Environmental impact assessment note for R.Kinolhas harbor construction project, Kinolhas, Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi, Maldives

Abstract

This impact note deals with the construction of a harbor at Kinolhas in Raa Atoll. 1. The implementing agency for this project is Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure (MCPI). The project will be executed under the Access Improvement Program of the government. The project was awarded to Aima Construction Private Limited, Maldives. 2. The proposed site for the project on the northern side of the Island appears to be the most appropriate location for the harbor development taking into account environment, construction feasibility and economics of the proposed development. There is apparently a justifiable need to sacrifice a portion of beach (land with no vegetation) from the Island to make the mouth of the entrance channel safe, the keep the harbor basin calm and to prolong the life the breakwaters. 3. Baseline environmental conditions at the project site indicated that the coral cover around the harbor basin area was very low. The coastal vegetation around the proposed harbor area was mainly kaani, boakashikeyo, uni and dhiggaa, and does not represent any specific preservation value. 4. Significant environmental impacts are predicted for the proposed development project. But these are short term impacts (e.g. sedimentation). These impacts can be mitigated through proposed environmental impact mitigation measures.