ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Ayada Maldives GDh. Magudhdhuvaa Island

August 2019

Prepared for: Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) PLC Prepared by: Mohamed Zuhair (EIA01/15) & Ibrahim Shakir (BP03106) Page | 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 17 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 21 2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT ...... 21 2.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENT ...... 22 2.3 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND RATIONALE ...... 23 2.4 DONORS AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ...... 25 2.5 EIA BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE ...... 25 2.6 EIA APPROACH, SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE ...... 25 2.7 EIA METHODOLOGY ...... 26 2.8 REVIEW OF RELEVANT STUDIES ...... 27 2.9 EIA TEAM ...... 28 2.10 EIA TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) ...... 29 3. STUDY AREA ...... 30 4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 32 4.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING ...... 32 4.2 PROJECT PROPONENT ...... 32 4.3 PROJECT OUTLINE ...... 33 4.3.1 Scope of the Project ...... 33 4.3.2 Coastal Modification Concept ...... 33 4.4 KEY PROJECT DEVELOPEMNT ...... 33 4.4.1 Temporary Setup and Arrangement ...... 34 4.4.2 Beach Nourishment Works ...... 34 4.4.3 Burrow Site ...... 36 4.4.4 Coastal Protection ...... 38 4.4.5 Environmental Monitoring During Project Implementation ...... 39 4.4.6 Key Measures for Environmental Protection During Project Implementation ...... 40 4.5 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ...... 40 4.5.1 Project Duration ...... 40 4.5.2 Communication ...... 40 4.5.3 Work Safety ...... 40 4.5.4 Fuel Management ...... 41

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4.5.5 Emergency Plan ...... 41 4.5.6 Key Project Inputs ...... 41 4.5.7 Key Project Outputs ...... 41 4.6 ACTIVITIES THAT ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 42 4.7 AFFECTED BOUNDARIES ...... 42 5. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...... 44 5.1 APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS...... 44 5.1.1 Tourism Act of Maldives (Law No. 2/99) ...... 44 5.1.2 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and Amendments, 2014 45 5.1.3 Maldives EIA Regulation and Amendment, 2018 ...... 46 5.1.4 Penalty and Liabilities Regulation, 2011 ...... 47 5.1.5 Waste Management Regulation and Amendments, 2018 ...... 47 5.1.6 Dredging and Reclamation Regulation, 2013 ...... 49 5.2 RELEVANT POLICIES ...... 49 5.2.1 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2016-2025 ...... 49 5.2.2 National Solid Waste Management Policy, 2007 ...... 50 5.3 RELEVANT AUTHORITIES ...... 51 5.3.1 Ministry of Tourism, MOT ...... 51 5.3.2 Ministry of Environment, MOE ...... 51 5.3.3 Environmental Protection Agency, EPA ...... 51 5.4 PERMITS OBTAINED AND REQUIRED ...... 52 6. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 53 6.1 DATA COLLECTION METHODS ...... 53 6.1.1 Geophysical Environment ...... 53 6.1.2 Climate Environment ...... 53 6.1.3 Coastal and Marine Environment...... 54 6.1.4 Derivation of Environmental Indicators...... 54 6.1.5 Uncertainties on Data Collection Methods ...... 54 6.2 ASSESSMENTS UNDERTAKEN...... 55 6.3 GEOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 60 6.3.1 Geography and Environmental Setting ...... 60 6.3.2 Geology and Geomorphology ...... 60 6.3.3 Characteristics of Seabed Sediments ...... 61

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6.4 CLIMATE ENVIRONMENT ...... 63 6.4.1 Climatic Setting...... 63 6.4.2 Monsoons ...... 63 6.4.3 Temperature ...... 63 6.4.4 Rainfall ...... 65 6.4.5 Sunshine ...... 66 6.4.6 Winds ...... 67 6.5 COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT...... 70 6.5.1 Coastal Geomorphology ...... 70 6.5.2 Seasonal Erosion and Accretion...... 72 6.5.3 Tides ...... 74 6.5.4 Currents ...... 75 6.5.5 Swells ...... 75 6.5.6 Waves ...... 76 6.5.8 Assessments on Coral Reefs ...... 76 6.5.9 Assessments on Reef Fish ...... 79 6.5.10 Other Observations on the Reef ...... 80 6.5.11 Assessments on Seawater ...... 81 6.5.12 Marine Protected Areas and Sensitive Sites ...... 82 6.6 HAZARDS VULNERABILITY ...... 82 6.6.1 Major Natural Hazards ...... 83 6.6.2 Distribution Pattern of Natural Hazards ...... 83 7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 86 7.1 METHODS ...... 86 7.1.1 Impact Prediction ...... 86 7.1.2 Impact Significance Analysis ...... 86 7.1.3 Limitations and Uncertainties ...... 88 7.1.4 Justification of the Method Used ...... 88 7.2 IMPACT PREDICTION ...... 89 7.3 DESCRIPTION OF IMPACTS ...... 90 7.3.1 Construction Phase Impacts ...... 90 7.3.2 Construction-related Hazards and Risks ...... 92 7.3.3 Operation Phase Impacts ...... 92 7.3.4 Positive Impacts ...... 93 7.4 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION ...... 94 Page | 4

8. MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 96 8.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR PREFERRED MITIGATIONS ...... 96 8.2 LIMITATION OF MITIGATIONS ...... 96 8.3 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ...... 97 8.3.1 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Sand Pumping ...... 97 8.3.2 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Beach Nourishment ...... 98 8.3.3 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Construction of Groynes ...... 99 8.4 OPERATION PHASE ...... 99 8.4.1 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Maintenance Sand Pumping ...... 99 8.4.2 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Maintenance Beach Nourishment ...... 100 8.5 COMMITMENT ...... 101 8.5.1 Rationale ...... 101 9. ALTERNATIVES ...... 102 9.1 NO DEVELOPMENT OPTION ...... 102 9.2 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS ...... 103 9.2.1 Alternative Burrow Sites ...... 103 9.3 ALTERNATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURE ...... 104 9.3.1 Use of Turbidity Curtains ...... 104 9.4 ALTERNATIVE COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURE ...... 105 9.4.1 Use of Geobag Groynes ...... 105 10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING...... 107 10.1 BACKGROUND ...... 107 10.1.1 Aim ...... 107 10.1.2 Objective ...... 107 10.2 MONITORING REPORT ...... 108 10.2.1 Report Format ...... 108 10.2.2 Frequency ...... 108 10.3 MONITORING PLAN ...... 109 10.3.1 Quality Control Assurance ...... 110 10.3.2 Commitment ...... 110 11. CONCLUSIONS ...... 111 12. REFERENCES ...... 114 13. APPENDICES ...... 115

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of the Project in G.Dh. Atoll ...... 10 Figure 2: Project Concept ...... 11 Figure 3: Areas affected by beach erosion ...... 21 Figure 4: Present site conditions ...... 22 Figure 5: Serious beach erosion on the SW side in 2016 ...... 23 Figure 6: SW side after nourishment and coastal protection in October 2018 (above) and July 2019 (below) ...... 24 Figure 7: Erosion on the western side (left) and eastern side (right) July 2019 ...... 24 Figure 8: Study area ...... 31 Figure 9: Proposed beach nourishment areas (marked in red) ...... 34 Figure 10: Concept of beach nourishment ...... 36 Figure 11: Proposed burrow site and alternative sites ...... 36 Figure 12: Sand barge and sand pump to be used ...... 38 Figure 13: Groynes installed on the SW side from previous coastal modification project of 2016 .... 39 Figure 14: Key impact boundaries from the proposed project ...... 43 Figure 15: Existing shoreline and lagoon bathymetry of the project site ...... 56 Figure 16: Beach profiles taken around project areas ...... 57 Figure 17: Drogue study around project areas ...... 58 Figure 18: Marine assessment sites ...... 59 Figure 19: Reef system in which the island is found and the extended part of the reef in the south .... 61 Figure 20: Seabed characteristics at proposed burrow site ...... 62 Figure 21: Seabed characteristics at alternative burrow site 1 (left) and 2 (right) ...... 62 Figure 22: Seabed characteristics at alternative burrow site 3 ...... 62 Figure 23: Average maximum and minimum temperatures (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 64 Figure 24: Comparison of max temperature for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 64 Figure 25: Comparison of min temperature for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 65 Figure 26: Average rainfall (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv) .... 65 Figure 27: Comparison of rain for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 66 Figure 28: Average sunshine (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv) .. 66 Figure 29: Comparison of sunshine for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 67

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Figure 30: The average of mean hourly wind speeds (dark gray line), with 25th to 75th and 10th to 90th percentile bands (weatherspark.com)...... 68 Figure 31: The percentage of hours in which the mean wind direction is from each of the four cardinal wind directions, excluding hours in which the mean wind speed is less than 1.0 mph. The lightly tinted areas at the boundaries are the percentage of hours spent in the implied intermediate directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest)...... 68 Figure 32: Comparison of wind speed for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 69 Figure 33: Wind frequency chart of Gan for May 2016 (Source: www.meteorology.mv) ...... 69 Figure 34: Google Earth images of Magudhdhuvaa in 2013 (top left), 2014 (top right), 2015 (bottom left) and ...... 70 Figure 35: A generalized hydrodynamics around the island during NE and SW ...... 72 Figure 36: Erosion on the western side ...... 73 Figure 37: Sand accumulation by the groynes on the south-western side ...... 73 Figure 38: Present condition of beaches on the eastern side ...... 73 Figure 39: S. Meedhoo tide predictions from 20 – 23 April 2019 (www.tidetime.org/asia/maldives/meedhoo.htm) ...... 75 Figure 40: Coral cover at the three survey sites around Magudhdhuvaa Island (LC=live coral, DC = dead coral, DCA = dead coral with algae, RCK = rock, RBL = rubble, SND = sand) ...... 77 Figure 41: General reef conditions at RF1 ...... 78 Figure 42: General reef conditions at RF2 ...... 78 Figure 43: General reef conditions at RF3 ...... 78 Figure 44: General reef conditions at RF4 ...... 78 Figure 45: Reef fish assessment results from 4 locations around Magudhdhuvaa Island ...... 79 Figure 46: Bleached corals in 2016 (EIA 2016) ...... 80 Figure 47: Present day reef condition with impacts of bleaching of 2016 ...... 80 Figure 48: Coral frames found on the western side reef in 2016 (EIA 2016) ...... 81 Figure 49: Coral frames with less coral in 2019 ...... 81 Figure 50: Relationship between hazard intensity and frequency of ...... 83 Figure 51: Latitudinal variations of major natural hazards across the Maldives (UNDP, 2008)...... 84 Figure 52: Longitudinal variations of major natural hazards across the Maldives (UNDP, 2008) ...... 84 Figure 53: Alternative burrow sites ...... 103 Figure 54: Use of turbidity curtains around dredge sites ...... 104 Figure 55: A turbidity curtain ...... 105 Figure 56: An example of a geo bag groyne ...... 106

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Burrow site and alternative site locations and volume estimate ...... 36 Table 2: Project schedule ...... 40 Table 3: Key Project inputs ...... 41 Table 4: Key Project Outputs ...... 42 Table 5: Magudhdhuvaa beach profile GPS locations ...... 71 Table 6: Tide prediction table for S. Meedhoo (www.tidetime.org/asia/maldives/meedhoo.htm) ...... 74 Table 7: Current assessment ...... 75 Table 8: GPS coordinate of the reef assessment sites ...... 76 Table 9: GPS coordinate of seawater sampling location ...... 82 Table 10: Seawater analysis results ...... 82 Table 11: Impact significance criteria ...... 87 Table 12: Significance rating matrix ...... 87 Table 13: Significance colour scale ...... 87 Table 14: Impact prediction table ...... 89 Table 15: Impact analysis table ...... 94 Table 16: Environmental monitoring plan ...... 109

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ABBREVIATIONS

BATNEEC Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Costs BPEO Best Practice Environmental Option BOH Back of the House EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPPA Environmental Protection and Preservation Act GPS Global Positioning System LIT Line Intercept Transect MEE Ministry of Environment and Energy MWSC Male’ Water and Sewerage Company MSL Mean Sea Level MPA Marine Protected Area MOT Ministry of Tourism TOR Terms of Reference 4TMP Fourth Tourism Master Plan

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The Project Site

Figure 1: Location of the Project in G.Dh. Atoll Page | 10

The Project Concept

Figure 2: Project Concept Page | 11

CONSULTANT DECLARATION

I, Mohamed Zuhair, Registered EIA Consultant at the Ministry of Environment of Maldives with the Registration Number EIA 01/15, hereby declare that the statements in this Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Ayada Maldives in Magudhdhuvaa Island in G.Dh. Atoll are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and abilities.

The EIA Report has been prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by EPA on 8 January 2019.

Name: Mohamed Zuhair (EIA01/15)

Signature:

Date: 1 August 2019

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

i. Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) PLC proposes to undertake coastal modification works at Magudhdhuvaa Island involving beach nourishment and installation of groynes for coastal protection of western and eastern shorelines of the island which are currently experiencing severe beach erosion. The island has been sub leased to Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd by MTDC, who currently operates the resort under the brand Ayada Maldives. As the operator, Ayada Maldives will implement the project.

ii. As part of the project, 470m of beach length on the western side of the island and 490m of beach length on the eastern side will be nourished with sand having an average beach extent of 10m to a beach height of 1.4m above MSL. The total area on the western side is estimated to be 3,037m2 and on the eastern side is 3,941m2. The final beach height after nourishment will be 1.4m above MSL. Thus, in order to undertake the proposed beach nourishment works, 4,251m3 of sand for the western side and 5,517m3 of sand for the eastern side will be required (total of 9,768m3 of sand) including beach slopes. The required sand will be obtained from the proposed burrow site located on the south- western side of the lagoon having an area of 6.664m2. Also, the project involves installation of 5 concrete roundhead 20m long groynes on replenished beaches on the western and eastern sides for protecting and sustaining the beaches. iii. The proposed coastal modification project concept is approved by MOT on 27 November 2018. iv. This EIA has been prepared as per new EIA governance structure where all EIAs relating to tourist resort and tourist hotel development, ongoing and operational projects have been taken back to be implemented under EIA Regulation from December 2018 by EPA. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 8 January 2019.

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v. The scope of this EIA is to assess the present condition of beach erosion on the western and eastern sides of Ayada Maldives and surrounding environment, predict potential environmental impacts from proposed coastal modification works including beach nourishment and installation of groynes, propose environmental mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes during short-term and long-term as a result of the project.

vi. Magudhuvaa Island is a relative sized island having 15ha in its area and is located on the southern parts of GDh. Atoll in a single reef. The southern side of the reef is narrowly extended towards the atoll periphery. The closest islands are Gazeera (planned resort) 2km SE, Bodehutta (planned resort) 1.7km SW, Vaireyaadhuvaa (varuva) 2.2km NW. The closest inhabited islands are Gaadhoo 11km east and Vaadhoo 10km west.

vii. There are no formal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project or in GDh. Atoll. However, a sensitive site known as Faanuhutta (a small sand cay) enlisted in the Environmentally Sensitive Sites List maintained by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is found at 6km east. viii. Given that the southern side of the island is heavily exposed to swells, the beaches on the western, southern and eastern sides of the island are highly dynamic and have seasonal attributes.

ix. The coral reef assessments indicate that highest live coral cover recorded was from RF1 located on the eastern part of the reef having a live coral cover of 8% and the rest of the sites including RF2, RF3 and RF4 had very less live coral cover having between 3 – 4% live coral cover. High percentages of dead coral, dead coral covered with algae and rubble were observed to be dominating the reefs around the island. This is believed to be as a result of 2016 coral bleaching event that occurred throughout the Maldives. However, coral bleaching was observed during the reef assessments. The dead coral compositions on all sites were similar having between 25% - 30% cover except for rocks, which were under 10% cover on all sites.

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x. Generally speaking, the reef fish abundance and diversity was observed to be low compared to other reefs. This may be as a result of current reef conditions at the sites. The results of the reef fish assessments indicate that the reef fish abundance and diversity found among the four sites were highest at RF1 having a total number of 119 fish belonging to 18 families. All other sites had similar conditions in terms of number of reef fish and species cover, having a total of 82 fish from 11 families for RF2, a total of 93 fish from 11 families for RF3 and a total of 76 fish from 14 families at RF4. Thus, the reef fish diversity overall in the reef was quite similar.

xi. EIA Report undertaken in 2016 reported coral bleaching around the reef of Magudhdhuvaa Island as a result of the massive coral bleaching event that occurred throughout the Maldives during 2016. However, during the recent assessments, no coral bleaching was observed from the reef. Nonetheless, the impacts of coral bleaching of 2016 were still visible from the reef.

xii. The seawater conditions at the project sites were fairly good in condition. Turbidity is slightly high at SW2, which is believed to be due to sedimentation from ongoing erosion on the western side of the island. xiii. The environmental impact analysis undertaken for the project indicates that most of the environmental impacts occur during construction are of short-term and during operation are of long-term in nature. The moderate environmental impact is believed to occur from sand pumping and beach nourishment activities due to a number of environmental impacts associated including direct and indirect impacts to reef and lagoon such as from sedimentation, etc. Impacts from construction of groynes on the beach also have minor environmental impacts mainly resulting from sedimentation and alteration of nearshore hydrodynamics. xiv. During operation phase impacts associated with maintenance sand pumping and maintenance beach nourishment are evaluated to be minor, however will occur on a long-term basis.

xv. Although there are some magnitudes of environmental impacts associated with the proposed project, it is believed that these environmental impacts can be greatly reduced

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by implementing a number of environmental management and mitigation measures including control of sedimentation by undertaking marine related activities on calm weather conditions and implementing the activities as soon as possible in order to reduce impact exposure period. xvi. Environmental monitoring during both construction and post construction have be given serious consideration in order to assess the degree and magnitude of environmental changes in the biophysical environment against the baseline conditions assessed. An environmental monitoring programme will be implemented in every 2 - 3 months during project implementation and in every 6 months thereafter. xvii. Although there are some minor to moderate environmental impacts from the proposed development, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, given that the resort needs to maintain a good image and maintain good customer satisfaction and avoid any future risks to the resort infrastructure, it is concluded that the project is important for operational needs of the resort.

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2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

The proposed coastal modification project will be undertaken in Ayada Maldives Tourist Resort developed on Magudhdhuvaa Island in GDh Atoll, where areas affected by beach erosion on the eastern and western sides of the island beaches will be nourished with sand and protected by installing groynes.

Figure 3: Areas affected by beach erosion

Continuous beach erosion has been undergoing on the W side over the last three years and periodic erosion on the E side also gets affected with beach erosion.

The length of the beach affected on the W side is about 472m and on the E side is 490m where the beach areas will be replenished with sand having an approximate width of 10m to a height of 1.4m above MSL. The total area on the western side is estimated to be 3,037m2 and on the eastern side is 3,941m2. Hence the total volume requirement for beach nourishment on the W and E sides have been estimated to be 4,251m3 and 5,517m3 respectively.

Beach replenishment works will be undertaken by use of a sand pump and the burrow sites will be located within the lagoon found on the southern, eastern and western sides of the island.

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In order to further enhance coastal protection, 5 concrete roundhead groynes having 20m long has been proposed to be installed on selected locations of the proposed nourished beaches on the eastern and western sides of the island.

Figure 4: Present site conditions

The proposed coastal modification project concept has been approved by MOT on 27 November 2018 and is attached in Appendix 1.

2.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENT

The EIA Regulation of 2012 and Amendments require all new activities undertaken in operational tourist resort that may have some environmental impacts to prepare Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtain necessary environmental approvals prior to commencement of the project.

In this regard, it is a mandatory requirement for the proposed project to prepare and approve an EIA from EPA before any activity of the project can be undertaken. Furthermore, it is an important requirement of MOT to get environmental clearance for such projects in order to provide construction approval.

From January 2019, all EIA approvals are given by EPA after an Amendment was done to the Tourism Act.

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2.3 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND RATIONALE

As a result of serious beach erosion on the SW side of the island, an EIA was prepared to nourish and protect the beach in 2016 and approved by MOT. At that time, the SW side of the island was under serious erosion and there was hardly any beach left. According to the information gathered for the EIA prepared in 2016, there was gradual erosion on the SW side since 2012.

Figure 5: Serious beach erosion on the SW side in 2016

The EIA prepared in 2016 proposed to undertake some coastal modification works including beach nourishment and installation of groynes in the area that was nourished. The project was completed in 2017. Erosion in the area was somewhat controlled after beach nourishment and installation of the groynes. However, during later 2018, the area again started getting affected as a result of erosion on other areas, particularly on the western and eastern sides.

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Figure 6: SW side after nourishment and coastal protection in October 2018 (above) and July 2019 (below)

Over the last 2 years, the western side and the eastern side of the island was getting affected by erosion and in some areas, the erosion seems to be quite severe. Similar to the project done in 2016 for the SW side, it is now proposed to nourish the beaches on the western and eastern sides and protect the beaches by groynes before it gets uncontrollable and impact resort infrastructure.

Figure 7: Erosion on the western side (left) and eastern side (right) July 2019

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2.4 DONORS AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The proposed project will be funded and implemented by Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd., who currently holds the sublease rights of the resort from Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Plc.

Although Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd. will fund and implement the project, necessary approvals for the project will be obtained by MTDC as the headlessee of the island. This includes obtaining concept approval of the project from Ministry of Tourism.

2.5 EIA BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

During December 2018, the Tourism Act came to a reformulation excluding all provisions related to EIAs in the tourism sector, which was implemented by Ministry of Tourism. The main aim of this reformulation was to streamline all EIAs carried out for all development projects including process and approval to be governed by the Ministry of Environment in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) which is implemented by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the ministry. Hence, all EIA provisions are implemented by EPA since January 2019 under Environmental Regulations. This EIA is prepared under the new EIA governance implemented by EPA. The EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) was approved by EPA on 8 January 2019.

The aim of this EIA is to ensure that potential impacts are identified and addressed in relation to the proposed beach nourishment and coastal protection works. For this purpose the report has addressed existing environmental condition of the surrounding environment of the island where the project may have some environmental impacts especially during implementation.

2.6 EIA APPROACH, SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

This EIA Report has been prepared based on information collected from the sites and the surrounding environment by use of established methodologies, desk research for obtaining relevant secondary data, information obtained from the project proponent, use of guidelines

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collected from relevant laws and regulations as well as information obtained from EIA studies carried out in the country for similar projects and experience of the EIA team engaged in preparing the report.

The primary objective of the EIA study is to safeguard the environment during planning, design, construction and operation of the proposed project activities by mitigating environmental impacts envisaged.

Specific objectives of the EIA study are to:

 Determine the baseline environmental conditions of the project area.  Identify, predict and assess environmental impacts that might arise during the construction and operation of the proposed project.  Suggest environmental impact mitigation measures to suit local conditions in order to reduce negative impacts on the environment  Enable the project proponent to comply with environmental rules and regulations.

The scope of the EIA study includes;

 Assessment of the present status of physical and biological components of the environment surrounding the project area.  Identify environmental impacts due to the proposed project on environmental components (during construction and operation phases).  Assessment of identified environmental impacts.  Propose environmental management and mitigation measures for the impacts identified.  Propose an environmental monitoring programme to be pursued by the project proponent

2.7 EIA METHODOLOGY

The methodology adopted for the environmental impact study consists of the following stages:

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 Identification of significant environmental components and assessment of their baseline (pre-project or existing) status within the study area. This is carried out by site visits to study site-specific environmental conditions at the site.  Prediction of impacts on various identified environmental parameters due to the proposed project, which is done by use of a descriptive environmental impact matrix.  Review of relevant EIAs carried out in similar environmental settings.  Evaluation of significance of environmental impacts by use of significance analysis method  Expert judgment and professional opinion have also been used throughout the impact assessment and evaluation process. These methods are described in detail at the relevant section of this EIA Report.

2.8 REVIEW OF RELEVANT STUDIES

As part of relevant literature review and preparation of the report, the following EIA studies have been reviewed to understand the effects of such development projects on the environment in addition to personal experiences of the environmental consultant who have prepared this EIA Report. These are;

 Initial Environmental Examination for Beach Nourishment at Soneva Gili Resort and Spa, North Male Atoll prepared by Sandcays Pvt. Ltd. in 2010.  Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment and Maintenance Dredging of Access Channel and Harbour in Thulhaagiri Island Resort, North Male Atoll prepared by Dr. Shiham Adam and Dr. Mahmood Riyaz in 2014.  Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment and Coastal Protection Works at Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll prepared by LaMer Group Pvt. Ltd. in 2015.  Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment Works at Ayada Maldives in Magudhdhuvaa Island, G.Dh. Atoll prepared by Mohamed Zuhair and Ibrhim Shakir in 2016  EIA for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Vakkaru Island, Baa Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair in 2018.

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 EIA for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Kudafunafaru (Noku Maldives), Noonu Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair and Ibrahim Shakir in 2018.  EIA Addendum for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Dhonmaaga Falhu, South Male’ Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair in 2018.

All these EIAs focus on projects mainly involving beach nourishment and coastal protection or coastal modification as an important part of the project, hence, have been reviewed in order to understand the types, degrees and magnitudes of environmental impacts from such activities in these islands, especially relating to shoreline and hydrodynamics impacts due to the project as well as impacts on marine environment from sedimentation. These reviews provided some depth on the type and extent of environmental impacts and how these impacts can be reduced through implementation of mitigation measures.

2.9 EIA TEAM

Mr. Mohamed Zuhair, EIA Consultant (EIA01/15) is the team leader, who is a freelance Environment Consultant who has many years of experience in the field of environmental management, assessment and monitoring, implementation of environmental laws and regulations and has involved as lead consultant and a team member in preparing several EIAs in the Maldives including EIAs for tourist resort development, mariculture and agriculture development, harbor development, coastal protection, land reclamation, etc.

Mr. Ibrahim Shakir, Registered Land and Hydrographic Surveyor, who is an experienced Land Survey Consultant who has undertaken a number of land surveys for the purpose of land registration and development, undertaken many hydrographic surveys for development of important facilities such as jetties, harbours, water villas, as well as other water-associated facilities in many islands in the Maldives.

Curriculum Vitae of the Consultants have been annexed to this report.

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2.10 EIA TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

The Terms of Reference (TOR) outlining the scope of the EIA has been approved on 8 January 2019 by EPA. It is attached in Appendix 2.

Due to increased occupancy in the resort at the time (January – June 2019), field assessments in the relation to the EIA was unable to be completed in time of TOR expiry date (8 July 2019), hence, EPA was requested to extend the TOR. A further 3 months TOR extension was granted on 4 July 2019. The Extended Terms of Reference is attached in Appendix 3.

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3. STUDY AREA

The following figure shows the main study areas in which environmental information was collected for the purpose of preparing this EIA report addressing beach nourishment and coastal protection at Magudhdhuvaa Island.

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Figure 8: Study area

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4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

4.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING

The proposed coastal modification works including beach nourishment and installation of groynes will be carried out on the eastern and western side shorelines of Magudhdhuvaa Island (Ayada Maldives Rsort).

Magudhuvaa Island is a relative sized island having 15ha in its area and is located on the southern parts of GDh. Atoll in a single reef. The southern side of the reef is narrowly extended towards the atoll periphery (Figure 1).

The closest islands are Gazeera (planned resort) 2km SE, Bodehutta (planned resort) 1.7km SW, Vaireyaadhuvaa (varuva) 2.2km NW. The closest inhabited islands are Gaadhoo 11km east and Vaadhoo 10km west.

There are no formal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project or in G.Dh. Atoll. However, a sensitive site known as Faanuhutta (a small sand cay) enlisted in the Environmentally Sensitive Sites List maintained by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is found at 6km east.

4.2 PROJECT PROPONENT

The proponent of the project is Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) PLC who currently holds the Head Lease of the island. The contact detail of the proponent is;

Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Plc 1st Floor, MATI Building, Buruzu Magu Male’ 20124, Maldives Tel: 334 7766, Fax: 334 7733 Email: [email protected]

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The island has been sub leased to Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd. who currently operates the resort under the brand Ayada Maldives. As the operator, Ayada Maldives will implement the project.

4.3 PROJECT OUTLINE

4.3.1 Scope of the Project

The scope of the proposed project involves;

a. Beach nourishment on the western shoreline i. Replenish 472m of shoreline having average beach width of 10m at a height of 1.4m above MSL b. Beach nourishment on the eastern side shoreline i. Replenish 490m of shoreline having average beach width of 10m at a height of 1.4m above MSL c. Pumping of sand by sand pump from burrow sites and transport of sand to required areas d. Installation of concrete roundhead groynes; 2 on the western side and 3 on the eastern side

4.3.2 Coastal Modification Concept

The coastal modification concept covering beach nourishment and installation of groynes was approved by MOT on 27November 2018 and is attached in Appendix 1.

4.4 KEY PROJECT DEVELOPEMNT

Following are the different components that will be developed on the island as part of the proposed project, which requires to be undertaken before project mobilization can take place, which will be done upon approval of the EIA Report.

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4.4.1 Temporary Setup and Arrangement

The proponent plans to use existing facilities including staff accommodation, storage, fuel, machinery as well as other necessities to be used as part of the proposed project, hence, there will be no requirement for temporary setup for the project.

4.4.2 Beach Nourishment Works

Volume Estimation

An important component of the proposed coastal modification works is beach nourishment in areas currently affected by erosion on the island. In this regard, 472m of shoreline on the western side and 490m of shoreline on the eastern side will be nourished with fine sand at a beach extent of 10m wide. The total area on the western side is estimated to be 3,037m2 and on the eastern side is 3,941m2. The final beach height after nourishment will be 1.4m above MSL. Thus, in order to undertake the proposed beach nourishment works, 4,251m3 of sand for the western side and 5,517m3 of sand for the eastern side will be required (total of 9,768m3 of sand) including beach slopes.

Locations

Figure 9: Proposed beach nourishment areas (marked in red)

It is proposed to nourish beaches of 472m on the western side and 490m on the eastern side.

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Justification

White sandy beaches are essentially one of the major marketing products of the tourism industry in the Maldives. Tourism is a major economic activity, which highly depends on the quality of the environment particularly the coastal and marine environments. Negative implications such as severe coastal erosion and beach loss from the islands of the Maldives may impact the tourism industry. Therefore, effective measures are important for the prevention, protection and minimisation of coastal erosion and beach loss to sustain a quality tourism product.

Beach erosion on the island has been observed to be quite severe on areas affected. As a result of erosion on some areas, resort infrastructure is currently affected and if no measures are undertaken, these infrastructures would at risk.

Specific details of the project justification is given in Section 2.3.

Source of Fill Material

Fill material will be sourced from the lagoon areas found on the western and southern sides of the lagoon from a proposed burrow site. These areas have been used for obtaining fill material for the beach nourishment works undertaken in 2016. It was observed that there is a lot of sand movement within the lagoon, these areas have been identified as good source since most of the beach sand washed into the lagoon is believed to be deposited within these areas. The required fill material will be pumped by use of a sand pump on a sand barge with a pipeline. Details of the burrow site and methods are outlined in the next section.

Beach Nourishment Method: Sand Pumping, Transporting and Spreading

Upon approval of the EIA, sand pumping works will begin. Sand will be pumped from the proposed burrow sites located on the western and southern side lagoons of the island to the beach area found on the western side. The discharge location of the pipe will be manually moved in order to initially spread sand within the desired area. Also, at the same time, sand will be manually spread within the desired areas.

For nourishing beach on the eastern side, sand will be manually transported from western and southern sides to the desired area on the eastern side by wheel burrows. Also, manual sand spreading will occur on this area.

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Figure 10: Concept of beach nourishment

4.4.3 Burrow Site

For the purpose of obtaining necessary fill sand for the proposed beach nourishment works, proposed burrow sites and alternative burrow sites have been located on the western, southern and eastern side lagoons of the island. Since, sand pumping is considered as a dredging method, a separate dredging permit will be obtained from EPA prior to undertaking any sand pumping works.

Alt. Burrow Site 3

Burrow Site

Alt. Burrow Alt. Burrow Site 1 Site 2

Figure 11: Proposed burrow site and alternative sites

Site Location Area Burrow depth Volume (from seabed) estimate Burrow Site 0°16'31.65"N / 73°21'18.48"E 6,664m2 -1.50m 9,996m3 Alternative Site 1 0°16'27.43"N / 73°21'23.84"E 3,668m2 -2.70m 9,904m3 Alternative Site 2 0°16'25.72"N / 73°21'27.50"E 5,367m2 -1.86m 9,983m3 Alternative Site 3 0°16'42.18"N / 73°21'30.51"E 3,379m2 -2.95m 9,968m3 Table 1: Burrow site and alternative site locations and volume estimate

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The volume requirement for the proposed beach nourishment is 9,768m3. All sites can yield the required volume at proposed burrow depths.

Justification and Control of Sediment

It is proposed to use an 8-inch sand pump for the dredging works. The main reason for selecting the sand pump is that the dredging works can be completed in a relatively short period of time, hence exposure of sedimentation within the surrounding environment will also be visible for a short period time.

The main reason for selecting the proposed burrow sites is that the areas contained a good source of fine sand that can be used for beach nourishment works. The main reason for selecting these areas of the lagoon within dredging boundary is to obtain some good fill material.

Furthermore, it will have a reasonable distance as per the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation between the burrow site and beach nourishment areas which will reduce potential for immediate sand loss from the beach into burrow areas.

During sand pumping operation, sedimentation is expected within the surrounding marine environment and its movement highly depends on the prevailing wind and current conditions. In order to reduce the effects of sedimentation within the surrounding environment, all pumping operations will be undertaken in calm weather conditions and at low tide. Thus, in order to confine sedimentation, natural methods will be greatly considered during all operations.

Equipment

In order to undertake the sand pumping operation, an 8-inch Toya sand pump mounted on a 30x12 feet sand barge will be used. A 200m long floating pipeline of 8-inch in diameter and 1- inch in thickness will be used. A small 25kv generator will be used to power the sand pump.

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Figure 12: Sand barge and sand pump to be used

4.4.4 Coastal Protection

Nourished beaches if not well protected will start eroding immediately since it is only a temporary solution. Therefore, it is important to protect the beaches by means of proper coastal protection methods in order to sustain nourished beaches.

Method and Justification

As part of the proposed coastal modification works, it is proposed to install 5 roundhead concrete groynes along the western and eastern side beaches that are proposed to be nourished.

Groynes have been proposed on selected locations as they act as a barrier for nearshore sand movement and contain the sand between the groynes. The proposed groynes are believed to control nearshore sand movement along the beaches, thus controlling erosion and sustaining the proposed beach.

Roundhead groynes are known to have 2 important functions. Firstly it will reduce nearshore current movement close to the beach areas thus reducing beach sand movement and secondly, it will reduce direct approach of currents and swells directed towards the impact area. Given that these type of groynes already installed at Ayada Maldives are functioning effectively, addition of 5 groynes along the western and eastern side beaches are believed to sustain after beach nourishment.

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Figure 13: Groynes installed on the SW side from previous coastal modification project of 2016

Construction and Installation Method

The proposed groynes will be made of concrete blocks joined together to form the stem and roundhead of the groyne. Since these are concrete blocks, it will have an iron frame inside and a wooden cover outside to form a mould. Concrete mix at a ratio of 1:2:3 will be poured into the mould and leave it for drying. Since these are mobile blocks, it can done on land and transferred to the required sites, or it can be done by the groyne location on land.

A setting out for the groyne position will be done initially by using iron rods or pegs. Once the moulds are dry, it will be placed within the groyne setout location. It will be done manually without using heavy machinery. Once the blocks are placed as per the requirement, it will be plastered from outside and on top to further strengthen the groyne. The roundhead can be filled with sand and vegetation like it was done before.

4.4.5 Environmental Monitoring During Project Implementation

A detailed environmental monitoring programme has been developed and outlined in the Environmental Monitoring section of the EIA report.

Environmental monitoring will be initiated immediately during project implementation. In this regard, components assessed during baseline assessments, including coral reef health, currents within the lagoon, marine water quality and shoreline will be monitored.

Furthermore, movement of sedimentation within the lagoon and the reef areas will be monitored on a regular basis.

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4.4.6 Key Measures for Environmental Protection During Project Implementation

An important measure with regards to reducing environmental impacts, particularly related to sedimentation during sand pumping will be to undertake sand pumping operation during low tide and on calm days so that transportation of sedimentation to great distance can be reduced.

4.5 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The proposed project will be managed by the resort operator Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd. and reported to MTDC, MOT and EPA as per the requirement outlined in the report.

4.5.1 Project Duration

The proposed coastal modification works will be completed within a period of 3 months.

Table 2: Project schedule

4.5.2 Communication

During the implementation of the project, resort operator will communicate MTDC, MOT and EPA with regards to informing details of project implementation works. All communication will be undertaken in written form.

4.5.3 Work Safety

The project personnel, who will be mainly resort labourers, will be informed of the work safety procedures during implementation of the project. Furthermore, during work, safety wear such as boots and gloves must be worn. For those who work offshore at the sand barge, snorkelling gear and life vests will be provided.

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4.5.4 Fuel Management

Fuel will be required to operate the small generator on the sand barge. Bulk transportation of fuel to the sand barge will be avoided at all times. Only required fuel will be transported to the sand barge in a dingy in closed containers. These containers will be refilled at the resort and will be kept ready for transportation when it is required.

4.5.5 Emergency Plan

Although fuel related emergencies are unlikely, the following measures will be undertaken immediately during an emergency of oil spill. These include, immediately confining the spilled oil by use of floating boom, in order to control its spread. Immediately removing oil within the boom by use of vacuum and transporting the oil to the resort for incineration. Also, dispersants will be made available in case the oil spills are uncontrollable.

4.5.6 Key Project Inputs

Input resource(s) Source/type How to obtain resources

10 labour staff Foreign 6 / Local 4 Resort staff Submersible sand pump 200cbm/hour with 200m floating Resort operator pipeline, connectors and horse Sand barge Floating Resort operator 25kv Gen set For sand pump operation Resort operator Wheel burrows Resort machinery Resort operator Maintenance tool and equipment Maintenance and spare parts and fluids Resort operator required for the machinery Fuel and lubricant for machinery Diesel, Petrol, Lubricants From the resort 50L per day Fresh water Desalinated water From the resort 100L per day Work safety equipment Boots, gloves, life vests. From the resort Table 3: Key Project inputs

4.5.7 Key Project Outputs

Outputs (s) Anticipated quantities Disposal method Sand for the beaches 9,768cbm total Used for nourishing western and eastern shorelines Sedimentation Small amount Controlled natural dispersion means Waste oil Approx. 2L per day Transported to the resort for incineration

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Noise and dust Small amount Confined to sand barge and operational area within the lagoon Table 4: Key Project Outputs

4.6 ACTIVITIES THAT ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Following are the activities that are likely to cause significant environmental impacts to the surrounding marine environment from the proposed beach nourishment works to be carried out in Ayada Maldives;

 Sedimentation due to operation of sand pump within the lagoon and release of pumped material mostly comprising of sand and water  Changes in the nearhsore hydrodynamics around the island due to new shoreline after beach nourishment and coastal protection with groynes.

4.7 AFFECTED BOUNDARIES

Based on the physical assessments undertaken from the site, the following figure shows potential environmental impact boundaries especially sedimentation that has been envisaged as part of the proposed development.

A key factor in determining the spread of sedimentation related to sand pumping works was considered to be primarily wind induced currents that form a major part of hydrodynamics around the island.

Nonetheless, the project is expected to have a localised sedimentation pattern.

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Indirect shoreline impact (northern shoreline)

Potential sedimentation Zone (SE)

Figure 14: Key impact boundaries from the proposed project

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5. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The following section addresses the legal framework applicable for the proposed project to be carried out in Ayada Maldives Resort in Magudhdhuvaa Island.

Until December 2018, EIAs for tourism-related projects including development of new tourist resorts and activities undertaken in operational resorts were governed under the Tourism Act by Ministry of Tourism through implementation of the Regulation for Preparing EIA Report for Tourist Resort, Guest House, Tourist Hotel and Yacht Marina Development (Regulation Number 2015/R-157). EIA approvals for tourism sector projects were given by Ministry of Tourism.

However, in December 2018, the Tourism Act came to a reformulation excluding all provisions related to EIAs in the tourism sector, which was implemented by Ministry of Tourism. The main aim of this reformulation was to streamline all EIAs carried out for all development projects including process and approval to be governed by the Ministry of Environment in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) which is implemented by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the ministry. Hence, all EIA provisions are implemented by EPA since January 2019 under Environmental Regulations. This EIA is prepared under the new EIA governance implemented by EPA.

Nonetheless, all new tourist resort development projects as well as activities undertaken in ongoing and operational resorts has to abide by the Tourism Act and various other regulations and guidelines developed towards planning, construction and operation of tourist resorts in the Maldives.

5.1 APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The most applicable laws and regulations are;

5.1.1 Tourism Act of Maldives (Law No. 2/99)

As part of the proposed project at Vakkaru Island Resort, the provisions set forth in the Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99) have to be followed. The Tourism Act has developed a number of

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regulations, standards and controls with regard to the development of tourist resorts and undertake various activities in an existing tourist resort in an environment friendly manner. In this regard, an initial concept of proposed activities must be approved by MOT. Also, upon approval of the EIA, construction permit is granted by MOT under the Tourism Law.

Applicability

The initial development concept of proposed project activities must be approved by MOT through approval of an AP2 (Coastal Modification) under the Tourism Law. Once EIA is approved by EPA, construction permit is granted by MOT also under Tourism Law.

5.1.2 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and Amendments, 2014

This law and subsequent bylaws now govern the provisions for general environmental management in the country including mainstream development projects requiring EIAs.

The Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives, EPPA (Law No. 4/93) provides the basic framework for environmental management including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in the Maldives, which is currently being implemented by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of Ministry of Environment (ME).

Clause 2 of the EPPA mandates the Ministry of Environment to formulate policies, rules and regulations regarding the environment.

Clause 5 of this Act specifically provides for environmental impact assessment (EIA), a tool implemented to attempt to integrate environmental issues into development decisions. According to the Clause, environmental impact assessments are a mandatory requirement for all economic development projects.

Clause 6 of the EPPA gives the Ministry of Environment the authority to terminate any project that has an undesirable impact on the environment.

Clause 7 of the EPPA refers to the disposal of oil, wastes and poisonous substances in to the Maldivian territory. According to this clause, any type of waste, oil, toxic gas or any substance that may have harmful effects on the environment should not be disposed within the Maldivian territory. If, however, the disposals of such substances become absolutely necessary, the clause states that they should be disposed only within the areas designated for that purpose and if Page | 45

incinerated, appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid harm to the health of the population.

The Environmental Act or Law 4/93 is the single most important legal instrument with regards to environmental management and it gives very high prominence towards safeguarding the environment with regard to all the development activities. Under this Act, the Ministry of Environment have developed regulations and guidelines concerning the environmental protection in the country.

In 2014, an Amendment came into force which stated that the Ministry of Environment shall be responsible for formulating necessary regulations relating to conservation of biodiversity, protection of groundwater, mangroves, swamps and other water bodies, protection of the environment from waste and dangerous gases.

Applicability

The proposed project requires an EIA to be undertaken and approved as per the regulations developed under the EPPA.

5.1.3 Maldives EIA Regulation and Amendment, 2018

Prior to the EIA Regulation for Development of Tourist Resorts, Guest Houses, Tourist Hotels and Yacht Marinas of 2015, the Maldives EIA Regulation of 2012 governed the preparation and approval of EIAs prepared for all development projects.

It outlines a step by step approach to EIA process that is followed towards approving and rejecting an EIA. The regulation also outlines all major requirements to be included in an EIA report. All EIAs must be undertaken by the Registered EIA Consultant.

The EIA Regulation of 2012 was amended in August 2015, which excluded all tourism relevant aspects as well as changes to certain administrative procedures as a result of enforcing a separate EIA Regulation prepared under the Tourism Act.

An Amendment (3rd Amendment) came in 2016 with further details on EIA requirements and designating EPA as the implementing agency of the regulation.

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In 19 January 2017, a Fourth Amendment to the EIA Regulation came into force where certain development activities such as maintenance dredging, removal of vegetation from housing plots have an exemption from undertaking EIAs.

Most recently, as per the 5th Addendum (2018), all EIAs undertaken for tourist resort and tourist hotel development has been recalled back to the EIA Regulation.

Applicability

Since January 2019, all EIAs prepared for development project must follow EIA Regulation 2012 and all its amendments. The EIA approval is now granted by EPA under the EIA Regulation.

5.1.4 Penalty and Liabilities Regulation, 2011

Under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93), the Ministry of Environment and Energy formulated the Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation in February 2011, which encompasses the basis to avoid environmental deterioration, extinction of biological resources, environmental degradation and avoid wastage of natural resources.

The main purpose of this regulation is to stop unlawful activities on environment and adequately implement a fining procedure for violations as well as implement a compensation mechanism on environmental damages. Its Schedules form the basis for levying fines on various environmental components and activities.

Applicability

As a result of the proposed development, if the environmental impacts and subsequent damages reaches to an unacceptable level, then provisions of the above regulation could be applied where a fine could be levied by EPA depending on the severity of the environmental damage.

5.1.5 Waste Management Regulation and Amendments, 2018

Waste management Regulation (No. 2013/R-58) is more recent coming into effect on 6 February 2014. The Regulation was gazetted on 05 August 2013. The regulation is provides set of comprehensive guidelines and on collecting, storing, transporting and managing waste as well as management of hazardous waste. The waste management regulation identifies the following areas prohibited from dumping of waste; protected areas under the Environmental

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Protection and Preservation Act, mangroves, lagoons of islands, coral reefs, sand banks, beaches of islands, coastal vegetated areas of islands, harbors, parks and roads. Additionally, waste management regulation states that those involved in waste management must be permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The regulation has outlined guidelines for waste collection, transportation of waste from land and sea, treating of waste, storing of waste, management of waste yards, landfill and management of hazardous waste. The waste management regulation identifies the following areas prohibited from dumping of waste; protected areas under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, mangroves, lagoons of islands, coral reefs, sand banks, beaches of islands, coastal vegetated areas of islands, harbors, parks and roads. Additionally, waste management regulation states that those involved in waste management must be permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

With regards to handling and transport of waste on land and sea, the following guidelines have been established. For those who are collecting, handling, transporting, storing, landfilling waste, a permit shall be obtained from EPA. During transport of waste on land and sea, the waste shall be completely covered to prevent odour and spilling. Also, the regulation prohibits importing and burning of hazardous waste. Similar to other waste, hazardous waste shall also be transported in sealed containers.

For all economic development projects, an appropriate site shall be identified for managing waste and waste shall be sorted and clearly labeled.

The entire provisions outline in the regulation will be strictly followed by the project proponent.

An annual waste management report by the licensed party shall be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.

The regulation has 4 amendments further empowering EPA towards implementing the regulation as well as further details on managing waste from commercial and industrial areas.

Applicability

Waste handling, transportation and disposal as a result of the proposed development during construction and operation phases must comply with the provisions of the regulation.

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5.1.6 Dredging and Reclamation Regulation, 2013

Regulation on Reclamation and Dredging of islands lagoons (Regulation 2013/R-15) came into effect in April 2013. The regulation requires having permission of EPA on projects requiring alternation of the island, either by reclamation or dredging. Specifically the regulation requires producing scaled-maps of the island before and after the proposed intervention. Special provisions have been made on protected and sensitive area restricting changes to the environment of the islands.

Applicability

Since the proposed project has a component of dredging (sand pumping), a separate approval (Dredging Permit) to carry out the activity will be required as per the requirement of the Regulation.

5.2 RELEVANT POLICIES

5.2.1 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2016- 2025

One of the most recent policy documents that will the quite closely connected with the proposed development will be National Biodiversity and Strategy and Action Plan. The following strategies have been outlined in the NBSAP to be achieved in a span of 20 years; The strategies include

o Strategy 1 – Strengthen governance, policies and strategies for biodiversity o Strategy 2 – Enhancing communication and outreach through awareness programmes and capacity building o Strategy 3 – Work together globally for biodiversity conservation o Strategy 4 – Ensure sustainable use of biological resources o Strategy 5 – Address threats to conserve biodiversity o Strategy 6 – Strengthen Information Management and Resource Mobilization

Applicability

An important strategy is working together globally for biodiversity conservation and ensure use of biological resources sustainably.

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As part of the project, some areas of the coral reef of the resort may be impacted due sedimentation. Appropriate measures will be required to reduce environmental impacts from the project. All government agencies must support for the collective implementation of the strategy.

5.2.2 National Solid Waste Management Policy, 2007

As waste management has been identified as a key environmental issue in the Maldives, a National Solid Waste Management for the Republic of Maldives was developed in 2007 as an important step towards mainstreaming waste management in the country. The key strategic principles outlined in the document include; establishing polluter pay principles, integrated solid waste management, best practice environmental option (BPEO), best available technology not entailing excessive costs (BATNEEC), proximity principle and private sector participation. It is an important priority of the Government of Maldives as identified in the policy document to setup regional waste management facilities and island waste management centers and decentralizing waste management administration. Hence, the key policies relevant to this project include;

 Policy 1: Establish a governance structure for solid waste management which will distribute clearly delineated roles and responsibilities for solid waste management at island, regional and national levels  Policy 2: All waste producers have a duty to manage the waste they generate  Policy 3: Waste will be management and disposed as close as possible to the place of their generation  Policy 8: Private sector participation (PSP) will be facilitated where it is financially for both government and private sector.

Applicability

Establishing a proper mechanism of waste management and disposal will be vital for the overall operation of the project and the waste management practices both during construction and operation of the project will closely adhere to the policies and principles taken as a priority of the government.

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5.3 RELEVANT AUTHORITIES

5.3.1 Ministry of Tourism, MOT

The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the Maldives. Under the Tourism Law various regulations, standards, controls and measures relating to protection of the environment have been developed and are currently being implemented. Important measures include implementation of carrying capacity limits when developing islands as tourist resorts. All approval under the Tourism Law including construction permit are given by MOT.

5.3.2 Ministry of Environment, MOE

The primary environmental institution in the Maldives is MOE. It is mandated with formulating policies, strategies, laws and regulations concerning environmental management, protection, conservation and sustainable development. The Minister of Environment or a designate gives the environmental approval or clearance to EIA by an Environmental Decision Statement. Additionally, MOE is responsible for formulating relevant laws and regulations, policies and strategies concerning energy, water and sanitation as well as waste management.

5.3.3 Environmental Protection Agency, EPA

EPA is the key regulatory body on environment, which is an autonomous body formed under the umbrella of MOE. It is mandated with implementing the EIA process in the Maldives, implementing the Environment Act and subsequent regulations on behalf of MOE, regulating water and sanitation, biodiversity conservation, waste management and coastal zone management. Also, it is responsible for developing environmental standards and guidelines in the country.

EPA is now responsible for issuing Environment Decision Statement after review of EIAs submitted for various development projects.

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5.4 PERMITS OBTAINED AND REQUIRED

Following is the list of permits already obtained for the proposed project as well as permits required to be obtained in order to implement the project.

1. Coastal Modification Concept Approval – The coastal modification concept was approved by Ministry of Tourism on 27 November 2018 upon submission of AP2 form for project approval. 2. EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) – the EIA Terms of Reference which outlines the scope of the EIA for the proposed project was approved by EPA on 8 January 2019. 3. EIA Decision Statement – the EIA approval is required in the form of an EIA Decision Statement after review of the EIA. The construction of the proposed project will be initiated once the EIA Decision Statement is issued by EPA. 4. Construction Permit - upon submission of the EIA Decision Statement, MOT will issue a construction permit for the project activities.

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6. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

This section outlines the baseline environmental condition of the project site at Ayada Maldives and the surrounding environment where the project is believed to impact as a result of the proposed development.

6.1 DATA COLLECTION METHODS

This EIA is based on both qualitative and quantitative data collected from the Ayada Maldives and the surrounding environment as well as published information, where site specific information was not available. Also, the report addresses major information requirements as outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for preparing this EIA Report.

Some relevant data from the EIA study conducted in 2016 for coastal modification works has also been used.

Following are the key environmental components and methods used to gather relevant data for the project.

6.1.1 Geophysical Environment

Mostly a descriptive analysis from the field surveys as well as published information, aerial photography, Google Earth maps and information available online from websites were used. It mainly includes geographic setting, geological and topographical information.

6.1.2 Climate Environment

Site-specific climate information was not available for the project site. Climate data from the Maldives Meteorological Services collected from the International and Regional Airports in the country as well as relevant data from websites were used in the general description of the climate environment, which is quite uniform throughout the country. It mainly includes general weather patterns including temperature, sunshine, rainfall as well as oceanographic features such as waves and swells information.

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6.1.3 Coastal and Marine Environment

Most of the information on the marine environment was collected from field assessments and observations. These include;

Beach Profiles – beach profiles were taken by using standard digital level

Shorelines – existing shorelines were taken by using handheld GPS

Bathymetry – depth assessments were carried out by using echo sounder and a GPS. Echo sounder measurements were corrected and related to the mean sea-level for the area.

Currents – drogues and GPS were used to identify the currents around the project area in selected locations.

Coral reef health – quantitative assessments on selected locations were carried out by LIT and visual observations on these locations. These assessments were used to determine the general reef health of the reef including live coral cover and reef fish abundance and diversity.

Reef fish – reef fish abundance and diversity by means of visual reef fish census on selected locations in the marine environment was carried out

Seawater – seawater samples were collected from two locations in clean 1.5 L PET bottles. Laboratory analysis of the water samples were carried out by Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (MWSC).

6.1.4 Derivation of Environmental Indicators

The environmental indicators used for environmental monitoring purpose will be based on baseline environmental information collected for the purpose of this EIA. Historical data available from previous EIA studies will also be used for comparison purpose. An EIA for a coastal modification project was conducted in 2016.

6.1.5 Uncertainties on Data Collection Methods

As most of the data on the surrounding environment was manually collected, human error could be the biggest uncertainty with regards to the data collection methods, however, GPS coordinates have been recorded for future monitoring purposes as well as reduce human error as exact points will be monitored in the future to assess changes as a result of the proposed Page | 54

project development on the islands. Other uncertainty factor could be timing of assessments in the future as some of the environmental conditions such as currents, reef fish populations, and water quality, which changes from season to season. Nevertheless, the methods used in these assessments such as reef transects, drogues, echo sounding, etc are widely used to collect environmental data.

6.2 ASSESSMENTS UNDERTAKEN

The following figures outline main environmental assessments undertaken to establish baseline conditions and locations where these assessments were carried out.

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Figure 15: Existing shoreline and lagoon bathymetry of the project site

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Figure 16: Beach profiles taken around project areas Page | 57

Figure 17: Drogue study around project areas Page | 58

SW1 RF1

RF2

RF3

RF4 SW2

Figure 18: Marine assessment sites

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6.3 GEOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

6.3.1 Geography and Environmental Setting

Magudhuvaa Island (Ayada Maldives) is a relative sized island having 15ha in its area and is located on the southern parts of GDh. Atoll in a single reef. The southern side of the reef is narrowly extended towards the atoll periphery (Figure 1).

The closest islands are Gazeera (planned resort) 2km SE, Bodehutta (planned resort) 1.7km SW, Vaireyaadhuvaa (varuva) 2.2km NW. The closest inhabited islands are Gaadhoo 11km east and Vaadhoo 10km west.

There are no formal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project or in GDh. Atoll. However, a sensitive site known as Faanuhutta (a small sand cay) enlisted in the Environmentally Sensitive Sites List maintained by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is found at 6km east.

The proposed coastal modification works involving beach nourishment and coastal protection will be undertaken on the western and eastern sides of the resort.

6.3.2 Geology and Geomorphology

The formation of the islands in the Maldives is from limestone-based coral rocks and coral reefs and sand derived from the reefs due to physical and biological actions over a long period of time.

The geology of the island is no different from any other typical islands in the country, however, the formation of the reef in which the island is found is quite uniquely formed in southern parts of the atoll, where a tail-like narrow reef formation is extended right up to the southern periphery of the atoll. The formation of coral reefs in this area is quite uneven where reefs are found on both sides and middle of the formation.

The formation of the island is believed to have originated from south in the wider lagoon areas found in the reef, which gradually extended towards the north. However, no beachrock

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formations have been observed from the SW or the eastern side of the island where the proposed project will be undertaken.

Figure 19: Reef system in which the island is found and the extended part of the reef in the south

6.3.3 Characteristics of Seabed Sediments

A potential burrow site has been identified for burrowing sand for the purpose of beach nourishment on the western and eastern shorelines of the island. Proposed Burrow Site is located on the south-western side lagoon approximately 70m away from the island. Some alternative sites have also been identified, 2 are located on the southern side lagoon and 1 located on the eastern side lagoon.

The seabed and sand characteristics of these areas were found to be quite different in terms of composition except for the alternative site located on the south. Proposed Burrow Site is mostly composed of fine sand that are believed to be accumulated from beach erosion on the western and southwestern side of the island. Alternative sites located right in the middle lagoon areas on the southern side which mainly consists of a mix of sand, rocks and dead corals. However, the majority of the composition is fine sand and a number of areas are covered with sand only. Page | 61

The alternative site on the eastern side had more mix of rubble and rocks and sand content was observed to be lesser than the other areas.

Figure 20: Seabed characteristics at proposed burrow site

Figure 21: Seabed characteristics at alternative burrow site 1 (left) and 2 (right)

Figure 22: Seabed characteristics at alternative burrow site 3

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6.4 CLIMATE ENVIRONMENT

6.4.1 Climatic Setting

Maldives is located on the equator and therefore experiences monsoonal climate. There are two distinct seasons, dry season (Northeast Monsoon) and wet season (Southwest Monsoon). In these two seasons the temperature varies hardly. Northeast monsoon extends from January to March. Since Maldives consists of small islands and are surrounded by sea, hot days are often tempered by cooling sea breezes and balmy evening temperatures.

6.4.2 Monsoons

Maldives is in the Monsoonal Belt in the North Indian Ocean. Therefore, climate in the Maldives is dominated by south-west (Hulhangu) and north-east (Iruvai) monsoons. The southwest monsoon is the rainy season which lasts from May to September and the north-east monsoon is the dry season that occurs from December to February. The transition period of the south-west monsoon occurs between March and April while that of the northeast monsoon occurs from October to November. These monsoons are relatively mild due to the country’s location on the equator and strong winds and gales are infrequent in the Maldives. However, storms and line squalls can occur, typically in the period May to July. The winds usually get stronger in the south west monsoon especially during June and July. During storms the impact is greater on the northern atolls than the southern atolls.

6.4.3 Temperature

Throughout the year, temperature remains almost same in the Maldives. However, daily temperature ranges from around 31o in daytime to 23° Celsius in night time. The highest temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 36.8°C, recorded on 19 May 1991 at Kadhdhoo Meteorological Office. Likewise, the minimum temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 17.2°C, recorded at the National Meteorological Centre on 11th April 1978.

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Figure 23: Average maximum and minimum temperatures (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

As can be seen from the above figure, there is very little temperature variation throughout the country. The maximum temperature is between the ranges of 30 - 32oC and minimum temperature is between the ranges of 24 - 27oC.

Most of the field assessments in the lagoon were undertaken in July 2019, however, any secondary data for the months of May, June and July for 2019 was unavailable, therefore, temperature comparison for April 2017 and 2018 recorded from the nearest weather station, which is Met Center in Gan International Airport was obtained from Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS).

Figure 24: Comparison of max temperature for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

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Figure 25: Comparison of min temperature for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

The highest temperature recorded in southern part of the Maldives last April was 33 degree Celsius, which was recorded on the 7th. The minimum temperature recorded in the same area for the last month was 23 degree Celsius and was recorded on the 20th of April. However, the highest temperature recorded in April 2017 in southern parts of the country was 33 degree Celsius, which was recorded on the 26th. Furthermore, the minimum temperature recorded in south in April 2017 was 24 degree Celsius, recorded on the 5th. Figure above shows daily maximum and minimum temperature (2017 and 2018) and average maximum and minimum temperature for the Month of April for southern part of Maldives.

6.4.4 Rainfall

The wet season; southwest monsoon runs from mid-May to November. In this season Maldives experiences torrential rain. The highest rainfall ever recorded in the Maldives with in a 24 hour period was recorded on 9th July 2002 at Kaadedhdhoo Meteorological Office and amounts to 219.8mm of rainfall.

Figure 26: Average rainfall (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

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As can be seen from the average for the past 15 years, the latter half of the year experiences more rain in the country.

Comparison of rainfall for the month of April 2017 and 2018 was also undertaken in order to understand the general rain pattern of the region.

Figure 27: Comparison of rain for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

Last April, southern part of the country received a total rainfall of 283 mm. The highest rainfall within 24 hours was recorded on the 20th and amounts to 111 mm of rainfall. The rainfall received in April 2017 was 247 mm less than that of last April. Figure below shows daily total rainfall (2017 and 2018) and daily average rainfall for the Month of April for southern part of Maldives.

6.4.5 Sunshine

The fact that the Maldives is located at the equator, Maldives receives plentiful of sunshine throughout the year. The graph below shows the average daily sunshine each station receives throughout the year.

Figure 28: Average sunshine (from 2000 – 2015) in the Maldives (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

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The beginning of every year receives about 12 hours of sunshine per day, which drastically reduces as the year moves to the later half beginning from May. This is more or less attributed to increased rain during the second half of the year.

Figure 29: Comparison of sunshine for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

Southern part of the country received sunshine for 26 days last April, which amounts to 189 hours and 12 minutes. Furthermore, in April 2017 southern part of the country received sunshine for 30 days, which amounts to 281 hours 54 minutes. Figure below shows daily sunshine (2017 and 2018) and daily average sunshine for the Month of April for southern part of Maldives.

6.4.6 Winds

The average hourly wind speed in Male experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The following data is taken from https://weatherspark.com/y/107507/Average-Weather-in-Male-Maldives-Year-Round accessed on 20 May 2019.

The windier part of the year lasts for 6.0 months, from May 4 to November 4, with average wind speeds of more than 10.1 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is June 1, with an average hourly wind speed of 13.4 miles per hour.

The calmer time of year lasts for 6.0 months, from November 4 to May 4. The calmest day of the year is March 28, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.8 miles per hour.

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Figure 30: The average of mean hourly wind speeds (dark gray line), with 25th to 75th and 10th to 90th percentile bands (weatherspark.com).

The predominant average hourly wind direction also varies throughout the year.

The wind is most often from the north for 6.0 days, from March 22 to March 28, with a peak percentage of 35% on March 22. The wind is most often from the west for 8.0 months, from March 28 to November 29, with a peak percentage of 90% on May 24. The wind is most often from the east for 3.8 months, from November 29 to March 22, with a peak percentage of 59% on January 1.

Figure 31: The percentage of hours in which the mean wind direction is from each of the four cardinal wind directions, excluding hours in which the mean wind speed is less than 1.0 mph. The lightly tinted areas at the boundaries are the percentage of hours spent in the implied intermediate directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest).

Last April, the maximum wind speed in south was experienced on the 20th at 14:28 hours from west at a speed of 47 mph. However, the maximum wind speed in southern atolls in April 2017 was recorded on the 9th at 01:08 hours at a speed of 51 mph from west-south-west. Figure below shows daily maximum wind speed (2017 and 2018) and daily average maximum wind speed for the Month of April for southern part of Maldives.

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Figure 32: Comparison of wind speed for April 2017 and 2018 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

Following is a wind frequency chart (wind rose) for Gan for April 2018.

Figure 33: Wind frequency chart of Gan for May 2016 (Source: www.meteorology.mv)

This rose shows that the winds at Gan during the period blow from the west and north much of the time. In fact, the spokes in the directions south-west, west-south-west and west-north-west comprise about 34% of all hourly wind directions. This also shows that the wind rarely blows from different directions.

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6.5 COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT

6.5.1 Coastal Geomorphology

The topography of the island is typical of Maldivian islands with limestone structure and coralline topsoil forming the basis of the island. The main island building material in Magudhdhuvaa consists of sand, mixed sand and rubble mostly derived from the reef.

The beaches found around the island are confined to certain areas and not wholly distributed around the island. Thus, a general characteristic of the island is absence of beaches on the northern side of the island. Aerial images from Google Earth taken in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 confirm that beaches have been absent from the northern side for a long time (Figure 34).

Figure 34: Google Earth images of Magudhdhuvaa in 2013 (top left), 2014 (top right), 2015 (bottom left) and 2016 (bottom right)

Given that the southern side of the island is heavily exposed to swells, the beaches on the western, southern and eastern sides of the island are highly dynamic and have seasonal attributes. Page | 70

The beach profiles taken around the island (Figure 16) indicate that the island has varying heights on the western and eastern sides of the island. The north-western side beach has on average 1.25m above MSL with small beach extent of about 5m. The south-western side of the island, which currently has some beaches have on average 1.4m above MSL with a beach extent of about 9 - 10m. The beaches on the eastern side are on average at 1.35m above MSL, however, the beach extent was found to be narrow having only 2 – 4m. The smaller beach extent areas around the island are affected by erosion.

The GPS coordinates of the locations are outlined in the following table.

Magudhdhuvaa Island GPS Coordinate Beach Profile CR1 0°16'39.63"N / 73°21'19.61"E Beach Profile CR2 0°16'32.85"N / 73°21'21.64"E Beach Profile CR3 0°16'34.66"N / 73°21'29.91"E Beach Profile CR4 0°16'42.32"N / 73°21'27.64"E Table 5: Magudhdhuvaa beach profile GPS locations

The distribution, size and shape of the islands in the Maldives are irregular and uneven. The northern and southern parts of the country usually have fairly larger islands, while the central part contains smaller islands in smaller atolls. Nevertheless, both south and north also have smaller islands. The islands found in the northern part usually are enclosed within a single reef structure within the atoll boundaries, while from the center to the southern parts, the islands are found in a large reef stretch are usually common. Almost all islands are found within a house reef having shallow lagoons. These reefs and shallow lagoon waters that protect the island from incoming waves and tides by reducing their energy to a greater extent. Most of these lagoons are open to the sea.

The shape of the islands are characterized by strong tidal and current patterns, which are subject to the climatic condition. The beach systems found on the islands are highly dynamic and have directional shifts within the shoreline in accordance with the prevailing seasonal condition. As the beach systems are highly dynamic in nature, the prevailing seasonal conditions may gradually shift the position of the island by strong beach erosion and accretion on either side of the island, however, the ultimate position depends on the size of the reef in which the island is found. The phenomenon of beach erosion and accretion is highly common in Maldivian islands.

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The following figure shows the regional oceanographic pattern where the beach formation of the island have been observed to be greatly influenced.

Figure 35: A generalized hydrodynamics around the island during NE and SW

6.5.2 Seasonal Erosion and Accretion

Although beach have been historically absent from the northern side of the island, the southern side of the island, because of the position of the island at the mouth of an atoll channel, is highly influenced as a result of the regional oceanography, hence the beaches forming the western, south-western, southern, south-eastern and eastern sides of the island. The areas where the beaches have been formed on the island are further influenced by seasonal change of winds and currents.

According to EIA done in 2016 for coastal modification, the south-western side of the island was emphasized to be highly affected by erosion due to exposure to swells and minor waves formed along the south-western and western side of the island, which was addressed to be severe during south-west monsoon. However, after coastal modification was done by replenishing the south-western beach and placing some groynes, the area was observed to be somewhat controlled in terms of erosion.

The erosion is believed to have shifted from south-west to the western side and its impacts are now quite visible in the area. As a result of the groyne placed on the south-western side, the sand movement from the southern part of the island is believed to be blocked causing erosion on the western side. Page | 72

Figure 36: Erosion on the western side

Figure 37: Sand accumulation by the groynes on the south-western side

Also, as a result of the groyne on the southern side of the island, the movement along the southern shoreline is affected causing erosion along the eastern side of the island. The EIA of 2016 addressed erosion on the eastern side, however, no groyne was proposed to be placed. On the eastern side more seasonal erosion was observed, During south-west monsoon, more sand is shifted to north-east where a small beach formation is found. During north-east monsoon, the small beach on the north-east is affected as well as a large area on the eastern side is exposed to erosion. Hence, the beaches on the eastern side is affected by erosion during both north-east and south-west monsoon although its extent may be slightly different in different seasons.

Figure 38: Present condition of beaches on the eastern side

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6.5.3 Tides

Tidal currents as well as oceanic currents mostly emanate from western side of the reef. The exposure of western side of the lagoon to constant channel swells ensure that an immense body of water is constantly flowing across the reef. The currents can be extremely strong in the channels found on the north of the reef system especially during ebb and flow into the atoll.

Current speeds of four knots or more have been recorded in the atoll channels in the country. Oceanic currents are largely influenced by the direction of trade winds and can be of great strengths. Tidal currents which flow according the height of the tide and the direction of prevailing wind are much weaker than oceanic currents.

Like most of the places semidiurnal tides are experienced in the atoll, that is two high tides and two low tides a day. The tide varies from place to place, depending on the location and on the shape and depth of the basin, channels and reefs and also time of the year.

Tide data for the project site was not collected, instead secondary data collected was used to generalize tidal condition as a reference.

The following figure shows tidal data predicted for 20 – 26 August 2019, taken from www. https://www.tidetime.org/asia/maldives/meedhoo.htm accessed on 20 August 2019. Addu Atoll Meedhoo is the closest area to the project site where tide prediction was obtained. High tides of over 1.17m at MSL are likely to occur from 20 August and low tides of 0.29m at MSL are expected on the same day.

Table 6: Tide prediction table for S. Meedhoo (www.tidetime.org/asia/maldives/meedhoo.htm)

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Figure 39: S. Meedhoo tide predictions from 20 – 23 April 2019 (www.tidetime.org/asia/maldives/meedhoo.htm)

6.5.4 Currents

Wind generated current movement around the nearshore of the island was measured from 4 different locations (Figure 17).

The following table outlines GPS locations of the drogue study areas around the shoreline.

Magudhdhuvaa Island Speed Heading Drogue 1 0°16'38.50"N / 73°21'18.28"E 0.10m/s 349.83o Drogue 2 0°16'31.25"N / 73°21'22.00"E 0.18m/s 305.660 Drogue 3 0°16'33.23"N / 73°21'30.63"E 0.20m/s 351.530 Drogue 4 0°16'42.38"N / 73°21'28.92"E 0.18m/s 303.310 Table 7: Current assessment

Currents recorded from the nearshore on both sides were average having 0.10m/s (Drogues 1) and slightly stronger on all other locations having 0.18m/s – 0.20m/s. Since the assessments were undertaken during south-west monsoon, the general current flow was observed to be northwards heading over 300 degrees.

6.5.5 Swells

Large swells are generated from the sea on the southern side of Ayada Maldives (Figure 35). These swells enter into the atoll from channels found on the southern periphery of the atoll. As the southern side of GDh Atoll is deep sea, swells are believed to generate during both SW and NE monsoons. However, the extended part of the reef on the south right into the channel is believed to reduce the strength of these swells before it reaches the lagoon and to the island

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from the southern side. Nonetheless, these swells are believed to play an important role in the overall hydrodynamics around the island.

6.5.6 Waves

No major waves were observed within the reef in which the island is found. However, as a result of wells entering from the southern side of the reef, some swells and minor waves were observed along the south-western and some of the western part of the reef, which is also believed to play a important role in the hydrodynamics around the island.

6.5.7 Lagoon Bathymetry

A detailed lagoon bathymetry was undertaken from the project site in order to understand the average depths of the lagoon in relation to MSL (Figure 15). On the western side of the lagoon, the nearshore depth has been identified to be -0.6m MSL and on the eastern side, the neashore depth has been identified to be -0.4m MSL. On both areas, the depth gets increased towards the outer reef.

6.5.8 Assessments on Coral Reefs

Four reef sites around the coral reef likely to be affected by proposed coastal modification works has been assessed for general reef health conditions (Figure 18).

An important factor in determining reef health in biological terms is to assess the percent cover of live and dead component or determining composition of the reef in selected locations and generalize the findings to the whole reef system. In order to understand the biological content of the reef system, assessments involving, visual observations, LITs (20m transects) and visual fish census have been carried out on each reef survey site (Figure 18). All areas are geo- referenced for the purpose of future monitoring in order to understand environmental impacts on them as a result of proposed development.

The following table shows the GPS locations of the reef areas assessed.

Magudhdhuvaa Island GPS Coordinate RF1 0°16'42.32"N / 73°21'31.18"E RF2 0°16'33.14"N / 73°21'33.37"E RF3 0°16'28.04"N / 73°21'17.05"E RF4 0°16'36.03"N / 73°21'12.18"E Table 8: GPS coordinate of the reef assessment sites Page | 76

The following figures summarize main findings of the reef assessments carried out from the reef survey areas.

Figure 40: Coral cover at the three survey sites around Magudhdhuvaa Island (LC=live coral, DC = dead coral, DCA = dead coral with algae, RCK = rock, RBL = rubble, SND = sand)

The coral reef assessments indicate that highest live coral cover recorded was from RF1 located on the eastern part of the reef having a live coral cover of 8% and the rest of the sites including RF2, RF3 and RF4 had very less live coral cover having between 3 – 4% live coral cover. High percentages of dead coral, dead coral covered with algae and rubble were observed to be dominating the reefs around the island. This is believed to be as a result of 2016 coral bleaching event that occurred throughout the Maldives. However, coral bleaching was observed during the reef assessments. The dead coral compositions on all sites were similar having between 25% - 30% cover except for rocks, which were under 10% cover on all sites.

Large amounts of Acropora and Pocillopra corals were observed to be dead, however, some areas are showing signs of coral recruitment of the two varieties.

The following figures show present condition of the reefs assessed.

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Figure 41: General reef conditions at RF1

Figure 42: General reef conditions at RF2

Figure 43: General reef conditions at RF3

Figure 44: General reef conditions at RF4

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6.5.9 Assessments on Reef Fish

Reef fish assessments were also carried out in conjunction with the reef assessments along the same 20m transects on the four reef sites. Visual reef fish census was done on each transect in a belt having 2.5m on either side of each transect. Fishes encountered along the belt were counted or estimated. Reef fish were recorded at family level.

Following figure shows the result of the reef fish assessment undertaken on the three sites.

Figure 45: Reef fish assessment results from 4 locations around Magudhdhuvaa Island Page | 79

Generally speaking, the reef fish abundance and diversity was observed to be low compared to other reefs. This may be as a result of current reef conditions at the sites. The results of the reef fish assessments indicate that the reef fish abundance and diversity found among the four sites were highest at RF1 having a total number of 119 fish belonging to 18 families. All other sites had similar conditions in terms of number of reef fish and species cover, having a total of 82 fish from 11 families for RF2, a total of 93 fish from 11 families for RF3 and a total of 76 fish from 14 families at RF4. Thus, the reef fish diversity overall in the reef was quite similar.

6.5.10 Other Observations on the Reef

EIA Report undertaken in 2016 reported coral bleaching around the reef of Magudhdhuvaa Island as a result of the massive coral bleaching event that occurred throughout the Maldives during 2016. However, during the recent assessments, no coral bleaching was observed from the reef. Nonetheless, the impacts of coral bleaching of 2016 were still visible from the reef.

Figure 46: Bleached corals in 2016 (EIA 2016)

Figure 47: Present day reef condition with impacts of bleaching of 2016

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The EIA Report of 2016 also reported some coral frames on the western side reef with notable imapcts of coral bleaching in 2016.

Figure 48: Coral frames found on the western side reef in 2016 (EIA 2016)

Recent assessments on the reef show that the frames had very less coral, which is also believed to be an impact of coral bleaching that occurred in 2016.

Figure 49: Coral frames with less coral in 2019

6.5.11 Assessments on Seawater

Seawater samples from two different locations (Figure 18) were taken and tested by the laboratories at MWSC for the parameters in the following table to establish the baseline status of seawater around the project sites. Seawater test results are attached in Appendix 4.

The following table shows GPS coordinate of seawater sampling locations. The seawater sampling locations correspond to RF1 site for SW1 and RF4 site for SW2.

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Magudhdhuvaa Island GPS Coordinate SW1 0°16'42.32"N / 73°21'31.18"E SW2 0°16'36.03"N / 73°21'12.18"E Table 9: GPS coordinate of seawater sampling location

The following table shows the results of the seawater analysis for the sampling site.

Perimeter Unit SW1 SW2 Physical Appearance Clear with particles Clear with particles

0 Salinity /00 31.81 33.98 Temperature oC 17.8 20 Turbidity NTU 0.992 0.382 TDS mg/L 25800 26800 Phosphate mg/L <0.05 <0.05 Sulphate mg/L 3150 2900 BOD mg/L 1 1

Table 10: Seawater analysis results

The seawater conditions at the project sites were fairly good in condition.

6.5.12 Marine Protected Areas and Sensitive Sites

There are no formal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project or in GDh. Atoll. However, a sensitive site known as Faanuhutta (a small sand cay) enlisted in the Environmentally Sensitive Sites List maintained by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is found at 6km east.

6.6 HAZARDS VULNERABILITY

The following information on the vulnerability of the islands in the Maldives are taken from published literature such as Natural Hazard and Physical Vulnerability Assessment Report by UNDP (2008) as site –specific information on vulnerability of the lagoon was not available. According to the UNDP (2008) the natural vulnerability of the islands and atolls of the country to potential environmental hazards have been modeled to understand the risk factors of the country.

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6.6.1 Major Natural Hazards

According to the UNDP assessment report, the natural hazards prevailing in the Maldives can be classified into 4 categories. These are;

 Geological hazards i.e. earthquakes and coastal erosion;  Meteorological hazard i.e. tropical cyclones and storms, thunder storms, waterspouts, heavy rainfall, and drought;  Hydrological hazards i.e. floods induced by heavy rainfall, storm surges, swell waves, udha, and tsunamis;  Climate-related hazards i.e. accelerated sea level rise, sea surface temperature rise, changes in monsoon pattern.

Among those listed above, floods (induced by tsunamis, abnormal swell waves, and heavy rainfall), windstorms, droughts, and earthquake are counted as major natural hazards prevailing in the Maldives.

The general patterns of the major natural hazards prevailing in the Maldives can be well summarised in Figure 50.

Figure 50: Relationship between hazard intensity and frequency of major natural hazards in the Maldives (UNDP, 2008)

6.6.2 Distribution Pattern of Natural Hazards

The major natural hazards in the Maldives are strictly controlled by their geophysical and climatic settings and show quite different patterns in their distribution, as shown in Figures 51

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and 52. Tropical cyclones and correspondingly storm surges and droughts predominantly prevail in the north of the Maldives. In contrast, swell waves and heavy rainfalls are more prominent in the southern and western islands of the Maldives. The southern islands of the Maldives are threatened earthquakes from the seismis zone of Carlsberg Ridge.

There are also longitudinal variations in hazard distribution. The most notable is the occurrence of tsunami waves and their impacts. The eastern rim islands are subject to tsunamis and waves of a higher intensity due to their direct exposure to these hazards, whereas the western rim and atoll lagoon islands are protected by the atoll formation patterns. Impacts of swell waves and udha events are also expected to be highest on the western rim island due to the south westerly and westerly approach of these events. However, their impacts aren’t totally reduced on the eastern rim islands due to the propagation of swell waves through reef passes and fetch within atoll lagoon.

Figure 51: Latitudinal variations of major natural hazards across the Maldives (UNDP, 2008).

Figure 52: Longitudinal variations of major natural hazards across the Maldives (UNDP, 2008)

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Based on the above analysis, it can be said that the proposed project areas or Magudhdhuvaa Island in general have relatively high hazard potential for rainfall, swells and wave and earthquake (Figure 51) given the location of the island in the southern parts of the country.

Also, the island located on the SE periphery of GDh Atoll, the area has potential hazard if there is a tsunami from the eastern side of the Maldives (Figure 52).

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7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The following section predicts potential environmental impacts from proposed coastal modification works to be carried out in (Magudhdhuvaa Island) Ayada Maldives located in GDh Atoll. Once the potential environmental impacts are identified, the impacts are evaluated to identify their significance. In order to identify and analyze environmental impacts, the following methods have been used.

7.1 METHODS

7.1.1 Impact Prediction

The environmental impacts that may be generated as a result of the proposed project is predicted and is distinguished from construction and operation phases of the project. The impacts that may be associated with the proposed development have been predicted by using descriptive checklist. The prediction of environmental impacts also to a great extent incorporated expert judgment and professional opinions of the EIA consultant as well as statements of the EIAs reviewed in this EIA report. Once the impacts are predicted, a detailed description has been given in order to understand the nature and type of impacts.

7.1.2 Impact Significance Analysis

The environmental impacts are analysed in terms of significance. Significance is the function of magnitude of the impact and the likelihood of the impact occurring and the impact magnitude is a function of the extent, duration and intensity of the impact. The criteria used to determine impact significance are summarized in the following table (adapted from Environmental Resource Management, 2008).

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Table 11: Impact significance criteria

Once a rating has been determined for magnitude and likelihood, the following matrix has been used to determine the impact significance.

Table 12: Significance rating matrix

The different ratings of impact significance are then given a colour scale for easily understanding the overall magnitude of the impact. The following colour scale has been used.

Negative Ratings Positive Ratings Negligible Negligible Minor Minor Moderate Moderate Major Major

Table 13: Significance colour scale

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7.1.3 Limitations and Uncertainties

The potential environmental impacts from the proposed project are all predicted and assumed, hence there may be variables affecting the accuracy of these impacts due to natural variations such as site conditions and uncertainties in scales and magnitudes. Also the limited time available for undertaking baseline environmental assessments is also key limiting factor in terms of determining the accuracy of the environmental impacts. The assessments were done during one season and impacts are predicted based on these assessments, however, how the magnitudes of these impacts and how they behave during the other season are quite uncertain.

EIA studies undertaken in similar environmental settings and technical experience as well as professional judgment of the EIA team have been used as support while predicting and evaluating these environmental impacts.

Since the environmental, geomorphological and physical oceanography of the islands of the Maldives are unique, the degree and accuracy of the predicted impacts when applied even in other islands of the Maldives in similar project settings, may differ in accuracy, magnitude and significance.

7.1.4 Justification of the Method Used

There are many ways and a number of methods in which environmental impacts that arise from development projects can be assessed and evaluated. The methods used for the purpose of predicting and evaluating the significance of environmental impacts is an accepted and internationally recognized as well as widely used methods throughout the world in a number of development projects. Although it is adapted for the condition of the project by the EIA consultant from Environmental Resource Management, 2008 literature, the approach as well as intended outcomes still remain same.

EIA is a decision-making tool, hence, needs to be understood by both technical and non- technical people. The use of colour codes for determining the significance of each and every impact related to the proposed project in the methods used has been demonstrated to be quite effective, especially with non-technical people.

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7.2 IMPACT PREDICTION

The environmental impacts that may be associated with the proposed coastal modification project are predicted in this section by using a simple descriptive matrix. The following matrix distinguishes the types of environmental impacts on key environmental components and distinguishes whether these are impacts during project implementation or during operations period.

The following table predicts the nature and types of environmental impacts based on the existing environmental condition of the sites and the surrounding environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS AND PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IMPLICATION ACTIONS Land Beach Lagoon Reef PERIOD Vegetation Shoreline Habitat Habitat Groundwater Oceanography Seawater Indirect impacts Indirect to corals and impacts to marine lagoon habitats organisms, Sand pumping due to During sedimentation in from burrow site sedimentation construction nearby areas, and minor short-terms oceanographic changes in changes seawater quality Alteration of Alteration of Short-term beach currents in the Beach sedimentation dynamics on nearshore During nourishment on reef on the the western lagoon and construction works western side and eastern short term inner reef sides sedimentation Alteration of beach Short-term and Construction of dynamics on minor During

groynes the western sedimentation construction and eastern in the lagoon sides Minor Minor and sedimentation short-term Maintenance in the lagoon sedimentation During

sand pumping indirect on reef and operation impacts to impacts to lagoon habitats seawater Alteration of Alteration of beach currents in the Short-term Maintenance dynamics on nearshore sedimentation During beach the western lagoon and on reef on the operation nourishment and eastern short term western side sides sedimentation Table 14: Impact prediction table

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7.3 DESCRIPTION OF IMPACTS

7.3.1 Construction Phase Impacts

7.3.1.1 Impacts from Sand Pumping from Proposed Burrow Site

A potential burrow site for sand pumping have been proposed on the south-western lagoon as part of the project (Figure 11). Also, 3 alternative burrow sites have been proposed on the southern and eastern sides of the island in case if there is a fill material shortage.

During the process of sand pumping, some environmental impacts, especially on the marine and coastal environments have been envisaged. In this regard, impacts from sedimentation within the burrow site and around the reef areas on the western side side may be affected, which is believed to cause smothering of corals in the reef, isolated coral colonies within the lagoon and temporary deterioration of seawater quality due to increased turbid water conditions. Another impact on the reef within the vicinity is believed to be temporary loss of reef fish populations and other marine organisms.

Also, as a result of sand pumping from the burrow site, which will create an immediate deep area within the lagoon potentially bringing about changes in the local hydrodynamics around the area. Increased currents in the areas due to sand pumping particularly on the SW lagoon are likely, however, overall changes to the lagoon environment are believed to be localized to the project area.

Aspect Magnitude Extent Local (impacts within 0.5km boundary) Duration Short-term (sedimentation) Intensity Medium (affected areas altered but natural conditions continue) Likelihood Impacts are likely to occur in most conditions

7.3.1.2 Impacts from Beach Nourishment

As part of the proposed coastal modification works, it is proposed to nourish eroded parts of the western and eastern shorelines (472m and 490m respectively) of the island to have a beach extent of 10m. Sand pumped from the proposed burrow site will be disposed directly at the western side through the floating pipeline. But for the eastern side, fill material will be

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manually transferred. During disposal of sand, which comes mixed with water, certain environmental impacts are likely.

The most direct impact will be possible changes in the shorelines of nearby areas due to sudden increase of beach in the eroded areas on the western and eastern sides. Also, as a result of increased beach areas, the southern tip of the island, which currently has a good beach, may have certain impacts. The sand at the southern tip may be eroded during the process of adaptation of the hydrodynamics to the new conditions. However, these impacts are not believed to occur for a long term.

On the western side, little impacts or no impacts have been envisaged due to presence of existing groynes, which is already blocking beach sand on the western side. On the eastern side similar impacts are envisaged, however, with the proposed groynes, the sand movement can be controlled.

Some sediment may runoff into the immediate lagoon causing short-term turbid water conditions and decreased visibility in the southern areas of the island. Also, some of these sedimentation may reach SW and SE reef areas causing some impacts on corals and marine organisms, however, it is unlikely that all these sediments will stay on the reef over a long period time.

In addition to sedimentation related impacts, hydrodynamics of the entire nearshore environment may be altered due to immediate increase in the shorelines on the western and eastern sides of the island. As a result, increased sand movement on the beaches may occur as sand will not be initially settled. This may cause erosion on some parts and unforeseen accumulation of sand on other parts. However, over time and with the proposed groynes, more sand settlement will occur in accordance with hydrodynamics adjustments in the systems.

Beach nourishment is not a permanent solution and even if the beaches are nourishment, it may start eroding on other areas and on areas nourished. Therefore, the proposed coastal modification on the island for beach nourishment will be supplemented with further coastal protection such as construction of groynes around the severely affected areas from erosion.

Aspect Magnitude Extent Onsite (impacts within project boundary) Duration Short-term (sedimentation and nearshore dynamics) Intensity Moderate (affected areas altered but natural conditions continue) Likelihood Impacts are likely to occur in most conditions Page | 91

7.3.1.3 Impacts from Construction of Groynes

As part of the proposed coastal protection of the erosion affected areas, 5 roundhead groynes that are 20m long will be constructed by the nourished beach areas on the western and eastern shoreline of the island. The proposed coastal protection plan has been approved by MOT.

The most notable environmental impact from construction of groynes will be permanent changes in the shoreline of the island as a key function of the groyne is to retain the beach sand by blocking against the groyne. Once the groyne field is developed by the affected areas, permanent alteration to the nearshore hydrodynamics is envisaged.

Once the groynes are developed, there will be permanent changes in the nearshore hydrodynamics, however, over time these currents will be naturally adjusted. Also, no further erosion is believed to occur as the entire shoreline will to blocked from sand movement by these groynes.

Aspect Magnitude Extent Onsite (impacts within project boundary only) Duration Permanent (nearshore dynamics) Intensity Minor (affected areas altered but natural conditions continue) Likelihood Impacts are likely to occur in most conditions

7.3.2 Construction-related Hazards and Risks

Construction related hazards such as pollution from oil discharges from the proposed project are envisaged to be minimal. However, it is not completely free from the risk and potential accidents. During an accidental oil spill, the coral reef, reef fish and other marine organisms on the western and eastern sides may be affected as well as marine waters in the area may get polluted.

7.3.3 Operation Phase Impacts

7.3.3.1 Maintenance Sand Pumping

Since the nourished beaches may undergo further erosion and in order to supplement the beaches with further fill material, sand pumping may be required from the burrow site in every 2 to 3 years.

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Although there may be some impacts from maintenance sand pumping mostly from sedimentation, direct impacts on closeby reefs, physical damages will be very minimal compared to initial sand pumping undertaken as maintenance will be only undertaken from the already burrowed areas and will only pump out sand that is filled on these areas. Sedimentation is envisaged to be less compared to initial operation.

Aspect Magnitude Extent Local (impacts within 1km boundary) Duration Short-term (sedimentation and nearshore dynamics) Intensity Minor (affected areas altered but natural conditions continue) Likelihood Impacts are likely to occur in most conditions

7.3.3.2 Impacts from Maintenance Beach Nourishment

As the area is currently undergoing erosion and it is proposed to nourish beaches of the affected areas, it is believed that some maintenance nourishment works on the beaches will be required in every 2 to 3 years during the hotel operation period.

Similar environmental impacts as of the initial nourishment works are believed to occur even during maintenance nourishment works such as sedimentation and minor alteration of nearshore currents.

The source of fill material for maintenance nourishing will be obtained from the nearshore lagoon where sand from the beaches are believed to be washed due to coastal dynamics around the island as well as from the approved burrow site.

In order to undertake maintenance nourishing of the beaches, further approval from EPA will be required to be obtained prior to undertaking of the activity.

Aspect Magnitude Extent Local (impacts within 1km boundary) Duration Short-term (sedimentation and nearshore dynamics) Intensity Minor (affected areas altered but natural conditions continue) Likelihood Impacts are likely to occur in most conditions

7.3.4 Positive Impacts

The proposed project is for restoring erosion affected beaches on the island, particularly on the western side and parts of the eastern shoreline. As per the baseline assessments undertaken, it Page | 93

was observed that there is generally a scarcity in beach sand that requires to be circulated within the system, or at least within the southern half of the island.

The proposed project will enhance the affected beach conditions by nourishing sand as well as protect the beaches, which is believed to either slow down or completely stop from further erosion of the areas. As the affected areas will be nourished to have 10m wide beach areas, which is believed to be sufficient enough for seasonal changes in the costal dynamics of the area.

During the initial stages of the project, the areas may not see settlement, i.e., stable beaches, however, in the long-term when the new conditions are fully adapted, more sand settlement in the areas are believed to occur. Overall, the proposed project will have a net benefit in terms of restoring beaches that are seriously affected by erosion.

7.4 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

The following section analyses and evaluates the previously described environmental impacts in order to identify their significance.

IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE During Construction Phase ACTIVITY/IMPACT EXTENT DURATION INTENSITY LIKELIHOOD MAGNITUDE COLOUR SCALE 1. Sand pumping Local Short-term Medium Likely Moderate 2. Beach nourishment Onsite Short-term Medium Likely Moderate 3. Construction of groynes Onsite Permanent Low Likely Minor

During Operation Phase ACTIVITY/IMPACT EXTENT DURATION INTENSITY LIKELIHOOD MAGNITUDE COLOUR SCALE 1. Maintenance sand pumping Local Long-term Low Likely Minor 2. Maintenance beach nourishment Onsite Long-term Low Likely Minor 3. Positive impacts Local Long-term Medium Likely Moderate Table 15: Impact analysis table

The above environmental impact analysis indicates that most of the environmental impacts occur during construction are of short-term and during operation are of long-term in nature. The moderate environmental impact is believed to occur from sand pumping and beach nourishment activities due to a number of environmental impacts associated including direct and indirect impacts to reef and lagoon such as from sedimentation, etc. Impacts from construction of groynes on the beach also have minor environmental impacts mainly resulting from sedimentation and alteration of nearshore hydrodynamics.

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As the project may require periodic maintenance works, during the operation phase, although the envisaged impact are of long-term in nature, significance of the environmental impacts have been identified to be minor.

The net benefit of the project has been identified to moderate positive.

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8. MITIGATION MEASURES

The main purpose of the following section is to outline environmental management and mitigation measures that will be undertaken and followed with regards to minimizing and reducing environmental impacts from the proposed beach nourishment works to be carried out in Ayada Maldives Resort in Magudhdhuvaa Island.

8.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR PREFERRED MITIGATIONS

The environmental management and mitigation measures outlined in this section have been selected by taking into consideration a number of factors. The most important factor considered in selecting these mitigation measures is that these are not just ‘paper mitigation measures’, it has been selected based on its practicality. Other factors such as economic aspects, technical know-how as well as adequacy and appropriate timing of certain project activities played a key role in determining these environmental management and mitigation measures.

8.2 LIMITATION OF MITIGATIONS

In spite of the measures that will be taken to mitigate against the foreseeable impacts, there is always the possibility of impacts that were not foreseen, or the extent of predicted impact can turn out to be greater than predicted, or the mitigating measures may not be as effective as expected. In order to ensure that such incremental impacts do not suddenly appear without warning, the project will monitor key parameters in the vicinity of the development which can serve as environmental indicators. The area has been surveyed and a baseline have been established at key locations on the reef and seawater. These areas will be monitored (using the monitoring program) regularly to provide an indication of impacts before they become too advanced for corrective action.

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8.3 CONSTRUCTION PHASE

8.3.1 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Sand Pumping

It is proposed to pump sand from an area having 6,000m2 from the southern side shallow lagoon and key impact from the work as outlined before is from sedimentation. Although there a number of methods that can be used for reducing spread of sedimentation such as using physical barriers to confine sedimentation including use of sediment nets, silt screens, earthen berms and geo-bags are quite effective, they are believed to be quite expensive considering the scale of the proposed coastal works.

Therefore, the following measures which are believed to be effected and does not incur any costs are proposed to be implemented towards reducing spread of sedimentation.

 Ensure that sand pumping is undertaken in the shortest possible time, thus sedimentation will be seen only for a short period of time.  Ensure that sand pumping is undertaken at low tide and on calm days, to ensure that the sedimentation does not spread throughout the reef. It is believed that during low tides and calm days, transport of sedimentation cannot reach far distances, hence its effects on the environment can be minimized.  Use only designated boundary of the burrow site to avoid physical impacts on other areas.  Regularly monitor seawater quality and currents within the lagoon to identify the extent of the impacts.

Key considerations; Consideration Detail Reduce spread of sedimentation from sand pumping By use of natural mitigation measures Cost - Expected benefits Reduced spread of sedimentation Expertise Sediment control Required Manpower 2 - 4 Responsibility Contractor Equipment/Technology - Timing During sand pumping

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8.3.2 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Beach Nourishment

Practically, little can be done in order to prevent the impacts of sedimentation and alteration of local hydrodynamics from sand disposal onto erosion affected areas.

The following mitigation measures will be used to reduce impacts from sedimentation and reducing spread of sedimentation within and around the surrounding environment as well as impacts on the shoreline from disposal of sand on the beaches.

 Ensure that sand disposal is undertaken in the shortest possible time, thus sedimentation and impacts on shorelines will be seen only for a short period of time.  Ensure that sand disposal is undertaken at low tide and on calm days, to ensure that the sedimentation does not spread throughout the reef. It is believed that during low tides and calm days, transport of sedimentation cannot reach far distances, hence its effects on the environment can be minimized. Also, during low tide and calm days, the impacts on shorelines will be minimized.  Manually spread sand on the desired areas of the beach and profiling works.  Manually transfer sand from western side to eastern side to in order to reduce impacts on the eastern part of the island  Regularly monitor shorelines and currents within the lagoon to identify the extent of the impacts.

Key considerations; Consideration Detail Beach nourishment Protection of beaches from erosion Cost - Expected benefits Adequate beaches on the island Expertise Environmental protection Required Manpower 4 - 6 Responsibility Contractor Equipment/Technology Excavator, sand pump Timing During beach nourishment

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8.3.3 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Construction of Groynes

There are no major significant environmental impacts associated with construction of groynes around the island except for some minor sedimentation during the process of machinery operation and changes in the nearshore hydrodynamics.

In order to reduce impacts, the following measures will be undertaken;

 Undertake the activity during low tide and on calm days to reduce spread of sedimentation and easy management of activities  Monitor changes in the shorelines immediately during and after construction of groynes

Key considerations;

Consideration Detail Construction of groynes Protection of beaches from erosion Cost - Expected benefits Protection from erosion Expertise Environmental protection Required Manpower 6 - 8 Responsibility Contractor Equipment/Technology - Timing During coastal protection

8.4 OPERATION PHASE

8.4.1 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Maintenance Sand Pumping

As outlined previously, there will a need for undertaking maintenance sand pumping if further erosion occurs, which may be in every 2 – 3 years. During the process of maintenance sand pumping, no major physical damages are envisaged, however, there will be some sedimentation that may get spread into the lagoon.

As these areas will get naturally filled with sand, it is proposed to undertake maintenance pumping by use of sand pump.

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In order to reduce the environmental impacts, the following measures will be undertaken;

 Undertake sand pumping from approved location/s  Undertake all operations at low tide and on calm weather conditions as well as during south-east monsoon to direct sediment into the inner deep lagoon  If excessive sedimentation is generated, consider use of silt screens where the sediment spread occurs  Obtain permit to undertake the activities from EPA

8.4.2 Mitigation Measures for Impacts from Maintenance Beach Nourishment

As the island is prone to erosion on the southern sides and beach nourishment is a temporary solution, it is proposed to undertake maintenance beach nourishment works in every 2 - 3 years.

The primary source of sand for maintenance beach nourishment works will be sourced from the approved burrow site. A sand pump is proposed to be used in all maintenance beach nourishment works. The other source of sand will be obtained from the nearshore lagoon where there will be plenty of washed sand from the beaches where sand can be directly pumped into erosion affected areas.

No major environmental impacts are envisaged from maintenance beach nourishment works except for minor sedimentation and minor alteration currents in the nearshore environment, however these impacts would be temporary and localized in nature.

The following measures will be undertaken in order to reduce spread of sedimentation from maintenance beach nourishment works.

 Undertake all sand pumping activities on calm weather conditions  Consider use of sand obtained from nearshore lagoon that are washed from the beaches  Manually spread sand on the beaches in sections  Obtain permit to undertake the activity from EPA

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8.5 COMMITMENT

8.5.1 Rationale

The proponent of the project is committed towards implementing proposed environmental mitigation measures from the project.

Commitment letter from the Project Proponent is attached in Appendix 5.

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9. ALTERNATIVES

The following section describes and evaluates some alternatives to the proposed project. Also, “No Development Option” has been closely looked at in terms of understanding the opportunity cost of the projects versus no development scenario.

9.1 NO DEVELOPMENT OPTION

Ayada Maldives is currently an operational tourist resort and some coastal modification works have been proposed to be carried due to heavy erosion that is currently taking place on the western and eastern sides of the island. The coastal modification project involving beach nourishment and coastal protection of the beaches are believed to play an important role for the resort as well as for the island.

The island is currently undergoing severe beach erosion and if nothing is done, the beaches of the island will continue eroding and the problem will become more severe and pose threats to some resort infrastructure as well as may extent to further areas of the island. As beaches are an important asset for a tourist resort, presence of eroded beaches on the island will not be preferred by guests and the entire tourism product of the negatively will be negatively affected.

Some components of the proposed project have moderate environmental impacts such as sand pumping and beach nourishment works, while construction of groynes as a key coastal protection measure has very minor impacts. It is outlined in the report that these environmental impacts can be greatly reduced by implementing a number of environmental management and mitigation measures.

Considering long-term benefits of the proposed coastal protection works in terms of creating adequate beaches as well as protecting the beaches and having an aesthetically pleasing environment for resort guests and generally to the island, no development option is believed to pose more risks to the island in terms of further erosion. Thus, the No Development Option, which will leave the existing condition of the island as it is, cannot be considered as a viable option over the proposed coastal protection.

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Thus, no development option will not be an ideal alternative for the proposed project.

9.2 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS

9.2.1 Alternative Burrow Sites

Currently it is proposed to burrow sand required for beach nourishment works from a site located in the southern part of the lagoon. The size of the proposed burrow site is 6,664m2. In case where enough sand cannot be obtained from the proposed burrow site due to various reasons including presence of hard subsurface or due to significant environmental impacts, 3 alternative burrow sites have been identified. The following figure present the locations of the alternative burrow sites.

Figure 53: Alternative burrow sites

The environmental conditions of the alternative burrow sites are similar to that of the proposed burrow site except for the alternative site 3, which is located close to the reef on the eastern side. The environmental impacts from alternative site 1 and 2 are also envisaged to be similar in terms of types and magnitudes as well as similar environmental protection and mitigation measures will be required if sand pumping is undertaken from alternative burrow sites. However, environmental impacts from the alternative site 3 will be more as it is located very close to the reef and stronger mitigation measures will be required. The proposed burrow site is preferred as it is located about 70m from the island unlike the alternative burrow sites which

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are located over 70m from the project area. The operation cost may be more if alternative burrow sites are considered. The proposed burrow site already contain some fine sand which have been accumulated over time from the erosion of beaches of the island, hence are more preferred than alternative burrow sites.

9.3 ALTERNATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURE

9.3.1 Use of Turbidity Curtains

Sand pumping operation as well as beach nourishment works are believed to generate to sedimentation that may have negative impacts in the marine environment. Currently more natural means of mitigation measures such as low tide and calm weather conditions are considered to reduce effects of sedimentation.

As an alternative method a floating turbidity curtain (silt screen) in areas where sedimentation is severe has been considered.

Figure 54: Use of turbidity curtains around dredge sites

The floating turbidity curtains can drastically reduce spread of sedimentation during coastal works such as sand pumping. Also, it will be relatively easy to install as the area generally has a calm environment. An added advantage of the floating turbidity curtain is that it stops sedimentation from spreading and confines to a desired location. Thus, if the sedimentation from the proposed activities are uncontrollable, sediment curtains are proposed to be used.

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However, a notable disadvantage would be that the silt curtains will be expensive and requires intensive monitoring.

Technology

A turbidity curtain is a flexible, impermeable barrier used to trap sediment in water bodies. This curtain is generally weighted at the bottom to ensure that sediment does not travel under the curtain, which is supported at the top through a flotation system.

Figure 55: A turbidity curtain

9.4 ALTERNATIVE COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURE

9.4.1 Use of Geobag Groynes

Currently it is prosed to use concrete blocks in the 5 groynes as the key coastal protection measure. However, as an alternative measure, development of groynes with sand-cement mix geo bags has been looked at, which will be a slightly cheaper option than concrete.

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Figure 56: An example of a geo bag groyne

A key disadvantage for use of geo bag groyne is that it will not last as long as concrete and may require to undertake repair works in every 3 – 4 years. Additionally, algal growth will be seen within a couple of months since the geo bags will be exposed to sun and sea. Also, in terms of uniformity to the existing groynes on the island that are made of concrete blocks, the geobag groynes will look totally different, hence, it is not a preferred alternative.

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10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

10.1 BACKGROUND

Environmental monitoring is important part of the whole EIA. It ensures that how the project has or is impacting the baseline environmental conditions that have been assessed as part of the EIA. It identifies the degrees and magnitudes of the predicted environmental impacts for the project are felt on the environment as a result of project implementation. Thus, it will help in implementing the mitigation measures that are already identified in this report or implement further measures if the impacts are identified to be bigger than anticipated.

10.1.1 Aim

The primary aim of the monitoring is to provide information that will aid impact management, and secondarily to achieve a better understanding of cause-effect relationship and to improve impact prediction and mitigation methods.

10.1.2 Objective

The following monitoring plan will be used to measure impacts that occur during the proposed project activities and determine the accuracy of impacts that are predicted and the effectiveness of mitigation measures that are relevant for the proposed project. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to measure:

• Coral reef health (EIA baseline) • Seawater quality (EIA baseline) • Shoreline and beach profiles for assessing erosion and accretion (EIA baseline) • Currents and Bathymetry (EIA Baseline)

The monitoring will also ensure that these measurements are kept within the baseline limits and predicted impacts are accurate and mitigation measures taken are effective.

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10.2 MONITORING REPORT

A detail monitoring report will be compiled based on the data collected for monitoring the parameters included in the monitoring plan. This report will be submitted to the relevant Government agencies for compliance. The report will include details of the site, strategy of data collection and analysis, quality control measures, sampling frequency and monitoring analysis and details of methodologies and protocols followed. In addition, more frequent reporting of environmental monitoring will be communicated between the project proponent, and the regulatory body.

10.2.1 Report Format

The Environment Monitoring Report will be developed in accordance with the following format; i) Introduction ii) Aims and Objectives iii) Environmental Conditions a. Coastal environment including shoreline, bathymetry, beach profiles, currents i. Erosion and accretion on the island b. Marine environment including coral reef assessments, reef fish assessments and other benthos iv) Comparison of data over different time periods v) Conclusion and Recommendations

10.2.2 Frequency

It is important to ensure that monitoring of the environmental parameters mentioned above will be initiated during project implementation, which will be continued throughout the proposed duration of the project. In this regard, the following measures will be followed.

 During Implementation Phase – Every 2 – 3 months  During Operation Phase – Every 6 months for every operation year for 5 years

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10.3 MONITORING PLAN

The following Environmental Monitoring Plan will be followed during and after the implementation phase of the proposed beach nourishment works to be carried out in Ayada Maldives.

Baseline Monitoring Approx Cost Indicators Reference Technique Frequency Requirements (US$) Values Every 2 – 3 months during Aerial implementation Beach erosion Erosion/Accretion Baseline EIA photograph and 200.00 and in every 6 GPS survey months after implementation

Every 2 – 3 pH months during Seawater Laboratory Salinity implementation Quality Baseline EIA Analysis from 120.00 TSS and in every 6 MWSC Turbidity months after implementation Every 2 – 3 Reef health months during Reef fish abundance LIT and visual implementation Coral reef and diversity Baseline EIA 400.00 assessments and in every 6

months after Coral bleaching implementation Every 2 – 3 months during Standard implementation Beach profiles Coastal dynamics Baseline EIA leveling 400.00 and in every 6 technique months after implementation Every 2 – 3 months during Changes in current Drought implementation Currents Baseline EIA 100.00 flow pattern technique and in every 6 months after implementation

Every 6 months Bathymetry Varying depths Baseline EIA Echo-sounder after 400.00 implementation

TOTAL COST 1,620.00 Table 16: Environmental monitoring plan

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10.3.1 Quality Control Assurance

In order to reduce uncertainty factor and ensure that the monitoring undertaken is assured with quality control measures, the following aspects will be carefully integrated;

 Monitor exact GPS points outlined in the baseline surveys at all times  Employ technical personnel for all monitoring needs  Increase visual presentation of the conditions and compare as an important aspect of monitoring  Repeat surveys if unsure  Ensure monitoring is undertaken as outlined in the Monitoring Plan

10.3.2 Commitment

The proponent recognizes the important of environmental monitoring and commits to undertake the monitoring programme during construction and operation periods.

Commitment letter from the Project Proponent is attached in Appendix 5.

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11. CONCLUSIONS

Following are the conclusions with regards to the proposed coastal modification works to be carried out in Ayada Maldives Resort in Magudhdhuvaa Island located in GDh. Atoll. o Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) PLC proposes to undertake coastal modification works at Magudhdhuvaa Island involving beach nourishment and installation of groynes for coastal protection of western and eastern shorelines of the island which are currently experiencing severe beach erosion. The island has been sub leased to Ahmet Aydeniz Maldives Pvt. Ltd by MTDC. who currently operates the resort under the brand Ayada Maldives. As the operator, Ayada Maldives will implement the project. o The scope of the proposed project involves; o Beach nourishment on the western shoreline . Replenish 472m of shoreline having average beach width of 10m at a height of 1.4m above MSL o Beach nourishment on the eastern side shoreline . Replenish 490m of shoreline having average beach width of 10m at a height of 1.4m above MSL o Pumping of sand by sand pump from burrow sites and transport of sand to required areas o Installation of concrete roundhead groynes; 2 on the western side and 3 on the eastern side o The coastal modification concept covering beach nourishment and installation of groynes was approved by MOT on 27November 2018. o This EIA has been prepared as per new EIA governance structure where all EIAs relating to tourist resort and tourist hotel development, ongoing and operational projects have been taken back to be implemented under EIA Regulation from December 2018 by EPA. This EIA has been prepared according to the Terms of Reference approved by EPA on 8 January 2019.

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o The aim of this EIA is to ensure that potential impacts are identified and addressed in relation to the proposed project works. For this purpose the report has addressed existing environmental condition from available information as well as new assessments on surrounding environment where the project may have some environmental impacts during construction and operation phases. o The environmental impact analysis undertaken for the project indicates that most of the environmental impacts occur during construction are of short-term and during operation are of long-term in nature. The moderate environmental impact is believed to occur from sand pumping and beach nourishment activities due to a number of environmental impacts associated including direct and indirect impacts to reef and lagoon such as from sedimentation, etc. Impacts from construction of groynes on the beach also have minor environmental impacts mainly resulting from sedimentation and alteration of nearshore hydrodynamics. o During operation phase impacts associated with maintenance sand pumping and maintenance beach nourishment are evaluated to be minor, however will occur on a long- term basis. o As there are no MPAs or Sensitive Sites nearby, the proposed project is not believed to impact such areas. o The proposed project will enhance the affected beach conditions by nourishing sand as well as protect the beaches, which is believed to either slow down or completely stop from further erosion of the areas. o Although there are some magnitudes of environmental impacts associated with the proposed project, it is believed that these environmental impacts can be greatly reduced by implementing a number of environmental management and mitigation measures including control of sedimentation by undertaking marine related activities on calm weather conditions and implementing the activities as soon as possible in order to reduce impact exposure period.

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o Some alternative means such as opportunity cost against no development option, alternative environmental protection and alternative coastal protection measures have been evaluated and preferred alternatives are discussed. o Environmental monitoring during both construction and post construction have be given serious consideration in order to assess the degree and magnitude of environmental changes in the biophysical environment against the baseline conditions assessed. An environmental monitoring programme will be implemented in every 2 - 3 months during project implementation and in every 6 months thereafter. o Although there are some minor to moderate environmental impacts from the proposed development, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, given that the resort needs to maintain a good image and maintain good customer satisfaction and avoid any future risks to the resort infrastructure, it is concluded that the project is important for operational needs of the resort.

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12. REFERENCES

Dredging and Reclamation Regulation, 2013, EPA

Environmental Resource Management, 2008, Solaire Direct Drennan Deir, Rev 2

EIA Regulation (Amended), 2015, EPA

EIA Regulation for Tourist Resort, Guest House, Tourist Hotel and Yacht Marina Development, 2015, Ministry of Tourism

Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment and Maintenance Dredging of Access Channel and Harbour in Thulhaagiri Island Resort, North Male Atoll prepared by Dr. Shiham Adam and Dr. Mahmood Riyaz in 2014.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment and Coastal Protection Works at Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll prepared by LaMer Group Pvt. Ltd. in 2015.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Beach Nourishment Works at Ayada Maldives in Magudhdhuvaa Island, G.Dh. Atoll prepared by Mohamed Zuhair and Ibrhim Shakir in 2016

EIA for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Vakkaru Island, Baa Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair in 2018.

EIA for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Kudafunafaru (Noku Maldives), Noonu Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair and Ibrahim Shakir in 2018.

EIA Addendum for Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Dhonmaaga Falhu, South Male’ Atoll by Mohamed Zuhair in 2018.

Handbook on Compilation of Laws and Regulations on Protecting the Environment of Maldives, 2006, MEEW

Initial Environmental Examination for Beach Nourishment at Soneva Gili Resort and Spa, North Male Atoll prepared by Sandcays Pvt. Ltd. in 2010.

Maldives Tourism Act, 1999, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Natural Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment Report by UNDP in 2008, UNDP

Regulations on Environmental Impact Assessment, 2012, MEE

Regulation on Environmental Damages Liability, 2011, Ministry of Housing and Environment www.meteorology.mv www.surf-forecast.com www.tide-time.org weatherspark.com Page | 114

13. APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Approved Coastal Modification Concept by MOT

APPENDIX 2: Approved EIA Terms of Reference (TOR)

APPENDIX 3: Extended EIA Terms of Reference (TOR)

APPENDIX 4: Seawater Quality Analysis Report

APPENDIX 5: Commitment Letter from Proponent

APPENDIX 6: EIA Report Contributors

APPENDIX 7: CVs of Consultants

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APPENDIX 1:

Approved Coastal Modification Concept by MOT

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APPENDIX 2:

Approved EIA Terms of Reference (TOR)

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APPENDIX 3:

Extended EIA Terms of Reference (TOR)

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APPENDIX 4:

Seawater Quality Analysis Report

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APPENDIX 5:

Commitment Letter from Proponent

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APPENDIX 6:

EIA Report Contributors

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Chapter Consultant Chapter Page Contributors Registration Signature (including data Number collection)

Introduction 21 Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015

Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015

Project Description 32 Ibrahim Shakir

Legislative 44 Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015 (Project Setting)

Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015

Existing 53 Environment Ibrahim Shakir

Impact and 86 Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015 Mitigation 96

Monitoring 107 Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015

Conclusions 111 Mohamed Zuhair EIA01/2015

Page | 134

APPENDIX 7:

CVs of Consultants

Page | 135

MR. MOHAMED ZUHAIR

PERSONAL DETAILS

Full Name: Mohamed Zuhair

NIC No.: A-045870

Date of Birth: 18 December 1971

Address (Home): H. Eforniumge (South), 4th Floor, Moonlight Hingun/Lonuziyaarai Hingun, Male’ 20¬023, Rep of Maldives Mobile: (960) 777 6800 Email: [email protected]

Marital Status: Married with 3 children

Languages: English (Professional) Dhivehi (Native)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

 Master of Applied Science (Natural Resource Management), 2003 , James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia  Certificate in Integrated Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas, 1998, South Asia Co¬operative Environment Program (SACEP) in collaboration with Great Barrier Reef Marine Mark Authority, Male’ Maldives  Certificate in Coral Reef Survey Methods, 1998, IOC¬UNESCO/UNEP/IUCN, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in collaboration with Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male’, Maldives  Certificate in Seminar to Cope with Climate Change in Asia Pacific Region, 1995, Environment Agency, Japan Weather Association Japan  Certificate in Comparative International Studies, 1994, Bath College of Higher Education, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, United Kingdom  B.Sc (Hons) Combined Studies (Major: Environmental Biology), 1994, Bath College of Higher Education, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, United Kingdom  Certificate in Coral Reef Ecology, Theory and Practice, 1990, International Center for Ocean Development and Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male’, Maldives

EMPLOYMENT

 Freelance Environmental Consultant (2011 - Present) Provide technical consultancy on environment-related work including development of environmental management plans, preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and environmental monitoring plans, field assessment and environmental analysis of potential development sites, technical input for proposed development projects, as well as assist in project development, etc

 Recent Clients: Hotels and Resorts Construction Pvt. Ltd, Leisure Horizons Pvt. Ltd., Amin Construction Pvt. Ltd., Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Cocoon Investments Pvt. Ltd., Akirifushi Investments Pvt. Ltd., Hanimaadhoo City Hotel Investments Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Ali Zahir, Coral Tree Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Hassan Moosa, Mr. Ali Moosa, ABN Pvt. Ltd., Cowrie Investments Pvt. Ltd., Oliva Efficient Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Island Channels Pvt. Ltd., Sandcays Pvt. Ltd., Beachrock Ventures Pvt. Ltd., SAS e Senok JV Pvt. Ltd., Group X Pvt. Ltd., Coastline Investments Pvt.

Page | 136

Ltd., Sanken Overseas Ltd.(Sri Lanka), Impiana (Lanuan) Bhd. (Malaysia), Gili Lankanfushi, Waterways Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Mahogany Pvt. Ltd., Vashugiri Pvt. Ltd., Premier Equity Manager, Ecolife Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), Scaveola Travel Pvt. Ltd., Ebony Pvt. Ltd., Sunny Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (Singapore), B. Fehendhoo Island Council, K. Himmafushi Island Council, Ayada Maldives, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Dhidhoofinolhu Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Amingiri Holdings Pvt. Ltd., K & V Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Funnels Investment Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Abbas Waheed, H. Finimaage Aage, Male’, Mr. Mohamed Wafir, G. Rangireege, Male’ Hima Holdings Pvt. Ltd. North East Pvt. Ltd., Residency Resorts Male’ Pvt. Ltd., Batch Construction Pvt. Ltd., DAMAS Real Estate, Apollo Holdings Pvt Ltd., Westore Pvt Ltd., INSA Pvt. Ltd., O Blu at Helengeli, Aqua Blue Investments Pvt. Ltd., Indus-Resorts Maldives (Singapore), Sea Cross Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Kandinma Holdings Pvt. Ltd., EyeCare Pvt. Ltd., Champalars Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Thiladhoo Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Hurasfaru Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Naainfaru Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Roxy Maldives Resort and Spa, Vakkaru Resort and Spa (Efzy Holdings Pvt. Ltd.), Kuredu Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Pearl Atoll Pvt. Ltd., MEQ Boatyard Pvt. Ltd., WAPCOS (India), Good Catch Pvt. Ltd., Bathala Island Resort, Seal Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, M. Pink Night, CT @ Thilamaafushi Pvt. Ltd, DXYN IQ Pvt. Ltd.Seahouse Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Ali Bey Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Lodester Marine Limited (London)., Amala Maldives Pvt. Ltd., Delma Pvt. Ltd., Zen Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Promonant Pvt. Ltd., Sandy Forest Pvt. Ltd., Bandos Maldives, Maalaa High Rising Construction Pvt. Ltd., ALIA Construction Pvt. Ltd.

 Director General (2009 – 2011) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 4th Floor, Jamaaluddin Complex, Nikagas Magu, Male’, Rep. of Maldives

Duties: Overall in charge of the Environmental Protection Agency directly reports to Minister and State Minister. Direct, supervise and technical input to the work of the Sections including Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Conservation, Coastal Zone Management, Waste Management, Water and Sanitation, Physical Oceanography, Resource Valuation and support to implementation of Environmental Protection Act and subsequent Regulations and develop national Environmental Standards, etc.

 Director General (2008 – 2009) Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water (MEEW), Fen Building, 3Floor, Ameenee Magu, Male’, Rep of Maldives

Duties at MEEW: Overall in charge of the Environment Section of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water mainly responsible for general policy direction and technical support as well as office administration, finance and support to personnel and staff recruitment. Also guidance and support to implementation of international environmental conventions and treaties, technical input to national environmental action plan, national sustainable development strategy as well as implementation of national biodiversity strategy and action plan, technical support to National Commission on Protection of Environment (NCPE), support to implementation of environmental projects such as Atoll Ecosystem Conservation Project, Integrated Climate Change Projects, etc.

 Assistant Director General (2007 – 2008) Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water, Fen Building, 3Floor, Ameenee Magu, Male’, Rep of Maldives

Duties: Overall in charge of biodiversity conservation, policy advice and technical guidance on environmental management in the Maldives, guidance on implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maldives, implementation of international environmental conventions, technical input to national environmental action plan, national sustainable development strategy, etc.

CONSULTANCY WORKS UNDERTAKEN (2015 – PRESENT)

 Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development on Ookolhu Finolhu Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Harbour Development in Himandhoo Island, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Kottafaru Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Harbour Rehabilitation in Thoddoo Island, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015 Page | 137

 Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Aarah Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Measures in Plam Beach Resort and Spa, Lh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment Sunken Excavator near Havodda Island, GDh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Coastal Modifications at LUX Maldives, South Ari Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Coastal Protection Works in Veymandoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Coastal Protection Works in Kandoodhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Mixed Use Residential Complexes in Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 11-Storey Building Development at Thulhaadhooge, Male’, Maldives, 2015  First Addendum to Environment Impact Assessment Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015  First Addendum to Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection, Modification, Maintenance Dredging, Gili Lankanfinolhu, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Agriculture Product Development in Hulhudhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Ukulhas Island, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Mariculture, Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Boatyard Development in Vihamaafaru, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Maaenboodhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Situation Analysis Report Proposed Coastal Modification and Partial Renovation Project, LUX South Ari, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Technical Study of Erosion and Coastal Protection Measures Northern side of Dharavandhoo Island, B. Dharavandhoo, Malrives, 2015  First Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA for Coastal Protection Works in Maaenboodhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in R. Filaidhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Situation Analysis Report Proposed Coastal Modification and Partial Renovation Project, LUX South Ari, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Technical Study of Erosion and Coastal Protection Measures Northern side of Dharavandhoo Island, B. Dharavandhoo, Malrives, 2015  Second Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, 2015  Environmental Impact Assessment Tower C of Amin Avenue, Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2016  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Agriculture, Water Sports and Training Facility Development in Faadhoo Island, Maldives, 2016  Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Vashugiri Island, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Sunny Lagoon in South Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Access Channel and Mooring Area Deepening in B. Fehendhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives 2016  Environmental Analysis Report For Tourist Resort Development in Ethigili Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2016  First Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Ukulhas Island, AA Atoll, Maldives 2016  Environment Monitoring Land Reclamation Works at Bodufinolhu, ADh Atoll, Maldives, 2016 Page | 138

 Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Uthuruboduveli, Uthurugasveli, Hurasveli, Meemu Atoll, Maldives 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maniyafaru Lagoon, South Male’ Atoll, Maldives 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Beach Nourishment Works at Ayada Maldives, GDh. Mugudhuvaa Island, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Beach and Swimming Area Development in K. Himmafushi Island, Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 11 Storey Building Development at H. Finimaage Aage, Male’, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Maavaru Lagoon, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Monitoring Land Reclamation Works at Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Third Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2016  Second Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Resort Development in Kodhipparu Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Aerodrome and Access Channel in the Lagoon near St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 20-Storey Rehendhi 5 Building, Male’, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Hanimaadhoo, HDh. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Hoarafushi, HA Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Farming Development Project at Aidhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Villingili, GA. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Ungoofaaru, Raa. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Milandhoo, Sh. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Guraidhoo, Th. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Kudahuvadhoo, Dh. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Naifaru, Lh. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Water Production and Distribution Facility at Villingili, GA. Atoll, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in the Lagoon Plot 4.155882 / 73.251890, North Male Atoll, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Amingiri Lagoon, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Male’ Atoll, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 10-Storey Mixed Use Residential Complex in Block D10- 4C, Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Mixed Use Residential Complex in Block C4-3, Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 10-Storey Building with Basement at H. Loveside, Male’, Maldives, 2016  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dhidhoofinolhu Lagoon, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Male’ Atoll, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dhigudhefaru Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maarandhoo Island, GA Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Project at Hulhudhoo Island, Addu City, Page | 139

Maldives, 2017  First Addendum to the Environment Impact Assessment Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Uthuruboduveli, Uthurugasveli and Hurasveli Islands in Meemu Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Audit Report Powerhouse Registration at Malahini Kuda Bandos, North Male Atoll, Maldives, 2017  First Environmental Monitoring Report Kodhipparu Resort Development Project, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Aanugandufalhu, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Fourth Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2017  Environment Impact Assessment Development of Snorkeling Platform at Kandinma Tourist Resort, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Kandoogandu and Veyvah island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed City Hotel Development in Mandhoo Island, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed City Hotel Development in Kaashidhoo Island, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 15 Storey Building at H. Dhoovehi, Male’, Maldives, 2017  Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2017  First Environmental Monitoring Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Innhuraa Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 14 Storey Building at Ma. Alidhooge, Male’, Maldives, 2017  First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Coastal Protection Works in Kandoodhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Additional Works at Vakkaru Island Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Mixed Use Residential Complexes in Blocks C2-1, C2-2 and C2-3 in Hulhumale’ (Hiyaa Vehi Project), Maldives, 2017  First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, ADh Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Coral Propagation and Reef Rehabilitation Project Proposal Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Sixth Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2017  First Environmental Monitoring Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Filaidhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2017  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed MEQ Boatyard Development Project, K. Himmafushi Island, Male Atoll, Maldives, 2017  First Environmental Monitoring Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, ADh Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Modification Works at Kudafunafaru (Noku Maldives Resort), Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Second Addendum to the Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Dh. Maaenboodhoo, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 6 Storey Building with Basement Water Tank at Lot 20056 in Hulhumale, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2018  First Addendum to Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Aanugandu Falhu, North Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Ruhthibirah, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2018 Page | 140

 Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Dredging, Land Reclamation and Coastal Protection for Tourist Resort Development in Maavaru Lagoon, North Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Seventh Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2018  Environmental Management Plan Proposed Reef Rehabilitation and Artificial Reef Development at Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll Maldives, 2018  First Addendum to Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Maniyafaru Lagoon, South Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Management Plan Proposed Reef Rehabilitation and Restoration Project Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Mixed-Use Multi-Storey Buildings Development at Rasfannu Area, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives, 2018  Second Environmental Monitoring Report, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Beach Nourishment and Coastal Protection Works at Mandhoo Island, ADh Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Sheet Piling Works at Slot No. 23 and 25 at Thilafushi, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Refurbishment and Upgrading Works at Bathala Island Resort, North Ari Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Loafaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Sheet Piling Works at Slot No. 5 at Thilafushi, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in the Lagoon Plot in Embudhoo Finolhu Falhu, South Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in the Lagoon Plot 3°53'34.89''N / 73°24'27.66''E in South Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018  First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Resort Development Project in Dhonmaaga Falhu, South Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Beach Nourishment and Coastal Protection Works at Vakkaru Island Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2018  Eight Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Akirifushi Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. 2018  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dherufinolhu Island, Lh. Atoll, Maldives, 2018  First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Amingiri Lagoon Plot, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Mae’ Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Project Evaluation and Recommendation, Ongoing Coastal Modification Project at Noku Maldives Resort at Kudafunafaru, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Platinum Residence with Basement at Lot Number 10321, Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2019  Baseline Assessment and Coastal Protection Design, Reclaimed 2 Islands in Aanugandufalhu, North Male Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Management Plan, EMP, Proposed Installation and Operation of Seaplane Platform in Kuredhivaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2019  First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dheruffinolhu, Lh Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maabinhuraa Island, Lh Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Swimming Pool Construction and Coastal Modification Works in Vakkaru Island Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2019  First Environmental Monitoring Report for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Aanugandu Falhu, North Male Atoll, Maldives, 2019  Environmental Screening Report, New Guest Room Construction in Bandos Island Resort, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2019 Page | 141

EXTRACURRICULAR

 Registered EIA Consultant (2015) Registration (EIA01/15) at Environmental Protection Agency 3rd Floor, Green Building Male’ Republic of Maldives

 PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Research Diver (1998-¬Present) Sea Explorers Dive School, 2nd Floor, Ma. Thuniveli, Male' 20¬01 Republic of Maldives

RFREES

 Professional Mr. Ibrahim Naeem Director General Environment Protection Agency 3rd Floor Green Building Male’, Maldives Email: [email protected]

 Academic Assoc. Prof. Peter Valentine Head School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography (TESAG) James Cook University Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia Email: [email protected]

Page | 142

IBRAHIM SHAKIR (SHARK)

Date of Birth: 18 July 1967

Contact Address: Ma Sharky Shark

Koarukendi Magu

Male’ 20-30

Maldives

E-mail: [email protected]

Nationality: Maldivian

Contact no: +9607759695

Qualifications

Associate Diploma of Land information Management Systems

(Surveying) South Australian Institute of vocational Education (1994), Australia

Certificate from the Group Training Course in Hydrographic Survey (international accredited Category B Course) –

Conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency under the International Cooperation Programme of the Government of Japan, Tokyo, Japan (1996)

Certificate of participation in Environment Management at Singapore Environmental Management and Engineering Services Pte Ltd (January 2000)

Relevant Experience

Surveying projects

K.Fulmoon 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

K.Velassaru 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

K.Kurumba 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

K.Baros 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

M.Hakuraa Huraa 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

Page | 143

K.Dhonveli 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

AA.Ehlidhoo 2012 PSM survey to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

N.fushivellavaru 2012 Control and as built survey, after establishing PSM to surveying and land surveying standard to tourist properties of Maldives ref to technical brief 2011.

Gdh.Dhigulaabadhoo Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey.

K.Kaashidhoo set-out survey for tourist hotel

B.Vakkaru Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey including set-out survey for Back of the house

Laguna Maldives Topographic Survey, Hydrographic Survey, Tree Survey, Set out Survey & Environment impact assessment study.

Konnota Island (Gaafu Dhaal atoll) managed by PCH

Topographic Survey, Hydrographic Survey, Tree Survey and Setout Survey.

Maavelavaru Island (Noonu atoll) managed by Athama Marine

Topographic Survey, Hydrographic Survey and Setout Survey.

Halaveli Tourist Resort (Ari Atoll) / Waterfront Pvt Ltd.

Topographic Survey, Hydrographic Survey, Tree Survey and Setout Survey.

HANDHUFUSHI (Herathere) ADDU Atoll / managed by Yatch tours

Hydrographic Survey of the proposed water villa site

Madoogali Island (Ari atoll)

Topographic survey includes buildings, structures and water villas.

Ariyadhoo Island (North Male’ atoll) / managed by VB

Topographic survey and Hydrographic survey, includes buildings, structures and water villas.

Full Moon Maldives / Universal Enterprises

Topographic survey and Hydrographic survey, includes set-out survey for all buildings, structures and water villas.

Baros island Resort / Universal Enterprises

Topographic survey and Hydrographic survey, includes set-out survey for all buildings, structures and water villas.

Dhigufinolhu island Resort / Universal Enterprises

Page | 144

Topographic survey and Hydrographic survey, includes set-out survey for all buildings, structures and water villas.

Palm Beach Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Provided all consultancy work including equipment layout design and procurement analysis for all F&B areas and laundry

Ari Beach Resort, Ari Atoll, Maldives

Topographic survey and Hydrographic survey, includes set-out survey for all buildings, structures and water villas.

Coco Palm Resort, / Sunland Travels, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Provided all consultancy work including equipment layout design and procurement analysis for all F&B areas, Environment design, Water & Waste Management, Project Management and Laundry Design and Layout in addition, the project included the supervision of the installation of the designed system, surveying and instructing the contractors on construction methodology.

Veligandu Huraa, Maafushivaru (Twin island)

Tree survey, including identification of species and their respective locations through out the island, set-out survey for all structures.

Fesdu Fun island / Universal Enterprises

Reef survey, identification of coral species and condition of the reef with regard to coral bleaching, Tree survey including detailed layout of vegetation line and shoreline, set-out survey.

NakatchaaFushi / Huvafenfushi

Topographic survey, Hydrographic Survey, Tree survey, set-out survey for water bungalows and land villas.

Hilton on Rangali / Crown company

Topographic Survey, Hydrographic survey and set-out survey for water villas, land bungalows, current and wave action surveys, tide measurements for the under water restaurant.

Reethi Rah Resort / One & Only

Environment impact assessment study.

Moofushi island Resort

Topographic survey, including vegetation, shore line, High tide and Low tide line and all structures.

Villivaru & Biyadhoo / Ministry of Tourism

Environment impact assessment study for the bidding project includes Plant identification survey, soil contamination survey, Ground water monitoring, Page | 145

coral diversity and abundance survey, coastal erosion survey, sediment movement and setting studies, beach profiles and land topography survey.

Mushimas Migilli / Dhoani Migilli

Environment impact assessment study including Harbour development.

Keekimini / Fisheries Project

Environment impact assessment study including, Harbour development and set-out survey for infrastructure development.

Hudhufushi island Resort / Abdul Rauf

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey including set-out survey for all buildings and villas.

Ministry of Health, Malé Maldives

Development of a master plan for the provision of safe, adequate and affordable freshwater for Malé (Maldives) including the designing of processes to harness and distribute water on a commercial basis. Includes study on sustainability of utilizing the freshwater aquifer of Malé as well as utilizing airport runway and a loating collector (shallow lagoon) for rainwater catchments vis-à-vis desalination of seawater.

Hinnavaru island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Provision of a wastewater collection and disposal systems for a densely populated island.. Design to overcome the problems associated with a high water table and flat low lying island with limitations for proper gradients.

Maadhoo island, Maldives

Environmental impact study on Harbour Development and Recreational Boating Activity for the Management Kandooma island Resort, Republic of Maldives.

Fuah Mulaku

Hydrographic study and Environment impact study on harbour development and commercial boating activity.

Mirihi island Resort

Hydrographic Study, Land survey / and Environmental impact assessment on harbour Development.

Hebadhoo island Resort

Hydrographic Study and Environmental impact assessment on harbour Development.

Embudhoo Finolhu island Resort / Taj

Hydrographic Study and Environmental impact assessment on harbour Development. Page | 146

Shaviyani Atoll (all inhabited islands)

Hydrographic Study and Environmental impact assessment on Harbour Development.

Hulhumeedu island

Hydrographic Study and Environmental impact assessment on Harbour Development.

Kulhuduffushi island Harbour

Hydrographic Study and Environmental impact assessment on Harbour Development.

Dh.Eboodhoo/Olhuveli

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey including set-out survey for all buildings and villas.

Gdh.Gazeera

Topographic survey for resort construction

ADh.Athurugaa

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey

AA.Thundufushi

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey

Ha.Uligamu

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey including set-out survey for buildings.

STO Building

Set-out survey in Male’,Maldives.

Velaanaage office Building

Set-out survey in Male’,Maldives.

K.Giraavaru

Topographic survey for Resort Construction

Ga.Handahaa

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey including set-out survey for all buildings, Beach Villa and Water Villa.

N.Huivani

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey.

Page | 147

N.Minaavaru

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey.

Gdh.Baulhagilaa

Topographic survey and Hydrograhic Survey.

Rendheli Island (Noonu atoll) managed by INT Management Pvt Ltd.

Setout Survey of Rendheli Island, Noonu Atoll.

Finolhas Island (Baa atoll) managed by Coastline Maldives

Topographic & Hydrographic Survey of Finolhas Island, Baa Atoll.

Kuramathi Maldives (Ari Atoll) managed by Universal Resorts, Maldives.

Topographic Survey (update the site plan) of Kuramathi Maldives, Ari Atoll.

EIA Projects Participated

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development on Ookolhu Finolhu Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Kottafaru Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Coastal Protection Works in Veymandoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Coastal Protection Works in Kandoodhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Mixed Use Residential Complexes in Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed 11-Storey Building Development at Thulhaadhooge, Male’, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environment Impact Assessment for Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Ukulhas Island, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environment Impact Assessment for Proposed Mariculture, Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Boatyard Development in Vihamaafaru, AA Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environment Impact Assessment for Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Maaenboodhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2015

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Technical Study of Erosion and Coastal Protection Measures for Northern side of Dharavandhoo Island, B. Dharavandhoo, Malrives, 2015

Environment Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in R. Filaidhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment for Tower C of Amin Avenue, Hulhumale’, Maldives, 2016

Environment Impact Assessment for Proposed Agriculture, Water Sports and Training Facility Development in Faadhoo Island, Maldives, 2016

Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Vashugiri Island, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Sunny Lagoon in South Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Analysis Report For Tourist Resort Development in Ethigili Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Uthuruboduveli, Uthurugasveli, Hurasveli, Meemu Atoll, Maldives 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maniyafaru Lagoon, South Male’ Atoll, Maldives 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Beach Nourishment Works at Ayada Maldives, GDh. Mugudhuvaa Island, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Beach and Swimming Area Development in K. Himmafushi Island, Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Maavaru Lagoon, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Water Aerodrome and Access Channel in the Lagoon near St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed 20-Storey Rehendhi 5 Building, Male’, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Farming Development Project at Aidhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in the Lagoon Plot 4.155882 / 73.251890, North Male Atoll, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Amingiri Lagoon, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Male’ Atoll, 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dhidhoofinolhu Lagoon, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Male’ Atoll, 2017

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Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dhigudhefaru Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maarandhoo Island, GA Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Coastal Protection Project at Hulhudhoo Island, Addu City, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Aanugandufalhu, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed City Hotel Development in Mandhoo Island, ADh. Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed City Hotel Development in Kaashidhoo Island, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 15 Storey Building at H. Dhoovehi, Male’, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Innhuraa Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed 14 Storey Building at Ma. Alidhooge, Male’, Maldives, 2017

First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Coastal Protection Works in Kandoodhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Mixed Use Residential Complexes in Blocks C2-1, C2-2 and C2-3 in Hulhumale’ (Hiyaa Vehi Project), Maldives, 2017

First Environmental Monitoring Report Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Filaidhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed MEQ Boatyard Development Project, K. Himmafushi Island, Male Atoll, Maldives, 2017

Second Addendum to the Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Coastal Protection Works in Dh. Maaenboodhoo, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2018

First Addendum to Environment Impact Assessment Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in Maniyafaru Lagoon, South Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Beach Nourishment and Coastal Protection Works at Mandhoo Island, ADh Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Sheet Piling Works at Slot No. 23 and 25 at Thilafushi, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2018

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Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Refurbishment and Upgrading Works at Bathala Island Resort, North Ari Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Loafaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Sheet Piling Works at Slot No. 5 at Thilafushi, K. Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Land Reclamation and Tourist Resort Development in the Lagoon Plot in Embudhoo Finolhu Falhu, South Male Atoll, Maldives, 2018

Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dherufinolhu Island, Lh. Atoll, Maldives, 2018

First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Amingiri Lagoon Plot, Kodhipparu Falhu, North Mae’ Atoll, Maldives, 2019

Environmental Management Plan, EMP, Proposed Installation and Operation of Seaplane Platform in Kuredhivaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, 2019

First Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Dheruffinolhu, Lh Atoll, Maldives, 2019

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Maabinhuraa Island, Lh Atoll, Maldives, 2019

First Environmental Monitoring Report for Proposed Tourist Resort Development in Bodufinolhu island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 2019

Environmental Screening Report, New Guest Room Construction in Bandos Island Resort, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives, 2019

Employment

Managing Director of Beach Rock Investment Pvt Ltd. Ma Sharky Shark, Male’, Maldives.

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