Addendum III to environmental impact assessment for the development of a 140 rooms tourist resort on Lh. Kanifushi

Abstract

Lh. Kanifushi was awarded to be developed as a tourist resort to Mohamed Nasheed. Initially to be developed by One and Half Degree Pvt. Ltd., an EIA as well as two addenda were submitted to get approval to start with the construction. A number of issues presented in that report are still relevant at present and the bulk of the information is available in the main EIA report. The authorization was granted through decision note (88-ES / MIS / 2007/ 41) which was partly carried out. In a later development, Kanifushi Investment Pvt. Ltd will be taking over and proposes a number of changes to be brought about in the site plans and was asked by the Ministry of Tourism (88-DS / NI – KAN / 2010 / 1 0) to submit an environment assessment of the changes brought about. This assessment is the subject of the present addendum. The major differences brought about are listed below: • Channel entrance and breakwaters • Harbor basin • Beach replenishment and coastal structures for erosion control • Shape of water villa jetty • Building on the western part of Lh. Kanifushi • Building on the Eastern part of Lh. Kanifushi • Positioning of the water bungalows on the northern shore exclusively • Building of the spa and food and beverage outlets on the southern side of the island The present addendum first presents the changes brought about in the design, followed by a discussion on the environmental consequences of these changes. Appropriate mitigation measures are presented together with alternative options. A summary table giving the pros and cons of the changes is given before concluding on the environmental appropriateness of the changes.