EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll

Madifushi Island; Photo by: Water Solutions Pvt Ltd

Proposed by: Maldives Inflight Caterings Pte Ltd

Prepared by: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007) and Mohamed Umar (EIA P02/2019)

For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

March 2021

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

1 Table of contents EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll ...... 1 1 Table of contents ...... 3 2 List of Figures and Tables ...... 8 3 Declaration of the consultants ...... 10 4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration ...... 11 5 Non-Technical Summary ...... 16 6 Introduction ...... 18 Structure of the EIA ...... 18 Aims and Objectives of the EIA ...... 18 EIA Implementation ...... 18 Rational for the formulation of alternatives ...... 18 Terms of Reference...... 18 7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 19 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ...... 19 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas ...... 19 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ...... 20 FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 20 Second Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 20 THIRD Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 .... 20 FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 21 FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 21 Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 ...... 22 Tourism Law ...... 22 Tourism Act of Maldives (Law No. 2/99) ...... 22 Amendment to the Article 15 of Maldives Tourism Act (Law no: 2/99) ...... 23 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation ...... 23 Waste Management Regulations ...... 23 Waste Management Policy ...... 23 Health and Safety in Construction Industry ...... 23 Immigration Act ...... 24 Employment Act ...... 24 International Conventions ...... 24 7.19.1 Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 24 8 Project Description ...... 25 Project proponent ...... 25 Project Location and Study Area ...... 25

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Need and Justification for the project ...... 25 Project Components ...... 26 8.4.1 Coastal Protection ...... 26 8.4.1.1 Breakwater (BW – 2) ...... 26 8.4.1.2 Groynes ...... 26 8.4.1.2.1 Groyne (GR - 1) ...... 27 8.4.1.2.2 Groynes (GR – 2) ...... 28 8.4.1.2.3 Groynes (GR – 3) ...... 28 8.4.1.3 Revetment (RV – 1) ...... 29 8.4.1.4 Justification for selection of material and methodology ...... 29 8.4.2 Beach nourishment ...... 30 8.4.3 Borrow area ...... 30 8.4.4 Reprofiling of a channel ...... 31 8.4.5 Stockpile location ...... 32 Construction methodology and project management ...... 32 8.5.1 Typical construction methodology for revetment, groynes and breakwater 32 8.5.2 Construction strategy ...... 33 8.5.3 Machineries ...... 33 8.5.4 Safety ...... 33 8.5.5 Safety equipment ...... 33 8.5.6 Emergency fire ...... 33 8.5.7 Potential fire hazard and occupational health and safety ...... 33 8.5.8 Workforce Services and housing ...... 33 8.5.9 Environmental protection measures ...... 33 8.5.10 Risk associated with the project ...... 34 8.5.11 Emergency plan in case of spill and during spillage ...... 34 8.5.12 Project Impact Boundary ...... 34 8.5.13 Project Duration ...... 35 8.5.14 Project Schedule ...... 35 Project Inputs and Outputs ...... 35 8.6.1 Project Inputs ...... 35 8.6.2 Project Outputs ...... 35 9 Methodology ...... 37 10 Existing Environment of Maldives ...... 38 Existing general environment of Maldives...... 38 Existing Marine Environment of Madifushi ...... 38

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Methodology of marine surveys ...... 38 10.3.1 Data Processing methodology ...... 39 Coral reef ...... 39 10.4.1 Benthic composition at site 1 (M1) ...... 39 10.4.2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ...... 41 10.4.3 Benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ...... 42 10.4.4 Benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ...... 42 10.4.5 Benthic composition at site 5 (M5) ...... 43 Status of fish abundance ...... 45 Marine water quality ...... 46 Bathymetry ...... 46 Marine Protected and Sensitive Areas ...... 47 Existing Coastal Environment ...... 48 10.9.1 Features of the Coastal Environment ...... 48 10.9.2 Lagoon ...... 48 10.9.3 Island ...... 49 10.9.4 Existing condition of Beaches ...... 49 10.9.5 Wave conditions around the island ...... 49 10.9.6 Shoreline and vegetation line of Madifushi Island ...... 50 10.9.7 Erosion and Accretion Patterns ...... 51 10.9.8 Beach Profiles ...... 52 10.9.8.1 Beach Profiles 1 to 4 ...... 52 10.9.8.2 Beach Profiles 5 to 10 ...... 54 10.9.8.3 Beach profiles 11 – 15 ...... 56 10.9.8.4 Beach Profiles 16 – 18...... 58 11 Environmental Impacts ...... 59 Impact Identification and Analysis ...... 59 Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction ...... 59 Environmental Impacts and mitigation measures for Construction Stage..... 61 11.3.1 General Construction Activities ...... 61 11.3.2 Construction of breakwater...... 61 11.3.3 Construction of Groynes ...... 62 11.3.4 Beach Nourishment ...... 62 11.3.5 Waste Management ...... 63 11.3.6 Workforce & Temporary Facilities ...... 63 11.3.7 Operation of Heavy Machinery ...... 63 11.3.8 Noise, Vibration and Disturbance ...... 64

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

11.3.9 Health Impacts ...... 64 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures for Operational Stage ...... 65 11.4.1 Changes to Coastal Morphology ...... 65 Socio-economic Impacts and Mitigations Measures ...... 65 11.5.1 Impacts on Local Economy ...... 65 11.5.2 Level of Protection against Hazards ...... 65 12 Alternatives ...... 66 No Project Option ...... 66 Alternatives Proposed...... 66 12.2.1 Preferred Alternative and mitigation measures ...... 70 13 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 71 Introduction ...... 71 Environmental management plan ...... 71 Cost of Monitoring ...... 71 Duration of Monitoring ...... 71 Methods of Monitoring ...... 71 Monitoring Responsibility ...... 71 Monitoring Report ...... 71 Environmental Management plan ...... 71 14 Stakeholder Consultation ...... 74 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) ...... 74 Ministry of Tourism ...... 74 Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) ...... 75 Raiymandhoo Island Council ...... 75 15 Recommendation ...... 76 Deepening the seaplane Jetty ...... 76 Raising the levels of the paths, road and floor of Back of the House Building 76 16 Conclusion ...... 78 17 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report ...... 79 18 Acknowledgements ...... 80 19 Reference Books and Sources ...... 81 20 Annex: Terms of reference ...... 82 21 Annex: Approved Concept and Supporting Drawings ...... 83 22 Annex: Concept approval from MOT ...... 84 23 Annex: Water Quality Result from MWSC ...... 85 24 Annex: Bathymetry of the required areas ...... 86

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

25 Annex: Methodologies Used ...... 87 26 Annex: Stakeholder consultation letter to NDMA, MMRI and Raiymandhoo Island Council 88 27 Annex: General Comments from NDMA ...... 89 28 Annex: General Existing environment ...... 90 29 Annex: HPA Guideline on Work Place Safety ...... 91 30 Annex: EIA submission receipt from Atoll council ...... 92

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

2 List of Figures and Tables Figure 1: Location of Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll...... 25 Figure 2: Location of breakwater (BW – 2) ...... 26 Figure 3: Typical cross-section of groyne ...... 27 Figure 4: Typical longitudinal section of groyne ...... 27 Figure 5: Location of Groyne (GR-1) ...... 27 Figure 6: locations of Groynes (GR - 2) ...... 28 Figure 7: Location of Groyne (GR – 3) ...... 28 Figure 8: Location of revetment (RV - 1) ...... 29 Figure 9: Locations of beach nourishment areas ...... 30 Figure 10: Proposed borrow areas ...... 31 Figure 11: Channel filling and reprofiling areas ...... 31 Figure 12: Stockpile location...... 32 Figure 13: Primary and secondary impact areas ...... 34 Figure 14: Latitude and longitude locations of the survey sites ...... 38 Figure 15: Marine survey locations ...... 38 Figure 16: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 40 Figure 17: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 40 Figure 18: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 41 Figure 19: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 41 Figure 20: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 42 Figure 21: Percentage benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 43 Figure 22: Photos taken from site 4 (M4) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 43 Figure 23: Percentage benthic composition at site 5 (M5) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 44 Figure 24: Photos taken from site 5 (M5) (Jan 1st, 2021)...... 44 Figure 25: Protected Area. (Source: EPA) ...... 47 Figure 26: Coastal environment ...... 48 Figure 27: Coral reef patches on western side of the island ...... 48 Figure 28: Terrestrial environment ...... 49 Figure 29: Beach on south eastern side of the island ...... 49 Figure 30: Wave condition during field trip ...... 50 Figure 31: High tide lines of Aug and Dec 2019 and Sept and Dec 2020 ...... 50 Figure 32: High Tide Line and Vegetation Line Dec 2020 ...... 51 Figure 33: Erosion and accretion from Aug 2019 to Sept 2020 ...... 51 Figure 34: Erosion and accretion from Sept 2020 to Dec 2020 ...... 52 Figure 35: Locations of beach profiles 1 - 4 ...... 52 Figure 36: Beach profiles 1 – 4 ...... 53

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Figure 37: Locations of beach profiles 5 – 10 ...... 54 Figure 38: Beach profiles 5 – 10 ...... 55 Figure 39: Locations of beach profiles 11 – 15 ...... 56 Figure 40: Beach profiles 11 – 15 ...... 57 Figure 41: Locations of beach profiles 16 – 18 ...... 58 Figure 42: Beach profiles 16 – 18 ...... 58 Figure 43: Alternative option – submerged breakwater (diagram for reference only) ...... 68 Figure 44: Tetra Pods (for reference only) ...... 69 Figure 45: Area which TMA has recommended to have a minimum depth of -1.8m at low tide ...... 76 Figure 46: Roads and BOH area which recommends for levelling with sand from TMA jetty area ...... 77

Table 1: Tentative schedule ...... 35 Table 2: Matrix of major inputs during construction period ...... 35 Table 3: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage ... 35 Table 4: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (Jan 1st 2021)...... 45 Table 5: Fish abundance and count range ...... 45 Table 6: Water Quality Results ...... 46 Table 7: Sensitive Areas in Meemu Atoll (source: EPA) ...... 47 Table 8: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis ...... 59 Table 9: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option ...... 66 Table 10: Monitoring report submission schedule ...... 71 Table 11: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period...... 72

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

3 Declaration of the consultants This EIA report has been prepared according to the EIA Regulations 2012, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment and all the amendments brought to the regulation. The EIA was carried out by a multidisciplinary consulting team representing Water Solutions Private Ltd. In preparing this report, no data has been manipulated. All data has been collected by field visits. I as the lead consultant certify that the statements in this Environmental Impact Assessment study are true, complete and correct. Name: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007)

Signature:

Water Solutions Project Reference: WS/QUT/2019/113 Email; [email protected] Tel: +960 3341643

Report reviewed by: Ibrahim Faiz Reviewed date: 28th March 2021

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration

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c

ާސާ ލާ ޙު ާދާ ސާ

ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްށަކަމުތަގިއަޑަވިދެއ ގްނިރަޓޭކ ްޓިއަލުފްނިއ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .1 މ. މަޑިފުށީގައި ބޭރުތޮށި، އެއްގަމު ތޮށި އަދި ހުރަސްތޮށި ލައި ގޮނޑުދޮއް ވެލިން މުއްސަދިކޮއް އަދި ރަށުގެ ޯތެނާރުކްއެރަސައ ާހިކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމުޅެއ ިލެވ ްށަކަތ ުދްއހަރަސަ ްނުފ ިރުހަފިދެހ ިއަގުތާރަފ ިތަމުރިއ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީނާވިއަފިވެރުކާޔްއަތ ްޓޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްނިއްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުލެބ ެގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްނުށަދ )93/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ޭހެބިއާމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްނުޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޑްނެއ ްނީސްނެޖޭއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްޓްނަމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތުލޫސުއ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ ިއަގ 2012 ުދިއާވަގ .ެވެށަތޮގްއެއ ިއާއ ްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމރާޓ ާވިއަފިވެރުކޫދ ްށަތކްއަސަމިމަ

2. މި އީއައިއޭ ރިޕޯޓުގެ ބޭނުމަކީ ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ ސަބަބުން ތިމާވެއްޓަށްކުރާ އަސަރުތައް ދެނެގަތުމާއި، މި އަސަރުތަކަށް .ެވެމުރުކަމަހިރުފ ްށޮކުޅަގަރ ްށަރުތިއ ުރަވްނެފ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ްނުތޮގ ީއާމިތްޖިއ ިއާންނުތޮގ ެގީށެވާމިތ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ މި ރިޕޯޓު ތައްޔާރުކުރުމަށްޓަކައި، ޕްރޮޖެކްޓް ހިންގޭ ވެށީގެ މައުލޫމާތު އެއްކުރެވި، ޕްރޮޖްޓްގެ ދަށުން ހިންގޭ އެކިއެކި ްނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ުތާމޫލުއަމ ިމ .ެވެއަފިނެމިހ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ެނަގެނެދ ީނަވ ްއަތުދިއާވަގ ިއާނޫނާޤ ޭޅުގ ިއާކަތްއަތްނަކ ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ ސަބަބުން ލިބޭ ގެއްލުންތައް ދެނެގަންނަށް ފަސޭހަވެ، މި ގެއްލުންތައް ކުޑަކުރުމަށް އެޅޭނެ ފިޔަވަޅުތައް ްށަށަރ ިއަގުލަބުގަތްސުމުރުދ ްނުބަބަސ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިބިލ ްއެޔުލ ުރުތިއ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ްނުމުށެފްނަރުކްނުނޭބ ިމިންޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިއާއުރިއާދްނުމަގނިހ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ްއަތާދިއަފ ެނޭބިލ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެލާވަލުކެއ ްއެނޭލްޕ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ްއަތުލަދަބ ެނާންނައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުށަރ

3. މި ރިޕޯރޓްގެ މައިގަނޑު ބޭނުމަކީ ރަށުގެ ގޮނޑުދޮށް ބޮޑުކުރުމާއި ބޭރުތޮށި، އެއްގަމު ތޮށި އަދި ހުރަސްތޮށި ލައިގެން ރަށް ގިރުމުން ސަލާމަތްކޮއް، ރަށުގެ ހުރިހާ ސަރަހައްދެއްގައި ގޮނޑުދޮއް ބޭއްވުމެވެ.

.ެވެއެވިއަފިނެމިހ ްނުރުކ ްއަތްއަތްނަކ ިވިނަންނައ ްނުށަދ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ްނުތޮގެއ .4

• ރަށުގެ ދެކުނު ފަރާތުގައި 35 މީޓަރުގެ ބޭރުތޮށި ލެވިގެންދާނެ،

• ރަށުގެ އެކި ހިސާބުތަކުގައި އެކި ސައިޒުގެ )ޖީއާރު – 1، ޖީއާރު – 2، ޖީއާރު – 3( ހުރަސްތޮށި ލެވިގެން .ެވެއެނާދ

ިށޮތްސަރުހ ްއެއ ެގ 1 – ުރާއީޖ ެގުރަޓީމ 82 ިއަގުށަދ ީޓެޖ ޭވެދ ްށަކަތިރަޓޮކ ުދޫމ ުތާރަފ ުނުކެދ ެގުށަރ • ލެވިގެންދާނެ، o ރަށުގެ އެކި ހިސާބުތަކުގައި 30 މީޓަރުގެ ޖީއާރު – 2 ގެ ނުވަ ހުރަސްތޮށި ލެވިގެންދާނެ،

ިށޮތްސަރުހ ްއެއ ެގ 3 – ުރާއީޖ ެގުރަޓީމ 35 ިއަގުށަދ ީޓެޖ ިއަމ ުތާރަފ ުރުތުއ ުގނަޅުހ ެގުށަރ o ލެވިގެންދާނެ، o ރަށުގެ އުތުރު ފަރާތުގައި 65 މީޓަރުގެ އެއްގަމު ތޮައްޓެއް ލެވިގެންދާނެ،

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• މި ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ ދަށުން ރަށް ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމަށް ބޭރުތޮށި، އެއްގަމު ތޮށި އަދި ހުރަސްތޮށި ލެވިގެންދާނީ ބޮޑުހިލަ .ެވެންނެގްއޮކްނުނޭބ

ްނުރުކިދަސްއުމ ްނިލެވ ްށަނިމާޅުފ ެގުރަޓީމ 10 ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގްއެބާސިހ ާހިރުހ ެގުށަރ ިއަގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ • ިދައ .ެވެއެވެރުކ ާފަލ ްށަމަކ ެނާދްނެގިޅެއ ްށަކަތްއޮދުޑނޮގ ިލެވ ެގުރަޓީމ ިޑޮކ 19,600 .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިނެމިހ ެނާވްނުނޭބ ިލެވ ެގުރަޓީމ ިޑޮކ 19,000 ްށަމުޅެއ ިލެވ ްށަކަތ ުދްއަހަރަސ ްނުފ ިރުހަފިދެހ ިއަގުތާރަފ ިތަމުރިއ .ެވެއެވެރުކ ާފަލ ްށަމަކ

.ެވެންނުތާރަފ ުގނަޅުހ ިދައ ިތަމުރިއ ެގުށަރ ީނަވިއަފިހެޖަމަހ ްށަމުގެނ ިލެވ ާވްނުނޭބ ްށަކަތުދްއަހަރަސ ިމ •

5. މިރަށުގައި ކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅިފައިވާ ޕްރޮޖެކްޓަށް ރިއާޔަތްކޮށް ބެލި ކަންތައްތަކުން އަދި ހެދުނު ދިރާސާތަކުން، މި ެމްނެއ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ްށަކަރަވ ްސެވެމްނޮކ ީނަވުރަސައ ެނާރުކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ބޮޑަށް އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ބެލެވެނީ ރަށް ުއފެދިފައިވާ ބައްޓަމަށާއި، ރަށުގެ މޫދުގެ މާހައުލަށާއި މޫދުގައި ހިމެނޭ ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށެވެ. މިގޮތުން، މަސްމަހާއިމެހި، ގައު، މުރަކަ އަދި މިނޫންވެސް ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށް ނޭދެވޭ އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ްނުބަބަސ ެގޫރްޝަމ ިމ ްނުކަތާސާރިދ ުނުދެހ ިދައ ްނުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިލެބ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަމަކްނަކިމ .ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ ްނުބަބަސ ެގ ްޓެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ުހަފްށަމުލެބ ްށަކަތ ާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކ .ެވެއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ީނަވ ުރަސައ ެނާރުކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ުރިއާދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެއެނެފ ްށަކަމަކެނޭބިލ ްއެކަތ ްނުލްއެގ ެގުރަވިކެއ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ާތިމވެއްޓަށް ގެއްލުންވާ ކަންތައްތަކެއް ޕޮރޮޖެކްޓްގެ ޑިޒައިނުގައި ހިމެނޭތީ އެވެ. ގޮނޑުދޮށައް ވެލި އެޅުމާއި، ކަނޑު ޭބިލ ްއަތްނުލްއެގ ެގ ުރަވިކެއ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ީކަކަތްއަތްނަކ ަދަފ ްނުހެޖ ިއާޓްއޮތ ުމަގްއެއ ިދައ ިށޮތްސަރުހ ިއާޓްއޮތ .ެވެކެކަތްތަކްތަސަމ

6. މި ރިޕޯޓުގައި ފާހަގަކުރެވިފައިވާ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ލިބޭ ގެއްލުންތައް ކުޑަކުރުމަށް އެޅޭނެ ފިޔަވަޅުތަކުގެ ތެރޭގައި، އުފެދޭ ިއަގުކަތްސަވުދ ުޑަމުޑނަކ ުޅަގނަރ ްނުސޫމ ްށަމުޓްއެހެފިހ ްނުރުތެފ ްށަކަތުދްއަހަރަސ ްނެހެއ ުބނަލިކ މަސައްކަތްކުރުމަށް އިރުޝާދު ދެވިފައުވާނެއެވެ. އަދި ކިސަޑު ފެތުރޭނަމަ، މި ސަރަހައްދު ވަށައިގެން ކިސަޑު ހިފާއްޓާ ުރިއާދްނުމަރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ްނުރުތިއ ެގީމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެދ ުދާޝުރިއ ްށަމުރުކުރަހ )ްނިއެޓާކ ްޓްލިސ( ުޑނަގާދ ީދިއަޔިކ ްށަޅަގނަރ ްއަތުޑނަގްނިމ ޭހެޖްނަޓްއަހަފިހ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުރުކިރެކާތްއަރ ްނިރެތްތަކްއަސަމ ިއާންނުތޮގ ީހްއިސ ެނާރުކްނުނޭބ ުރަހަފުދނަޅުއ ުރަބ ްށަކަދަދައަނިގ ީކަތަކްއަސަމ ިމ ެމްނެހެއަމަހ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާވްނަރުކުލަމައ ްށަމަކެއ ްށަރުތިއ ުރިއާޅައޮޔެތ ިއާއުރިއާވްއުދ ިއަގުދްއަހަރަސ ާރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ުރަހަފުދނަޅުއ ަދަފެއ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަމުނިދްނަކުލާމަސ

ެނާދިވެރުކ ިއަގުލަދަބ ެގުކަތްއަތްނަކ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ ިއަގުއޫރްޝަމިމ ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ިމ ްނިއަދަފެއ ަމަހ ިދައ .7 ކަންތައްތަކެއްވެސް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވިފައި ވާނެއެވެ. އެގޮތުން ލަކުޑި ބޭނުންކޮއްގެން ހުރަސްތޮށިލުމާއި، ބޭރު ތޮށި އަދި އެއްގަމު ތޮށި ބޮޑުހިލައިން ޖެހުމުގެ ބަދަލުގައި ޓެޓްރާ ޕޮޑްސް ބޭނުންކުރުން، އެއްގަމު، ބޭރު އަދި ހުރަސް ތޮށި ބޮޑުހިލައިން ޖެހުމުގެ ބަދަލުގައި ޖިއޯ ބޭގު ބޭނުންކުރުމާއި، އަދި ބޭރުތޮއްޓަށް އާ ކޮންސެޕްޓެއް އެކުލެވިފައިވާނެއެވެ. .ެވެށަމުއިދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ްށަމުހެރުކ ާވިއަފެވްސާފ ުރާހިމ ީނާވިއަފިވެދާފަލ ްސެވަމަނ

.ެވެއެނާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްއެނޭލްޕ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ްއަތުލަދަބ ެނާންނައ ްށަޓްއެވ ްނުބަބަސ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ިމ .8 ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެށަމަކްނަކ ެނާންނައ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ ުޑޮބ ެމްނެއ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުތަކްއަސަމ ިމ ީނާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްނޭލްޕ ިމ ފާހަގަ ކުރެވިފައިވާ ކަންކަމުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސޯލައިން އަދި ބީޗް ޕްރޮފައިލް ނެގުމާއި، މޫދުގެ މާހައުލައް އަންނާނެ ބަދަލުތައް ބެލުމާއި، ރަށް ހިމާޔަތް ޭކުރުމަށްޖެހ ތޮށިތައް ގެއްލުމެއްނުވެ ކިހާދުވަހަކު ހުރޭތޯ ހިމެނެއެވެ.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

9. މިހާރު ހުށަހެޅިފައިވާ ޕްރޮޖެކްޓްގެ އިތުރުން، ކޮންސަލްޓަންޓެއްގެ ހައިސިއްޔަތުން، ޓްރާންސް މޯލްޑިވިޔަން އެއަރވޭޒް ްޓްނަމްސެސެއ ީޓްޕޭސ ްޓރޯސިރ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްށަޓްއުފިޑަމ ިއަގ 2021 ްޗރާމ ްނުތާރަފ ެގ )ޭއ.ްމެއ.ީޓ( ިއަފެވަލިތ ިރިއަކ ީޓެޖ ްލަވިއަރެއ ްނޭލްޕީސ ާވިއަފިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ިއަގ ްނަޝޭރަފޮއ ްފޮއ ްޓްޓްނަމްސްނެމޮކ – ްޓރޯޕިރ ްށޮކްނުފ ްށަރަވަންނުހ ުރަޓީމ 1.8 ިއަގާޔިދ ިކިހ ުދްއަހަރަސެއ ީތެނާވިތަދ ްށަމުޅުއ ްށޮކިރިއަކ ްނޭލްޕ ީސ ްނުމުތޮއ އޮންނަށް ގޮތައް ބޭއްވުމަށް ލަފާދީފައިވާތީ މިތަން ފުންކުރުމުން ނެގޭނެ ކަމަށް ލަފާ ކުރެވޭ 10،000 ކޮޑި މީޓަރގެ ީކަމުރުކުރަވްއެއ ާޅައ ްށަޔިރިއަކ ްއަތްތާރާމިއ ާވިއަފިދެހ ިއަގޭރެތުށަރ ިއާށަމުރުކ ުރަވްއެއ ްއަތުގަމ ެގުށަރ ިލެވ .ެވެއެވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްށަމަކްތޮގ ެނާދިވެރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގުތޮގ ޭވެދެއ ިލެވ ޭގެނ ްނެގެނޮކ ްށަތޮގިމ

ެގުށަރ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެއެވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްށަމަކ ެނާވްއެކަތްނުލްއެގ ްށަލުއަހާމ ެގުދޫމ ެގުށަރ ްނުބަބަސ ެގ ުޢޫރްޝަމ ިމ .10 .ެވެއެނާރުކ ުރަސައ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުޑަސިކ ްނުތޮގ ާދީސުނ ިއާންނުތޮގާދީސ ްށަކަތ ަކަރުމ ިރުހިއަފިދެހ ިއަގީރިއަކ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ްސެވްނަކެނާރުކ ްއެކަތާދިއަފ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުޓްކެޖޮރުޕިމ ްސެވަމަނ .ެވެއަފެވ ީނަވ ުރާހިމ ްށަކަލޫޓ ޭވެރުކ ްނުނޭބ ްށަމުވެނެގ ިއަދޯހ ްނަކުލާމަސ ްނިރެވުރުތަފ ީކަކަތ ްއޮދުޑނޮގ ެގޭޖްއާރ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިވެރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ްއަތްތާރާމިހ ިރުހިއަފާޅައ ަގުށަރ ްނުކަތިށޮތ ޭހެޖްށަމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ްށަރ ިދައ

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5 Non-Technical Summary

1. This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed Coastal Protection and beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives. This report is based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ToR approved from Environmental Protection Agency specifically for this project. The proponent of the project is Maldives Inflight Catering Pte Ltd (MIC), joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Ltd. and SATS Ltd.

2. The need for this project is to enhance the beach area around the island and undertake coastal protection structures around the island to control erosion and maintain beaches around the island.

3. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will help to identify the long-term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken.

4. The proposed project involves the following coastal protection measures:

• Construction of 35m long breakwater on southern side of the island, using rock boulders; • Construction of three types of groynes (GR – 1, GR – 2 and GR – 3), the only difference between the three types of groynes would the length of groynes. o Construction of 82m GR-1 groyne (1 Nos) on southern side under water villa; o Construction of 30m GR-2 groynes (9 Nos) around the island, o Construction of 35m GR-3 groyne (1 Nos) on north west side of the island under arrival jetty • Construction of 65m revetment on northern side of the island; • All coastal protection measures will be constructed using rock boulders; • The Project involves beach nourishment around the island for a width of 10m. It is estimated that 19,600 m3 of sand will be required for beach replenishment, and 19,000 m3 will be required for channel filling. • Borrow areas for the project are located on eastern and western side of the island.

5. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, the most significant impacts are likely to occur on the marine environment due to the nature of works involved. Due to the development, significant negative impacts on the marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef and lagoon area will be both directly and indirectly impacted during the implementation

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of this project. Rest of the significant impacts during the construction period are those related to waste management, sedimentation and turbidity of the water. During the operational stage of this project, there will mostly be positive impacts, all of which has been outlined in detail in the relevant sections.

6. The proposed mitigation measures for the project includes, undertaking coastal protection and beach nourishment works during calm weather and low tides to minimize the impacts of on the project area and nearby reef environment. In addition to this, a silt curtain can be used to contain the sedimentation within the project area. Moreover, all the health and safety protocols need to be followed during the construction stage and workers need to be informed about the health and safety procedures. Care must be taken while operating and refuelling of heavy machineries to avoid accidents.

7. In this report use of wood as an alternative material for groyne, use of tetra pods for revetment and breakwater, use of geo-bags as an alternative material for revetment, breakwater and groynes, and alternative concept for breakwater, However, it is recommended to carry out the project with the proposed option.

8. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring plan has been outlined. Parameters selected for monitoring has been done in a way to allow the most significant changes arising from the project activities to be monitored. This includes the changes to the shoreline and the beach profiles, marine environment and durability of the coastal structure.

9. Additional, as consultant, we recommend to utlise the 10,000 cbm of sand from this area, which would be generated, when the safety guidance issued by the TMA after their Resort Safety Assessment on the commencement of the sea plane operations to Madifushi in March 2021 to deepen the sea plan arrival jetty area to have a minimum depth of 1.8 m at low tide, to level the existing roads and paths on the island and to raise the floor level of the BOH and FOH building.

10. The proposed project does pose significant threats to the marine environment and will also be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site and will indirectly affect the coral reef system through dispersion of sediments. However, the project has multiple benefits to the resort operation as beach is a necessary tool to attract tourist and coastal protection protects the infrastructure of the island.

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6 Introduction This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, law no. 4/93 in order to assess the impacts of the proposed coastal project at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll. The aim of the report is to ensure that the project is undertaken to address and manage the environmental issues. Structure of the EIA The report has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations 2012 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment and subsequent revisions. The report will provide an executive summary at the beginning. The report will then have a project description in detail, existing environmental conditions, justifications given by the proponent for undertaking the proposed project components and alternatives. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works will be outlined at the end. The major findings of this report are based on qualitative and quantitative assessments undertaken during site visits in 2019 and 2020 and through the use of available secondary data. The impact assessment methodology has been restricted to field data collected, consultations, experience, and professional judgment. In addition, satellite and aerial photos have also been used to study the geography and environment where necessary. Aims and Objectives of the EIA The objective of the report is to: • Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making. • Report the existing situation of erosion on the island. • To fulfill the obligations of the proponent to undertake an EIA under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives. • Undertake the proposed project work with minimum damage to the environment. • Ensure that all the environmental and social aspects of the project are addressed. • Propose practical solutions to address the beach erosion.

EIA Implementation This EIA has been prepared by environmental consulting firm, Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Water Solutions have been chosen by the proponent as the environmental consultants for this project. The team members were: • Ahmed Jameel, BEng – Coastal & Environmental, MSc – Disaster Management (EIA- P07/2007) • Abdul Aleem BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019) • Ibrahim Faiz, BSC, MSc - Environmental Management (EIA P05/2020) • Mohamed Umar, BSc – Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019) • Aleef Abdhulla Naseem, BSc - Marine biology & Coastal ecology

Rational for the formulation of alternatives Alternatives analysis provides other ways of implementing the project or various components of the project. Hence, in formulating the alternatives, various critical components of the project were considered such as alternative construction materials and alternative locations for coastal protection. Terms of Reference Terms of Reference for this assessment has been included in the Appendix of this report.

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7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework This section outlines the relevant environmental legislation pertaining to this project. The following table outlines a matrix of major environmental laws, guidelines, codes and standards, both local and international indicating the relevance to this project. Environmental Protection and Preservation Act The project conforms to the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives, Law no. 4/93. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulation 2012 of the Maldives by registered consultants. Furthermore, it adheres to the principles underlined in the regulations, action plans, programmes and policies of Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Housing and Infra Structure and relevant local councils. These are discussed in detail in the following sections and relevant amendments brought to the regulations from time are also considered in this chapter. The Articles of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) addresses the following aspects of environmental management: • Guidelines and advice on environmental protection shall be provided by the concerned government authorities. • Formulating policies, rules and regulations for protection and conservation of the environment in areas that do not already have a designated government authority already carrying out such functions shall be carried out by MEEW. • Identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. • An EIA shall be submitted to MEEW before implementing any developing project that may have a potential impact on the environment. • Projects that have any undesirable impact on the environment can be terminated without compensation. • Disposal of waste, oil, poisonous substances and other harmful substances within the territory of the Republic of Maldives is prohibited. Waste shall be disposed only in the areas designated for the purpose by the government. • Hazardous / Toxic or Nuclear Wastes shall not be disposed anywhere within the territory of the country. Permission should be obtained for any trans-boundary movement of such wastes through the territory of Maldives. • The Penalty for Breaking the Law and Damaging the Environment are specified. • The government of the Maldives reserves the right to claim compensation for all damages that are caused by activities that are detrimental to the environment.

Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas Under Article 4 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, the Ministry of Environment is vested with the responsibility of identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. As part of the Environmental Regulation, EPA has established list of ‘sensitive sites’ in the Maldives. Although not formalized as a regulation, the sensitive list is mentioned in the recent Regulation on Dredging and Reclamation (Regulation number 2014/R-13, see Section 5.7, page34). The sensitive sites, according to EPA are sites in the Maldives (islands, reefs, mangroves, inter-tidal areas) where developments ought to be restricted, regulated or controlled. Some view those sites mentioned in the sensitive list have no meaning because there is no evidence to show any ‘sensitive features’ of the areas. Madifushi Island is not a protected island.

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Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 The Ministry of Environment has issued EIA regulation on May 2012, which guides the process of undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maldives – This guideline also provides a comprehensive outline of the EIA process, including the roles and responsibilities of the consultants and the proponents. This regulation outlines every step of the IEE/EIA process beginning from application to undertake an EIA, details on the contents, minimum requirements for consultants undertaking the EIA, format of the EIA/IEE report and many more. The guidance provided in this Regulation was followed in the preparation of this EIA report. And the EIA has also been prepared by registered consultants FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 9th April 2013. As per this amendment the responsible authority has to check the submitted EIA report for everything mentioned in the Regulation’s article (Kaafu) was in order and inform the proponent whether the EIA Report has been accepted or rejected within 2 working days. The penalty for repetitive offenses has been also amended in this amendment of the Regulation. Second Addendum to Environmental Imp act Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 30th August 2015. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted. Procedural changes have been made to the EIA process. One of the most important changes was shifting the tourism related developmental project EIA’s to the Ministry of Tourism. Slight changes to the process like finalization of the Terms of Reference during the scoping meeting and changes in the fees structure for review process has been made to three different categories. • Article 8 (a) of the amendment of the decision for screening form is as follows

o Environmental Management Plan o Initial Environmental Examination o Environmental Impact Assessment o Approval to go forward with the screened project o Approval to go forward with the project with as per the mitigation measures proposed by EPA. • The amendment’s article 9(b) says the decision for IEE will be as follows

o Environmental Impact Assessment Report if the project anticipated to have major environmental impacts o Environmental Management Plan o Approval to go forward with the project if the project is not anticipated to occur major environmental impacts • Article 10 of this amendment says that two (2) reviewers are required to review the environmental management plan and the selection of the reviewers are to be carried out as per the article 13(b).

THIRD Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 Amendment 3 (issued on 11th August 2016) covers the point systems for consultants, categories of the consultants and amendment of the penalties to consultants and proponents who fail to follow the regulation. This EIA report was prepared by a Category A registered EIA consultant.

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FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 There was a 4th amendment done on the EIA regulation 2012 and gazetted on 19th January 2017. This amendment explains about the projects that can be preceded without an Environmental Impact Assessment when the proponent requests to the Ministry of Environment and Energy in writing along with commitments or guarantee that the Proponent will carry out the mitigation measures that may impact on the Environment due to such projects. A list of such projects given in the amendment is as follows. 1. Deepening of Existing harbors and channels as same as the footprint 2. Uprooting trees that fall into the existing plots given to citizens for residential purpose 3. Uprooting trees that fall into the roads/pathways to the above plots. (Only councils or who takes such responsibilities can apply). 4. Drilling boreholes to take water. 5. Reclamation carried out as land extension means to the natural existing land. Such lands that are less than 3 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 (c) of this amendment. 6. Reclamation carried out in a lagoon with an island shape or characteristics. Such lands that are less than 5 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 (c) of this amendment. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out and permission shall be obtained in Lands that are mentioned in 5 and 6 as above, when such lands become inhabited. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out in the following projects even in the lands that are reclaimed as per the number 5 and 6 explained above. 1. Projects that involve Dangerous Chemicals 2. Projects that involve in any Oil Storage 3. Projects that involve Incinerators 4. Projects that involves release of any poisonous elements to the atmosphere 5. Projects that involve fiber glass work. The amendment also says that this amendment will come into force from the date it is gazetted.

FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 27th December 2018. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted: • It states the termination of article 4(b) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation. • Changes to the Article 13 (G): o Clause (F): decision after reviewing EIA report means, environmental decision statement or requesting for additional information, • Addition of the following points to Annex (d) ▪ Development of tourist resorts ▪ Development of tourist hotels

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Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 Under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93), the Ministry of Environment 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. Under the Article 14 of the regulation, any party, from whom the implementing agency requires information relating to an investigation or for other purposes of this regulation, should provide such information. This regulation describes the factors to consider when determining the fine to be charged on a party causing damage to the environment and formulas to measure the magnitude of the damages caused to the environment.

Tourism Law This Act provides the determination of zones and islands for the development of tourism in the Maldives: • the leasing of islands for development as tourist resorts, • the leasing of land for development as tourist hotels and tourist guesthouses, • the leasing of places for development as marinas, • the management of all such facilities; and • the operation of tourist vessels, diving centres and travel agencies, and • the regulation of persons providing such services

T o u r i s m Act of Maldives (Law No. 2/99) The Tourism Regulations ensure that carrying capacity of the island and atoll ecosystems are well within limits and the negative effects of the development are minimal. The Ministry also issues circulars on several occasions and when necessary to discourage activities such as sand and coral mining, developing on the coastal environment and waste disposal which may cause harm or damage to the natural environment, which is the main tourism product. Tourism regulations strictly discourage modifications to the natural movement of sand around the islands. Therefore, Tourism Regulations require that special permission from the Ministry of Tourism be sought before commencing any coastal modification works on any tourist resort. It is also stated that hard engineering solutions are not encouraged, and construction of solid jetties and groynes be controlled and shall only be undertaken after conducting an Environment Impact Assessment study. Similarly, design of boat piers, jetties and other such structures are required to be in such a way that these shall not obstruct current and sediment circulation patterns of the island. The Ministry also issues circulars on several occasions and when necessary to discourage activities such as sand and coral mining, developing on the coastal environment and waste disposal which may cause harm or damage to the natural environment, which is the main tourism product. The proposed development at Madifushi Island will conform to this regulation. The conceptual plan and drawings have been approved by the Ministry Tourism. Furthermore, this EIA report will assess various options and alternatives for different development concepts proposed.

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Amendment to the Article 15 of Maldives Tourism Act (Law no: 2/99) This amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act was gazetted on 24th December 2018. According to the amendment if the project can lead to a major environmental impact during tourism related development (whether it is an island, land or a lagoon) an Environmental Impact Assessment must be prepared under Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No: 4/93) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation The environmental monitoring programme given in EIA report is an important aspect of the EIA process. The monitoring programme outlines the objectives of the monitoring; the specific information to be collected; the data collection program and managing the monitoring programme. Managing the monitoring programme requires assigning institutional responsibility, reporting requirements, enforcement capability, and ensuring that adequate resources are provided in terms of funds, skilled staff, etc. The monitoring programme outlined in this report will comply with the EIA Regulations 2012 and subsequent amendments. Waste Management Regulations The Ministry of Environment has developed national waste management regulation. The key elements of the regulations include: ensure safe disposal of solid waste and encourage recycling and reduction in waste generated, develop guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate enforcing these guidelines through inter-sectoral collaboration and ensure safe disposal of chemical, industrial and hazardous waste. Waste management for the proposed project during the construction and operation phase will be in line with this regulation. The waste generated from the project site would be taken to the Thilafushi Island for processing and disposal. Waste Management Policy The aim of the waste management policy is to formulate and implement guidelines and means for solid waste management in order to maintain a healthy environment. Accordingly, the key elements of the policy include: • Ensure safe disposal of solid waste and encourage recycling and reduction of waste generated. • Develop guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate to enforce such guidelines through inter-sectoral collaboration; • Ensure safe disposal of chemical, hazardous and industrial waste. • The proponents of this project must be aware of the policy and all solid and hazardous waste produced in this project should be disposed according to the Environmental Management Plan for the project, which reflects the principles of the Waste Management Policy. Health and Safety in Construction Industry Construction law was published in 2017 highlighting the rules regarding general construction industry in Maldives. This law includes the building code, permits, involvement of Maldivians in construction industry, inspecting quality of construction, quality of materials used in construction projects and payment regulations for workers. The proposed project should adhere to this law and should follow it throughout the construction stage including the planning stage. A new regulation under this (156/2019) was issued which highlights the health and safety requirements of construction projects and constriction sites. According to this regulation a site supervisor needs to be hired (clause 8) and he will be responsible to ensure the health and safety

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of workers in the site. Also, this regulation states that the contractor is responsible for the health and safety of the general public who access the construction site. Proper signs need to be placed around the construction site. It also states that personal protective equipment needs to be provided for all the workers. There is also a guideline to follow to operate heavy machineries such as cranes in the project site. Moreover, this regulation states the steps taken against contractors who does not follow the regulation. Contractor should make sure the workers and supervisors should adhere all these relevant clauses in the law and regulation during the coastal protection and nourishment project at Madifushi Island. Immigration Act The Maldives Immigration Act (1/2007) establishes rules for the departure and entry of Maldivian nationals, and entry, departure and deportation of foreign nationals. The 15th article of the act establishes work visa permit, which allows for foreign nationals to remain in the Maldives for the purpose of working for a permitted time period. E mployment Act Employment Act (2/2008) determines the fundamental principles relating to employment in the Maldives, the rights and obligations of employers and employees, establishes a Labour Relations Authority and an Employment Tribunal to protect such rights, and makes provision for all other matters related to employment. The act has had several amendments relevant to foreign nationals employed in the Maldives. The third amendment (3/2014) of the act passed in 2014, states that foreign nationals who wish to work in Maldives should acquire an ‘Employment Approval’ before their arrival. The amendment also states that the employer must make a deposit for the foreign workers to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The fourth amendment to the act (14/2015) states that employers are given an option to pay Ramazan allowance to Muslim Foreign nationals employed in the Maldives. The Fifth Amendment to the Employment Act (22/2016) establishes rules on salaries of foreign employees. The amendment states that any salary or benefits to be paid by the employer should be through a registered bank operating in the Maldives. The employer is also required to open bank accounts in a registered bank in the Maldives for the foreign employees.

International Conventions 7 . 1 9 . 1 Convention on Biological Diversity The Maldives is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The objective of the convention is “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding”. The proposed development activities outlined in this project does not fall on any area recognised for its ecological value but occurs in an island with sensitive areas. However, it is unlikely there will be a significant loss of biodiversity. The loss is not going to be significant at atoll or national level. Yet, it is recommended that the developer ensures that mitigation measures are followed while executing works on land and in the marine environment to protect the marine biodiversity.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

8 Project Description Project proponent The proponent of the project is Maldives Inflight Catering Pte Ltd (MIC), joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Ltd. and SATS Ltd. SATS, is a leader in airline catering and ground handling services in Asia. MIC has a vast experience in tourism industry of Maldives. Project Location and Study Area The project takes place at the Island of Madifushi Island at Meemu Atoll also known as Mulaku Atholhu (Refer the diagram below). The island is located at geographic coordinates of 3° 4'53.05"N and 73°38'18.99"E. Madifushi is located on eastern rim of the Atoll, in a larger reef along with few other islands. The nearest island is Raiymandhoo, about 120m away from Madifushi. The island was an inhabited island before tsunami 2004, however after tsunami resident of Madifushi was evacuated to the island of Maamigili. The following figure outlines the location of Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll.

Figure 1: Location of Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll. Need and Justification for the project The need for this project is to enhance the beach area around the island and undertake coastal protection structures around the island to control erosion and maintain beaches around the island. During the initial development Madifushi was reclaimed around the island to increase the land area, and the villas were proposed to be developed outside the existing vegetation line to minimise removal of the island’s mature vegetation. The villas are being developed on the reclaimed land area around the island. However, there is no beach in front of the villas as it is located on the high-water level on most of the locations of the island. Hence a beach nourishment is required to maintain a beach in front of the villas around the island.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Furthermore, it is found that deeper channel which is found very close to the beach on eastern side of the island is causing the loss of beach on this side of the island. However, this channel is now being filled with sand from the beach as it moves with the season. Project Components The project components include undertaking coastal protection of the island, by construction groynes, breakwater and revetment around the island, undertaking beach nourishment around the island and reprofiling the existing channel eastern side of the island. The components include: 8 . 4 . 1 C oastal Protection Coastal protection involves construction of one unit of breakwater, one unit of revetment and eleven sets of groynes. 8.4.1.1 Breakwater (BW – 2) The breakwater will be constructed on south side of the island, west of the Water Villas. The breakwater would be 35m long and will be constructed using rock boulders. The rocks on the breakwater component of the structure will have a rock size of 800 kg to 1,200 kg. The following diagram shows the location of breakwater.

Figure 2: Location of breakwater (BW – 2) 8.4.1.2 Groynes Three types of groynes will be constructed (GR – 1, GR – 2 and GR – 3), the only difference between the three types of groynes would the length of groynes. Groynes will be constructed 1m above MSL with a slope of 1:1. The diagram below shows the details of the groynes.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Figure 3: Typical cross-section of groyne

Figure 4: Typical longitudinal section of groyne 8.4.1.2.1 Groyne (GR - 1) GR -1 groyne are proposed on southern side of the island, under water villa jetty. This groyne will constructed using rock boulders and would be 82m long in length. The diagram below shows location of GR – 1 Groyne.

Figure 5: Location of Groyne (GR-1)

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

8.4.1.2.2 Groynes (GR – 2) GR -2 groynes are proposed around the island. A total of 9 groynes, each at a length of 30m will be constructed using rock boulders under this project. The diagram below shows locations of GR – 2 Groynes.

Figure 6: locations of Groynes (GR - 2) 8.4.1.2.3 Groynes (GR – 3) A groyne (GR – 3) will be constructed on North west side of the island under arrival jetty. This groyne would be 35m long and will be constructed using rock boulders. The diagram below shows locations of Groyne (GR – 3).

Figure 7: Location of Groyne (GR – 3)

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

8.4.1.3 Revetment (RV – 1) It is also proposed a 65m revetment on northern side of the island, using rock boulders. A revetment has been proposed on this side of the island as the area is expected to have a very high current. The height of the revetment is 1.20m above MSL. The revetment will have rock size of 300 to 800 kg with a shoreward slope of 1:1 and a seaward slope of 1:4. The diagram below shows the cross section of the revetment.

The diagram below shows the location of the revetment.

Figure 8: Location of revetment (RV - 1) 8.4.1.4 Justification for selection of material and methodology Rock boulders are proposed for the construction of breakwater, revetment and groynes. Rocks will last long as well as aesthetically be more appealing. The wave absorption capability is next to none when compared to other material choice. The size of the rocks will be 800 kg to 1,000 kg. Once the coastal protection with rocks is constructed, maintenance and repair will not be required and it has so far proven to be a very efficient material choice in the Maldives. However, construction using boulders is more complicated as it requires heavy machinery and sourcing them from overseas. Excavators will be used to construct the coastal protection. Dump

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

trucks and other heavy machineries will be used to assist in transportation of materials and other processes. Rock boulders will be sourced to the island on a barge. However, the construction of coastal protection using rocks is not going to be difficult in Madifushi as the lagoon is very shallow and with the right conditions, and the resort in under construction. 8 . 4 . 2 Beach nourishm e n t The project involves nourishment of beach around the island to have width of 10m. It is estimated that 19,600 m3 of sand will be required for beach replenishment. The materials for beach nourishment will be borrowed using excavator and sand pump. The purpose of beach nourishment is to mitigate the existing erosion and maintaining a wide recreational beach.

Figure 9: Locations of beach nourishment areas 8 . 4 . 3 Borrow area The proposed borrow areas are as follows: • Borrow Area A: Located eastern side of the island. The size of the area is 15,000 sqm, the target depth is -2m from seabed and it is estimated that 22,000m3 of sand would be generated from this location.

• Borrow Area D: Located western side of the island. The size of the area is 41,100 sqm, the target depth is -0.5m from seabed and it is estimated that 20,550m3 of sand would be generated from this location.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Figure 10: Proposed borrow areas 8 . 4 . 4 Reprofiling of a c h a n n e l It is proposed to fill and reprofile the channel which exist on easter side of the island. This channel is causing erosion on eastern side of the island as the beach is losing sand to the deeper channel area. It is estimated that 19,000 m3 of sand would be needed for channel filling and reprofiling work. The aim is to create a smooth seabed surface. The diagram below shows location of channel filling areas.

Figure 11: Channel filling and reprofiling areas

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Excavators will be used to dredge the material required for beach nourishment and channel filling. Dump trucks and other heavy machineries will be used to assist in transportation of materials and other processes. 8 . 4 . 5 Stockpile location During the implementation of the project, excavated material will be stockpiled on southern side of the island. Refer the diagram below.

Figure 12: Stockpile location Construction methodology and project management 8 . 5 . 1 Typical construction methodology for revetment, groynes and breakwater The proposed coastal protection structures consist of three layers. evenly placed just above the seabed preventing scouring Underlayer (geotextile layer): of the base Base layer (the core) constructed using 40-200kg rock boulders Armour layer constructed using 800kg to 1.0ton rock boulders Position and layout of the extents of the coastal protection will be set out by the surveyors. The area marked for the construction of the coastal protection would be prepared by levelling the seabed and removing sharp objects which might damage the geotextile fabric that would be laid as a underlayer. Geotextile will be laid out in segments enough for the targeted length where rock boulders could be placed for the day. An excavator will be used to place the rock boulder to the given profile of the coastal protection. The work should be conducted during low tides (as much as possible), and in a speedy manner to avoid exposure to wave action. A wooden/steel pole will be placed at the tip of the underlying core and cemented into place with mortar. A heavy stone sinker with a marker buoy should be placed on the sea bed. A brightly coloured nylon string should then be strung from the sinker to the required height on the pole. This procedure should be repeated every 5 or 10 metres to help the crane or excavator operator with the placing of the top-most layer. (Note: the above-mentioned methodology is a typical methodology which may change according to the contractor)

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

8 . 5 . 2 Construction strategy The proposed coastal protection project will be undertaken in the minimum possible time period in order to minimize environmental damage and disturbance to the ongoing resort development project. 8 . 5 . 3 Machineries It is expected that the following machineries will be used for the construction. - Excavators, - Floating barge - Trucks for transporting heavy material 8 . 5 . 4 S a f e t y Full recognition and regard will be taken in the management and execution of project safety plan. Contractors are obliged to provide safety policies, plans and method statements and will be informed prior to order placement on all aspects of safety, health and welfare including COVID-19 guidelines (Please refer the HPA guideline which is attached as an annex). 8 . 5 . 5 Safety equipment Safety shoes and hats will be provided to all workers. Gloves and boiler suits will be provided for workers when necessary. Ear muffs and snorkelling gear will be provided to labourers working on water in case they need it. 8 . 5 . 6 Emergency fire A fire is a mishap that could be either man-made or natural. Fires can be controlled; however, it may sometimes result in severe loss of life and property. If a fire occurs the emergency fire procedure must be followed. Emergency fire procedure. If you are notified of, or discover a fire: • Move quickly to the nearest accessible exit / out of the fire area • Notify, and assist others to evacuate along the way. • If the fire alarm is not yet sounding, manually activate the alarm. • Exit the building/project site and proceed to the “Area of Gathering” • “Area of Gathering” information for each area should be posted 8 . 5 . 7 Potential fire hazard and occupational health and safety If any situation appears to be a medical emergency, fire or crime emergency, Island Site supervisor / medical person to get help immediately. In the event of an accident involving injury or illness: • If life threatening, seek emergency medical treatment. • If a fire occurs the emergency fire procedure must be followed. • Be prepared to give as much information as possible, such as location, nature of injury, cause of injury and any hazards that may be present. 8 . 5 . 8 W o r k f o r c e Services and h o u s i n g Workforce involved in the project will be accommodated in the island, as the island is under construction for resort development. They will be accommodated on temporary existing facilities. No new facilities will be constructed under this project. 8 . 5 . 9 Environmental protection measures During the construction stage, the most critical factor is the protection of marine environment. When undertaking construction of the breakwater, revetment and groynes will involve the use of barge and excavators in the project boundary, most importantly in the shallow areas near the reef. Direct destruction will occur through the loss of the bottom substrate at the footprint of

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

coastal protection whereas indirect impacts will be felt through sedimentation while constructing coastal protection measures. As a result, this is considered as critical path / point of the project as far as the protection of environmental values are concerned. 8 . 5 . 1 0 Risk associated with the project There are few risk factors associated with this project that could possibly have both financial and environmental implications. There is significant risk associated with direct destruction of the habitats during construction of coastal protection measures. Moreover, impact due to sedimentation will occur to the marine environment directly and indirectly. Proper care needs to be taken to control and mitigate the damage caused during the construction period, on marine environment. Please refer to mitigation measure section of this report. 8 . 5 . 1 1 Emergency plan in case of spill and during spillage The project site will have contact numbers for the project manager in case of any emergency and everyone working on this project will have access to the project managers through mobile phones. In order to avoid any serious spillage, all fueling activities will be undertaken on land. All refueling will be done in an allocated area to avoid oil spillages to the natural environment. In case of a serious oil spill from a machinery due to a machine breakdown or damage, work will be stopped, and everyone will be directed to focus their attention and effort to get the leaking stop, either through mechanically or by any temporary means. 8 . 5 . 1 2 Project Impact Boundary The figure below shows primary and secondary impact areas of the coastal protection and beach nourishment project.

Figure 13: Primary and secondary impact areas

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

8 . 5 . 1 3 P r o j e c t D u r a t i o n The total duration of this project would be 3 months. 8 . 5 . 1 4 Project Schedule Below is a tentative schedule for the proposed coastal protection and beach nourishment project at Madifushi island. Table 1: Tentative schedule

Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Wk4wk1 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 wk1 wk2 wk3 wk4 I. Coastal Protection Field Survey Concept Desing Detail Deisgn

II. EIA Addendum Environmental Baseline data collection EIA Addendcum Application to EPA EIA TOR approval from EPA Environmental Field Survey EIA Addendum Report Submission of EIA Addendum Report to EPA Approval of EIA Addendum Report from EPA

III. Civil Works Mobilsation Site Preparation Setout survey Construction of breakwater Construction of Groynes Construction of revetment Profiling of the channel Beach Noursihment Excavation of sea plane arrival jetty area backfilling and leveling of road, BOH and FOH Site Clerance Demobilisation Project Inputs and Outputs 8 . 6 . 1 Project Inputs Table 2: Matrix of major inputs during construction period Input resource (s) Source/ Type How to obtain resources Construction workers Locals / foreign Local contractor’s workforce (approximately 15 to 20 workers) Materials needed Excavator, barge, and other Local contractor’s equipment tools. Rock boulders Tonsާާ Import from abroad Water supply (during Desalinated water from the From the island construction) island and bottle water if required to be purchased from the nearby islands or supply from Male’. Electricity/Energy (during Electricity from the island’s Diesel-based electricity from island mains construction) main power grid. Fuel Diesel, Petrol and Lubricants Local purchase or supply from Male’. Contractor’s responsibility.

8 . 6 . 2 Project Outputs The type of outputs (products and waste streams) and what is expected to happen to them are given in the following table. Table 3: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Products and waste Anticipated quantities Method of disposal materials Solid waste generated Variable Collected and sorted at the waste during construction management site in the island. Later transported to Thilafushi. Noise Localized to the project site Unavoidable during the construction stage including the surrounding but will be minimized. Noise will not be a areas. This is unavoidable. nuisance as manual labour will be used without the need for any heavy machinery. Air pollution Limited quantities of dust, Mainly arising as a result of emission from oxides of Nitrogen and the construction work sulphur from use of machinery in the construction zone. Sedimentation Localized to the project site Unavoidable during the construction stage including the surrounding but will be minimized. areas. This is unavoidable. Natural dispersion over a short period.

Breakwater One breakwater - Groynes Eleven groynes -

Revetment One revetment

Beach nourishment Beach nourishment around the island. 19,600 m3 of sand Channel filling 19,000 m3 of sand

Backfilling to raise the Road and pathway – 2,000 floor of buildings and level m3 of sand, FOH building – the pathways 2,000 m3 and BOH – 10,000 m3

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

9 Methodology This section outlines the methodologies used in this environmental assessment. The following table outlines a matrix of methodologies used in this project. Details of these methodologies and their descriptions are attached as an annex.

Methodology type Area / environmental aspect Used in this project (yes/no)

General methodologies of data Generally covering the Yes collection broader Environment Mapping and location identification Coastal, terrestrial and Yes marine environment. Marine Environmental survey Marine environment Yes

20 m Line Intercept transect (LIT), Marine environment No Reef Check 20 m photo quadrate analysis Marine environment Yes

Qualitative assessment of the reef Marine environment Yes Permanent photo quadrate Marine environment No Ref fish visual census Marine environment Yes

Marine Water Quality Marine environment Yes Coastal Environment Coastal Environment Yes Shoreline and vegetation line Coastal Environment Yes mapping Coastal structures mapping Coastal Environment No

Erosion and accretion areas Coastal Environment Yes mappingާާާ Beach profiles Coastal Environment Yes

Drogues and current Coastal Environment No

Terrestrial Environment Terrestrial environment Terrestrial floral survey Terrestrial environment No Terrestrial faunal survey Terrestrial environment No Groundwater assessment Terrestrial environment No Bathymetry Marine / Coastal Environment Yes Aerial Photos Generally covering the Yes broader Environment Long term weather data Generally covering the Yes broader Environment

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

10 Existing Environment of Maldives Existing general environment of Maldives Existing environment of Maldives is attached as an annex. Existing Marine Environment o f M a d i f u s h i The marine survey at Madifushi was focused on 5 sites. The latitude and longitude coordinate of the marine survey sites are shown in the figure below.

Figure 14: Latitude and longitude locations of the survey sites

Figure 15: Marine survey locations Methodology of marine surveys Several methods are available to estimate the percentage benthic cover on coral reefs. Some of the common methods are, rapid visual assessment, line-point intercept, and photo-quadrat surveys. For this particular survey, a photo quadrate method was used. Photo quadrate surveys involve taking photos at a fixed distance from the substrate generally at a random or regular interval along a transect line.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

The photo quadrate surveys are undertaken as follows. Two transect lines of 20 meters are placed at the monitoring site in similar depth, surveyor then places a half a meter quadrate made from PVC along the transect line and takes a photo directly vertically. Consecutive photos are taken at 2-meter intervals along the transect line. In this manner, photos are taken along the transect line and in total, 10 photos on each transect line is taken. 1 0 . 3 . 1 Data Processing methodology Analysis of the photos were done using a computer program called, CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel extensions). This is an internationally recognized software used all over the word to assess the benthic composition of coral reefs. In the programme, photographs are analyzed using a pre-defined benthic category. Depending on the type of survey, these categories can be user defined at any given level. Users can have very complex levels ranging from individual coral families or have broader assessments categories. As broader categories adopted from reef check are used most frequently in Maldives for coral reef assessment. Benthic categories adopted from the Reef Check protocol was utilized. A text file containing these categories were created and imported to CPCe. The Reef Check protocol allows categorizing of life forms followed under the Reef Check protocol, which emphasizes on benthic composition categorizing such as hard corals, sand, rock and others. The emphasis is not on recording corals to their species levels, but rather the general coral and other life forms such as hard and soft corals. This method is more accurate as the percentage of healthy coral cover and other life forms can be more accurately recorded even by a non-experienced surveyor. The following are definition of benthic categories used in this survey. • HC: All living coral including bleached coral; includes fire, blue and organ pipe corals • SC: Soft corals and include zoanthids but not anemones (OT) • DC: Coral that has died within the past year; appears fresh and white or with corallite structures still recognizable • ALG: All macro-algae except coralline, calcareous and turf (record the substrate beneath for these); Halimeda is recorded as OT; turf is shorter than 3cm. • SP: All erect and encrusting sponges (but no tunicates). • RC: Any hard substrate; includes dead coral more than 1 yr old and may be covered by turf or encrusting coralline algae, barnacles, etc. • RB: Reef rocks between 0.5 and 15cm in diameter • SD: Sediment less than 0.5cm in diameter; in water, falls quickly to the bottom when dropped. • SI: Sediment that remains in suspension if disturbed; recorded if color of the underlying surface is obscured by silt. • OT: Any other sessile organism including sea anemones, tunicates, gorgonians or non-living substrate. • SG: All types of sea grass observed categorized in the field SG. Each of the 10 photos from transect are imported, cropped and prepared for analysis. The CPCe program then generates a matrix of random points overlaid on the image for each point to be visually identified. Users can then input the defined categories for each photo and once all the photos are analyzed, the results are displayed on a table. C o r a l r e e f Five sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community. 1 0 . 4 . 1 Benthic compositi on at site 1 (M1) Site 1 was selected from West side of the island. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (26.00 ± 5.00%). The site contained low percentage hard coral cover (12.00 ± 4.00%).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Surgeonfish were found to be abundant on this site. The following graph outlines the status of site 1(M1).

Figure 16: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (Jan 1st, 2021).

Figure 17: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (Jan 1st, 2021).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

1 0 . 4 . 2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) Site 2 was also selected western side of the island. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (24.50 ± 4.50%). The site contained hard coral cover of (23.50± 5.50%). Triggerfish and Snappers were found to be abundant in this site. The following graph outlines the status of site 2 (M2).

Figure 18: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021).

Figure 19: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (Jan 1st, 2021).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

1 0 . 4 . 3 Benthic composition at site 3 (M3) Site 3 was selected from the south-west side of the island lagoon. Thalassia hemprichii is found in this area. Thalassia hemprichii description are as follows: • Ribbon-like, curved leaves 10-40cm long, • Leaf tip rounded, slightly serrated, • Short black tannin cells, 1-2mm long, in leaf blade, • Thick rhizome with scars between shoots

Figure 20: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (Jan 1st, 2021).

1 0 . 4 . 4 Benthic composition at site 4 (M4) Site 4 was selected from the south-eastern side of the island reef. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (44.00 ± 5.00%). The site contained hard coral cover of (20.50 ± 1.50%). The following graph outlines the status of site 4 (M4).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Figure 21: Percentage benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021).

Figure 22: Photos taken from site 4 (M4) (Jan 1st, 2021).

1 0 . 4 . 5 Benthic composition at site 5 (M5 ) Site 5 was selected from the southern side of the island reef. The substrate of the site is dominated by rock (56.00 ± 3.00%). The site contained the highest percentage hard coral cover (26.00 ± 1.00%) of all the five sites surveyed. Fishes observed to be common are Damselfish. The following graph outlines the status of site 5 (M5).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Figure 23: Percentage benthic composition at site 5 (M5) ± SE (Jan 1st, 2021).

Figure 24: Photos taken from site 5 (M5) (Jan 1st, 2021).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Status of fish a b u n d a n c e The amount and type of fish present at a given site can be a good indicator of the marine environment. For example, increased grazers are generally a sign of increased nutrients in the area, thus decreased coral cover and increased algal cover. The following table outlines the fish count survey at all the sites. Table 4: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (Jan 1st 2021).

Family/Subfamily M1 M2 M3 M5 Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) 3 2 4 5 Wrasses (Labridae) 4 4 5 4 Parrotfishes (Scaridae) 4 2 3 4 Triggerfishes (Balistidae) 2 3 Boxfishes (Ostraciidae ) Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) 5 5 5 4 Groupers (Serranidae) 2 Moorish idol (Zanclidae) Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) 2 3 Goatfishes (Mullidae) 1 2 Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) 2 1 Threadfin and Whiptail breams (Scolopsis) 3 2 4 2 Octopus (Octopodidae) Fusiliers (Caesionidae) Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) Emperors (Lethrinidae) 2 2 Jacks and Trevalleys (Carangidae) Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) 2 Lizardfishes (Synodontidae) 1 2 Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes (Holocentridae) 1 2 Grunts and Sweetlips (Haemulidae) Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes) Rudder Fish (Kyphosidae) Snappers (Lutjanidae) 4 Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) Turtles Sharks Rays Table 5: Fish abundance and count range

Fish Abundance Count Range 1 1 to 5 2 6 to 20 3 20 to 50 4 50 to 100 5 more than 100

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Marine water quality The primary objective of the marine water quality sampling was to determine the baseline conditions of the marine water in the project site. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on seawater from four locations. Water testing was done from Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Private Limited (MWSC). MWSC has international standard of ISO 17025, the quality assurance laboratory. Waster testing result from MWSC has attached in the annex. Table 6: Water Quality Results Water Quality Site SW1 Site SW2 Site SW3 Physical appearance Clear with Clear with Clear with particles particles particles pH 7.90 7.93 7.95 Salinity 31.81 31.01 31.01 Temperature 23.4 24.5 24.8 Total Dissolved Solids 24400 23800 23800 Turbidity 0.138 0.209 0.206 Bathymetry The bathymetry survey was done using echo sounder to determine depths; RTK is used to fix the position of the vessel. The GNSS reference station was setup on CP001 with the adjusted coordinates and ortho height. Data radio modem in reference base station broadcast the RTK corrections signals to the rover. The bathymetry of the required areas is attached as an annex.

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

M arine Protected and Sensitive A r e a s Marine Protected Areas are sites which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological or cultural values. Within the project boundary of this project there are no protected or sensitive sites. The nearest protected area is “Lazikuraadi (Hakura Thila)” located 17.9km south west of Madifushi. The “thila” is about 75m in length rising to 2m, with many attractions on every side of the reef. The eastern ridge houses a larvae cave between 10m and 15m with loads of invertebrate life. This is a stunning location and a favorite of the divers.” (Protected Areas List 2019, EPA)

Figure 25: Protected Area. (Source: EPA)

The following table shows sensitive areas in Meemu Atoll.

Table 7: Sensitive Areas in Meemu Atoll (source: EPA) Bodu kandu Huraa Raaban’di Huraa Muli kanduolhi Dhekunu Hakuraa express Veyvah faru Hatharu faru (Huraa faru, Thuvaru dhekunu kanduolhi and Bodu kandu olhi) Rashamugulhi kandu and Kurali Muli chasbin thinvilu dhekunu kandu

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

Existing Coastal Environment 1 0 . 9 . 1 Features of the Coastal Environment The coastal environment of Madifushi comprised of mainly white sandy beaches, shallow lagoon or falhu, deep lagoon or vilu and coral patches. 1 0 . 9 . 2 L a g o o n Clear lagoon exists all around Madifushi Island. The lagoon has average depths of 0.2 to 4m around the island. Madifushi consists of shallow lagoon on eastern side of the island and deep lagoon on western side of the island. The lagoon on western side of the lagoon consists of scattered patches of coral colonies (patch reefs). Furthermore, seagrass patches are also observed around the island.

Figure 26: Coastal environment

Figure 27: Coral reef patches on western side of the island

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi, Meemu Atoll

1 0 . 9 . 3 I s l a n d The island of Madifushi is covered by sparsely vegetated vegetation. The island has many coconut palms as most of the islands in the Maldives.

Figure 28: Terrestrial environment 1 0 . 9 . 4 Existing condition of B e a c h e s Madifushi Island has undergone erosion in the past couple of months from the east, west and south side of the island. The beach on the south-eastern side has lost 2 to 3m of beach area from Dec 2019 to Sept 2020. Due to this the proponent has constructed temporary coastal protection measures using jumbo bags. The following figures shows the existing beach on eastern side of the island.

Figure 29: Beach on south eastern side of the island 1 0 . 9 . 5 W ave conditions around the island Information on the swells around Maldives is limited but there have been a few studies carried out around Male’. Wave data for Male’ that were recorded for the period between June 1988 and January 1990 revealed that the maximum significant wave height (Hs) recorded for the month of June 1989 was 1.23m with a mean period (Tm) of 7.53s. For the month of July 1989 maximum recorded Hs was 1.51m and the corresponding Tm was 7.74s. In June and July 1989 mean wave periods were 5.0 – 9.0s and the peak wave periods within 8.0 – 13.0s. Wave data for the period between September 1988 and July 1989 shows a probability of exceedance of Hs = 1.0 m was approximately 0.1 and of Hs = 1.5 m was approximately 0.0015 based on the wave

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data of period September 1988 to July 1989. JICA, (1992) reported that the wave climate in Male’ region is generally higher in the months of June, July and August with a predominant wave direction of S (180º). During October-December the waves have a shorter period with wave directions varying from S and W (180 º -270 º). It is estimated that the maximum wave height outside the flat reefs can reach more than 3m, whereas on the flat reef areas the wave height can reach from 0.6 to 1.2 meters (maximum).

Figure 30: Wave condition during field trip 1 0 . 9 . 6 Shoreline and vegetation line of Madifushi Island The following diagram shows the high tide line of Madifushi Island taken on in 2019 and 2020.

Figure 31: High tide lines of Aug and Dec 2019 and Sept and Dec 2020

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Figure 32: High Tide Line and Vegetation Line Dec 2020

1 0 . 9 . 7 Erosion and Accretion Patterns The diagrams below show erosion and accretion pattern from 2019 to 2020

Figure 33: Erosion and accretion from Aug 2019 to Sept 2020

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Figure 34: Erosion and accretion from Sept 2020 to Dec 2020 1 0 . 9 . 8 B e a c h P r o f i l e s The beach profiles around Madifushi were taken December 2019 and September 2020, from same locations. The following are the beach difference during the time period. 10.9.8.1 Beach Profiles 1 to 4 Beach profiles 1 to 4 were taken from northern and north eastern side of the island. There is not much difference in beach except in profile 1 and 2. The following graph shows the beach profiles taken in Dec 2019 and Sept 2020.

Figure 35: Locations of beach profiles 1 - 4 In profile 1 area beach has been accreted. In December 2019 the width of beach area is about 17.5m, however the width has been increased to 23m in September 2020. Furthermore, the profile 2 area has been eroded during this time period.

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Figure 36: Beach profiles 1 – 4

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10.9.8.2 Beach Profiles 5 to 10 Beach profiles 5 to 10 were taken southern and south eastern side of the island. This area is one of the most eroding area, from Dec 2019 to Sept 2020 most of the beach areas has been lost due to erosion. However, profile 10 area beach has been gained during this period. The reason for this gain in beach might be due to construction of jetty

Figure 37: Locations of beach profiles 5 – 10

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Figure 38: Beach profiles 5 – 10

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10.9.8.3 Beach profiles 11 – 15 Beach profiles were taken from south and west side of the island. This area has also been eroded from Dec 2019 to Sept 2020. Highest heavily eroded areas in includes profile 15 and profile 12 area.

Figure 39: Locations of beach profiles 11 – 15

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Figure 40: Beach profiles 11 – 15

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10.9.8.4 Beach Profiles 16 – 18 Beach profiles 16 – 18 were taken from west side of the island, this area includes arrival jetty and temporary jetty. Beach area has been decreased in this are too, especially profile 17 area, which south of the existing temporary jetty.

Figure 41: Locations of beach profiles 16 – 18

Figure 42: Beach profiles 16 – 18

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11 Environmental Impacts Environmental Impact identification was undertaken for the proposed activities necessary for the construction phase and the activities that will continue during the operational phase. The impact analyses for construction phase and operational phase were made separately to better understand the impacts as the duration, magnitude and probability of impacts greatly differ. Impact Identification and Analysis Environmental Impact identification was made by a combination of matrices along with expert opinions and experiences from similar projects in the past. The environmental impacts were examined using an adaptation of the Leopold matrix method. The Leopold matrix (Leopold et al, 1971) implements a two-dimensional checklist, where the columns of the matrix contains the project’s activities while the rows list the environmental receptors under the three main categories – Physical components, Biological components, and Socio-economic and Cultural components. This interaction matrix helps to identify impacts on individual factors of the three main categories of the impact. Furthermore, the sum of the magnitude from each impact activity and/or a certain environmental factor could be identified.

This method analyses three aspects of each action which may have an impact on the environment – Magnitude, Duration, and Probability. • Probability – Likelihood of an impact to be produced from a said activity. • Duration – Defines the duration of which the environmental impacts would persist. • Magnitude – Defines the severity of the impact, for both positive and negative. A score is given from a scale of +10 to -10. +10 being major positive and -10 being major negative. Table 8: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis Evaluation Magnitude Category criteria Score Neg Negative impacts Impact Type Pos Negative impacts H High significance Significance M Medium significance L Low significance Short term: The effects of the activity would be during the Short Term construction phase or during the time of activity Duration (II) The effects of the activity would persist even after the completion of Long Term the project N Negligible M Minor Magnitude (III) MA Minor Adverse MoA Moderate Adverse MaA Major Adverse Reversible Impacted species, community or environmental feature will recover Reversibility Impacted species, community or environmental feature will be Irreversible permanently lost Avoidable / Impact on a species, community or environmental feature can be unavoidable avoided or not by avoiding the project activity or mitigating it

Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction Environmental impact prediction involves a certain degree of uncertainty as the natural and anthropogenic impacts can vary from place to place due to even slight differences in ecological, geomorphological or social conditions in a particular place. There is also a lack of long term

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data, for instance, shoreline, local currents, economic actives and such, which are crucial to analyses impact predictions. There is also uncertainty with the continuation of this project. Minor or even major changes to the project’s concept plan could alter the series of impacts. Major changes would require and EIA addendum to be made.

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Environmental Impacts and mitigation measures f o r Construction Stage 1 1 . 3 . 1 General Construction Activities The total impact of the General Construction Activities is negative. General construction activities include construction of the breakwater, revetment and groynes, and nourishment of beaches that had been eroded. Impact to the physical components include disruption to coastal zone and coral reef. These can be considered short term impacts; however, it depends on the time taken for recovery of the reefs. General construction activities also cause accident and disturbs the aesthetic view, especially to the island that is being developed as a resort island. However, it is considered a short time impact, and the magnitude of the impact is less than dredging and reclamation. Mostly general construction activities have impact on the marine environment. Mitigation Measures • Use methods of construction that is environmentally friendly during the construction, • Timing of the activities as to reduce the impacts on the environment • Use safety measures when handling heavy machineries and tools

1 1 . 3 . 2 Construction of breakwater When breakwaters are constructed on the lagoon, there will be impact on near-shore current and wave patterns, as well as bottom hydrodynamics. This can lead to accretion of the coast in other areas, sedimentation and turbidity. Alteration of current patterns on the leeward side leading to changes to existing island. Stabilization of the shoreline on the leeward side of the breakwater. Impact of breakwater construction can be detrimental to physical, biological and socio- economic components. The negative physical impacts are sedimentation to the coastal zone and coral reefs during breakwater modification. Breakwater construction can cause accident and alters the aesthetic view. Impact to the biological included the destruction and disruption to the marine environment due to sedimentation. This can be considered a short-term impact or a long- term impact depending on the time taken for recovery based on the actual mitigation measure implemented. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures can be used: • Work during low tide hours • Avoid dredging and reclamation works during rough weather conditions. • Complete the dredging and reclamation works during the shortest duration possible. • Place buoys to identify reefs edge as it might not be visible due to high turbidity • Do not place the breakwater on reef areas

Cost of Mitigation The proponent would ensure to take mitigation measures as stated in the commitment letter and the cost of mitigation have been contracted out in the BOQ of the project

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1 1 . 3 . 3 Construction of Groynes Construction of shore perpendicular structures will bring about a reduction of longshore sediment transport by trapping sediment along the shoreline. It will help to retain the beach as a final defense against erosion. A groyne function as a physical barrier by intercepting sand moving along the shore. Sand is gradually trapped against the updrift side of the structure, resulting in a wider beach on this “supply-side” of the structure. However, the down drift beach is deprived of the sand trapped by the groyne and therefore it erodes. Groynes function better when groyne field is replenished with sand. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures can be used: • Groynes should be constructed to the same height as the island level. • Groyes should have the required minimum base width in order to be effective. • Gaps between the groynes need to be filled with sand. • Completing the filling works in the shortest possible time period. • Erosion from the down drift side must be monitored and kept in regular check.

1 1 . 3 . 4 Beach Nourishment Beach replenishment will be undertaken on almost all parts of the island. Therefore, the lagoon in this area will be directly impacted due to complete alteration of the lagoon bottom and spreading of sediment plumes from the filling material. Beach replenishment and filling is usually associated with the direct and permanent alteration of the fill area and indirect impacts resulting due to sedimentation. Turbidity increase is almost an unavoidable consequence but can be minimized. In general, the following impacts will be felt. • Turbidity increase in the water column from spreading of silt plumes. When lagoon floor is disturbed by filling, fine sediment and silt may be released into the water column. • Lagoon sediments consisting of varying sizes of particles may be suspended for hours in the water column cutting down light to photosynthetic reef benthos. The magnitude of this impact will depend on various factors such as size of particles; hydrodynamic conditions; and reef and lagoon topography. In addition to this many infauna and their habitats will be lost. • Possible siltation and excessive sedimentation in the lagoon system • Excessive sedimentation and siltation on coral reefs is detrimental to corals and other reef benthic organisms as it cuts down necessary light and physically smothers corals. It is not expected that the beach replenishment will have any significant direct impact on the coral reef system of the island.

Mitigation Measures The mitigation measure to control sedimentation as it is the main factor that can cause the greatest impact on the reef. Hence, most of the mitigation measures proposed are centred on reducing sedimentation. More specifically the following measures will help to reduce the impacts. • Working during low tide hours. • Creating a bund wall around the replenishment area initially and then filling inside this bund using pumped sand. The bund will be removed after the beach replenishment work. • Completing the filling works in the shortest possible time period. • Only replenish the required area of the beach • Using coarse material to make the bund rather than fines.

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Cost of Mitigation The proponent would ensure to take mitigation measures as stated in the commitment letter and the cost of mitigation have been contracted out in the BOQ of the project

1 1 . 3 . 5 Waste Management Impact of solid waste can be detrimental to the marine and the terrestrial environment if they are not managed properly. Solid waste generated during the construction stage will include organic, inorganic and hazardous materials and all of which require adequate disposal. Furthermore, waste management also involves sewage and waste water. Negative impacts for the physical environment include leaching, disposal of waste to coastal zones as well as to ocean thus affecting the coral reefs. Leaching to waste water to land/soil is considered as a possible impact, however it is occurring the impact would be long term. Improper waste management have impacts on air, for example bad smell, however it is considered temporary impact. Negative socio-economic impacts include disruption to fishing as a result of waste dumping to coral reefs. It also has negative impacts to health and well-being as well as aesthetic, however these are temporary impacts, and maintenance of proper waste management increases the health and well-being. Mitigation Measures • Awareness about impact of waste to workers as well as to surrounding environment • It is advised to provide RO water for drinking thus reducing the need for mineral water and hence reducing the impact of plastic bottles and their management and disposal. • All construction waste including hazardous materials will be stockpiled and stored on the island. Construction waste will be taken to Thilafushi once in three months. • Training of site personnel in proper waste management procedures and general environmental care 1 1 . 3 . 6 Workforce & Temporary Facilities The overall impact for work force and temporary facilities is neutral. These impacts they are mostly temporary and have minor negative and minor positive impacts. It is believed that temporary work force physical impacts to coral reefs, especially using illegal methods to catch fish and other organisms. However, they should be informed of the concerns of such activities. This shall be the project supervisors’ responsibility. 1 1 . 3 . 7 Operation of Heavy Machinery The operation of heavy machinery such as excavators, barges, and sand pumps have minor to major negative impacts but are mostly temporary and short term. These include air and noise pollution during machinery operation. Leakage of oils from machinery may contaminate the soil. Improper use of barges may cause destruction to reefs and this may be a long term or permanent impacts. Social impacts include the possibility of accidents which are low in probability but has a high magnitude when it happens. Aesthetics of the island during the construction works will decrease as well as huge machinery will be operating of parked at the proximity of the construction site. However, this is considered minor negative and is temporary. Mitigation measures • Vehicles should be serviced and maintained to avoid delays and excess emissions of pollutants. • Oil spill contaminant equipment shall be installed in all vehicles. • Construction materials shall not be transported during bad weather conditions.

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• Materials for construction and equipment shall be stored at a designated area, temporary site. Sheds can be made on temporary site to protect the materials and equipment from rain and direct sunlight. • Ensure that no leaks and accidental spillages of oil occur from vehicles and that they are maintained adequately. • Nominate a site manager, to be responsible for good site practices, arrangements for collection and effective disposal to an appropriate facility, of all wastes generated at the site during construction stage.

1 1 . 3 . 8 N o i s e , V ibration and D i s t u r b a n c e Similar to the sources of air pollution, noise and vibrations generated in the construction site are caused by the operation of machinery, equipment and vehicles. Since the proposed project is a coastal protection project in a remote tourism development island, residents will not be living in very close proximity to the project area. Hence, impact of noise is envisaged will not higher during the construction. However, construction workers will face difficulties due to noise and vibration. Therefore, continuous exposure of noise level above average level during construction could be a nuisance to construction workers and needs to be minimized as much as possible. Mitigation Measures • Maintain low noise levels. • Minimize any high noise-generating activities during the night-time. • Use low noise generating equipment. • No use of horns unless necessary. • Avoid using multiple high noise generating equipment and activities simultaneously. • Warning signs in noise hazard areas. • Conduct noise level monitoring at least every quarter or as necessary. 1 1 . 3 . 9 Health Impacts Health impacts during construction stage includes; risk of injury during construction, risk of accidents and risk of diseases. It is advised to wear safety equipment’s during construction and personal hygiene to be maintained. If proper mitigation measures are inscribed into the scope of work no impact is predicted. • Basic training in construction, health and safety, first aid and the environment/social/cultural concerns specific to the area and waste management should be provided to construction team. • During construction activities, every effort should be made to minimize and reduce accidents with awareness training, defining clear procedures and placing of appropriate signage, • The site at all times should be kept clean and tide and appropriate measures should be taken for the storage, handling, transportation and disposal of all waste material,

Due to the ongoing global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), workers and employers should maintain proper health and safety guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure. Please refer to HPA’s guideline on the work place safety attached in the annex. General safety measures for workers and employers include: • Employers should make sure to keep a log of workers temperatures everyday • Workers should wash or sanitize their hands frequently • Face masks should be worn at all times • Limit congestion in the workplace and physical contact with other workers • Ensure health and safety measure signs are visible around the workplace in English, Dhivehi and other languages as needed.

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Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures for Operational Stage 1 1 . 4 . 1 Changes to C o a s t a l M o r p h o l o g y Construction of breakwaters, revetments and groynes interrupts the natural current movement around the island. Changes to the current movement causes erosion and accretion, however this is considered short time impact as coastal protection measures (groynes ) can reduce or limit the beach erosion. These changes to the island could be detected early by implementing an environmental monitoring programe where the shoreline, marine environment and terrestrial environment area routinely monitored. Construction of coastal protection also effects the aesthetic view, however the effect might be positive or negative to their own perspective, so the magnitude of impacts is considered negligible. Mitigation measures • Monitor the beaches after the construction of the coastal protection. • Provide adjustment to the existing coastal protection measures and undertake additional beach nourishment to minimize or limit erosion S o c i o - economic Impacts and Mitigations Measures 1 1 . 5 . 1 Impacts on Local Economy The project will bring income to the locals that are involved during the construction stage. The temporary jobs created during the construction will be beneficial for local communities if the laborers are hired from the nearby communities. Local suppliers will also benefit from the project. For long term, the project may have negative impacts on some of the stakeholders if the construction is undertaken without proper mitigation measures. For example, if the sedimentation is not localized or excavation is conducted during bad weather condition, there is a chance of it spreading to nearby reefs that are used by the local fisherman. Therefore, it is very important to localize the sediments to the minimal areas of the marine environment. Since the project involves small scale excavation, it will easier for the proponent and contractor to contain the sediment within the project area. 1 1 . 5 . 2 Level of Protection a g a i n s t H a z a r d s The Maldives is inherently vulnerable to climate and other natural hazards due to its geographic and geophysical characteristics including the small size, low elevation, narrow width and unconsolidated nature of its coral islands (UNDP, 2009). In order to effectively manage climate change risks, it is necessary to construct new land higher than the existing lands to tackle sea level rise, develop coastal protection to protect the island from swell waves, udha, tsunamis. The proposed project involves coastal protection of Madifushi to tackle the erosion problem. During the operation stage, after the completion of coastal protection works, impact of the project to the level against hazard is envisaged to be positive. The groynes, revetment and breakwaters will absorb wave energy thus reducing its effects on the beach and island.

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12 Alternatives This section looks at alternative ways of undertaking the proposed project. There are two basic options: (1) leave the problem as it is (no project option), or (2) take measures to resolve the problem (undertake the project option). If the project were to continue, it would be necessary to take economic, ecological and environmental aspects of the project into consideration and ensure that these concerns exist within a delicate balance. Neither the economic benefits nor the environmental and ecological concerns can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to consider all options and ensure that the best available option(s) is chosen to solve the issues/problems. A single activity can bear effects on a considerable number of key components determining a range of closely interconnected impacts. The relative importance of each of these beneficial and detrimental impacts has to be evaluated in the context of a set of alternative options. The effectiveness of an EIA process depends on the successful identification of these alternatives. We can then aim at minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones acting on specific activities through selection of best alternative options and / or mitigation measures. No Project Option It should be noted that the “no project” option cannot be excluded without proper evaluation. Direct benefits from the project implementation include increasing the beach area, so that more tourists can be used the beach area and the management can tackle the ongoing beach erosion. Without this project, there is risk of shoaling the boats during low tide. Hence, the no project option takes the following into account. • The existing beach will be used without any beach nourishment, • The management will continue to face difficulty due to the ongoing beach erosion,

The main advantages and disadvantages of these are given in the following table.

Table 9: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option Strategy Advantages Disadvantages The island will continue Environmental problems With the existing coastal infrastructure, developing without related to construction will erosion cannot be controlled and hence it is coastal protection and be avoided, going to affect the marketability of beach beach nourishment and will affect during operations.

Alternatives Proposed

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Social Alternative Proposed Technical Environment Economic (Proponent) A1 Alternative material for Coastal protection Technically feasible Construction of rock- Geo-bags are cheaper The developer needs the The proposed material for the construction of boulder revetment/groyne than rock boulder, beach to be protected. revetment/groyne is rock boulders. The will have the same impact however rock boulders Using rock boulders or alternative material is to use Geo-bags. as constructing geo-bag are long lasting. geo bags beach needs to revetment/groyne be protected.

A2 Alternative material for Groyne Technically feasible Construction of wooden Wooden palisade groynes Socially not acceptable as construction groynes will also have are cheap but their this kind of groynes has The alternative material to construct groyne same impact because lifetime is rather short. not be done in islands of would be to use wood. Wooden groynes are excavators will be used to Maldives. The proponent placed as one- or two-row palisade structures. construct the groynes. would find that lifetime One-row wooden groynes are in general partly of this kind of goynes permeable structures; permeability reduces lee- would be short than those side erosion and prevents undesirable near groynes done with rocks shore water circulations. of geobags.

A3 Alternative concept for breakwater Technically feasible Construction of Economically there will The proponent wants to The other alternative to the proposed concept is submerged will also have not be much difference protect the island from a design alternative. This alternative is same impact because erosion. submerged breakwaters as an alternative to the excavators will be used to proposed normal emerged breakwaters. Height construct the breakwater of the submerged breakwater is proposed same as the mean sea level (refer to the figure below). Therefore, during the low tide breakwater will be seen over the water line and will provide protection from waves. However,

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Social Alternative Proposed Technical Environment Economic (Proponent) during the high tide, the breakwater will be underwater and hence protection from waves will not be as high as normal breakwaters. During the mean tide, waves will over topple the breakwater.

Figure 43: Alternative option – submerged breakwater (diagram for reference only) A4 Use of tetrapod for breakwater and Technically not Construction of tetrapods Tetrapods are expensive The proponent wants to revetment feasible will also have same than rock boulders protect the island from An alternative option for the construction of impact because erosion. Moreover it is breakwater and revetment is using tetra pods. excavators will be used to not advised to use unless Tetra pods can be manufactured onsite or on construct, moreover it is large project. Thilafushi and transported to Madifushi, during manufacturing it provided the materials are available. Tetra pods may cause impacts to also absorb wave energy well if interlocked environment. properly. They are long lasting and strong. Their size and weight can be suited to meet the project. Their use is not technically advisable

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Social Alternative Proposed Technical Environment Economic (Proponent) unless it is large project. They also require especially skilled people and heavy machinery to place them.

Figure 44: Tetra Pods (for reference only)

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1 2 . 2 . 1 Preferred Alternative and mitigation measures Several alternatives have been identified; however, in the case of Madifushi, it is preferred to continue the project as it is. Following mitigation measures are proposed: • Special attention should be given to avoid boulders falling on to the reef areas other than the project footprint. • Oil spills and leakages from excavators should be carefully controlled and monitored as to avoid water pollution.

It is recommended that proper monitoring of the beach areas should be done regularly after implementing coastal protection measures at island.

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13 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan Introduction Environmental management and monitoring is essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and to mitigate unanticipated impacts. Monitoring will be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment and monitoring requirements addressed in this EIA report. The following table summarizes the aspects of monitoring. Environmental management plan An environmental management plan is outlined in this section. This plan outlines the measures that need to be undertaken during construction period. The management plan should be followed during the construction period. The plan also outlines the monitoring components. A detail monitoring plan is separately outlined. Cost of Monitoring The proponent has committed fully for the monitoring programme outlined in this report. The total cost of undertaking the regular monitoring is estimated in the following table. Cost of monitoring includes all data collection and reporting to the client as well as the relevant government agencies. D u r a t i o n of Monitoring Monitoring will include marine, terrestrial and social components. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 3 months during construction stage. After completion of the project every three months thereafter up to one year and then on a yearly basis for five years after. Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the construction period and annually during the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm. Table 10: Monitoring report submission schedule Every three months (one report) During construction stage Note: time schedule for this project is three months After completion of the project Every three months up to one year (three reports) After one year For every year for five years (five reports) M e t h o d s of Monitoring Environmental monitoring will be undertaken using standard methods described in the Methodology section. Monitoring is recommended for marine, and coastal aspects. Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring responsibility will be with the client and financial provisions will be made in the project to undertake the monitoring. M o n i t o r i n g R e p o r t A detailed monitoring report should be compiled after the completion of the civil works. During the construction period, summary monitoring reports must be provided after construction and should adhere to EIA Regulations, 2012. During the operational stage, regular monitoring reports should be provided once every three months up to one year and yearly basis for five years after. This report will be submitted to the relevant government agencies for compliance. The report shall include details of the site, data collection and analysis, quality control measures, sampling frequency and monitoring analysis and details of methodologies Environmental Management plan

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Table 11: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period. Cost during Cost Per annum Staff Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) required phase). Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Live Coral cover at survey Percentage live LIT Once every Once every three $500 $1,000.00 2 Staffs sites cover three months months for one M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 year, the annually for five years Diversity and abundance of Number / Fish Belt Transect Once every Once every three $500 $1000.00 2 Staffs fish communities at sites M1, percentage of three months months for one M2, M3, M4, M5 selected fish year, the annually for five years Marine water quality at survey pH, salinity Onsite or Lab Once every Once every three $750.00 $1500.00 2 Staffs site SW1, SW2, SW3 and turbidity, TDS, analysis three months months for one SW4 temperature year, the annually for five years Coastal Environment

Sand transport / Erosion Shore line Physical inspection After Once every three $200 $750.00 2 Staffs mapping, Erosion and shoreline completion of months for one and accretion mapping of the the project year, the patterns island annually for five years Aerial Photo Beach movement Using drones Every three Once every three $200 $1000 2 Staffs and sediment months months for one dynamic year, the annually for five years

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Cost during Cost Per annum Staff Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) required phase). Coastal Protection 3 Staffs (for whole section) Are the revetment / groynes / Physical inspection Annually $ 2000 for the entire breakwater constructed as per component under this. the designed length? Has the revetments / groynes / Physical inspection Annually Same breakwater elevation dropped?

Are there any signs of wave Physical inspection Annually Same overtopping the revetment/breakwater from any side? Has the slope of the Physical inspection Annually Same revetments / groynes / breakwater changed? Is there any physical evidence Physical inspection Annually Same of revetments / groynes / breakwater structure being damaged?

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14 Stakeholder Consultation As part of the EIA stakeholder consultation were undertaken with the parties highlighted in the project ToR. Due to the current health crisis in the Maldives, face to face discussions were not conducted. Stakeholder consultation were limited to online consultations. Stakeholders mentioned in the ToR were contacted through email and letter and asked for their opinion and concerns that they want to highlight and discuss in the report. Project brief with the approved concept were provided to stakeholders. Below are the summary of the consultations that responded.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) A letter was sent via email to NDMA for an online consultation for the project, however no response was received. The letter sent to NDMA for the consultation is attached in the annex. Below is a summary of the points highlighted in the guidance document provided by NDMA for EIA projects as they are not able to attend the EIA stakeholder meetings at this time due to the current health emergency throughout the country. Please find the full document attached as annex. • NDMA advises proponents and consultants to carry out a study to identify, predict and evaluate hazard impacts associated with the development projects.

• NDMA believes that Hazard impact assessment is an integral component of and extension to the environmental review process and environmental impact assessment in that it encourages explicit consideration and mitigation of hazard risk.

• Hazard impact assessment should include the following hazards

o Multi hazards o Biological hazards o Environmental hazards o Geological and geophysical hazards o Hydro-meteorological hazards o Technological hazards Ministry of Tourism For consultation with Ministry of Tourism, a letter was sent via email to Ministry of Tourism to undertake the online consultation or to provide us with the concerns and opinions based on the information letter and project brief. Consultation was done via email about their comments and below are the comments they made to the project. • Address all the requirements highlighted in the approved TOR. • Changes to the coastal modification and beach nourishment concept during the construction stage shall be approved from MoT and necessary environmental clearance shall be obtain from EPA. • Illegal labor shall not be allowed during the project implementing stage. • All the sand borrow sites should be approved from the concerned government authorities • To minimize environmental damage special care and protection measures need be to undertake during the project implementation stage. • Should fulfill all regulatory requirements prior to the commencement of the project activities.

Mohamed Sinan (Environment Ministry of Tourism [email protected] officer)

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Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) For the consultation with the MMRI, a letter was sent via email to MMRI to undertake the online consultation or to provide us with the concerns and opinions based on the information letter and the project brief. We have not received any comments or response from MMRI to this date. Please find the attached letter sent to MMRI in the annex. Raiymandhoo Island Council For the consultation with Raiymandhoo Island Council, a letter was sent via email to their office to undertake the consultation or to provide us with the concerns and opinions based on the information letter and the project brief. We have not received any comments or response from their office to this date. Please find the attached letter sent to Raiymandhoo Island Council in the annex.

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15 Recommendation The following recommendations are suggested: • It is strongly encouraged to undertake the monitoring program outlined in this report,

• Controlling sedimentation during dredging and beach nourishment: The contractor needs to control the sedimentation as such that it would impact the coral patches around the island.

Deepening the seaplane Jetty According to the Resort Safety Assessment carried out by TMA on the commencement of the sea plane operations to Madifushi in March 2021, identified that area need to be dredged to have a depth of 1.8 m at low tide. This would require excavating 10,000 cbm of sand from this area.

Figure 45: Area which TMA has recommended to have a minimum depth of -1.8m at low tide

Raising the levels of the paths, road and floor of Back of the House Building The excavated materials from the seaplane arrival jetty area could be used to back fill and level the roads at the islands. It is estimated that 2,000 cbm of sand would be required to backfill and levels the paths and roads on the island, 2,000 cbm of sand to backfill and raise the floor level of Front House Buildings and 6,000 cbm of sand to backfill and raise the floor level of Back of House Buildings.

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Figure 46: Roads and BOH area which recommends for levelling with sand from TMA jetty area

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16 Conclusion This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is prepared for the proposed coastal protection and beach nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll. The proponent of the project is Maldives Inflight Catering Pte Ltd (MIC), joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Ltd. and SATS Ltd. This EIA report has identified the main impacts of the proposed coastal protection and beach nourishment works. It has been assessed that the project will have a negative impacts on marine environment and positive impacts on coastal environment of the island. The need for this project is to enhance the beach area around the island and undertake coastal protection structures around the island to control erosion and maintain beaches around the island. The proposed project involves the following coastal protection measures: • Construction of 35m long breakwater on southern side of the island, using rock boulders; • Construction of three types of groynes (GR – 1, GR – 2 and GR – 3), the only difference between the three types of groynes would the length of groynes. o Construction of 82m GR-1 groyne (1 Nos) on southern side under water villa; o Construction of 30m GR-2 groynes (9 Nos) around the island, o Construction of 35m GR-3 groyne (1 Nos) on north west side of the island under arrival jetty • Construction of 65m revetment on northern side of the island; • All coastal protection measures will be constructed using rock boulders; • The Project involves beach nourishment around the island for a width of 10m. It is estimated that 19,600 m3 of sand will be required for beach replenishment, and 19,000 m3 will be required for channel filling. • Borrow areas for the project are located on eastern and western side of the island.

Environmental impacts were assessed for the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from construction of the breakwater. The main impact from sediments during coastal protection works and beach nourishment lost of corals and habitat on the footprint of the sand borrowing areas. An environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks, which mainly focus on shoreline, beach profiles and marine components such as water quality, the coral cover, and Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified especially sedimentation control methods. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the replenishment areas. The proposed mitigation measures should be followed in order to minimize impacts on the marine environment. Several alternatives have been preferred including no project options. Use of wood as an alternative material for groyne, use of tetra pods for revetment and breakwater, use of geo-bags as an alternative material for revetment, breakwater and groynes, and alternative concept for breakwater, However, it is recommended to carry out the project with the proposed option. The proposed project work will need to be closely monitored by the Ministry of Tourism in consultation with Environmental Protection Agency.

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17 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report EIA People who registration Page assisted in data number (only Chapter Signature number collection and for those report writing registered consultants)

Introduction Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Project Description Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Project Setting Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007 (Legislative section)

Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Abdhulla Aleef Existing Environment - Naseem

Moahmed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017 Impact and

Mitigation Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Stakeholder

Consultations Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Monitoring Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Alternative Ahmed Jamel EIA P07/2007

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017 Conclusion

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18 Acknowledgements Various people have assisted the consulting team in preparing this report, name and their designations are listed below. Water Solutions would like to thank their support and assistance provided in completion of this report. 1- Abdul Aleem BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019)

2- Ahmed Jameel, BEng – Coastal & Environmental, MSc – Disaster Management (EIA-P07/2007) 3- Ibrahim Faiz, - BSC, MSc - Environmental Management (EIA P05/2017)

4- Mohamed Umar, BSc - Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019)

5- Aleef Abdhulla Naseem, BSc - Marine biology & Coastal ecology 6- Maldives Inflight Catering Pte Ltd

7- Water Solutions staff

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19 Reference Books and Sources

Jameel, A. (2007). Developing a Disaster Profile for Maldives, A thesis for the master’s degree. Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury. Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2020). EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection Works at Embudu Village, South Male’ Atoll: Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report. Maldives: UNEP2002. Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd (2019). Addendum to Coastal Protection Measures at Fasmendhoo Island, Raa Atoll: Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd

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20 Annex: Terms of reference

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 82 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

No: 203-ECA/PRIV/2021/93

Terms of Reference for Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Coastal Protection and beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll

The following is the Terms of Reference (ToR) following the scoping meeting held on 14-February-2021 for undertaking the EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment at Madifushi Island, Meemu Atoll. The proponent of the project is Maldives Inflight Caterings Private Limited. The EIA consultant of this project is Mr. Ahmed Jameel (License No. EIAP07/2007).

While every attempt has been made to ensure that this ToR addresses all of the major issues associated with development proposal, they are not necessarily exhaustive. They should not be interpreted as excluding from consideration matters deemed to be significant but not incorporated in them, or matters currently unforeseen, that emerge as important or significant from environmental studies, or otherwise, during the course of preparation of the EIA report.

1. Introduction and rationale – Describe the purpose of the project and, if applicable, the background information of the project/activity and the tasks already completed. Objectives of the development activities should be specific and if possible quantified. Define the arrangements required for the environmental assessment including how work carried out under this contract is linked to other activities that are carried out or that is being carried out within the project boundary. Identify the donors and the institutional arrangements relevant to this project.

2. Study area – Submit a minimumA3 size scaled plan with indications of all the proposed infrastructures. Specify the agreed boundaries of the study area for the environmental impact assessment highlighting the proposed development location and size. The study area should include adjacent or remote areas, such as relevant developments and nearby environmentally sensitive sites (e.g. coral reef, sea grass, mangroves, marine protected areas, special birds’ site, sensitive species nursery and feeding grounds). Relevant developments in the areas must also be addressed including, all economic ventures and cultural sites.

3. Scope of work – The report should be categorised into the following components:

Task 1. Description of the proposed project – Provide a full description and justification of the relevant parts of the proposed works, using maps at appropriate scales where necessary. The following should be provided (all inputs and outputs related to the proposed activities shall be justified):

 Project justification;  Excavation methods, if required for construction purposes including machinery, manpower, expertise, and scheduling.  Coastal protection methods.  Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease, oil);  Emergency plan during spillages;  Labour requirements.  Housing of temporary labour.

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

1 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

 Environmental monitoring during construction activities;  Measures to protect environmental values during construction and operation phase;  Project management (include scheduling and duration of the project and life span of facilities; communication of construction details, progress, target dates, construction/operation/closure of labour camps, access to site, safety, equipment and material storage, fuel management and emergency plan in case of spills).

Coastal Protection  Design concept of coastal protection measures;  Coastal protection structures construction and justification;  Details and justification of location, number, size and materials of coastal protection structures;  Method and equipment used;  Justification for selecting the methods and equipment.

Beach Nourishment/backfilling  Proposed borrow areas  Quantity of fill material  Method and equipment used for sand pumping  Justification for the selecting the method and equipment  Duration of beach nourishment Dredging ( if applicable )  Location and size of sand borrow areas(s) on a map  Justification for selection of this location  Dredge material disposal methods  Method and equipment used for dredging;  Location of dredge areas should be provided on a map;  Justification for selecting the methods and equipment;  Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease and oil)  Methods and location for disposal of dredged sand

Task 2. Description of the environment – Assemble, evaluate and present the environmental baseline study/data regarding the study area and timing of the project (e.g. monsoon season). Identify baseline data gaps and identify studies and the level of detail to be carried out by consultant. Consideration of likely monitoring requirements should be borne in mind during survey planning, so that data collected is suitable for use as a baseline. As such all baseline data must be presented in such a way that they will be usefully applied to future monitoring. The report should outline detailed methodology of data collection utilized.

The baseline data will be collected before construction and from at least two benchmarks. All survey locations shall be referenced with Geographic Positioning System (GPS) including water sampling points, reef transects, vegetation transects and manta tows sites for posterior data comparison. Information should be divided into the categories shown below:

Climate  Seasonal climatic variations;  Temperature, rainfall, wind, waves, current patterns.

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

2 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

Geology and geomorphology  Offshore/coastal geology and geomorphology (use maps);  (Seasonal) patterns of coastal erosion and accretion (use satellite images for data comparison);  Shoreline (high tide line, low tide line) and vegetation line;  Beach profiles from around the island;

Hydrography/hydrodynamics (use maps)  Climatic conditions on the day of the field visit;  Tidal ranges and tidal currents  Currents at site;  Waves at site;  Erosion patterns around the existing island (using satellite imagery and baseline data);  Sea water quality measuring these parameters: temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, and TDS (from the construction sites and from at least one control site).  Wind induced (seasonal) currents  Bathymetry (bottom morphology) (use maps);

Ecology  Identify marine protected areas (MPAs) and sensitive sites such as breeding or nursery grounds for protected or endangered species (e.g. coral reefs, spawning fish sites, nurseries for crustaceans or specific sites for marine mammals, sharks and turtles). Include description of commercial species, species with potential to become nuisances or vector;  Quantitative marine assessment (coral cover and fish census survey) of the proposed construction sites and at the reef adjacent to those sites and from at least one control site;  Coastal environment at the locations where coastal protection would be undertaken;  Benthic and fish community around the island.

Hazard vulnerability  Risk of hurricanes and storm surges;  Vulnerability of area to flooding and storm surge.

Absence of the facilities in the country to carry out water quality and air quality tests will not exempt the proponent from the obligation to provide the necessary data. The report should outline the detailed methodology for data collection utilized to describe the existing environment.

Task 3. Legislative and regulatory considerations – Identify the pertinent legislation, regulations and standards, and environmental policies that are relevant and applicable to the proposed project and identify the appropriate authority jurisdictions that will specifically apply to the project. Include permits and approvals in the EIA document. The follow shall be included:  Concept approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

Task 4. Potential impacts (environmental and socio-cultural) of proposed project – The EIA report should identify the impacts, direct and indirect, during and after construction, and evaluate the magnitude and significance of each. Particular attention shall be given to impacts associated with the following:

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

3 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

Impacts on the natural environment  Changes in flow velocities/directions, resulting in changes in erosion/sedimentation patterns, which may impact shore zone configuration/coastal morphology;  Loss of marine bottom habitat, resulting in (temporary) loss of bottom life, which may impact fish stocks and species diversity and density of crabs, shellfish etc.;  Sediment dispersal in water column, possibly resulting in changes in visibility, smothering of coral reefs and benthic communities and affecting fish and shellfish etc.;  Impacts of noise, vibration and disturbance;  Impacts on unique or threatened habitats or species (coral reefs, sea turtles etc.);  Impacts on landscape integrity/scenery.

Impacts on the socio-economic environment  Impacts of the coastal protection works on the public, stakeholders and tourism ventures (nearby resorts and dive sites);  Impacts on employment and income, potential for local people to have (temporary) job opportunities (and what kind) in the execution of the works;  Health impacts; Including Covid 19 related safety measures that will be in place;  Level of protection against hazards like sea level rise, storm surges, etc.

The methods used to identify the significance of the impacts shall be outlined. One or more of the following methods must be utilized in determining impacts; checklists, matrices, overlays, networks, expert systems and professional judgment. Justification must be provided to the selected methodologies. The report should outline the uncertainties in impact prediction and also outline all positive and negative/short and long-term impacts. Identify impacts that are cumulative and unavoidable.

Task 5. Alternatives to proposed project – Describe alternatives including the “no action option” should be presented. Determine the best practical environmental options. Alternatives examined for the proposed project that would achieve the same objective including the “no action alternative”. All alternatives must be compared according to international standards and commonly accepted standards as much as possible. The comparison should yield the preferred alternative for implementation. Mitigation options should be specified for each component of the proposed project. The comparison should yield the preferred alternative for implementation.

Task 6. Mitigation and management of negative impacts – Identify possible measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. These will include both environmental and socio-economic mitigation measures with particular attention paid to sedimentation control and future changes in coastal processes. Measures for both construction and operation phase shall be identified. Cost the mitigation measures, equipment and resources required to implement those measures. The confirmation of commitment of the developer to implement the proposed mitigation measures shall also be included. An Environmental management plan for the proposed project, identifying responsible persons, their duties and commitments shall also be given. In cases where impacts are unavoidable arrangements to compensate for the environmental effect shall be given.

Task 7. Development of monitoring plan – Identify the critical issues requiring monitoring to ensure compliance to mitigation measures and present impact management and monitoring plan for coastal modification, beach morphology, sediment movement around the island. Monitoring reports will be submitted to the EPA to evaluate the damages during construction, after project completion and every three months thereafter, up to one year and then on a yearly basis for five years after, if necessary or by incorporation within the EIA for the resort development. The baseline study described in task 4 of section 4 of this document is required for data comparison.

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

4 of 5 ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ Environmental Protection Agency

Detail of the monitoring program including the physical and biological parameters for monitoring, cost commitment from responsible person to conduct monitoring in the form of a commitment letter, detailed reporting scheduling, costs and methods of undertaking the monitoring program must be provided. The following shall be considered in the monitoring programme proposed.  Water quality, especially turbidity, during construction activities;  Current patterns and velocities;  Erosion and accretion changes;  Temporal sedimentation rates on nearby coral reefs and benthic system;  Condition of the sensitive ecosystems and marine resources;  Environmentally sound removal of construction equipment and materials;

Task 8. Stakeholder consultation, Inter-Agency coordination and public/NGO participation) – Identify appropriate mechanisms for providing information on the development proposal and its progress to all stakeholders. The EIA report should include a list of people/groups consulted, their contact details and summary of the major outcomes. The following stakeholders need to be consulted: 1. Maldives Marine Research Institute. 2. National Disaster Management Authority (general points highlighted by the authority in the guidance document provided to consultants can be highlighted). 3. Ministry of Tourism. 4. M. Raiymandhoo council

If the surveys are undertaken at a time where public health emergency is declared due to COVID 19, consultation with stakeholders can be undertaken via e-conference calls or telephone. The EIA report needs to be submitted to atoll council and evidence of submission needs to be included in the report. Meeting minutes shall be annexed, and the report shall include a list of those who are consulted and their contacts.

Presentation- The environmental impact assessment report, to be presented in digital format, should be concise and focus on significant environmental issues. It should contain the findings, conclusions and recommended actions supported by summaries of the data collected and citations f or any references used in interpreting those data. The environmental assessment report shall be organized according to, but not necessarily limited by, the outline given in the EIA Regulations, 2012 and the subsequent amendments.

Timeframe for submitting the EIA report – The developer must submit the completed EIA report within 6 months from the date of this Term of Reference.

------

17th February 2021

Environmental Protection Agency ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްލަޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ rd ގްރީން ބިލްޑިންގް ، 3ވަނަ ފަންގިފިލާ، ހަނދުވަރީ ހިނގުން Green Building, 3 Floor, Handhuvaree Hingun Male', Rep. of Maldives, 20392 މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ، 20392 +960 333 5949 +960 798 0379 [email protected] www.epa.gov.mv

5 of 5

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

21 Annex: Approved Concept and Supporting Drawings

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

22 Annex: Concept approval from MOT

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 84 F}UY ,6- PREVENT # DOMESTIC MINISTRY OF'TOTruSM VIOLENCE I REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES Ref no: 88-ES/PzuV 12021 I 57 5 Sunday, March 14,2021

Mr.Ng Kok Theng Group General Manager Maldives tnflight Catering Pte Ltd, Velaana International Airport, Hulhule, Republic of Maldives,

Dear Mr. Ng Kok Theng,

Re: Conditional arrproval for coastal modification.

We refer your application dated 4e March 2021., requesting to approve the proposed coastal modification project at Madifushi in Meemu Atoll.

The main activities of the proposed project include:

r Beach Nourishment . Sand Borrow Area (site A and D) o Coastal protection measures (installation of groynes and revetments)

A conditional approval is hereby granted to the coastal modification project submitted to the fulfillment of the following requirement and procedure:

. Submission of approved Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report or an Environ:rrental Clearance from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). . Proponent shall inform the commencing date of the project activities in writing once the project begins.

Please note that this conditional approval is based on the rules and regulations and practices of this Ministry and concerned government authorities. In additioru this approval is issued only for the purpose of the aforementioned project activities.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely, /iqb-{l..- Fathimath Samaah Assistant Director

Ministry of rourism, velaanaage, Fifth Floor, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male', Maldives Tel: +(960)332 3224, +(960)302 2200,Fax: +pAOyZZlZS|Z E-mail : info@tourism. gov.mv, website: www. tourism.gov.mv

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

23 Annex: Water Quality Result from MWSC

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 85 Male' Water & Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd Water Quality Assurance Laboratory Quality Assurance Building, 1st Floor, Male' Hingun, Vilimale', Male' City, Maldives Tel: +9603323209, Fax: +9603324306, Email: [email protected]

WATER QUALITY TEST REPORT Report No: 500186219 Customer Information: Report date: 22/02/2021 Water Solutions Pvt Ltd Test Requisition Form No: 900191259 M.Niyadhurumaage Sample(s) Recieved Date: 21/02/2021 Alimas Magu Date of Analysis: 21/02/2021 - 21/02/2021 Male' 20063

Sample Description ~ Madifushi SW1 Madifushi SW2 Madifushi SW3

Sample Type ~ Sea Water Sea Water Sea Water

Sample No 83216719 83216720 83216721

Sampled Date ~ 20/02/2021 05:00 20/02/2021 05:00 20/02/2021 05:00 TEST METHOD UNIT

PARAMETER ANALYSIS RESULT

Physical Appearance Clear with particles Clear with particles Clear with particles

pH * 7.90 7.93 7.95 Method 4500-H+ B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) -

Salinity 31.81 31.01 31.01 Method 2520 B. (adapted from Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water, 23rd edition) ‰

Temperature 23.4 24.5 24.8 Electrometry °C

Total Dissolved Solids 24400 23800 23800 Electrometry mg/L

Turbidity * 0.138 0.209 0.206 HACH Nephelometric Method (adapted from HACH 2100N Turbidimeter User Manual) NTU Keys: ‰ : Parts Per Thousand, °C : Degree Celcius, mg/L : Milligram Per Liter, NTU : Nephelometric Turbidity Unit

Checked by Approved by

Aminath Sofa Mohamed Eyman Laboratory Executive Manager, Quality

Notes: Sampling Authority: Sampling was not done by MWSC Laboratory. This report shall not be reproduced except in full, without written approval of MWSC. This test report is ONLY FOR THE SAMPLES TESTED. ~ Information provided by the customer. This information may affect the validity of the test results. *Parameters accredited by EIAC under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ************************* END OF REPORT *************************

Page 1 of 1 MWSC-A5-F-92 Rev 00

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

24 Annex: Bathymetry of the required areas

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 86 µ

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

25 Annex: Methodologies Used

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 87 1 . 1 Introduction

The annex describes detail methodologies used to collect data on the existing environment for EIA studies in the Maldives. For EIA studies in the Maldives, various methodologies are used and the type and methods vary for different projects. Almost all projects will utilize some general data collection methodologies in combination of various other methods. The following section outlines the data collection methodologies that are used in Maldives and their description.

1 . 2 General Methodologies of Data Collection

In this method, the condition of the existing environment is analyzed using appropriate scientific methods. The environmental components of the study area are focused for terrestrial, marine and coastal environment depending on the specific projects. In general, for any project that requires the study of the marine environment, the marine environment of the island is studied including the coral reef and the lagoon. Focus is given on specific areas of the island’s reef which is expected to have the greatest impact as a result of the proposed project. Coastal environmental data collection involves mapping the shoreline, taking beach profiles from selected locations, identifying and mapping costal defense structures and assessing the coastal environment for erosion or accretion. Terrestrial data collection usually includes creating a terrestrial map of the island or a specific area.

1 . 3 Mapping and Location Identification

The island, lagoon, reef or specific areas of islands or a project site is mapped, including shore line, vegetation line, reef lines, existing mature trees, coastal defense structures or other significant topographic features. Mapping is undertaken using hand held differential GPS and available aerial photos. The location of data collection sites are marked using handheld GPS. These data collection points includes marine water sampling locations, marine survey locations, existing groynes and sea walls, mature trees, breakwaters, protected or archaeological sites, erosion prone areas, sand spits, beach rocks etc.

1 . 4 Marine Environment Surveys

Marine environmental surveys were conducted to collect data on key environmental components (i.e. the coral reef system and the lagoon), that will be impacted due to the project. Four methods are primarily used to collect data, namely:  Line Intercept transects (LIT’s)  Detail photo quadrate analysis,  Fish census and  Visual observations.

Purpose of the survey is to define and establish marine environmental baseline conditions for impact evaluation during and after a project. Surveys are based on standard marine environmental surveys so that they can be repeatedly carried out to monitor and record changes and assess possible impacts on the marine environment from the proposed work activities. Surveys include quantitative and qualitative methods. In addition, photos are taken along the reef survey sites and the length of the lagoon.

1 . 5 Line Intercept Transects (LIT)

Line Intercept Transect (LIT) surveys are carried out to assess the benthic types and species at the survey sites. This method uses life form categories to assess the benthic sessile community of reefs and it is possible to incorporate taxonomic data as well. LIT surveys can be used to evaluate the community structure of corals in terms of species composition and

Annex: Methodology - Page 2 diversity patterns in different zones on a reef. LIT method also provides a rapid estimate of percent cover of corals, algal cover, and cases of other prominent organisms as well as bare substratum.

Quantitative percent cover of the reef community can be obtained using this method and it can be repeated over time to obtain changes over a period of time. Disadvantages of this method include difficulty in standardizing the life form categories and the limitation of the data collected, to information on percent cover and relative abundance (English et al. 1997). LIT surveys produce valuable data even though they are time consuming and require considerable effort and skills to record notes underwater (Segal & Castro 2001). A line transect of 20m length is normally used, but transect lengths can vary depending on the surveyor.

1 . 6 Photo quadrate analysis

Photo transect coral reef survey method is used to quantify the data of coral reef benthic communities i.e. live corals and their types, other benthos, dead corals and other reef substrate. This method is used to support the LIT surveys or as an alternative to line transect. A series of photographs are taken along the transect line (usually 20 m each) using an underwater camera. These photographs are combined to form a photo-composite. Photo- composite of the mapped area of the reef are then analyzed using computer software. It provided a detail record of individual corals, sandy or rubble area and other benthos to a mapped area. The photographs not only allowed speedy collection of data in the field, but also provided a permanent record of the transect line, which is useful for long-term monitoring of growth, mortality and recruitment.

Figure 1: Typical photo quadrate analysis

1 . 7 Qualitative assessment

Qualitative assessment of the reef or lagoon is based on visual observation by snorkeling and then comparing the result with underwater photos and aerial photographs.

Annex: Methodology - Page 3 1 . 8 P e r m a n e n t Photo Quadrats

This method involves taking still photographs of a fixed quadrat that are analyzed in the lab. It is useful to determine temporal change in shallow macrobenthos communities. Permanent photo-quadrats can also complement LITs and are suitable for small-scale questions and to follow the fate of individual colonies. Detailed temporal change can be determined for individual corals for biological condition, growth, mortality and recruitment. Data can be used to estimate percent cover, species diversity, relative abundance, density and size. Percentage cover of target organisms can be determined in the lab by either point sample methods by placing a grid cover the quadrat or by digitizing the image (digitizing is more expensive, time-consuming, requires special software and expertise). The precision depends on the apparatus used and the ability to take photo from exactly the same spot as well as observer differences for analysis.

On each designated Impact Sites squares of 50x50cm side length are placed randomly along the coral patches in about 1,5m depth. Still photos are taken and analyzed using the software CPCe 3.4 (Kohler and Gill 2006) with an equally spaced grid overlaid in 10 columns and 10 rows (100 points) per 50x50cm quadrat. Substrate categories are recorded and described. Statistical analysis is then undertaken using PAST software (PAlaeontological Statistics ver. 1.90, Øyvind Hammer).

All quadrats at the survey sites are permanently marked with square plastic markers for further monitoring studies. In addition, when possible, sub-surface buoys are installed at each Site close to the quadrats.

1 . 9 Reef fish Visual Census

Under water counts of reef fishes or underwater visual census (UVC) method is used to assess the fish population at an Impact Site and a Control Site. Visual counts appear to give reasonably reliable results provided that they are applied to fish that are non-cryptic and either diurnally active or at least evident by day. In this method, the surveyor swims along the transect paths above the reef, counting fish that were observed within 1,5m either side of the transect and above up to the water column. The same transects line as for the Visual Quadrat survey is normally utilized to carry out the fish census. Fish are counted along the 20 m transect path (that is in a belt of 1.5 m on either side and up to the water surface). To count the fish, the surveyor swims slowly along, counting fishes that are seen within the defined band transect, 20m long by 3m wide (i.e. one with a total area of 60m²). All fish encountered are recorded at least up to family level, some up to genus and species level, noted on the underwater slate immediately after they are seen. Counting any fish more than once is avoided by training and experience. Speed at which the path swum is controlled so as to standardize the efficiency of search. If the surveyor swims too fast it is easy to miss fish, especially of smaller species, that may be temporarily obscured by corals or rock or be taking shelter. Experience shows that the slower the surveyor swims, more fish that is recorded up to a point. However, the highest number recorded by moving along very slowly may actually be an over estimate of fish density. Hence it is necessary to standardize swimming speed to a slow but not too slow pace. The standard speed of swimming practiced is at a mean rate of 8m a minute. For results, only the most abundant fish families are taken into account, each representing one of the following functional groups: herbivores (Acanthuridae, Scaridae), omnivores (selected Labridae), corallivores (Chaetodontodae) as well as habitat specialists (Pomacentridae).

1 . 1 0 Marine Water Quality

One of the main environmental components that is affected by implementing a number of projects in Maldives is the marine water quality. Water quality is assessed during the field trip by collecting samples and testing them at National Health Laboratory. Water quality is

Annex: Methodology - Page 4 assessed from multiple locations depending on the project. The locations, frequency and parameters to be monitored are given in the EIA report.

1 . 1 1 Coastal environment

1 . 1 2 Shoreline and vegetation line mapping

The island’s shore line and vegetation lines are mapped during low, high and mid tides using a handheld GPS assisted by aerial photos. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated.

1 . 1 2 . 1 Coastal structures mapping

Similar to the island’s shore line and vegetation lines, all the coastal infrastructures such as groynes, sea walls, revetments, offshore and near shore breakwaters are mapped using a handheld GPS assisted by aerial photos. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated.

1 . 1 2 . 2 Erosion and Accretion areas mapping

Areas where severe erosion and accretion occurring are mapped using a handheld GPS. The data is then entered in to a GIS database and maps are generated and compared with previous available maps and satellite photos.

1 . 1 2 . 3 Beach Profiles

Dumpy levels were also used to survey around selected locations around the island and beach profiles were generated from these data. The location along the which the beach profiles were taken was marked using a GPS for future monitoring. When selecting locations, a permanent structure or object such as a building corner, larger mature tree or any other similar benchmark were identified for future reference. The final beach profiles are corrected to MSL and graphs developed.

1 . 1 2 . 4 Drogues and currents

Nearshore currents in the lagoon or reef were measured by deploying a handheld GPS in a watertight casing with a fin attached at the bottom. The GPS is deployed for a period of minimum 15 minutes during which time its displacement from the original position are recorded as a line. After 15 minutes, it is removed and deployed at another location. Once the data is collected, currents in a particular area is calculated by measuring the distance it has travelled by 15 minutes.

1 . 1 3 Terrestrial environment

1 . 1 3 . 1 Terrestrial floral survey

The baseline terrestrial environment of the project location is studied in detail by counting trees existing in the area, and gathering information available from island office or from other available sources. The survey concentrates on identifying vegetation types, their abundance and occurrence in a given area. The methods used to assess the tree types and abundance are using line transects. A measuring tape is used to set up the transect line which is selected randomly from within the project boundary. The surveyor measures and records the type of trees and their average heights. Average heights are estimated and so there is a greater degree of error in estimating the tree heights. The results are then tabulated to calculate the

Annex: Methodology - Page 5 percentage of different trees. In addition, records from island office / resort or other sources are also used to cross check the figures.

1 . 1 3 . 2 Terrestrial faunal survey

In depth faunal survey is not assessed but the types of fauna encountered during the floral transect is identified and recorded. Focus in given on specific fauna such as turtles, fruit bats, sea birds and other sensitive birds. Birds and their habitation patterns are also observed and recorded during the survey.

1 . 1 3 . 3 Ground Water Assessment

Groundwater quality is assessed by collecting samples from given locations selected randomly or from available points within the island using YSI 6820 multi parameter handheld water quality meter. In addition, water quality is also tested at the National Health Laboratory.

1 . 1 4 Coastal Environment

Data collected on coastal environment includes beach profiles, existing coastal structures (sea walls, breakwaters, groyns etc.), beach composition, beach width, shore line and vegetation line. All beach profile locations are marked on GPS maps and their geographical coordinates are marked on a map. Beach profiles are taken as baseline data to make comparisons during monitoring programme so that any changes resulting from the coastal or any other component of a project can be assessed accurately. Beach profiles are measured using auto levels, GPS and a staff.

1 . 1 5 B a t h y m e t r y

Bathymetric survey are undertaken in the lagoon or reef using Echosounder attached to a boat. The levels are then corrected for mean sea level and represented in a map. Bathymetric maps provide accurate estimates of depths in a particular lagoon or a reef.

1 . 1 6 Aerial photos

Aerials photos provide useful information such as assisting the analysis of marine environment, identifying wave patterns and changes to shoreline and also vulnerable areas of the island for all kinds of projects. Aerial photos are purchased from DigitalGlobe.

1 . 1 7 Available long term weather data

Long term available weather data is obtained from the nearest weather station to a project in Maldives, which is based in Male’ International Airport (Male’ atoll), Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaal Atoll), Kaadehdhoo (Gaaf Dhaal atoll and Gan island in Seenu atoll. These data sets are used to develop a regional model in ArcGIS to assess the vulnerable areas of the island or any other project during both monsoons, thus helping the EIA team to assess the vulnerable areas of the island for erosion and various other weather related issues.

Annex: Methodology - Page 6

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

26 Annex: Stakeholder consultation letter to NDMA, MMRI and Raiymandhoo Island Council

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 88 c

Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reg No: C-344/2005 th M. Niyadhurumaage 4 Floor, Alimas magu, Male’, Maldives

WS/LTR/2021/037:ުރަބްމަނ

ްށަމީއަނ ާޔިފާސ ާލިޟާފްލައ ްލަރެނެޖ ރަޓްކެރިޑ ެގްޓުއިޓިޓްސްނިއ ްޗރާސީރ ްނިރެމ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ .ެވެމަވަންނަދ ުހަފްށަމާލަސ ްނުދެވ

ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ޭގްނިހ ްށަމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ީނަވ ްނުތާރަފ ްޓެވިއަރްޕ ގްނިރަޓޭކ ްޓިއަލްފްނިއ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ )ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ( ެގ )93/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެއަފްށޮކުލާވަހ ިއާއ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ޭހެޖްނަރުކާޔްއަތ ްނިރުކ ެގުމުގްނިހ ްއަތުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެނާދެވުތައ ްއެލަދަބ ަދަފޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނުށަދ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރެއ ްނުމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ާވިއަފްށޮކޫދ ްނިއ ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރުޕ ްޓްނެމްންރަޔަވްނެއ ްށަމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ިމ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ ެނޭދިއަވުނެގ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމުރުކ ްޓްލަސްނޮކ ްށަހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގާމަކިމ ިއަގްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމްނރާޓ ެގޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ .ެވެއަފިވެންނެދ ީނަވ ްށަމުވްއެރުކގަހާފަ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަރުކަހާފ ްނުތޮގ ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ްނުތާރަފިތ ިދައ މި ސިޓީއާއިއެކު މި ޕްރޮޖެކްޓާއި ބެހޭ ޙުލާސާއެއް ފޮނުވަމެވެ. ވީމާ، މ. މަޑިފުށީގެ ގޮނޑުދޮށް ހިމާޔަތްކުރުމުގެ ްށަކަހަވައ ެމްނެއީވ ަމަނާވ ްއެމަކާވުޅުފްނުނޭބ ްނަވްއަލްއޮކަގަހާފ ަތަވުނ ްއެޓްނެމޮކ ްސެވްއެއ ެގުހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގ ާއޫރްޝަމ .ެވެމެދެއ ްށަމުވްއެދްއޮކާސްއިހ ާންނެމުޑނަގުޅައ ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ މިމަސައްކަތާއި ބެހޭގޮތުން އިތުރު މަޢުލޫމާތެއް ބޭނުންފުޅުވެ ލައްވާނަމަ، އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއުޅުގ ިއާއ (3341643/9930606/[email protected]) ުރަމުއ ދަމްއަހުމު .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއެރުކ ްލޫބަޤ ްމާރިތްޙިއ .މ 2021 ީރައުރުބެފ 18

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Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reg No: C-344/2005 th M. Niyadhurumaage 4 Floor, Alimas magu, Male’, Maldives

WS/LTR/2021/036:ުރަބްމަނ

ނޭޝަނަލް ޑިޒާސްޓަރ މެނޭޖްމެންޓް އޮތޮރިޓީގެ ޗީފް އެކްޒެކިއުޓިވް އަލްފާޝިލް ހިސާން ހަސަން އަށް، .ެވެމަވަންނަދ ުހަފްށަމާލަސ ްނުދެވ

ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ޭގްނިހ ްށަމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ރަޓޯވ ީނަވ ްނުތާރަފ ެގްޑެޓިމިލ ްޓެވިއަރްޕ ގްނިރަޓޭކ ްޓިއަލްފްނިއ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ )ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ( ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެއަފްށޮކުލާވަހ ިއާއ ްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ްނިރުކ ެގުމުގްނިހ ްއަތުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެނާދެވުތައ ްއެލަދަބ ަދަފޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނުށަދ ެގ )93/4 ުރަބްނަނ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ޭހެޖްނަރުކާޔްއަތ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރެއ ްނުމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމެ .މ ާވިއަފްށޮކޫދ ްނިއ ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރުޕ ްޓްނެމްންރަޔަވްނެއ ްށަމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ިމ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ ެނޭދިއަވުނެގ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމުރުކ ްޓްލަސްނޮކ ްށަހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގާމަކިމ ިއަގްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމްނރާޓ ެގޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ .ެވެއަފިވެންނެދ ީނަވ ްށަމުވްއެރުކގަހާފަ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަރުކަހާފ ްނުތޮގ ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ްނުތާރަފިތ ިދައ މި ސިޓީއާއިއެކު މި ޕްރޮޖެކްޓާއި ބެހޭ ޙުލާސާއެއް ފޮނުވަމެވެ. ވީމާ، މ. މަޑިފުށީގެ ގޮނޑުދޮށް ހިމާޔަތްކުރުމުގެ ްށަކަހަވައ ެމްނެއީވ ަމަނާވ ްއެމަކާވުޅުފްނުނޭބ ްނަވްއަލްއޮކަގަހާފ ަތަވުނ ްއެޓްނެމޮކ ްސެވްއެއ ެގުހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގ ާއޫރްޝަމ .ެވެމެދެއ ްށަމުވްއެދްއޮކާސްއިހ ާންނެމުޑނަގުޅައ ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ މިމަސައްކަތާއި ބެހޭގޮތުން އިތުރު މަޢުލޫމާތެއް ބޭނުންފުޅުވެ ލައްވާނަމަ، އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއުޅުގ ިއާއ (3341643/9930606/[email protected]) ުރަމުއ ދަމްއަހުމު .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއެރުކ ްލޫބަޤ ްމާރިތްޙިއ .މ 2021 ީރައުރުބެފ 18

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ުރަމުއ ދަމްއަހުމު ްލަޓްނެމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޓްނަޓްލަސްނޮކ

ީޓިރޮތޮއ ްޓްނެމްޖޭނެމ ރަޓްސާޒިޑ ްލަނަޝޭނ ކ. މާލެ، ެޖްއާރިހެވިދ

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Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reg No: C-344/2005 th M. Niyadhurumaage 4 Floor, Alimas magu, Male’, Maldives

WS/LTR/2021/038:ުރަބްމަނ

ްށަސީއަރ ެގްލިސްނުއަކ ޫދްނަމްތަރ .މ .ެވެމަވަންނަދ ުހަފްށަމާލަސ ްނުދެވ

ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ޭގްނިހ ްށަމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ީނަވ ްނުތާރަފ ްޓެވިއަރްޕ ގްނިރަޓޭކ ްޓިއަލްފްނިއ ްސްވިޑްލޯމ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ )ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ( ެގ )93/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެއަފްށޮކުލާވަހ ިއާއ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ޭހެޖްނަރުކާޔްއަތ ްނިރުކ ެގުމުގްނިހ ްއަތުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެނާދެވުތައ ްއެލަދަބ ަދަފޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނުށަދ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރެއ ްނުމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮދުޑނޮގ ެގީށުފިޑަމ .މ ާވިއަފްށޮކޫދ ްނިއ ީސްނެޖެއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރުޕ ްޓްނެމްންރަޔަވްނެއ ްށަމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ިމ ްނުމަކްއެތަކްއަސަމ ެނޭދިއަވުނެގ ްއެކަތުލަދަބ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމުރުކ ްޓްލަސްނޮކ ްށަހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގާމަކިމ ިއަގްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމްނރާޓ ެގޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ .ެވެއަފިވެންނެދ ީނަވ ްށަމުވްއެރުކގަހާފަ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަރުކަހާފ ްނުތޮގ ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ ްނުތާރަފިތ ިދައ މި ސިޓީއާއިއެކު މި ޕްރޮޖެކްޓާއި ބެހޭ ޙުލާސާއެއް ފޮނުވަމެވެ. ވީމާ، މ. މަޑިފުށީގެ ގޮނޑުދޮށް ހިމާޔަތްކުރުމުގެ ްށަކަހަވައ ެމްނެއީވ ަމަނާވ ްއެމަކާވުޅުފްނުނޭބ ްނަވްއަލްއޮކަގަހާފ ަތަވުނ ްއެޓްނެމޮކ ްސެވްއެއ ެގުހީފޮއ ަޔިތ ްނުތޮގޭޅުގ ާއޫރްޝަމ .ެވެމެދެއ ްށަމުވްއެދްއޮކާސްއިހ ާންނެމުޑނަގުޅައ ތިޔަ އޮފީހުގެ މިމަސައްކަތާއި ބެހޭގޮތުން އިތުރު މަޢުލޫމާތެއް ބޭނުންފުޅުވެ ލައްވާނަމަ، އީ.އައި.އޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރ .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއުޅުގ ިއާއ (3341643/9930606/[email protected]) ުރަމުއ ދަމްއަހުމު .ެވެމެދެއ ްނުވްއެރުކ ްލޫބަޤ ްމާރިތްޙިއ .މ 2021 ީރައުރުބެފ 18

ްމުކމިދާް ޚ

ުރަމުއ ދަމްއަހުމު ްލަޓްނެމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޓްނަޓްލަސްނޮކ

ްށަސީއަރ ެގްލިސްނުއަކ ޫދްނަމްތަރ .މ ޫދްނަމްތަރ .މ ެޖްއާރިހެވިދ

Tel: (960) 334 1643, Fax: (960) 333 1643 www.water-solutions.biz; [email protected]

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

27 Annex: General Comments from NDMA

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 89 a

National Disaster Management Authority ޓިރޯތޮއ ްޓްނަމްޖޭނެމ ރަޓްސާޒިޑ ްލަނަޝޭނ ، G. Rihijehi koshi, Ameenee Magu, Malé, Maldives ގ.ރިހިޖެހިކޮށި އަމނ މަގު، މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ

General comment from NDMA for Environment Impact Assessment scoping/stakeholder meetings.

The National Disaster Management Authority advices and encourages proponents and consultants working on development projects to carry out a study to identify, predict and evaluate hazard impacts associated with a new development or the extension of an existing facility (from existing hazards as well as those which may result from the project).

This is achieved through an assessment of the hazards that are likely to affect or result from the project and an assessment of the project’s vulnerability and risk of loss from hazards.

NDMA believes that Hazard impact assessment is an integral component of and extension to the environmental review process and environmental impact assessment in that it encourages explicit consideration and mitigation of hazard risk.

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Hazard1

Hazard: A process, phenomenon or human activity that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation.

Annotations: Hazards may be natural, anthropogenic or socio-natural in origin. Natural hazards are predominantly associated with natural processes and phenomena. Anthropogenic hazards, or human-induced hazards, are induced entirely or predominantly by human activities and choices. This term does not include the occurrence or risk of armed conflicts and other situations of social instability or tension which are subject to international humanitarian law and national legislation. Several hazards are socio-natural, in that they are associated with a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, including environmental degradation and climate change.

Hazards may be single, sequential or combined in their origin and effects. Each hazard is characterized by its location, intensity or magnitude, frequency and probability. Biological hazards are also defined by their infectiousness or toxicity, or other characteristics of the pathogen such as dose-response, incubation period, case fatality rate and estimation of the pathogen for transmission.

Multi-hazard means (1) the selection of multiple major hazards that the country faces, and (2) the specific contexts where hazardous events may occur simultaneously, cascading or cumulatively over time, and taking into account the potential interrelated effects.

Hazards include (as mentioned in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and listed in alphabetical order) biological, environmental, geological, hydro-meteorological and technological processes and phenomena.

1 United Nations office of Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR Terminologies: https://www.unisdr.org/we/inform/terminology#letter-h 1/2 :ާޙްފަޞ

@ndmamv /NDMAmv www.ndma.gov.mv [email protected] +960 3333456

Biological hazards are of organic origin or conveyed by biological vectors, including pathogenic microorganisms, toxins and bioactive substances. Examples are bacteria, viruses or parasites, as well as venomous wildlife and insects, poisonous plants and mosquitoes carrying disease-causing agents.

Environmental hazards may include chemical, natural and biological hazards. They can be created by environmental degradation or physical or chemical pollution in the air, water and soil. However, many of the processes and phenomena that fall into this category may be termed drivers of hazard and risk rather than hazards in themselves, such as soil degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, salinization and sea-level rise.

Geological or geophysical hazards originate from internal earth processes. Examples are earthquakes, volcanic activity and emissions, and related geophysical processes such as mass movements, landslides, rockslides, surface collapses and debris or mud flows. Hydro-meteorological factors are important contributors to some of these processes. Tsunamis are difficult to categorize: although they are triggered by undersea earthquakes and other geological events, they essentially become an oceanic process that is manifested as a coastal water-related hazard.

Hydro-meteorological hazards are of atmospheric, hydrological or oceanographic origin. Examples are tropical cyclones (also known as typhoons and hurricanes); floods, including flash floods; drought; heatwaves and cold spells; and coastal storm surges. Hydro-meteorological conditions may also be a factor in other hazards such as landslides, wildland fires, locust plagues, epidemics and in the transport and dispersal of toxic substances and volcanic eruption material.

Technological hazards originate from technological or industrial conditions, dangerous procedures, infrastructure failures or specific human activities. Examples include industrial pollution, nuclear radiation, toxic wastes, dam failures, transport accidents, factory explosions, fires and chemical spills. Technological hazards also may arise directly as a result of the impacts of a natural hazard event.

2/2 :ާޙްފަޞ

@ndmamv /NDMAmv www.ndma.gov.mv [email protected] +960 3333456

EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

28 Annex: General Existing environment

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 90 Existing General Environment of the Maldives

EXISTING GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE MALDIVES

INTRODUCTION This annex outlines the general environmental conditions in Maldives, including the climatic settings, tides, wind, and wave. As there are no specific such data for individual islands, these data will form the basis for describing the conditions for the islands of the Maldives. The data collection on climate, tide and waves are undertaken from weather stations based strategically throughout the Maldives, including Male’ international airport, Gan International airport, Kaadehdhoo Airport and Hanimaadhoo airport. Additionally, secondary data from published reports were used to obtain the general existing environmental condition of Maldives. GENERAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS Maldives is located at the equator and experiences monsoonal climate. Maldives has two distinct seasons: dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon). In these two seasons the temperature remains more or less the same. 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 evening temperatures drops. Throughout the year, temperature remains almost same in the Maldives. However, daily temperature ranges from around 31oC in daytime to 23oC in night-time. 1.1 T e m p e r a t u r e The annual average temperature map for 1970–2005 (Figure below) illustrates a slight difference in average annual average temperature across Maldives. Southern Atolls (from Meemu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll down to Addu Atoll) have slightly higher average annual temperature (27.68°C–28.00°C) compared with the northern atolls. Northern Atolls (from Haa Alifu Atoll to down Vaavu and Faafu Atoll) has an average temperature of 28.00°C – 28.40°C. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazard, Asian Development Bank, 2020).

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Figure 1: Annual Average Temperature (1970-2005). (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020). Maldives is coldest during December, January and February (DJF) and September, October and November (SON). The average temperature, ranging 27.40°C–27.95°C, is consistent across the country. The temperature increases (28.50°C–29.05°C) during March, April and May (MAM) in Northern Atolls (Haa Dhaalu to Laamu Atoll). MAM are the warmest months especially in Haa Alif Atoll (29.05°C – 29.60°C). During June, July and August (JJA), the temperature decreases to 27.40°C–27.95 °C in the southern atolls and 27.95°C–28.50 °C in the northern and central atolls. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020).

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Figure 2: Seasonal Average Temperature (1970-2005). (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020) The figure below shows average monthly temperature of Maldives. According to the diagram the average monthly maximum temperature is highest in Hanimaadhoo in most of the months. Furthermore, the average monthly minimum temperature is higher in Hulhule throughout the year. According to Maldives Meteorological Service the highest temperature ever recorded in Maldives was 36.8°C, recorded on 19th may 1991 at Kadhdhoo Meteorological Office and the minimum temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 17.7°C, recorded at the National Meteorological center on 11th April 1978.

Figure 3: Average monthly temperature since 2000 (source: Maldives Meteorological Service)

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The diagram below shows Average Monthly Maximum Temperature VS 2020 Monthly Maximum Temperature.

Figure 4: Monthly average maximum temperature vs 2020 monthly maximum temperature (source: Maldives Meteorological Service)

1 . 1 . 1 Sea surface Temperature and Chlorophyll Chlorophyll concentration/ Productivity is an index of phytoplankton biomass and it is the most common property that characterizes marine first tropic level. Chlorophyll concentrations derived from satellite remote-sensing images of ocean colour, provide a unique synoptic view of the marine ecosystem including eutrophication, fisheries. These sea surface temperature maps are based on observations by the MODIS sensors on NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. The satellites measure the temperature of the top millimeter of the ocean surface. In this map, the coolest waters appear in blue (approximately -2 degrees Celsius), and the warmest temperatures appear in pink-yellow (35 degrees Celsius). The chlorophyll maps show milligrams of chlorophyll per cubic meter of seawater each month. Places where chlorophyll amounts were very low, indicating very low numbers of phytoplankton are blue. Places where chlorophyll concentrations were high, meaning many phytoplankton were growing, are dark green. In places where ocean currents cause upwelling, sea surface temperatures are often cooler than nearby waters, and chlorophyll concentrations are higher. This connection is evident in multiple places. A band of cool, plant-rich waters circles the globe at the Equator, with the strongest signal in the Atlantic Ocean and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. In many coastal areas, the rising slope of the sea floor pushes cold water from the lowest layers of the ocean to the surface. The rising, or upwelling water carries iron and other nutrients from the ocean floor.

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Figure 5: Sea surface temperature and Chlorophyll concentration (Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov)

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Figure 6: Average 2019 Chlorophyll Concentration in Indian Ocean (Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov) 1.2 R a i n f a l l 1 . 2 . 1 Seasonal Average Rainfall The figure below shows seasonal average rainfall (1970-2005). During December, January and February (DJF) greater rainfall is experienced in Southern Atoll (8.00-12.00 mm/day). During June, July and August more rainfall is experienced in Northern Atolls (8.00-12.00 mm/day). The wettest months are September, October and November (SON)—northern and southern atolls experience greater rainfall during these months. Overall, the middle Atolls experience less rainfall throughout the year.

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Figure 7: Seasonal Average Rainfall (1970-2005). (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

1 . 2 . 2 Annual Average Rainfall Projection The diagram below shows annual average rainfall projection based on RCP 4.5 (moderate greenhouse gas emissions) from 2011 – 2050. Haa Alifu and Shaviyani atolls as well as Baa and Lhaviyani atolls will experience an increase in average annual rainfall rate in the coming decades. Furthermore, fluctuation to the rate of rainfall in Addu Atoll as well.

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Figure 8: Average Seasonal Rainfall Projection RCP 4.5(moderate greenhouse gas emissions) (Source: Multi- hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazards, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

The diagram below shows annual average rainfall projection based on RCP 8.5 (scenario in which greenhouse gas emissions are higher) from 2011 – 2050. There is not much difference between in Northern Atolls in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 rainfall projection, however in Southern Atolls RCP 8.5 is projected that rainfall will decrease from 2011 to 2050 than RCP 4.5

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Figure 9: Average Rainfall Projection RCP 8.5(moderate greenhouse gas emissions) (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazards, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

1.3 A m b i e n t Air Quality Air pollution can be defined as an alteration of air quality that can be characterized by measurements of chemical, biological or physical pollutants in the air. Air pollution is caused by the presence in the atmosphere of toxic substances, mainly produced by human activities, even though sometimes it can result from natural phenomena such as dust storms and wildfires. The WHO urban ambient air quality database presents data on annual mean concentration of particulate matter (PM) for almost 3 000 human settlements, mostly cities, in 103 countries and is the most comprehensive database of its kind to date. PM2.5 is an important indicator of risk to health from particulate pollution, and might also be a better indicator than PM10 for anthropogenic suspended particles in many areas.

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Figure 10: Location of the monitoring stations and PM2.5 concentration in nearly 3000 human settlements, 2008-2015 (Source: WHO)

The diagram below shows PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 Measurements of Majeedhihya School taken on 22nd Sept 2019.

Figure 11: PM10 and PM2.5 Measurements of Majeedhihya School taken on 22nd Sept 2019

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Figure 12: NO2 Measurements of Majeedhihya School taken on 22nd Sept 2019

At present, Maldives does not have a specific Ambient Air Quality standard for the country. Therefore, different standards are compiled below as means to compare the reading taken.

Table 1: Ambient Air Quality Standards Parameter Standards Reference 40 μg/m3 annual mean WHO (Outdoor air quality health) 200 μg/m3 1-hour mean NO2 0.1 ppm 1-hour mean US, NAAQS (National Ambient Air 0.053 ppm 1-year mean Quality Standards) 0.18 ppm 1-hour mean California Air Resources Board 20 μg/m3 annual mean PM10 WHO (Outdoor air quality health) 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean 10 μg/m3 annual mean PM2.5 WHO (Outdoor air quality health) 25 μg/m3 24-hour mean

1.4 W i n d 1 . 4 . 1 Wind Speed and Direction The table below presents the seasonal distribution of wind statistics, sourced from Globocean database. The following periods have been defined in the database:

 December to March: NE Monsoon  April: Transitional season - 1  May to October: SW monsoon  November: Transitional season – 2

Table 2: Wind Occurrence Frequency per Directional Sectors

NE Transitional SW Transitional Season > Monsoon Season 1 Monsoon Season 2

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Wind Directional Sectors Dec. to March April May to Oct. November

S1 N15°-N105° 71.35 15.28 1.43 23.96 S2 N105°-N225° 6.13 16.55 17.65 17.62 S3 N225°-N315° 8.42 56.74 77.61 41.11 S4 N315°-N15° 14.10 11.44 3.32 17.31 Source: Globocean database from 1993 to 2004

These results clearly indicate the prevailing directional sectors during the monsoon seasons:

 N15° to N105° during the NE monsoon, with about 71% of the observations,  N225° to N315° during the SW monsoon, with about 78% of the observations. The diagrams (Figure 13, Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 16, below shows average monthly wind speed and direction from 2010 – 2019. The windrose were derived from the data acquired from Maldives Meteorological Service.

According to the average monthly wind speed and direction of Hanimaadhoo, June and July has the greatest wind speed which is from west direction.

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Figure 13: Average wind speed and direction of Hanimaadhoo, January - June (2010 – 2019)

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Figure 14: Average wind speed and direction of Hanimaadhoo, July - December (2010 – 2019)

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According to the average monthly wind speed and direction of Hulhule, wind is greater in January from East North East direction, June in west and West South West direction, and August and October from West direction.

Figure 15: Average wind speed and direction of Hulhule, January - June (2010 – 2019)

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Figure 16: Average wind speed and direction of Hulhule, July - December (2010 – 2019)

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According to the average monthly wind speed and direction of Gan, wind speed is greater in May, October and November from West direction.

Figure 17: Average wind speed and direction of Gan, January - June (2010 – 2019)

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Figure 18: Average wind speed and direction of Gan, July - December (2010 – 2019)

1.5 HYDROGRAPHY / HYDRODYNAMICS 1 . 5 . 1 W a v e s Information on the swells around Maldives is limited but there have been a few studies carried out around Male’. Wave data for Male’ that were recorded for the period between June 1988 and January 1990 revealed that the maximum significant wave height (Hs) recorded for the month of June 1989 was 1.23m with a mean period (Tm) of 7.53s. For the month of July 1989 maximum recorded Hs was 1.51m and the corresponding Tm was 7.74s. In June and July 1989 mean wave periods were 5.0 – 9.0s and the peak wave periods within 8.0 – 13.0s. Wave data for the period between September 1988 and July 1989 shows a probability of exceedance of Hs = 1.0 m was approximately 0.1 and of Hs = 1.5 m was approximately 0.0015 based on the wave data of period September 1988 to July 1989. JICA, (1992) reported that the wave climate in Male’ region is generally higher in the months of June, July and August with a predominant wave direction of S (180º). During October-December the waves have a

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives shorter period with wave directions varying from S and W (180 º -270 º). It is estimated that the maximum wave height outside the flat reefs can reach more than 3m, whereas on the flat reef areas the wave height can reach from 0.6 to 1.2 meters (maximum). In situ wave measurements undertaken in north male’ atoll in the year 2016 by CDE Consulting shows that in the study area, 70% of the waves were wind generates waves and only 20% constituted swell waves (Figure 8). The significant wave height on the ocean side of the reef is 1-2m while on the lagoon side of the atoll is 0.2-1m (Figure 9).

Figure 19: Composition of wave types on ocean and lagoon side (CDE, 2016)

Figure 20: Measured significant wave height at the survey location, North Male Atoll RahFalhu Huraa (CDE, 2016)

1 . 5 . 2 Current patterns Several currents affect the Maldives Islands. These currents are divided mainly into ocean currents and tidal currents. The ocean currents are stronger than the tidal currents. A general view of the seasonal current patterns in the Indian Ocean is shown in the diagram below. The currents flow westward during the northeast monsoon period, and they flow eastward during the southwest monsoon period.

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

Figure 21: Surface currents around Maldives (JICA 1992) The ocean currents flowing by the Maldives islands are also driven by the monsoonal winds. In the northern part of the Maldives, constant currents flow westward during the northeast monsoon period from December and April and eastward during the southeast monsoon period from May to August. General, the tidal currents are eastward in flood and westward in ebb, the velocity, however varies by island areas. The current patterns result from reef forms. Currents tend to be monsoonal in origin, generally setting W during the NE Monsoon (January to March) and E during the SW monsoon (May to October). During the transition months, the currents are variable. Ocean currents flowing through channels between the atolls are driven by the monsoon winds. Current speeds of 1 to 1.5 knots are reported in the Admiralty pilot. However, the current in the E/W channels of the Maldives may attain 5 knots. 1 . 5 . 3 Tide and Wave Characteristics Tides are single waves that stretch across ocean basins. They are also shallow-water waves because their wavelengths greatly exceed the depth of the ocean. The tide observed in Maldives can be classified as mixed duirnel tides. Major dominant types of waves experienced in Maldives are local generated and swell waves (MEE, 2016).

Table 3: Water levels of the tide stations. (MEE, 2016)

Water level from MSL Hanimaadhoo (2010- Male’ (2007- Gan (1992- (m) 2011) 2011) 1998) Highest High Water 0.62 0.62 0.79 (HHW) Mean Highest High 0.36 0.34 0.39 Water (MHHW)

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Mean High Water 0.35 0.33 0.38 (MHW) Mean Low Water (MLW) -0.41 -0.36 -0.40 Mean Lowest Low Water -0.42 -0.37 -0.41 (MLLW) Lowest Low Water -0.80 -0.72 -0.78 (LLW)

1 . 5 . 4 T i d e D a t u m Tide data is important information in any coastal development project as it determines the elevation of the structures relative to a datum. A permanent tidal record stations has been established at Velana International Airport by Maldives Meteorological Services. The maximum tidal range recorded at this tide station is 1.20 m. The highest astronomical tide level is +0.64m (MSL) and the lowest astronomical tide level is -0.56m (MSL). Table 4.8 gives a summary of the tide levels for the tide datum that has been widely used in Maldives.

Table 4: Summary of the Tide Levels Hulhule Island, Male Atoll

1 . 5 . 5 Offshore Wave Conditions (in deep water) The swells and wind waves experienced by the Maldives are conditioned by the prevailing biannual monsoon and are typically strongest during April and July in the SW monsoon period. During this season, swells generated north of the equator with heights of 2-3 m and periods of 18-20 sec have been reported in the region. However swells originating from cyclones and storm events occurring well south of the equator may occur. Local wave periods are generally in the range 2 to 4 s and are easily distinguished from the swell waves.

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

1 . 5 . 6 Sea level rise The Maldives, being a low lying small island state, is very vulnerable to climate change and its associated impacts, especially sea level rise. Although the country contributes only 0.001% of global GHGs, it is one of the most susceptible to climate change impacts. The average elevation of Maldivian islands is 1.5 m above mean sea level (MSL). More than 80% of the land area of Maldives is less than 1 m above MSL. The University of Hawaii Sea Level Center (UHSLC) monitors and gathers data on mean sea level for several stations including Hulhulé. The following graphs show the trend of monthly mean sea level as monitored at Hulhulé station for the period 2007 to 2010.

Year 2007 Year 2008

Year 2009 Year 2010

Source: University of Hawaii Sea Level Center (UHSLC)

Figure 22: Trend of monthly mean sea level as monitored at Hulhulé station for the period 2007 to 2010

Figure 23: Monthly mean sea level (mm) of Hulhule’ (source: ioc-sealevelmonitoring.org)

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1.6 HAZARDS AND DISASTERS 1 . 6 . 1 Geophysical Hazards Maldives has experienced several disasters in the past. According to a 2006 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report in which cyclone tracks were analyzed across the century, Maldives has only experienced 11 cyclones in 12 decades, with the strongest cyclones crossing northern Maldives (UNDP 2006). Aside from cyclones, Maldives also experiences earthquakes and tsunamis. In 25 years, three earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 7.0 hit Maldives (UNDP 2006). The UNDP report also estimated the decay of peak ground acceleration for a 475–year return period. Results showed that the southern Gnaviyani Atoll and Addu Atoll have the highest peak ground acceleration. Movements at subduction zones, usually occurring at the edges of the tectonic plates, generate earthquakes, which in turn generate tsunamis. The most devastating disaster was the tsunami on 26 December 2004. It generated waves up to 4.2 meters that damaged at least a dozen of the inhabited islands and thousands of homes, affected thousands of lives, and lost about two–thirds of the country’s gross domestic product (UNDP 2006). This diagrams below were extracted from (Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020).

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

The diagram below shows Cyclonic Wind Hazard Zone. The probable maximum wind speed (knots) is higher (96.80 Knots) in Northern Atolls and Central Atoll it is 69.60 knots. Furthermore Southern Atolls probable maximum wind speed is 0.0knots.

Figure 24: Cyclonic Wind Hazard Zone. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazards, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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The diagram below shows Surge Hazard Zones of Maldives. The surge hazard zone is very high in Northern Atolls and other parts of the Maldives the surge hazard is moderate to very low.

Figure 25: Surge Hazard Zone. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazards, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

The diagram below shows Tsunami Hazard Zone (range of probable maximum wave height in centimeters), according to the diagram the wave height is higher in Eastern side of the Atolls rather than Western side of the Atoll.

Figure 26: Tsunami Hazard Zone. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Climate and Geophysical Hazards, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

1 . 6 . 2 Disaster Risk of Maldives The following maps were prepared based on indexed risk tables, which were generated from detailed analysis of relevant data obtained from ME and the National Disaster Management Center of Maldives. These maps include physical and social risks. In addition, physical vulnerability or susceptibility maps feature rain-induced flooding; tsunamis; big waves or udha; and wave, rain, and wind hazards. The diagram below shows Rain-induced flood in Maldives. The areas marked in Red has highest rain- induced floods and areas marked in yellow has lowest rain-induced flood. Overall Maldives has medium to low rain-induced floods, however few areas around Maldives occur high floods due to rain.

Figure 27: Rain-Induced Flood Risk Map. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Geography, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

Flooding is by a gravity wave phenomenon is known as Udha. These events are common throughout Maldives and especially the southern atolls of Maldives during the SW monsoon. The diagram below shows Udha Hazard areas of Maldives. Overall in Maldives medium to low Udha are caused in most of the island, however few areas Udha are higher.

Figure 28: Udha (Storm Surges) Hazard Risk Map. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives: Geography, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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Existing General Environment of the Maldives

The diagram below shows Wind, Wave (storm) map of Maldives. The wind, wave (storm) is medium to low. Dhaalu Atoll and Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu has most of the highest areas of wind, wave (storm).

Figure 29: Wind and Wave Hazard Risk Map. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020)

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The diagram below shows Tsunami Hazard Rank, which is directly proportional to Range of probable maximum wave height. Tsunami hazard rank is very high in eastern side of the Atolls.

Figure 30: Tsunami Hazard Risk Map. (Source: Multi-hazard Risk Atlas of Maldives, Asian Development Bank, 2020).

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

29 Annex: HPA Guideline on Work Place Safety

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, March 2021 Page 91

Version 2

Health Protection Agency GUIDELINE ON WORK PLACE SAFETY Ministry of Health DURING COVID-19 03.07.2020

CONTENTS ABBREVIATION...... 2 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 3 2. WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN ...... 4 3. GENERAL CONDITIONS ...... 6 4. PHYSICAL WORKPLACE ...... 7 5. PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MEASURES ...... 10 6. MEASURES TO CONSIDER INSIDE THE WORKPLACE ...... 12 7. IMPORTANT ADVICE TO THE EMPLOYEES ...... 13 8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYER ...... 14 9. MANAGEMENT OF SICK EMPLOYEES ...... 14 10. PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEE ...... 15 11. RISK COMMUNICATION, TRAINING AND EDUCATION ...... 16 REFERENCE ...... 17 ANNEX I: HIGH RISK CATEGORIES OF UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS FOR COVID-19 ...... 18 ANNEX II: HAND HYGIENE PROCEDURE ...... 19

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ABBREVIATION COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 HPA Health Protection Agency IPC Infection Prevention and Control MOH Ministry of Health PPE Personal Protective Equipment WHO World Health Organization WAMCO Waste Management Corporation Limited

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1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ______

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and the transmission route is through person-to-person contact and through direct contact with respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled or can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails, hence people can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth (WHO, 2020).

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that may be seen less often and may affect some persons include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers/toes. However, a person may also be asymptomatic or may have very mild symptoms (WHO, 2020).

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace,it is important that all offices and work places develop or adopt and implement a clear plan to prevent the risks of transmission of COVID-19 in their workplaces. Responsibilities of the employer, employees and customers/ visitors remain including physical distancing, hand wash and hygiene, respiratory hygiene, environmental hygiene, waste management and clear roles (OSHA, 2020)

The purpose of this guideline is to give a general guidance for non-health care workplace settings to ensure protective measures are followed by the employers and employees. It also gives guidance on the necessary measures for specialised workplaces with different exposure risks and specific recommendations for protection of the health and safety of all the workers. Principles: The guideline is based on the five main safety principles that has to be followed by everyone in the work place; 1. Wear clothe masks at all times (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/)

2. Ensure respiratory and hand hygiene etiquettes

3. Ensure physical distancing (maintain at least 3 feet gap between persons)

4. Ensure Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures including cleaning and disinfction procedures (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/)

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5. Decreasing contact between different shifts/ teams to ensure business continuity even if one employee becomes positive for Covid-19 and their contacts have to go into quarantine.

When making individual plans for different types of workplaces, the above principles should be considered and adhered to.

2. WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN ______

Workplace Risk Assessment The risk of work-related exposure to COVID-19 depends on the probability of coming into close (less than 3 feet) or frequent contact with people who may be infected with COVID-19 and through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. (WHO, 2020)

In the same work setting there may be jobs with different levels of risk or may have similar levels of exposure. Therefore, the risk assessment should be carried out for each specific work setting and each job or group of jobs considering the work environment, the processes involved in doing a task, the level of threat(if any) (e.g. for frontline staff), and resources available, such as PPE. (WHO, 2020)

The following risk levels may be useful in carrying out a workplace risk assessment for exposure to COVID-19 and planning for preventive measures in non-healthcare workplaces. (WHO, 2020) 1. Low exposure risk:

. Jobs or work tasks without frequent, close contact with the general public and other co-workers, visitors, clients or customers, or contractors, and that do not require contact with people known to be or suspected of being infected with COVID-19.

. Workers in this category have minimal occupational contact with the public and other co-workers

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2. Medium exposure risk:

. Jobs or work tasks with close, frequent contact with the general public, or other co- workers, visitors, clients or customers, or contractors, but that do not require contact with people known to be or suspected of being infected with COVID-19.

. In areas where COVID-19 cases continue to be reported, this risk level may be applicable to workers who have work-related frequent and close contact with the general public, visitors, or customers, etc.

. Work tasks that require close and frequent contact between co-workers.

. In areas without community transmission of COVID-19, work tasks that require frequent contact with persons returning from areas with community transmission

3. High exposure risk:

. Jobs or work tasks with high potential for close contact with people who are known or suspected of having COVID-19, as well as contact with objects and surfaces possibly contaminated with the virus.

. Examples include:

o transportation of persons known or suspected to have COVID-19 in enclosed vehicles without separation between the driver and the passenger,

o providing domestic services or home care for people with COVID-19,

o contact with dead bodies of persons who were known or suspected of having COVID-19 at the time of their death.

Plan of action:

1. Workplaces should develop action plans for prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 as part of the business continuity plan and according to the results of the risks assessment and based on the current situation. (WHO, 2020)

2. The plan should also include measures for protecting health, safety, and security in re- opening, closing, and modifying workplaces and work arrangements. (WHO, 2020)

3. Re-opening of workplaces should be carefully planned in advance and all possible risks for health and safety should be properly assessed and controlled. (WHO, 2020)

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3. GENERAL CONDITIONS ______

1. To help with the transition, consider gradual re-opening of workplace activities (e.g. reduced number of activities) at the start of the return to work period.

2. Determine which workers should return to work first based on the needs of the organisation.

3. Consideration should be given to compliance with ongoing restrictions regarding workplace operations and compliance with health precautions such as physical distancing.

4. To limit the congestion in the workplace, flexible working hours and staggering start times, breaks or staggering days that workers are in the workplace can be considered.

5. Prepare the workplace for the return of workers, look into the workplace layout and implement changes to allow for physical distancing, put in place a plan for systematic cleaning and disinfection of workspaces, etc., and stocking up on cleaning supplies and any protective equipment that are required.

6. As the epidemiological situation changes the requirements may change rapidly and will need to be incorporated into workplace policies and practices.

7. Inform and educate all workers about COVID-19 including topics such as COVID-19 symptoms prevention measures, current restrictions (e.g. travel bans), and the rationale behind physical distancing.

8. Ensure instruction and easy to understand media and signs are placed in an easy visible manner and in Dhivehi and English and any other language as may be needed.

9. Make sure all workers are well aware of “return to work” plans and procedures.

10. Take steps to support the mental well-being of workers, taking into account the diversity of circumstances.

11. Managers and supervisor’s should repeatedly emphasise/remind the ongoing requirements for preventive and protective measures, and ensure that they are being consistently applied.

12. If possible, avoid mixing different teams of workers in the same space at the same time.

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13. Encourage all workers to use ‘TraceEkee’ app

14. If any worker is quarantined or isolated allowances should be given for the required leaves. Allowances on working from home should be arranged to the workers who live in under monitoring homes/apartments/buildings

4. PHYSICAL WORKPLACE ______

Reception Areas

1. Recommended to install visible partition at the main reception and service counters. 2. Re-arrange seating area of the reception, customer waiting area and any similar waiting area to facilitate physical distancing and a minimum of 3 feet between persons. 3. Envourage online filling and submission of forms where possible. 4. Minimise interactions between customers and employees, such as limiting the number of customers permitted at the establishment or serving customers over phone or establishing online applications for services provided. Consider different timings for different services to reduce crowding. 5. Establish online queue system for services and encourage customers to use these services where applicable. Alternatively, move to an online appointment system if possible. 6. Encourage cashless payment methods. Establish systems for cashless transactions before opening up services. 7. Place sanitising hand rub dispensers for employees and for customers/clients. Make sure these dispensers are regularly refilled 8. Display posters, promoting preventive measures against COVID-19. Posters/ standee banners/ audio visual media to increase awareness on COVID-19 should be displayed prominently at entrances and within the workplace. Ensue that these are appropriate for the employee’s/ customers language preferences. 9. Keep a record of clients who entered the premises and the staff who interacted with the client. They may be needed for contact tracing.

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Lift

1. Encourage workers to avoid using elevators whenever possible. If this is not possible, limit the number of people using the elevator at the same time. Instruct employees to to keep distance as marked in the lift and to stand back to back inside the lift. 2. Lift buttons are a high touch surface that needs to be frequently cleaned and disinfected. 3. Ensure entry areas in front of lift do not get crowded.

Workstation Areas

1. Assess how many work stations are at the work place. 2. Work stations should be arranged to accommodate minimum 3 feet physical distancing. 3. Encourage workers to clean their own workstations, used equipments, items, etc. 4. Ensure a good supply of cleaning agents are made avaialable in office. 5. If workstations are shared, they should be cleaned at the end of every shift.

Conference / meeting rooms

1. Arrange chairs at minimum 3 feet distance. 2. Encourage virtual communications/video meetings as much as possible. 3. Tea/ coffee making facility (if provided) must be in a manner that minimises contact .

Toilet facilities

1. Remind all staff to wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. 2. Respect physical distancing as much as possible, for example limiting the number of people present in the toilet area/ toilet que at the same time. 3. Ensure availability of liquid soap to wash hands and paper towels to dry hands. 4. Ensure lidded, lined bins are placed. 5. Ensure regular cleaning of toilet facilities (preferably every 4 hours, based on the frequency/number of people using the toilet) and disinfection at the end of each work day.

Tea room

1. Minimise number of employees who use the tea room at the same time. 2. Promote regular and thorough hand washing prior to eating.

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3. If there is a canteen in the work place, re-arrange the canteen area to enable physical distancing measures (i.e. place tables and chairs with recommended physical distancing, limit the number of chairs at each table). 4. Keep tea room areas clean and hygienic, especially the utensils such as cutlery, tableware, and glasses. Encourage employees to eat in their own work stations and wash the cups, plates, spoons, etc.

Ventilation

1. In the context of COVID-19 it is advised to ensure proper ventilation in rooms/spaces of the workplace. 2. In air-conditioned workplaces, it is recommended to open the windows for some time during each shift for air circulation 3. Ensure regular airing by opening the windows even in mechanically ventilated buildings.

Physical distancing measures

1. Introduce measures to keep minimum 3 feet distance between people and avoid direct physical contact with other persons (i.e. shaking hands, hugging, touching, etc.) 2. Strict control over external access and queue management (eg, marking on the floor, barriers, etc.). 3. Suspend workplace events/gatherings that involve close and prolonged contact among participants, including social gatherings. 4. Nominate a person to be responsible at the entrance for managing the waiting area floor to remind and keep customers / staffs in the required 3 feet distance. 5. Employees should reduce movement within the workplace and those working in one area should refrain from going into other areas.

Measures to limit the number of high touch/high traffic areas

1. Leave some internal doorways open (bearing in mind fire doors). 2. Discourage staff from sharing common office supplies (e.g. pens, staplers) and items such as cups, plates and cutlery. 3. Remove magazines and newspapers from reception areas. Share awareness messages through display screens.

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5. PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MEASURES ______

Environmental Hygiene measures

Cleaning and disinfection of work places and facilities

1. Establish daily cleaning protocols to ensure workplace, workstations, and facilities are clean and tidy. 2. For cleaning use soap or a detergent, water, and mechanical action (brushing, scrubbing) to remove dirt, debris, and other materials from surfaces. 3. Frequently touched surfaces/high traffic areas such as door and window handles, light switches, work surfaces, buttons of elevator doors, toilet doors and surfaces, washbasin taps, soap dispensers, kitchen and food preparation areas, etc., must be cleaned once in each shift or when visibly dirty. 4. Daily clean the toilets with detergent and water and disinfect with bleach solution. a. Bleach Solution - Mix 120 ml bleach (1/3 cup) and 4000ml water. The solution must be used within 24 hours, and the bottle/container must be properly labelled with name and date and must be kept with the cleaning products. Bleach is not advised for cleaning metal products as it may corrode. b. 70% alcohol based solutions (wipes or liquid) can be used to disinfect metal products. c. It is not advised to SPRAY BLEACH solution or any disinfectant solution to the surfaces or areas or public spaces. d. When diluting and cleaning with bleach solution the cleaning staff must ensure to wear mask and heavy duty gloves and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser before wearing and after removal of gloves. 5. Vomitus or respiratory secretions or any other body fluids must be wiped with tissue/paper/dirty cloth (discard after cleaning), first clean with soap and water and then disinfect with bleach solution. 6. Places where large numbers of public gather regularly such as ATMs, banks, shops, eateries, airports, universities, schools, and other such places should be cleaned with detergent and water at least 2 times a day.

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7. Cleaning staff (in house or outsourced) should be educated on proper procedures of putting on and removing gloves and masks, cleaning and disinfection procedures and hand washing/sanitising. 8. Spraying of people with disinfectants or disinfection by any other method is NOT RECOMMENDED under any circumstances (WHO, 2020). 9. In indoor workplaces, routine application of disinfectants to environmental surfaces via spraying or fogging or large-scale spraying or fumigation is NOT RECOMMENDED by WHO, as it is ineffective at removing contaminants outside of direct spray zones. Spraying can cause eye, respiratory, skin irritation and other toxic effects.

Waste management

1. Keep adequate amounts of lined, lidded, foot operating dustbins in the workplace. 2. A separate area for waste collection should be arranged till collection from WAMCO. 3. When 2/3rd of the waste bin is full, remove and tie the bag properly. 4. Arrange to remove waste from the building daily. 5. Set up a system for disposing bin contents and disinfecting bins.

Personal Hygiene

Hand washing

1. Hand hygiene is extremely important in the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Ensure that workers have facilities to wash their hands properly and regularly with soap and water. 2. Encourage employees to wash hands frequently when in office for at least 20 seconds, especially upon arrival at work, after using toilet, after blowing their nose/coughing/sneezing, and before eating. 3. Remind employees that hands need to be washed frequently, with soap and water. 4. Place posters and signs promoting correct hand washing (bright clear infographics without too much accompanying text seem to be the most effective). 5. Provide alcohol-based hand sanitisers (containing 70% alcohol) in places where it is not possible to wash hands with soap and water. 6. Instruct workers to avoid contact with objects or surfaces used or touched by other people (e.g. door handles) and to wash hands after contact with such surfaces or objects.

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Respiratory hygiene

1. Promote respiratory etiquette by all people at the workplace. 2. Encourage to wear face masks and follow the procedures in line with the SOP’s in COVID-19 website. 3. Remind workers about the need to cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or elbow and to immediately discard the used tissues. 4. Place posters and signs reminding workers that they should avoid touching their nose, eyes or mouth.

6. MEASURES TO CONSIDER INSIDE THE WORKPLACE ______

Measures inside the workplace

1. Inform staff to minimize movements when at work. 2. Remind all staff to maintain at least 3 feet physical distance at all times. 3. Use floor markings or tapes to indicate safe walkways where applicable. 4. Consider introducing one-way traffic or priority rules on narrow stairs/corridoors where people cannot keep a sufficient distance when passing each other.

Meetings and travels

1. When possible, use alternatives to face-to-face meetings, such as video conferencing and online meetings.

2. If a face-to-face meeting is necessary, reduce the number of attendees to ensure minimum physical distance, and keep the room clean and well ventilated. Consider keeping the list and contact details of the meeting participants for at least 14 days to facilitate contact tracing if need be.

3. Consider indicating the maximum number of people that can safely stay at a time in the meeting room at the same time while ensuring physical distancing.

4. During meetings have a reminder to minimize touching surfaces and minimize the use of paper.

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7. IMPORTANT ADVICE TO THE EMPLOYEES ______Before leaving home:

Instruct employees to stay home if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, any respiratory symptoms, etc). In addition, they should be instructed to inform supervisor and visit flu clinic. If sample for COVID-19 is taken and the employee sent home, the employee should be informed to stay home until negative results are got and to follow health care professionals advice.

Transport to and from work

1. For short distances, encourage staff to come to work on foot or by bicycle. 2. The workers who need to travel by public transport should follow the transport guidelines published (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/) 3. Remind staff/ workers about the importance of maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene before, during and after travel. 4. If an employer provides transport (e.g. a van or a bus, ferry, etc) follow the guidelines published (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/) Physical distancing must be maintained when workers are being transported.

Leaving the workplace

1. Stagger working hours and shift changes to avoid congestion. 2. Remind staff/ workers to practice hand hygiene while leaving from workplace and practice the same upon arrival at home.

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8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYER ______

Managing employee numbers with phased return

1. Managing the number of staff/ workers will be critical in protecting their health. 2. Assess and identify vulnerable groups (workers with underlying health conditions (list in Annex 1) and those above 60 years of age). They should be given opportunity to work from home or make other arrangements, till the situation returns to normal. 3. Set up ways to communicate with workers online and communicate with them daily. 4. Make arrangements for staffs to work in shifts (preferably the same group of people who work together in the same days/shifts) and then arrange shift duties to ensure physical distancing is maintained, especially in workplaces that may become crowded at times. For high risk groups arrange for work from home option where possible. 5. A long-term plan should be made to address the overcrowding at workplaces, in order to arrange workstations at 3 feet distance including workspace between each station. 6. Implement flexible sick leave policies and practices, and flexible work hours, if feasible. 7. Arrange shifts and work timings to ensure as little mixing as possible between groups of employees. 8. Also consider cross-training of employees in the most critical functions. If employer is providing accommodation, consider segregating employees who work together.

9. MANAGEMENT OF SICK EMPLOYEES ______

Workplaces should have a plan on what should be done if a worker develops COVID-19 symptoms while at the workplace. The following should be considered: 1. If any employee/ employees develop COVID-19symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath, etc) while at work he/she should be immediately isolated from others and should be advised to go to the nearest flu clinic.

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2. In case of an emergency (eg; a worker has severe symptoms such as shortness of breath), call ambulance services and report to ER immediately followed by reporting to 1676. 3. Any person providing assistance to him/her should take preventive measures such as wearing a mask and gloves. 4. Clean the areas used by the affected worker in line with the guidance published (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/) 5. Identify other workers who could be considered as being exposed as this information will be needed for contact tracing. 6. Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone sick to a healthcare facility or wherever applicable with HPA guidance.

10. PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEE ______

1. The employee must ensure self-monitoring for fever or respiratory symptoms. If any symptoms develop stay home and report to supervisor and call 1676. 2. Be up to date with the CVOID-19 related information shared by relevant authorities. 3. Physical distancing of atleast 3 feet needs to be maintained at all times in the workplace and when taking breaks. 4. The employee must wear face mask at all times if tolerated (refer to COVID19 webpage https://covid19.health.gov.mv/) 5. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. 6. When coughing or sneezing, cover mouth and nose with tissue or cover with flexed elbow. Immediately discard the used tissue in a dustbin. 7. Wash hands frequently with soap and water (wash for at least 20 seconds) (Refer to Annex 2) 8. Employee must follow the hygiene etiquettes: o Proper disposal of used tissues o Used cloth masks that are reusable should be kept in a zipped cloth pouch, separate from clean masks. They should be washed before reuse. o Clean the frequently touched areas in work stations.

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11. RISK COMMUNICATION, TRAINING AND EDUCATION ______1. Increase awareness of COVID-19 among workers, promote safe individual practices at the workplace, engage workers in providing feedback on the preventive measures and their effectiveness (WHO, 2020).

2. Provide regular information about the risk of COVID-19 using information shared from HPA.

3. Special attention should be given to reaching out to engage vulnerable and marginalised groups of workers, such as migrant workers and people with disabilities.

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REFERENCE 1. (WHO 2020) Considerations for the public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of COVID-19, 10 March 2020, https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332050/WHO-2019-nCoV- Adjusting_PH_measures-Workplaces-2020.1-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

2. (ILO 2020) Safe return to work: guide for employers on COVI-19 prevention https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_dialogue/--- act_emp/documents/publication/wcms_744033.pdf

3. (OSHA 2020) Guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

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ANNEX I: HIGH RISK CATEGORIES OF UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS FOR COVID-19

The below mentioned groups are at increased risk of developing COVID-19 related complications. The conditions need to be verified by the treating doctor.

People at increased risk of severe illness: A. People who are 60 years and above

B. People of any age with underlying conditions such as: a. Chronic Kidney disease (more than or equal to stage 3) b. Moderate to Chronic Lung disease or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) c. Asthma requiring treatment or rescue therapy within the last 4 weeks d. Immunocompromised state (Cancer, solid organ or bone marrow transplant, immunodeficiencies, HIV, use of high dose corticosteroids or use of other medicines causing immunodeficiency, acquired or congenital immunodeificiency or drugs causing low immunity) e. Serious Heart Conditions such as heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension) f. Thalassemia major and sickle cell disease g. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (uncontrolled) h. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus i. Pregnancy j. Advance liver disease

Note: In addition, any other condition as deemed by the treating doctor to be at high risk of complication.

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ANNEX II: HAND HYGIENE PROCEDURE

At least 20 seconds

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

30 Annex: EIA submission receipt from Atoll council

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EIA for the Proposed Coastal Protection and Beach Nourishment, Meemu Atoll

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