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Item Harnessing the blue economy(Prints Publications, 2015) Sakhuja, Vijay; ވިޖޭ ސަޚުޖާItem Environmental impact assessment for development of a city hotel at Hanimaadhoo, H.Dh. Atoll(2014-05) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Island Expert Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a three star City Hotel on the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island located in North East of H.Dh Atoll. The proposed project includes development of 41 guest rooms and necessary infrastructure to establish and operate the city hotel. 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 6 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 for the people of Hanimaadhoo Island and particularly to the islands on the northern part of the Maldives. 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 Hanimaadhoo Island. This report also presents an assessment of the ongoing work at the land plot allocated for Hanimaadhoo city hotel development following a report by Hanimaadhoo council during the EIA scoping meeting that the developer has already started construction and site clearance work prior to EIA approval. 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 the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island. The island of Hanimaadhoo is a North-south oriented island located at the Eastern rim of H.Dh Atoll. The reef system hosting Hanimaadhoo Island is an elongated shape reef, which has a length of 6.9 km and width of 1.6km. The reef flat is wider at the western side and the island occupies the eastern half of the reef. The island of Hanimaadhoo is an inhabited island with a population of 1200 people is approximately 6.5km long and 40-700m wide and the with increases towards north. Hanimaadhoo is located at latitude 6.7536o and longitude 73.1737o in North H.Dh Atoll (Figure 1). It is approximately 288 km from the capital Male’. H.Dh Hanimaadhoo is a fairly big island having approximately 155ha with thick vegetation mostly consisting of coconut palms and woody trees. The southern part of the island has been developed as a domestic airport, which was recently converted to an International Airport. Almost 50% of the land area on the southern parts occupies airport territories, hence, vegetation clearance and alteration was greatly seen. The settlement of the island is found on the mid-northern parts and is mainly concentrated on the western areas and extending towards north. Main vegetation within the area allocated for city hotel development is fairly intact with coconut palms, funa, dhigaa, hirundhu and small amounts of nika and dhonkeyo as the main cover within the area, which makes up over 50% of the vegetation cover. Most of the vegetation found on the site is fairly young with magoo, uni as well as funa, hirundhu and dhigga. The cover of young vegetation found on the site exceeds 20%. Other types of vegetation that are sparsely distributed on the site include kaani, boashi, kashikeyo, dhonkeyo, and midhili are found in a very small content. It was observed that the vegetation of the site has been greatly altered or to a great extent used by the local communities probably for collection of fire wood, wood and timber as well as for undertaking agriculture in small areas. The reef on the NW side of Hanimaadhoo is characterized by a large reef flat having approximately 50-70m in the width and a very large lagoon having approximately 290-310m in the width. The average depth of the reef flat is about 1m and the lagoon is about 1.5m. The reef crest is found at a depth of about 2-2.5m. The reef slope is observed to be slanted with the upper portion having the most live coral, while the lower portion (below 10-15m) are mostly covered with dead corals, sand and aged rocks. The live coral cover was generally low except for the upper reef slope where the live coral percentage estimated was 12%. The reef flat and the reef crest had 4% and 6% live coral cover respectively. Based on the ground water analysis ground water of Hanimaadhoo city hotel development site is safe to use for all purposes. At present drinking water is transported from Kulhudhuffushi 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 Hanimaadhoo 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 vegetation 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 city hotel 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 city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; 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 city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo 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 city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environment impact assessment : first addendum for the proposed tourist resort redevelopment project in Gasfinolhu Island, Kaafu Atoll(2014-01) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary additional environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed changes to the resort redevelopment project in Gasfinolhu Island Resort, Male’ Atoll. The proponent of this project is Global Pvt Ltd. The primary rationale for the proposed additional activity is to adjust the re-development plan from the observed shortcomings of the initial plan. The proposed revisions include increase in the number of rooms, changes to the room design and relocation of some guest facilities, revegetation, reclamation/replenishment of a 10,000 – 11,000 sq m on the main island and beach replenishment of about 500 sq m of the small islet on the eastern side. 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, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Dredging and Reclamation Regulations 2013 and Tourism Act. Approvals for the project have been granted from Ministry of Tourism and EPA (for coastal modifications). The study area for the project is Gasfinolhu Island and baseline conditions are based on Original EIAs (Phase I and Phase II EIA’s) and monitoring reports/data. Baseline conditions indicate that most of the developments highlighted in the EIAs have been undertaken as specified. Existing coastal modifications such as replenishment and dredging has had short term impacts on the marine environment but has been very localised. Impacts from the current proposal will be cumulative and will mainly have impacts on the marine environment. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report and as practiced in the current environmental management framework. The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, deployment of silt screen or construction of bunds in the project area and where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are alternative near shore breakwater technologies and alternatives for borrow areas. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the shore and the need for mitigation of ongoing seasonal and long-term erosion problem. The monitoring plan is designed to extend the existing monitoring programme. The management plan for this addendum will also be the same framework existing for the project. In conclusion, the proposed additional activities for this project have 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 marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. PreparedItem 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 extension of Kooddoo Domestic Airport and development of a city hotel Kooddoo, GA. Atoll(2013-12) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, Mahmood1. The domestic airport of Kooddoo was built during 2011 and was officially opened in 2011. This 1,200 m long airstrip in the north eastern side of the Ga Atoll serving the emerging high-end resorts have become one of the busiest and most important domestic airports in the south. It is normal to have 7-8 flights per day with mostly tourist passengers arriving and departing. Also relatively large volume local passengers make use of the route for transferring to the islands in the south or simply commuting on business trips. It was also noticed that guests with reputable business credentials were requesting to resort operators to allow their own air-craft (jet) to fly Kooddoo direct rather than having inconvenient and long layover times at Hulhule Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. 2. In order to address this need the Ministry of Tourism (previously Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) engaged with the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Communication in a development project to extend the airstrip and also to upgrade and modernize the airport to provide services to international standards. Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd, a reputable property developer in the region, won the airport development contract through competitive bidding tendered by the Ministry of Tourism. The negotiated contract agreement included development of a 50-room city hotel on Kooddoo and also development of Ga. Maamutaa as an upper-class tourist resort. Under the same agreement the Kooddoo airport will also be managed by Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd, who now has an Aerodrome Certificate to run the airport under their name 3. Following the new Regulation on Reclamation and Dredging of Islands Lagoon and Reefs a permit for dredging and reclamation work was obtained before the scoping of the project took place. As such all paper works, including the dredging and reclamation permit was submitted for the Scoping Meeting held at EPA and was attended by stakeholders. 4. The scope of this development project is to reclaim about 260 m long and 150 m wide area from both ends of the island to extend the runway to 1,800 m, to dredge and create 500 m long entrance channel from the western corner of the reef connected to a harbour basin with access walkway jetty. The scope also includes the complete development works of the 50-room city hotel including upgrading of airport services and equipment following the expansion airport capacity. The most significant development activity with regards environmental change is the dredging of western side, reclamation of the both ends and development 25 over-water bungalows on the shallow lagoon on the western side. 5. Existing environmental conditions have been revised using the comprehensive set of baseline data gathered for the airport development project in 2011 but supplemented by additional field data gathered during the visit made in late November 2013. These have been used to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts from development activities. For activities with potential to cause significant impacts, appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been proposed. 6. Since management of Kooddoo airport is now under Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd the plan is to upgrade and expand the utility services (production of water, generation of electrify and overhauling of sewerage system) to meet the additional requirements of the proposed city hotel. As such the developer plans to add on to the existing structures and arrangements as much as possible to cut down development costs and improve efficiency. 7. The developer pans to increase current water production capacity of 150 cubic meters per day to 450 cubic meters per day. This would involve installing and commissioning of 2 x 150 cubic meters day capacity RO plants. Electricity generation will be increased from its current capacity of 250kVA to 3110 kVA by adding 2x800 kVA units and 2x630 kVA units. The current septic sewerage system will be overhauled to modern Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) plant with a capacity to treat 200 cubic meters of sewage water per day The outflow water will have negligible amount of coliforms and so will be used for watering the plants and landscaping work. 8. Installation and commissioning of electricity generation and water production system will be done as per guidelines of the Maldives Energy Authority and Environmental Protection Agency respectively. Similarly, to ensure safety, drilling of boreholes for source water for RO plant and construction of 150,000 liters of fuel storage, and 20,000 liters of petrol will be stored in bunded areas. Environmental issues arising from these developments have been identified and practical mitigation measures have been proposed. It has been recommend that water production system and power generation system should be registered with the authorities before the its full commissioning. 9. Reclamation works and extension of runway will take place whilst the airport is in operation. In order to avoid disruption of flight schedules it is advised the developer/contractor provide method statements, including details on plans and schedule of activities that should be agreed in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority. Coordination should be maintained at all times between the Air-traffic control tower and developer/contractor. Fortunately since the developer and airport management is the same company it is envisaged that there should not be any problems for this coordination. 10. The estimated volume of material recovered from dredging /excavation works is around 70,000 cubic meters. However, the estimated volume required for reclamation is estimated at 120,000 cubic meters. Alternative borrow areas have been identified to make up for this short fall. The issues were discussed at the Scoping Meeting and it was agreed that area on the south eastern side where the reef-flat is widest may be identified as a potential borrow area. Climate condition and orientation of the Kooddoo reef is such that lagoon often times becomes rough, thus prohibitive safe entry. As such hard structures (breakwaters) have been proposed for the channel and the harbor basin. 11. The proposed reclamation work on either end of the island extends close to the reef edge, creating the possibility of blocking the water exchange from the eastern and western side. It was noted that this may cause disruption of the established longshore drifts flow around the island creating areas of pockets of erosion and accretion. Since it will be difficult to predict such changes, appropriate environmental monitoring have been proposed. The developer/operator is encouraged to follow the monitoring programme and report to the authorities on a regular basis. Environmental monitoring allows detecting environmental change so that appropriate remedial action may be taken or addressed in a timely manner. 12. A Leopold Matrix has been used to classify the magnitude and importance of possible impacts which may arise during the constructional and operational phase of the project. Leopold Matrix is the most widely used methodology for identifying the impact of a project on the environment. It is a two dimensional matrix which cross references between the activities which are foreseen to have potential impacts on the environment and the existing conditions (environmental and social) which could be affected. It was concluded that the short term minor to moderate impacts as identified above outweigh the medium to long term socio-economic benefits to the region, to the tourism sector and to the country in general. 13. Since the Kooddoo Island is going to have three distinct business entities, namely Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives Ltd, Kooddoo Airport, and the Kooddoo City Hotel, the EIA report includes, an officially approved boundary demarcations in Annex 3.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.Item Environmental impact assessment : tourist resort development at Kudafushi, Raa Atoll, Maldives(2014-09) Sharkventures LLPMr. Ali Zahir of H. Iruvelige proposes to develop a 106-Room (212 Beds) tourist resort on the island of Kudafushi located in Raa Atoll, Maldives. The resort will be developed as a 4-Star tourist resort mainly targeting for middle market clients. The proposed project will involve development of 71 Beach Villas, 35 Water Villas, support facilities and services for tourists and staff of the resort. Mr. Ali Zahir of H. Iruvelige, Male’ is the project initiator and developer. He has been engaged in trade business for a number of years mainly dealing with supplying of construction material, goods, oil and various other items to a number of private and government companies as well as his involvement in business includes provision of services equipment such as sewerage treatment plants, desalination plants, engines and spare parts and waste management equipment to the private sector. This EIA is prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 7 August 2014. It is a legal requirement that new projects having potential for environmental impacts gain environmental clearance or approval prior to construction and operation of such projects. Environmental clearance is obtained through submission and approval of EIA by Environmental Protection Agency of Ministry of Environment and Energy. The proposed tourist resort development on Kudafushi Island is estimated to cost around US$ 22 Million. The development of Kudafushi Island in Raa Atoll as a tourist resort being a development project it becomes compulsory for the developer to produce EIA in accordance with the procedures and guidelines set forward from the concerning government authority (Environmental Protection Agency of Ministry of Environment and Energy) since the project may generate adverse impacts on the environment. The development concept of Kudafushi Island as a tourist holiday maker destination is purely based on the experience of the Maldives, its people, culture, tradition, community and the lifestyle. The resort development will be blended into the island setting and the unique environment of the island and the total build-up area will not exceed 30% of the total land area in order to ensure carrying capacity limits of the island are respected. The project will be completed within a period of 18 months. Kudafushi Island is located on the inside of Raa Atoll more towards the southern and eastern inside of the atoll. The island is located at 5°30'38.83"N and 72°58'49.62"E. The Island is oval in shape oriented E-W and is found in a single reef that has similar island shape. The island is located more on the western side of the oval reef. The island has approximately 490m in length and 180m in width and has an approximate land area of 10ha. All development activities whether small or large-scale are believed to generate a number of environmental consequences and implications of which some are positive and others are negative. The most immediate and visible environmental impacts are believed to be associated during the construction stages of the development. In this regard the following environmental impacts are predicted for the construction stages of the proposed development. These include: loss of vegetation and habitats; loss of soil organisms and habitats; groundwater depletion; pollution of island environment; loss of aesthetic quality; impacts of construction work force; impacts of construction machinery on the island; impacts on the reefs from water villa and jetty construction; impacts from construction machinery operation in the lagoon. The long-term or the operation stage impacts can impose serious threats to the environment of the island due to the continuous nature of some of the activities and will be very difficult to deal with due to the complexity of certain impacts where it will be felt simultaneously on the environment during the operation of the island. The main impacts during the resort operation are predicted to be; land degradation; groundwater depletion; impacts from solid waste disposal; impacts from wastewater disposal; impacts from sewage disposal; impacts from waste oil disposal and potential oil spills; impacts from pesticides and chemicals; impacts from boat activities; impacts from tourist activities. Coral reef and island environments are highly fragile and vulnerable ecosystems, therefore, are susceptible to high degrees and magnitudes of environmental impacts. Such impacts generating from various coastal projects cannot be completely stopped neither can they be reduced or minimized unless effective management and mitigation measures as well as remediation are well placed accordingly. A number of general measures will be taken into consideration during the initial construction and operation of resort on the island. In this regard, the construction and operations of the island will be guided by Environmental Management Plan and Contingency Plan. Various alternatives in terms of locations and various project activities and methods for the development of Kudafushi have been outlined in the EIA report. Justifications for preferred options, locations and methods have been outlined. The alternatives include; alternative locations for water bungalow development, alternative construction methods, alternative resort layout as well as no development option. The main socio-economic benefit of the project to the nearby communities in Raa Atoll include creation of new employment opportunities, market for of construction material, agricultural products, fisheries products locally produced, improved local economy and improved living standards in the Atoll as well as support to development of local infrastructure. On the negative side, fishermen are concerned about losing some fishing and baitfishing grounds as introduction of tourism may put pressure on them not to use such areas for fishing. The main socio-economic benefit of the project to the nearby communities in Raa Atoll include creation of new employment opportunities, market for of construction material, agricultural products, fisheries products locally produced, improved local economy and improved living standards in the Atoll as well as support to development of local infrastructure. On the negative side, fishermen are concerned about losing some fishing and baitfishing grounds as introduction of tourism may put pressure on them not to use such areas for fishing. The overall environmental performance will be monitored by an environmental monitoring framework that will be implemented as part of the proposed tourist resort development on Kudafushi Island, Raa Atoll.Item Environmental impact assessment for harbour development in Fainu Island, Raa Atoll(2014-12) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThe proponent of R. Fainu harbour development project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The Ministry is the government's responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted to undertake the harbour construction work in K Fainu. Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) has been contracted to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MTCC) for the development of a harbour in IL Fainu Island to accommodate easy access and provide mooring facilities for the vessels. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. The Government started development of a harbour in R. Fainu in early 2011. Harbour dredging work started in 2011 but mid-way through the project the dredging work was stopped and the contactor pulled out their equipment after a contractual dispute. The company left creating a mass with uncompleted work and piles of sand and dredged material gathered at the fringes of the dredged areas. Due to this the sand piles accumulated at the harbour area gradually inundated, eroded and spread on the on the reef and lagoon and deposited making the harbour shallow and unusable. At present, apart from a narrow strip, most of the dredged area is completely filled with and remaining deeper areas are hardly usable for mooring vessels. The need for a proper harbour for the island has been recognised by the government and decided to develop a new harbour west of the existing dredged area to provide safe passage and shelter for the vessels operating to and from R. Fainu Island. The study investigates impacts associated with the dredging of R. Fainu harbour basin, entrance channel, harbour protection; tinctures and areas for disposal of dredged material. Also the impact of uncompleted dredging and harbour development work to the reef and lagoon of R. Fainu Island. The proposed harbour has a width of 200ft and a length of 305ft and an entrance channel which will be cut through the reef into the atoll lagoon has a width of 18m and a length of 60m. The harbour basin will be dredged to maintain an avenge depth of -3m with respect to the MSL. A total of approximately 15,000 cubic meters of dredged material is expected to be produced. This material will be used for reclamation on both eastern and western side of the harbour and excess will be used for the nourishment of the beach on the east coast of the island which at present is undergoing severe erosion. The environmental baseline of the island has been established in the approved EIA report of Fainu Island prepared in 2010. Main focus this reports is to document the changes that occurred after the harbour dredging activities conducted in 2011. This EIA has been carried out on the basis that it is necessary to carry out harbour development project at R. Fainu to facilitate socio-economic development and easy access to the island. The project has a number positive and negative impacts. The negative impacts can be effectively mitigated through right actions and implementation of the monitoring plan.Item Environmental impact assessment for the construction of additions at B. Landaa Giraavaru(2014-03) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingThe potential environmental impacts associated with the construction of Additions at Landaa Giraavaru are assessed in the present report. Landaa Giraavaru Resort is looking to upgrade its facilities with a wedding pavilion, a new line employee block and an upper floor at the management block. The wedding pavilion is required in order to provide a response to the existing tourist demand of celebrating nuptials in a separate and intimate environment. The staff buildings are required to accommodate the increasing number of employees. In order to meet the highest standards, the wedding pavilion has been designed as an overwater structure, not connected to land. Landaa Giraavaru has been developed since 2004 by Landaa Giraavaru Pvt. Ltd. as a tourist resort and is operated by Four Seasons. The proponent contracted Seamarc Pvt. Ltd. to carry out the survey and environmental impact assessment for the current project. The assessment analyses the environmental conditions at the site with regard to the proposed activities, in order to forecast the impacts. It then proposes solutions, alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits from the project. Main equipment to be used is a floating barge, concrete mixer, excavators and general construction tools operated by the resort engineering department. The present development follows the legislation, plans, policies, guidelines and international conventions outlined by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) of the Maldives and the Maldives Tourism Act of Maldives. There are many stakeholders that can affect and be affected by the development projects. The project proponent has a duty to conserve the environment and the environmental consultants play a major role in informed decision making and communication of information. The MOT, MEE and EPA are responsible to implement the EIA process. Impacts to the environment are divided into two. Impacts during construction - physical and indirect impacts are predicted using survey results and past experiences - and impacts during operations-. Limitations in impact prediction are possible. Significant impacts assessed include: disturbance of sea bed, modification of the hydrodynamic regime, loss of habitats and vegetation, sedimentation due to sediment plume, noise, smell and other disturbances to habitats as well as greenhouse gas emissions.The no-project scenario will lead to the lack of updated facilities for the resort’s operation. Alternatives to the proposed project has been studied -including different locations of the buildingsfinding many disadvantages. Mitigation measures will be adopted for each of the impacts mentioned. Monitoring to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures and environmental impact monitoring will be carried out under the supervision of environmental consultants.Item Environmental monitoring for Adaraan Meedhupparu, R. Meedhupparu(2014-03) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingThis environmental monitoring reviews the condition of the environment of Meedhupparu after the implementation of the Coastal Works in year 2012. The natural environment is described, assessed and compared to data from previous years. The bathymetry of the west coast was analysed and comparison drawn between the baseline and post work situation. The data accumulated since 2012 on the substrates around Meedhupparu were gathered and compared. Among all the sites rock has always been the primary substrate, (from 66.40 to 77.20%) followed by rubble (from 9.60 to 18.80%) and sand (from 1.20 to 11.60%). Coral was the fourth substrate varying between 4 and 11.60%. The evolution of the coral cover during 2012 to 2014 was assessed in selected zones. Since 2012, the general trend for sites on the west coast was of no change showing almost the same averaged coral cover.