. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts. Given the scope of the project the only possible alternatives for the project was a no-project scenario or alternative location for construction of tower. The "do-nothing" option or no project scenario would mean that the data requirement for the wind model will not be available and alternative island to be selected. The selection of the island is made based on phase one of the project which identified locations for data points spread around the island for modeling purposes. Since renewable energy ventures and development of the sector is a policy of government it is essential to undertake all data collection and feasibility studies to be able to make an informed decision. Furthermore the project is a grant from World Bank and government is required to fulfill its obligation in facilitating the project. Therefore given that the benefits of project are high and environmental impacts are low, the no project scenario is rejected.Item Environmental impact assessment for construction and development of water supply system at Dhangethi, Adh. Atoll(2016-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a freshwater production and distribution system at ADh. Dhangethi. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Environment and Energy and total estimated cost of the project is MRF 17 million. To meet the water supply demand and to provide a quality treated water RO desalination with rainwater collection scheme is proposed for the island. The project involves the setup of a RO plant facility with two RO plants each with a capacity of producing 60m3 of freshwater per day One RO plant will be operational at anyone time while the remaining plant will be kept as a backup. Rainwater will be collected from the public buildings which will go through separate treatments before being mixed with RO desalinated water. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational impacts have been identified through interviews with the Project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Minor to moderate impacts to the groundwater resource during drilling and construction work Impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plot Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work Impact on marine environment due to discharge of brine Positive impact on social wellbeing and health Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include following of established guidelines when carrying out excavation works and dewatering and transplantation of Coconut palms around the periphery of the project site. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing these alternatives; Location of RO plant facility Source of feedwater for RO plant Brine discharge location The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. However, this also means that the community would have to continue using only rainwater and groundwater as main freshwater sources. Additionally, it would also mean increased health risks faced by the community due to the use of contaminated water and the loss of potential additional job creation during the operation of the service. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, hence the benefits of establishing the system, though with a cost to the environment is seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project, as the health risks faced by the community is not something that should and can be overlooked. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not a feasible solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Addendum 2 to the environmental impact assessment report for the development of a transit hotel and luxury villas at Baa Finolhas(2014-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis non-technical summary highlights the findings of the Second Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a Transit Hotel and Luxury Villas on the island of Finolhas in Baa Atoll by Coastline Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd. The proponent has brought changes to the concept plan, based on which the EIA for the project was approved. The EIA report was submitted and approved on 21st January 2013. A revised concept plan has been approved and a conditional development approval by the Ministry of Tourism has been provided, conditional to environmental clearance by EPA. This addendum therefore covers description of these changes, their environmental impacts and any mitigation measures that are required in context of environmental impacts and mitigation measures described in the EIA of 2013, The changes proposed to the concept are; Quay wall construction on the land side of the harbour basin Revetment construction on the south western shoreline Construction of a temporary jetty on north eastern lagoon These changes are fully discussed in Section 4 of the report, while impacts and monitoring required are discussed in Sections 5 and 6. While the proposed changes to the concept range from minor to moderate (few cases), the environmental footprint of the proposed changes are anticipated as low. Revetment works proposed is likely to have a positive impact to the shoreline where it has been proposed and nearby shoreline, as the primary objective of the revetment was to control severe erosion in this area. Quay wall, although not part of original concept would provide additional mooring space within the harbour in addition to reducing sediment fill up into the harbour basin without the quay wall. The quay wall construction will not completely block water flow across the harbour along the shoreline as there are gaps in the revetment beneath harbour wall ways. Temporary jetty has been proposed for the construction period only (second phase of the overall project, described in EIA 2013). Hence no significant additional impacts are expected to occur due to the changes to the concept plan and construction of temporary jetty. Therefore, it is concluded that the mitigation and monitoring proposed in the EIA for this development is more than sufficient to address these requirements of the project.Item Environment impact assessment for flood mitigation and reclamation works at Fares-Maathoda, Gdh Atoll(2013-02) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the development of flood mitigation measures at Fares-Maathodaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the South of Maldives. The island is susceptible to flooding due to storm surges and powerful swells and was one of the worst affected islands during the powerful swells which hit the Maldives in 2007, with the entire island of Fares and one third of Maathodaa being flooded. Hence the need for proper flood mitigation measures is crucial in order to ensure the safety of the community of the island during possible similar events which may occur in the future. The project proponent of this project is United Nations Office for Project Services, who were requested by United Nations Development Programme to provide support of developing a comprehensive coastal protection and drainage management support approach to the southern island of Fares-Maathodaa. This project is part of a climate change package from the Danish Government of about $10 million to UNDP. The bid for the provision of consultancy services for carrying out detailed designs for flood mitigating measures at Fares-Maathodaa Island was won by Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI) (and their local counterpart, Riyan Pvt Ltd) and UNI Consulting Services. After conducting a study at the site and undertaking numerical modeling of five engineering interventions which were then proposed to UNOPS and the Government of Maldives it has been decided to construct a continuous offshore breakwater structure of length 734 m, joining the headlands of Fares and Maathodaa on the southwestern side of the island. Physical modeling was then conducted on this option. The breakwater would be constructed using armour rocks of varying sizes and weights which have been chosen based on their ability to resist extreme wave conditions without significant displacement. The core of the breakwater will be filled with dredge material obtained from within the enclosed lagoon area. The project also involves the reclamation of the enclosed lagoon area of 191,700 m2, though this component will be carried out as a second phase of the project, within a short duration of completion of the breakwater construction. Details of this phase will be addressed in a separate report formulated prior to commencement of this project. The construction of the breakwater will be undertaken by UNOPS, while reclamation will be funded and undertaken by the Government of Maldives.