Environmental Impact Assessment for the construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, GaafuDhaalu
Proposed By: Ministry of Housing and Environment
Signature:
January 2012
Prepared By:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SUMMARY ...... 6 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 8
2.1. OBJECTIVES OF EIA ...... 8 2.2. JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ...... 8 2.3. PROCEDURE AND EXTENT OF EIA ...... 8 2.4. THE PROPONENT AND CONSULTANTS ...... 9 2.4.1. The proponent ...... 9 2.4.2. The consultant...... 9 2.5. STUDY AREA ...... 9 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 11
3.1. PROJECT LOCATION ...... 11 3.2. THE PROPOSED WORKS ...... 12 3.2.1. Construction of the causeway ...... 14 3.2.2. Reclaimed areas ...... 16 3.2.3. Coastal ridge ...... 18 3.3. DETAILED CONSTRUCTION WORKS METHOD STATEMENT ...... 18 3.3.1. Mobilization & site setup ...... 18 3.3.1.1. Transportation of machinery and work force ...... 18 3.3.1.2. Establishment of project site management facilities...... 18 3.3.2. Design modification, report and work procedures ...... 19 3.3.2.1. Dredging area ...... 19 3.3.2.2. Reclamation area with revetments ...... 19 3.3.2.3. Causeway & culverts ...... 19 3.3.2.4. Coastal ridge ...... 20 3.3.3. Dredging and reclamation...... 20 3.3.3.1. Locating the dredger...... 20 3.3.3.2. Making required bunds...... 20 3.3.3.3. Dredging & Reclamation ...... 21 3.3.4. Building Shore Protection Revetments ...... 22 3.3.4.1. Revetments in Reclaimed Area 1 & Area 2 ...... 22 3.3.5. RCC culverts...... 23 3.3.5.1. Design of culverts ...... 23 3.3.5.2. Construction of the culverts ...... 23 3.3.6. Coastal ridge at Hoandedhdhoo...... 24 3.3.6.1. Transportation of dredge material to location ...... 24 3.3.6.2. Development of the Coastal Ridge ...... 24 3.3.7. Road surface ...... 25 3.3.7.1. Paving ...... 25 3.3.7.2. Pedestrian walkway and service pipes ...... 25 3.4. PROJECT TIME FRAME ...... 25 4. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ...... 29
4.1. GOVERNMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS ...... 29 4.1.1. Main government agencies involved ...... 29 4.1.2. Ministry of Housing and Environment ...... 29 4.1.2.1. Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law No. 4/93) ...... 29 4.1.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007 ...... 30 4.2. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ...... 31 4.2.1. Environmental Conventions ...... 31 4.2.2. Maritime Conventions ...... 31 5. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 32
5.1. CLIMATE ...... 32 5.1.1. Temperatures ...... 33 5.1.2. Rainfall ...... 33 5.1.3. Sunshine ...... 34
1 5.1.4. Risk of tidal waves ...... 34 5.2. GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ...... 35 5.2.1. Coastal geology ...... 35 5.3. HYDRODYNAMIC REGIME ...... 37 5.3.1. Wave climate ...... 37 5.3.2. Influence of setup ...... 38 5.4. BATHYMETRY ...... 39 5.4.1. Survey plan ...... 39 5.4.2. Methodology ...... 40 5.4.3. Results ...... 40 5.4.4. Coastal erosion and accretion ...... 46 5.4.5. Seawater quality ...... 47 5.4.5.1. Survey plan ...... 47 5.4.5.2. Methodology ...... 48 5.4.5.3. Results ...... 49 5.4.6. Ground water quality ...... 50 5.5. ECOLOGY ...... 50 5.5.1. Environmentally sensitive areas ...... 50 5.5.2. The habitats in the project area ...... 52 5.5.3. Vegetation survey ...... 55 5.5.3.1. Survey plan ...... 55 5.5.3.2. Methodology ...... 56 5.5.3.3. Survey Results ...... 57 5.5.3.3.1. Madaveli shoreline ...... 57 5.5.3.3.2. Madaveli main road ...... 58 5.5.3.3.3. Haadhoo ...... 59 5.5.3.3.4. Hoandedhdhoo ...... 61 5.5.3.3.5. Hoandedhdhoo shore line ...... 62 5.5.4. Benthic and fish community monitoring ...... 62 5.5.4.1. Benthic monitoring ...... 62 5.5.4.1.1. Survey plan ...... 62 5.5.4.1.2. Methodology ...... 63 5.5.4.1.3. Results and discussion ...... 66 5.5.4.2. Fish census ...... 70 5.5.4.2.1. Survey plan ...... 70 5.5.4.2.2. Methodology ...... 70 5.5.4.2.3. Results and discussion ...... 71 5.5.5. Landscape integrity ...... 74 5.6. SOCIO -ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 74 5.6.1. GDh. Madaveli ...... 75 5.6.1.1. Demography ...... 75 5.6.1.2. Employment and economic activities ...... 75 5.6.1.3. Land use planning and zoning of activities at sea ...... 76 5.6.1.4. Natural resource utilisation and impact on natural resources due to population increase ...... 76 5.6.1.5. Accessibility and transport to nearby islands ...... 76 5.6.1.6. Quality of services and accessibility ...... 77 5.6.1.6.1. Water supply ...... 77 5.6.1.6.2. Solid waste and waste water disposal ...... 77 5.6.1.6.3. Electricity ...... 77 5.6.1.6.4. Health ...... 77 5.6.1.6.5. Education ...... 77 5.6.1.6.6. Community needs ...... 77 5.6.1.6.7. Sites with historical, cultural interests or sacred places ...... 78 5.6.2. GDh. Hoandedhdhoo ...... 78 5.6.2.1. Demography ...... 78 5.6.2.2. Employment and economic activities ...... 78 5.6.2.3. Land use planning and zoning of activities at sea ...... 78 5.6.2.4. Natural resource utilisation and impact on natural resources due to population increase ...... 79 5.6.2.5. Accessibility and transport to nearby islands ...... 79 5.6.2.6. Quality of services and accessibility ...... 79 5.6.2.6.1. Water supply ...... 79 5.6.2.6.2. Solid waste and waste water disposal ...... 79 5.6.2.6.3. Electricity ...... 79 5.6.2.6.4. Health ...... 79
2 5.6.2.6.5. Education ...... 80 5.6.2.6.6. Community needs ...... 80 5.6.2.6.7. Sites with historical, cultural interests or sacred places ...... 80 5.7. HAZARD VULNERABILITY ...... 81 5.7.1. Known historic hazard events in Madaveli ...... 81 5.7.2. Water flows and culvert design ...... 81 5.7.3. Draining of the Hoandedhdhookuli ...... 83 6. ASSESSMENT OF THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS MEASURES ...... 84
6.1. IMPACTS ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 84 6.2. IMPACTS ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 87 6.2.1. Methodology ...... 87 6.2.2. Impact Identification Methodology ...... 87 6.2.2.1. Impacts during construction ...... 87 6.2.2.2. Impacts during operation ...... 87 6.2.2.3. Impacts ratings ...... 88 6.2.2.4. Limitations in impact prediction ...... 88 6.2.3. Impacts during construction ...... 89 6.2.3.1. Impact from machinery ...... 89 6.2.3.2. Impact from dredging ...... 90 6.2.3.3. Solid and construction wastes management ...... 91 6.2.4. Impacts during operation ...... 91 6.2.4.1. Impact of the land reclamation ...... 91 6.2.4.1.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime ...... 91 6.2.4.1.2. The loss of marine habitats ...... 91 6.2.4.1.3. The increase of protected land area ...... 92 6.2.4.2. Impact of the causeway ...... 92 6.2.4.2.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime ...... 92 6.2.4.2.2. The creation of a connection between the 2 islands ...... 93 6.2.4.2.3. The increase of traffic ...... 94 6.2.4.2.4. Influence on marine life ...... 94 6.2.4.3. Impact of the coastal ridge ...... 94 6.2.4.3.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime ...... 94 6.2.4.3.2. The protection of the low land areas against flooding ...... 95 6.2.4.3.3. Aesthetic aspect ...... 95 7. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 98
7.1. NO –PROJECT OPTION ...... 98 7.2. ALTERNATIVE DESIGN FOR COASTAL RIDGE ...... 98 7.3. ALTERNATIVE SITE PLAN ...... 99 8. MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 101 9. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 103
9.1. MADAVELI COUNCIL ...... 103 9.2. HOANDEDHDHOO COUNCIL ...... 105 9.3. CONSULTATION WITH HOANDEDHDHOO COMMUNITY ...... 107 10. CONCLUSION ...... 108 11. DECLARATION OF THE CONSULTANT ...... 110 12. DECLARATION OF THE PROPONENT ...... 111 APPENDICES ...... 112
ANNEX 1: TOR ...... 113 ANNEX 2: WATER SAMPLES RESULTS ...... 119 ANNEX 3: CV S OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEAM ...... 123
3 List of Figures Figure 1: The study area ...... 10 Figure 2: Location of Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo...... 11 Figure3: Location of the main planned works ...... 13 Figure4: Proposed location of the 2-segments causeway...... 14 Figure5: Detailed proposed design for the causeway ...... 15 Figure6: Proposed design for the reclaimed areas ...... 16 Figure7: Detailed design of the revetment for the reclaimed area ...... 17 Figure8: Strategic /Alternative borrowing locations identified for the moment ...... 17 Figure9: Proposed location for the coastal ridge in Hoandedhdhoo ...... 18 Figure10: Proposed design for the coastal ridge ...... 18 Figure11: Bund boundary & borrow trench location ...... 21 Figure12: ElcoRock Sand Container – in the process of placement ...... 22 Figure 13: A display of ElcoRock (Geo Bag) Revetment when completed ...... 23 Figure14: Temporary linking road coastal ridge area ...... 24 Figure 15: EIA process stages ...... 30 Figure16: Monthly average temperature ...... 33 Figure17: Monthly average rainfall and sunshine ...... 34 Figure 18: Beachrock exhibiting almost whole coral skeletons ...... 35 Figure 19: Extensive flat platform on the exposed side of the islands ...... 36 Figure 20: The blocks detached from the platform accumulated and are re-cemented ...... 37 Figure 21: Overhangs over the unidirectional flow of water transporting loose sediment towards the lee side...... 39 Figure22: Location of the profiles ...... 40 Figure 23: Bathymetry South Madaveli ...... 41 Figure 24: Bathymetry Madaveli-Hoandedhdhoo ...... 42 Figure 25: Bathymetry Hoandedhdhoo ...... 43 Figure 26: Profile of channel between Madaveli andHaadhoo ...... 45 Figure 27: Profile of channel between Haadhoo and Hoandedhdhoo ...... 45 Figure 28: The main current flows around the island ...... 46 Figure 29: Location of the water samples ...... 48 Figure 30: Environmentally Sensitive Areas around the project site ...... 51 Figure 31: The drain of the lake and retention bags...... 52 Figure 32: numerous parrot fish juveniles in the channel between Madaveli and Haadhoo ...... 53 Figure 33: The shallow reef flat of reclaimed area 2, with the garbage dump on the far end ...... 54 Figure 34: A fiddler crab Uca tetragonon ...... 54 Figure 35: Aerial photos of GDh. Madaveli, Hoandedhdhoo and Haadhoo showing the areas where vegetation surveys were conducted in red colour ...... 55 Figure 36: Close-up view of the two areas surveyed on the Northern part of GDh. Hoandedhdhoo. (T1 – Transect 1, red line). P1, P2, P3 indicates the 3 points when GPS location was taken during the survey of the 2 nd area further inland...... 56 Figure 37: Various species of vegetation found along the shoreline of Madaveli ...... 57 Figure 38: Main species of vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals along the transect made on south side of Madaveli from the beach on to the start point of the main road on that side of the island...... 58 Figure 39: Total vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals for the three levels used during the survey...... 59 Figure 40 : Main species of vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals along the transect laid on Haadhoo, from the beach on the northern side of the island, across to the beach on the southern side of the island...... 60 Figure 41: Total vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals for the three levels used during the survey...... 60 Figure 42: Main species of vegetation recorded at 30 m intervals along the 1 st transect laid on Hoandedhdhoo northern tip, close to the beach (area of vegetation clearance to make link road between causeway and existing main road). Although vegetation was recorded at 10 m intervals it is reported here for 30 m intervals for ease of representation...... 61 Figure 43: Benthic transects location ...... 62 Figure 44: Example of a picture done for the photographic transect ...... 64 Figure 45: Main composition of benthic substrate ...... 66 Figure 46: Overview of the North-west reef ...... 67 Figure 47: Overview of the East reef ...... 67 Figure 48: Overview of the centre of the channel ...... 68 Figure 49: Presence of seagrass on the sides of the channel ...... 68 Figure 50: Coral life forms identified in the benthic transects ...... 69
4 Figure 51: Fish census survey sites ...... 70 Figure 52: Example of a fish count sheet to be filled during the fish count ...... 71 Figure 53: Family composition of site 1 (left) and site 2 (right) ...... 72 Figure 54: Family composition in Site-3 ...... 72 Figure 55: Views at low tide over the mud flat of Madaveli ...... 74 Figure 56: The island of Kudehulhadhoo, which will be linked trough reclamation and the bay of Hoandedhdhoo along which a coastal ridge will be implemented...... 74 Figure 57: Distribution of employment amongst the working population of Madaveli ...... 76 Figure 58: The path inland of the northern coastline of Hoandedhdhoo exhibiting crab holes ...... 82 Figure 59: The low lying part of the island on the northern shore of Hoandeddhdhoo ...... 83 Figure 60: In Hoandedhdhoo the population is using construction wastes to consolidate the ridge ...... 93 Figure 61: Elco-rock blending with vegetation abroad ...... 95 Figure 62: Sand filled containers to replace the loose sediment ridge ...... 99 Figure 63: Another path for the causeway linking Hoadedhdhoo to Madaveli...... 100
List of Tables
Table 1: Some key quantifying figures of the project ...... 12 Table 2: Approximate time frame for carrying out the works ...... 28 Table 3: List of Environmental Conventions ...... 31 Table 4: List of Maritime Conventions ...... 31 Table 5: The four seasons encountered in the Maldives ...... 32 Table 6: Seasonal wind and wave climate around the southern atolls of Maldives (DHI,1999) ...... 38 Table 7: Remarks on level charts ...... 44 Table 8: Geo-coordinates of the salt water sampling locations ...... 48 Table 9: Results of the seawater tests ...... 49 Table 10: Results of the groundwater tests...... 50 Table 11: Geo-coordinates of the transects ...... 63 Table 12: Benthic categories used for the substrate analysis ...... 65 Table 13: Species targeted in the FishWatch protocols and numbers seen during the survey ...... 73 Table 14: Recorded natural disasters in Madaveli since 1998 ...... 81 Table 15: Relation between water flow, culverts parameter and expected level differences ...... 82 Table 16: Potential impacts on the socioeconomic environment arising from the project, impact rating and mitigation measures for the negative impacts ...... 84 Table 17: Summary table of impacts and ratings and the mitigation measures proposed for negative impacts ...... 96 Table 18: Potential impacts from the ‘No-Project’ option: ...... 98 Table 19: Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 102 Table 20: List of stakeholders consulted within Madaveli ...... 103 Table 21: List of stakeholders consulted within Hoandedhdhoo ...... 106
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
CPCe Coral Point Count with Excel extensions EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPPA Environmental Protection and Preservation Act MHE Ministry of Housing and Environment MSL Mean Sea Level
5 1. SUMMARY
The present report is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regarding the construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo in GaafuDhaalu atoll, as the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law No. 4/93, article 5a) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007 require such an assessment study before implementation of any activity that may have a significant impact on the environment.
In order to link Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, a causeway will be built. However, some further improvement works are also planned:
1. Reclaiming 2 areas in the south part of Madaveli; 2. Building a coastal ridge on the West side of Hoandedhdhoo.
The main potential identified environmental impacts associated with the new developments are construction impacts, in relation with the use of machinery (smell and noise disturbances, oil spillage risks, green house gas emission) and with the construction works themselves (temporary rise in turbidity and modification or damages to the seabed), as well as permanent modification of the hydrodynamic regime of the whole area. However, it is expected that the works will improve the coastal protection of the islands and provide easier connection between the two islands that should benefit the communities.
The design of the causeway as well as the protection of the reclaimed area will be secured using sand filled container knows as geo-bags. These have been used in different projects throughout the country. The designs have been taking into account a peak flow far superior to what is normally found under normal conditions.
In May 2007, a wave setup over the reef flat cause the islands to be partly damage by the flood waves and therefore the risk of increasing the population to increased flooding due to a bad design is real.
The main findings of the survey concerns the flooding risks associated with the preliminary designs, especially in the northern part of Hoandedhdhoo due the low terrain as well as the increase of water level on the upstream part of the causeway.
It is therefore advised to follow some of the alternative options proposed in the report to avoid creating a flooding problem.
6 Other findings show that some habitats will be completely destroyed by the reclamation, contributing to the loss of habitat diversity and biodiversity in general, in particular a sea grass bed (reclaimed area 1) and a shallow protected mud flat (reclaimed area 2).
The coral reef in the area is healthy even though the fish surveys do not point towards an area of significance in relation to fish diversity. The channel area seems to be a good recruitment ground for juveniles of different fish species.
The coral reef which will be the most affected is that of the channel, mostly through direct physical damage. It is expected that the deeper water under the culvert, which will be deepened will enable the growth of the branching species present in the area.
Moreover, the surveys that were conducted in Madaveli and Hoandedhdhdoo, in October and in December 2011, showed that the population of both islands are positive concerning the project. Stakeholders have been consulted and informed of the planned works, particularly the councils of Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, as well as the islands communities. While both communities are very much in favour of the project, they do have some reservations about problems that may arise socially as a result of associated changes from the project.
A monitoring plan has been proposed in order to assess the impact of the works over the years.
7 2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Objectives of EIA
The construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo will facilitate trade between these two islands and improve the level of public services proposed to the communities. In addition to the causeway, reclamation works in south Madaveli will provide new land plots and the coastal ridge in west Hoandedhdhdoo will improve the coastal protection of this part of the island. This report mainly assesses the potential impacts associated with these developments.
2.2. Justification of the project
The government is pursuing a policy of enlarging communities in order to provide better facilities to fewer communities compared to lower quality services in several isolated smaller communities. It is therefore expected that this structural change and the possibility to drive vehicles between the two islands will strengthen the links and enable the trade between the two islands as well as qualify the communities for procurement of better services. In addition, there is a large need for land among the Madaveli community with high demand for plots for housing purposes. Already some of the plots have been given in low lying areas with subsequent problems for the population living there. The reclamation component of the project should be able to cater for the need in the next few years. It is also possible that better land management would enable the built area to be used effectively and not overexploited. Another project considered in the past was concerned with the reclamation of the totality of the land separating the two islands. It is expected that the present project will satisfy the need for the population to increase their interactions, share their resources, get more housing plots and grow economically.
2.3. Procedure and Extent of EIA
The article 5 (a) of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law No. 4/93) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007 require an impact assessment study to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before implementation of any activity that may have a significant impact on the environment. As the construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo in GaafuDhaalu atoll is anticipated to have some positive and negative impacts on the surrounding natural environment, the contractor
8 has to submit such an EIA and obtain permits from the relevant agencies before commencement of any works.
Two intensive field surveys of the proposed project site and its surroundings were undertaken from 18 th to 21st October 2011and 8 th to 10 th December 2011 to investigate the activities proposed as part of the project and to analyse the environmental conditions in order to forecast the impacts. This study followed the Terms of Reference issued by the EPA in October 2011. After submission and evaluation of this document, if approval is granted, the proponent will abide by the guidelines provided by the Ministry and make every effort to minimize impacts of development on the environment. The required monitoring will be carried out accordingly and reports will be submitted to the relevant government agencies.
2.4. The proponent and consultants
2.4.1. The proponent
The Ministry of Housing and Environment is committed to providing housing to the population as well as developing the necessary infrastructure to enable the consolidation of population in order to perform economies of scale in the procurement of service to the population. As such it has initiated the present project of land reclamation and causeway construction between G.Dh Madaveli and G.Dh. Hoandedhdhoo. The project was tendered and the contractor chosen. CPS Maldives Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the present contract.
2.4.2. The consultant
Seamarc Pvt. Ltd. is a company registered at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Government of the Republic of Maldives, under the act no. 10/96, since June 2000. The aim of the company is to provide quality advice on dealing with environmental problems arising from the rapid developments in infrastructure taking place in the Maldives. Seamarc Pvt. Ltd has been appointed as the consultant for this project by the proponent.
The EIA was carried out by an experienced professional team lead by Ms Mariyam Saleem (EIA Consultant No. EIA05/07), assisted by Thomas Le Berre and Ingrid Picard. The Curriculum Vitae of the team members are available in the annex.
2.5. Study area
The study area is the whole islands of Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo (Figure 1), as well as the islands in between, in particular Haadhoo. The emphasis is given to the system of channels
9 in between the islands for the hydraulic and environmental conditions, whereas both the communities of Hoandhedhdhoo and Madaveli were considered for socio economic aspects.
Figure 1: The study area
10 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1. Project location
The present EIA is concerned with the construction of a causeway between Madaveli and
Hoandedhdhoo in GaafuDhaalu Atoll (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Location of Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo
The two islands are located south of Thinadhoo, the capital of the atoll and the most populated in the area, as well as near the airport island of Kaadedhdhoo. The islands are situated at the northern end of a very large reef system encompassing numerous islands of different shapes and sizes and extending about 35 km to Fiyoari.
11 3.2. The proposed works The project is composed of the following components: • Building of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo; • Reclaiming 2 areas in the south part of Madaveli; • Building a coastal ridge on the west side of Hoandedhdhoo. The following table (Table 1) gives some of the key figures of the project. Table 1: Some key quantifying figures of the project Item Unit Quantity Dredging & Reclamation works Dredging m3 243,262.62 Reclamation of Area 1 m2 65,330.00 Reclamation of Area 2 m2 35,169.00 Construction of Culvert Sections & Placing Concreting culvert sections - 34m in segment 1, 27m in segment 2 m 61.00 BEACH REVETMENT WORKS - RECLAIMED AREA 1 Supply of Elcorock Sand containers 5223 RP nos 808 Supply of Elcorock Toe Bags 2152RP F6 nos 304 REVETMENT WORKS - causeway - both segments Supply of Elcorock Sand containers 5223 RP nos 1392 Supply of Elcorock Toe Bags 2152RP F6 nos 521 Road Surfacing & finishing Road Paving with interlocking blocks - Segment 1 & 2 m2 2,588.33 Laying of curb stones - segment 1 & 2 m 907.66 Building Coastal Ridge Building of a coastal ridge 650m long - only placing m3 4,519.13
The following figure (Figure 2) gives an overview of the project components and their location.
12
Figure3: Location of the main planned works
13 3.2.1. Construction of the causeway
The causeway linking the 2 main islands will be composed of 2 parts (Figure 4): • Segment 1 (261 m long), between Madaveli and the desert island in between; • Segment 2 (180 m long), between the desert island and Hoandedhdhoo
Figure4: Proposed location of the 2-segments causeway
The causeway sections are presented below (Figure 5):
14
3.2.2. Reclaimed areas
Two areas for reclamation have been proposed on the southern side of Madaveli. One is a shallow seagrass bed (Figure 6.; Above) and the other a shallow mudflat (Figure 6.; Below).
Figure6: Proposed design for the reclaimed areas
16
Figure7: Detailed design of the revetment for the reclaimed area
The revetment of the structure and reclaimed areas is necessary as the currents and waves are potentially significant in the area, which would cause the causeway to collapse or the land to erode. The revetment will be made of sand-filled containers made of an extremely strong polymer structure from Australia (Figure 7).
Figure8: Strategic /Alternative borrowing locations identified for the moment
In addition to these borrow areas; some of the material used for the construction of the causeways will be excavated from under the bridge in order to increase water depth locally and increase the flow of water.
17 3.2.3. Coastal ridge
The population is experiencing some flooding at times on the western part of Hoandedhdhoo. Therefore a coastal ridge will be constructed to prevent inundation during storm surge and high rainfall (Figures 9 and 10).
Figure9: Proposed location for the coastal ridge in Hoandedhdhoo
Figure10: Proposed design for the coastal ridge
3.3. Detailed construction works method statement
3.3.1. Mobilization & site setup
3.3.1.1. Transportation of machinery and work force
Mobilization will take place in multiple phases, depending on project requirements. Cargo, dhonies, landing crafts and barges will be utilized to transport material and manpower.
3.3.1.2. Establishment of project site management facilities.
Temporary sheds, storage facilities, workshop & operation office at site shall be built at a designated space within the project area for the duration of the project. All accommodation and meals facility is planned to be set up in Madaveli.
18 An initial team will be deployed to build temporary site facilities including site management office at strategic locations suitable to manage all works at the vicinity of the working area. The diesel reserve for the machinery for the project will also be located in that area. It will be stored in drums, which will be dispatched to the site either manually or using the machinery when practical.
3.3.2. Design modification, report and work procedures
The contract between the Government of Maldives and CPS states that a report on work progress will be submitted on a monthly basis. The report will address unforeseen adverse conditions and present necessary design change for approvals by the Ministry of Housing and Environment.
3.3.2.1. Dredging area
All dredging areas will be profiled and cutting sections will be presented in order to maintain measurements of material extracted for the reclamation and work progress management. If rocky areas are encountered, these will be notified and the borrow area altered accordingly.
3.3.2.2. Reclamation area with revetments
A bund will be built around both the areas allocated for the reclamation and these will be mapped to keep all boundaries demarcated to identify old and new land. All necessary guidelines of material and Government requirements & specifications will be entertained during the works. In addition to the boundaries, all revetment locations proposed will be shown and adequate as built cross sections of the revetments will be detailed.
3.3.2.3. Causeway & culverts
Detailed plans for proposed causeway with cross sections have been designed with reference to the provided specifications, design standards, survey data and to the proposal. A necessary carriageway loading is to be determined by the Government as the design work progresses. All drawings changed will be submitted for necessary accreditation before proceeding to construction stage.
19 3.3.2.4. Coastal ridge
Plan for proposed coastal ridge with cross sections has been worked out with reference to the survey data and to the initial proposal. Some design changes are already proposed and discussed in the alternative options of the present report. Furthermore, location and back offset will be determined following establishment of new shore line.
3.3.3. Dredging and reclamation.
3.3.3.1. Locating the dredger
A suitable size cutter suction dredger shall be manoeuvred to borrow locations from the Madaveli harbour as this is the closest access into the site reef flat areas not requiring cutting through the reef structure. All pipelines over the water shall be floated with required numbers of pontoons depending on the machines operational standards. All pipelines on land shall be placed on land surface &‘A’ frames where needed. Vehicle crossings will be ramped.
3.3.3.2. Making required bunds
Adequate bunds will be built to required heights and widths using excavated materials from a temporary trench dug parallel to the boundary of revetment from designated reclamation areas. These borrow trenches eventually will be refilled with dredged material once the reclamation starts. This allows for a simpler way to proceed without major dredging works being executed and avoid dredging related delays in the works. Furthermore, these bunds shall be profiled to receive revetment surfacing, so that simultaneous development of revetments and bund could be achieved, and erosion minimized. These trenches will only be dug within the revetment boundary as shown in the following layout (Fig 11). The bunds will also enable a better retention of the fill material and prevent dispersion of silt in the area surrounding the project site.
20
Figure11: Bund boundary & borrow trench location
3.3.3.3. Dredging & Reclamation
Dredging shall be carried out from borrow locations within the lagoon (Fig. 8). Dredged volume of material needs to be laid mainly into two reclamation areas (Area1 & Area 2) within dredger’s pumping distances. Additional material shall be accumulated in these areas for the causeway filling as well as for the material for coastal ridge at Hoandedhdhoo, hence reducing the duration of dredger operations. Piling of dredged material and machinery movement over the reclaimed area will ensure the compaction of the newly formed ground. During the process of dredging, a simultaneous operation for spreading and levelling shall be carried out using dump trucks to transport material to the causeway locations.
21 3.3.4. Building Shore Protection Revetments
3.3.4.1. Revetments in Reclaimed Area 1 & Area 2
As indicated previously the Areas 1 & 2, revetments shall be constructed simultaneously with the development of bund walls. The revetments are executed independently by individual teams. Designed profile and slopes shall be maintained. Leaps of manageable lengths depending on working conditions shall be considered during the process of both bund and revetment developments. All best technical practices in placing Elco-Rock Sand containers (Geo Bags) will be adhered to. Image below displays a Sand container being placed in to position.
Figure12: ElcoRock Sand Container – in the process of placement
22
Figure 13: A display of ElcoRock (Geo Bag) Revetment when completed b. Revetments in Reclaimed Causeway
Segment 1 & 2 shall be sequenced one after the other as the causeway reclamation is planned to progress from Madaveli to Hoandedhdhoo. Furthermore, water flows between two islands cannot be blocked but needs be managed with culverts.
3.3.5. RCC culverts
3.3.5.1. Design of culverts
The culverts will be made of reinforced concrete, and it is proposed to have one large culvert or bridge in the middle of each segment rather than to have several culverts. This will also help in maintaining the base of the causeway close to the existing shorelines as the water flow in these areas will be limited. The current restriction due to the causeway will be minimized by increasing the depth of water in the bridge area, increasing the hydraulic section.
3.3.5.2. Construction of the culverts
The precast lower portion (base & side walls up to low tide level) shall be floated with the help of floats/ barge & lowered to position. All required levels will be checked together with alignment and orientation. The balance formworks and concreting shall be carried out once the
23 culvert base is in place. This will cause minor spillage of concrete into the water flow. The current being strong almost all the time in the area, the minor plumes created will be rapidly diluted and dispersed.
3.3.6. Coastal ridge at Hoandedhdhoo.
3.3.6.1. Transportation of dredge material to location
Based on the location of main activities area and constraints in the dredger pumping distances, it is considered to build coastal ridge after the causeway earth work is completed. This enables the transport of dredged material using trucks to the location. For this operation the existing roads on the islands shall be utilized. See layout below.
Figure14: Temporary linking road coastal ridge area
3.3.6.2. Development of the Coastal Ridge
The site survey shows that the proposed area for the ridge may not be adequate and therefore alternative designs have been identified based on this. In particular the island level is lower near the northern part of the island where the causeway will be linked to the island. Therefore different locations and construction methods for the ridge are discussed in the alternative option part of the present report. In addition, loose material may erode and be washed away rapidly owing to a strong longshore current in the area, and therefore the
24 3.3.7. Road surface
3.3.7.1. Paving
The built causeway will finally be re-levelled using sieved fine sand from the dredged material and surfaced with a proper road surface similar to that of the road in Male’. Interlocking road paving blocks will used with appropriate cambers.
3.3.7.2. Pedestrian walkway and service pipes
The section of the causeway (Figure 5) presents a pedestrian walkway and provision for service pipes. This would allow some cables to be laid and the community to share resources. There is also a provision for lights to be installed along the causeway.
3.4. Project time Frame An initially projected time frame is provided below (
25 Table 2: Approximate time frame for carrying out the works
26
27 Table 2: Approximate time frame for carrying out the works
28 4. Legislative and Regulatory Considerations
4.1. Government Laws and Regulations
This section outlines the relevant government agencies and the respective environmental legislation pertaining to the development under study.
4.1.1. Main government agencies involved
The Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) are the lead government agency that has the responsibility to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment process. It has the task of ensuring all development projects anticipated to have impacts on the environment undergo the process before implementation. This involves screening the projects and providing approvals and recommendations related to the EIA. MHE is also responsible for ensuring proper implementation of the environmental measures proposed in the EIA including the Environmental Monitoring Plan. The EIAs and any related documents for resort development are required to be submitted to the MHE through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts (MTCA). MTCA is the authority that determines the zones where tourism development can occur, as well as the development and management of marinas and the operation of tourist vessels, diving centres and travel agencies. It has the mandate to develop tourism in the Maldives in a sustainable manner and is responsible for ensuring that resort construction and operation abide by the Maldives Tourism Act of Maldives and the associated regulations. MTCA also has the responsibility to provide authorisation for operation of aerodromes.
4.1.2. Ministry of Housing and Environment
4.1.2.1. Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law No. 4/93)
The Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives (Law No. 4/ 93) which was developed in 1993 provide the legal basis for environmental protection, preservation and conservation in the country. Being an umbrella law, it gives extensive
29 power to Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE) in matters concerning the environment.
4.1.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2007
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation 2007 was established under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) of Maldives and provides the basic framework for the EIA process in the country. Under Article 5 (a) of the EPPA, an EIA has to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency of MHE by the developer of a project which may have potential impacts on the environment. Approval of the EIA has to be sought before commencement of the project.
DOCUMENTS PROJECT PLANNING Prepared by the consultant Provided by the proponent
SCREENING Project Brief
SCOPING MEETING ToR (Terms of Reference)
EIA SUBMITTED EIA if more information required
EIA Amended EIA REVIEW (when more information required)
EIA APPROVAL
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
MONITORING
Figure 15: EIA process stages
30
4.2. International Conventions
Following are the international conventions Maldives is signatory to or have ratified Table 3: List of Environmental Conventions(Table 3 and 4).
4.2.1. Environmental Conventions
Table 3: List of Environmental Conventions Date of Convention Ratification/ Accession United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 9 May 1992 09 November 1992 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 22 March 1985 26 April 1988 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 16 Sept. 16 May 1989 1987 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of 28 April 1992 Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, 22 Mar. 1989 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 30 December 1998 Change, 11 Dec. 1997 Convention on Biological Diversity - 5 June 1992 9 November 1992 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, 22 May 2001 17 October 2006
4.2.2. Maritime Conventions
Table 4: List of Maritime Conventions Date of Convention Ratification/ Accession Convention on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), 6 March 31 May 1967 1948 International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from 20 May 2005 Ships (MARPOL), 2 November 1973, modified by the Protocol of 1978 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 10 December 1982 7 September 2006
31 5. Existing Environment
5.1. Climate 1 Climate in the Maldives is dominated by the Indian monsoon climate South West (SW) monsoon and North East (NE) monsoon. The Indian monsoon system is one of the major climate systems of the world, impacting large portions of both Africa and Asia (Overpeck et, al., 1996). The period of the year during which prevailing winds are from south to westerly direction is known as the SW monsoon. The period during which prevailing winds are from northeasterly directions is known as NE monsoon. Transitions from NE to SW monsoon and vice versa are distinctly different from SW or NE monsoon. During these transition periods the wind becomes more variable. The SW monsoon lasts between May and September while the NE monsoon lasts between December and February. The period between March and April is the transition period from the NE monsoon to SW monsoon known locally as the HulhanguHalha, while the transition period from SW monsoon to NE monsoon is known as IruvaiHalha. IruvaiHalhais from October to November (Table 5).SW monsoon is generally rough and wetter than the NE monsoon. Storms and gales are infrequent in this part of the globe and cyclones do not reach as far south as the Maldivian archipelago (Ministry of Construction and Public Works, 1999). Table 5: The four seasons encountered in the Maldives
Season Month December NE-Monsoon January February March Transition Period 1 April May June SW-Monsoon July August September October Transition Period 2 November
1 Sources: Department of Meteorology and Detailed Island Risk Assessment in Maldives , UNDP, July 2008
32 5.1.1. Temperatures
Throughout the year, temperature remains almost same in the Maldives (Figure16). However, daily temperature ranges from around 31 degrees Celsius in daytime to 23 degrees Celsius in night-time. The mean daily maximum temperature for Central parts (Hulhule) of the Maldives is 30.5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature is 25.7 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, mean daily maximum and minimum temperature for South (Gan) is 30.9 and 24.5 degree Celsius, respectively. Furthermore, mean daily maximum and minimum temperature for North (Hanimaadhoo) is 30.7 and 25.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. The highest temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 36.8°C, recorded on 19 May 1991 at Kadhdhoo Meteorological Office. Likewise, the minimum temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 17.2°C, recorded at the National Meteorological Centre on 11th April 1978.
Figure16: Monthly average temperature Source: Department of Meteorology
5.1.2. Rainfall
The wet season- southwest monsoon runs from mid-May to November. In this season Maldives experiences torrential rain. Central, Southern and Northern parts of the Maldives receive annual average rainfall of 1924.7mm, 2277.8mm, and 1786.4mm, respectively. The highest rainfall ever recorded in the Maldives with in 24 hour period was recorded on 9th July 2002 at Kaadedhdhoo Meteorological Office and amounts to 219.8mm of rainfall.
33 5.1.3. Sunshine
On average Southern atolls (Gan) of the Maldives receives 2704.07 hours of sunshine each year (Figure17). Furthermore, on average central (Hulhule) parts of the country receives 2784.51 hours of sunshine per year.
Figure17: Monthly average rainfall and sunshine Source: Department of Meteorology
5.1.4. Risk of tidal waves
The development of large storm events with high wind speeds in the southern part of the Indian Ocean has the potential to generate high swells and tidal waves. The specific conditions required for creating waves with significantly higher energy and period, locally called udha are not well determined and the specific thresholds for wind speed and duration cannot be determined with available data. However, such events have occurred around the Huvadhoo Atoll twice in the last 7 years and have the potential to affect Addu Atoll as well. In 2007, the islands of the southwest of Huvadhoo Atoll were affected and consequent flooding resulted. Madaveli and Hoadhedhdhoo were not the most impacted of the chain of islands, but site observation at the time concluded to a setup with gradually increasing water levels on the reef flat. Site observations of flooding in Madaveli and analysis of the island levels measured during the present topographic survey (see figures in section 5.2.2.1 below) concluded to a rise of 0.8 m of the water level over the reef flat.
34 Manning’s formula and current velocities measured during the survey indicate that the flow of water under normal conditions would be less than 50 m 3/s for each of the two segments. To allow for an adequate flushing of the water in case a setup is created, it was assumed that the water flow towards the lagoon should be around 250 m 3/s.
5.2. Geology and geomorphology
5.2.1. Coastal geology
The reef systems of GaafDhaal Atoll are very particular in the Maldives and of a very different type than the ones found in the central and northern atolls. The reef flat is comparatively high compared to mean sea level and this is attributed to a better coral growth and reef building processes. The reef systems there are extensive and exhibit numerous islands and islets separated by narrow channels. The creation of solid beach rock is also characteristic of the area. This shows numerous coral skeletons incorporated into the lithified matrix (Figure 18).
Figure 18: Beachrock exhibiting almost whole coral skeletons
35 The beach rock is abraded and can form extensive rocky platforms (Figure 19), especially on the exposed side creating a solid base for the islands, and the protruding blocks can be detached.
Figure 19: Extensive flat platform on the exposed side of the islands
The detached rocks can again be re-cemented to the matrix (Figure 20), in place of lesser energy. These can be the structure enabling the development of an island with less consolidated material.
36
Figure 20: The blocks detached from the platform accumulated and are re-cemented
On the downstream part, the conditions are much calmer and shallow embayments are sometimes present, as in Madaveli, where a number of mangrove trees are present. Sand accumulation and beaches are also present.
5.3. Hydrodynamic regime
5.3.1. Wave climate
In the Maldives, islands are submitted to three main forces which are: the oceanic swell, the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon, with varying strength and intensity.
DHI (1999) described the general offshore wave conditions in the southern regions of Maldives (Table 6). It was reported that during NE monsoon the oceanic swells that approach the southern atolls of Maldives are generally from east-south. The longer period waves of the wave spectrum are from south-southwest directions while the shorter period waves are mainly from east-northeast directions. During the SW monsoon the waves are mainly from south. The longer period waves of the wave spectrum are from south- southwest while the shorter period waves are from southeast-south.
37 The local wind generated waves that are directly related to the wind climate in the region varies with the seasonal changes in the wind velocity. DHI (1999) reported that during the NE monsoon the wind is predominantly from NW-NE and the high speed winds are from west. During HulhanguHalha (Transition Period 1) the wind varies to all directions but the high winds during this period are from west. Southwest monsoon is marked by winds from SE-SW and high speed winds from west. IruvaiHalha (Transition Period 2) also experienceswesterly winds. DHI (1999) reported that the high speed wind in the southern atolls of Maldives is from west.
Wave data reported in DHI (1999) shows that the highest waves reaching the southern atolls of Maldives archipelago are from west direction. Waves of Hs 2.75m with wave periods [Tp] of 8s and 9s have been recorded from west direction. Swell waves with wave periods greater than 9s prevails from South and Southwest directions. Over 80% of the waves from south and southwest directions are long period swell waves.
Table 6: Seasonal wind and wave climate around the southern atolls of Maldives (DHI,1999) Long Short period Season Month Wind Total Waves period Waves Waves December Predominantly from NW- Predominantly from From Mainly E-NE NE-Monsoon January NE E-S S-SW High waves from W February High speeds from W High waves from W March From all directions, Transition From mainly W Mainly from SE-S Mainly from NE-SE Period 1 April S-SW High speeds from W May June From SE-SW. Mainly Mainly from SE-SW From Mainly from SE-S SW-Monsoon July S High speeds from W S-SW High waves from W August High waves from W September Transition October Predominantly from W From From SE-W As SW-monsoon Period 2 November High speeds from W S-SW High waves from W
5.3.2. Influence of setup
The water flow on the reef flat is almost exclusively from the side exposed to the oceanic swell to the inside of the atoll. Given that the oceanic swell is quite important, the setup of the waves on the reef crest is also important. The spill over of the waves over the high reef flat creates a situation where the water levels over the reef flat are always higher than the mean sea level on the inside of the atoll or the mean sea level on the ocean. The flow
38 of water through the channel therefore resembles that of a river above mean sea level. The beach rock mentioned above is eroded and scoured by the flow of water creating some interesting overhangs (Figure 21).
Figure 21: Overhangs over the unidirectional flow of water transporting loose sediment towards the lee side.
During the higher wave events, the platform would be submerged due to a higher setup than normal. This peculiar hydrodynamic regime makes it difficult to determine a mean sea level as can be understood in other situations.
5.4. Bathymetry Given the preceding discussion, it is wishful to establish a zero datum that can actually be called “Mean Sea Level”. The levels measured are therefore more compared in relation one to another rather than to an actual MSL. This said, it is not expected than the actual Mean Sea Level on the inside of the lagoon would be less than 30 cm below the zero datum used here. This could not be established given the time frames and means deployed. For practical purpose, we will call this 0 datum MSL in the following section.
5.4.1. Survey plan
A total of 21 profiles were taken in different areas, as shown in Figure22.
39 1 2 3
4 5
6 7
8
9
10 11
12 13
14 19 18 15
20 16
21 17 Figure22: Location of the profiles
5.4.2. Methodology
A topographic survey of the area concerned was carried out using a total station and a prism. Levels were recorded as well as horizontal positions relative to fixed benchmarks on the island. All the survey data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD.
5.4.3. Results
The detailed data are presented in the 3 figures below (Figure 23, Figure 24, Figure 25). The values on the maps are the elevation from the mean sea level (MSL) at the location where the measure was done. A negative value indicates the depth of the seabed.
Figure 23: Bathymetry South Madaveli
41
Figure 24: Bathymetry Madaveli-Hoandedhdhoo
42
Figure 25: Bathymetry Hoandedhdhoo
43 Table 7: Remarks on level charts Area Figure Elevation (refers to Mean Sea Level) Comments Reclaim area / South Shallow area Figure 23 Depth: -0.2 m to -0.6 m Madaveli Homogeneous area (no big level difference)
Channel Madaveli-middle Figure 23 , Maximum depth: -1.22 m The detailed profile is available below (Figure 26) island Figure 26 Channel middle island- Figure 24 Maximum depth: -1.03 m The detailed profile is available below (Figure 27) Hoandedhdhoo Land elevation: 1.27 m in the North part, to 1.61 in the South The North part has lower land elevation and Hoandedhdhoo west coast Figure 25 deeper sea than the South part, which is Depth near coastline: -0.80m in North part, shallower, with higher land elevation. to -0.2 m in the South
44 3
2
1
0 0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0 250.0
-1 Elevation m,(in from MSL)
-2
-3 Distance, in m (from Madaveli)
Figure 26: Profile of channel between Madaveli andHaadhoo
3
2
1
0 0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0 160.0 180.0
-1 Elevation m,(in Elevation from MSL)
-2
-3 Distance, in m (from middle island)
Figure 27: Profile of channel between Haadhoo and Hoandedhdhoo
45 5.4.4. Coastal erosion and accretion
The hydrodynamic regime in the project area is simple due to the predominance of a single unidirectional current. The dominant configuration is depicted in the following figure (Figure 28). The current is created by the waves crashing over the western reef crest creating a setup creating a pressure gradient causing the water to flow across the reef flat by the channels towards the eastern side and the inside of the atoll.
Figure 28: The main current flows around the island
This also is the main factor influencing sediment movement. The rocks on the reef crest are being broken down under wave action, as well as that of bioeroders burrowing into the calcium carbonate framework, creating smaller particles. These are subsequently being transported to the more protected lee side reef. The exposed side of the islands is mostly consolidated rocks as discussed in section 5.2 above. This provides some stability to the island. On this side of the island, some of the sediment is piled up in a ridge through wave action. This is especially true during strong
46 wave events, enabling the ridge to build up, when it is mostly getting eroded under normal conditions. In protected areas such as reclaimed area 2, the very quiet conditions enable the silt in the water to settle, creating a muddier environment with finer particles. The corals growing in the channel area are also a source of sediment, and them being predominantly branching corals they somewhat retain the sand, increasing the seabed level. The seagrass present in the area also have the same effect, trapping sediment into their root zone and preventing it from being re-suspended under low flow conditions. Given these settings, it seems that the borrow area will be a sediment sink and will eventually be filled with the sediment from the crestat geological time scales.
5.4.5. Seawater quality
During the field survey, water samples have been taken at different locations in order to assess the water quality (Figure 29; Table 8: Geo-coordinates of the salt water sampling locations).
5.4.5.1. Survey plan
47 Figure 29: Location of the water samples
Table 8: Geo-coordinates of the salt water sampling locations Water sample Latitude Longitude A 0°27’03.50"N 72°59’59.56"E B 0°27’11.99 "N 72°59’56.40 "E D 0°27’18.65 "N 72°59’51.63 "E E 0°27’12.02"N 73°00’02.44"E F 0°27’ 02.46 "N 72°59’45.37 "E
5.4.5.2. Methodology
Five water samples have been taken during the field visit, as showed on the location map above. The samples were taken at one meter depth and stored in a cool environment before being sent to the laboratory. A request to analyze the following parameters has been made to the MWSC Laboratory: pH, salinity, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, sulphate, BOD and COD.
However, due to the unavailability of reagents, the BOD had not been tested (a letter from the Laboratory is available in annex).
48 5.4.5.3. Results
Results are given in the table below (Table 9) Table 9: Results of the seawater tests Optimal Sample Unit A B D E F Comments Range Date sampled NA 22/10/11 22/10/11 22/10/11 22/10/11 22/10/11
Temperature NA 29°C 29°C 29°C 29°C 29°C 18°C – 32°C Normal pH NA 8.20 8.18 8.19 8.23 8.22 8 - 8.3 Normal
Salinity %0 31.37 31.11 31.00 31.10 31.19 32 - 42 Little bit low
Turbidity NTU 0.176 0.201 0.176 0.170 0.210 3 – 5 Good
Phosphate mg/l 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.11 0.02 0.005 – 0.020 High – can cause eutrophication
Nitrate mg/l 0.6 0.9 3.2 1.2 0.6 < 5 Good
Ammonia mg/l 0.23 0.16 0.23 0.24 0.29 Max 2 – 3 Normal
Sulphate mg/l 2500 2750 2500 2250 2750 Around 2700 Normal
BOD Test not available in the laboratory
COD mg/l 320 336 335 294 330 < 20 High – possible presence of effluents
The parameters tested are normal for seawater, despite the high values of phosphate and COD, which may cause some eutrophication.
49 5.4.6. Ground water quality
Two samples were taken in the vicinity of the mosques in Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo to assess the salinity of the groundwater. It was observed that the salinity is low and remains acceptable for washing. Table 10: Results of the groundwater tests Sample Unit Hoandedhdhoo Madaveli Comments Date sampled NA 11/12/11 11/12/11
Temperature °C 24.8 25°C Laboratory conditions
pH NA 7.73 7.62 Normal
Salinity %0 0.25 0.22 Reasonably low
Conductivity µS/cm 461 407 In relation
5.5. Ecology
5.5.1. Environmentally sensitive areas
There are different types of habitats around the islands and in the channels between the two islands. None of these have been acquiring any specifically protected status, but the EPA identifies a number of environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) in the neighbourhood of the project site, the closest one of them being the HoandedhdhooKulhi. The map below shows where these are located (Figure 30).
50
Figure 30: Environmentally Sensitive Areas around the project site
Due to the distance separating the project site to most of these ESAs, the only one of concern is the HoandeddhdhooKulhi. The project will not directly affect the freshwater body, but the coastal ridge which is located on the northern part of the lake may hinder the flow of water on days of heavy rain. The islanders already use a simple channel and blocking system in order to empty the lake at time. This is shown on the following picture (Figure 31).
51
Figure 31: The drain of the lake and retention bags.
The retention bags prevent the water to flow into the wetland area during high tide and strong waves but are manually removed in case of heavy rains.
5.5.2. The habitats in the project area
The different channel arms are quite different by the composition of the sea bed and the overall the reclaimed area 1 is a shallow seagrass bed, with very little corals, ans so is also the channel between Haadhoo and Hoandedhdhoo. There is a number of fish in those sea grass beds, though less numerous and diverse than in the main channel separating the island of Madaveli and Haadhoo, which has both corals and sea grass (Figure 32).
52
Figure 32: numerous parrot fish juveniles in the channel between Madaveli and Haadhoo
Reclaimed area 2 is a very shallow mud flat, which may be a particular habitat for some species such as sting rays, even though none have been spotted. It is at present used for the disposal of garbage on its northern side (Figure 33). Different discarded items therefore are scattered in the area.
53
Figure 33: The shallow reef flat of reclaimed area 2, with the garbage dump on the far end
This area has a particular fauna and flora, close to what is usually present in mangroves, even though this type of speices was not seen, except for the mangrove associated pemphisacidula (kuredhi). Numerous species of crabs are also to be found such as the blue fiddler crab ( Ucatetragonon ) (Figure 34)
Figure 34: A fiddler crab Uca tetragonon
54 5.5.3. Vegetation survey
5.5.3.1. Survey plan
A vegetation survey was conducted on both Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo during a field trip to the islands from 8 th to 10 th December 2011. Vegetation survey was conducted at the following places:
- Shoreline of Madaveli starting from about the mid-point of the shoreline on the western side of the island all through to the shoreline on the eastern side of the island delineated in red (Fig 40, left) - Vegetation survey of area to be cleared on south of Madaveli, where the present main road would be extended to the starting point of the causeway. - Vegetation survey of Haadhoo delineated in red (Figure 35, right) - Vegetation of the northern tip of Hoandedhdhoo, area between end of causeway and existing main road, where potential link road would be constructed circled in red on following picture (Figure 35, right) - Shoreline of Hoandedhdhoo, at the location of proposed coastal ridge (Figure 35, right)
Figure 35: Aerial photos of GDh. Madaveli, Hoandedhdhoo and Haadhoo showing the areas where vegetation surveys were conducted in red colour
55 5.5.3.2. Methodology
Shorelines of both Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, were surveyed by visual assessment and identification of plants along the shoreline.
The northern tip of Hoandedhdhoo and the island of Haadhoo were surveyed using transects, where counts were made at 10 m intervals. Species observed at each of these intervals were identified and counted. Species were counted on 3 levels; level 1 - vegetation at eye level (bushes and shrubs), level 2 - vegetation at about 4 m height, level 3 – vegetation at heights greater than 4 m.
Two areas were surveyed on the northern tip of Hoandedhdhoo, one close to the beach and one further inland (Figure 36). However, due to the dense vegetation further inland it was not possible to do a proper transect in this area. Thus main species which were observed in the area were recorded at approximately equal intervals of distance.
Figure 36 : Close-up view of the two areas surveyed on the Northern part of GDh. Hoandedhdhoo. (T1 – Transect 1, red line). P1, P2, P3 indicates the 3 points when GPS location was taken during the survey of the 2 nd area further inland.
56 5.5.3.3. Survey Results
5.5.3.3.1. Madaveli shoreline
Vegetation survey along the shoreline of Madaveli revealed that the main species of vegetation along the coastline were those belonging to the Cocos spp. , Pandanus spp. , Scaevolataccada (Sea lettuce, Magoo), Thespesiapopulnea (Tulip tree, Hirun’dhu), Tournefortiaargentia (Tree Heliotrope, Boshi) and Pemphisacidula (Iron wood, Kuredhi). However it was observed that varying species of vegetation dominated different sections of the shoreline. (Figure 37) shows the vegetation along the various sections of the shoreline of Madaveli.
Figure 37: Various species of vegetation found along the shoreline of Madaveli
57 The project will not require any vegetation clearance for this component of the project, thus no impact is envisaged on the existing vegetation along this part of the shoreline of Madaveli.
5.5.3.3.2. Madaveli main road
Although the area between the Madaveli main road and the beach (on the southern side) is cleared of vegetation to some extent, further vegetation would need to be cleared to create a properly functional road, once the causeway is constructed. Vegetation survey along a transect from the beach to the start of the main road proper (south side of island) showed that the area had vegetation belonging to few species such as Cocos spp. , Pandanus spp. , Scaevola taccada (Sea lettuce, Magoo), Hibisucus tilaceus (Sea hibiscus, Dhiggaa) and Thespesia populnea (Tulip tree, Hirun’dhu). Abundance of these species along the transect and relative size of trees is shown in (Figure 36) below.
6 Hibiscus tilaceus Cocos spp. Scaevola taccada Thespesia populnea Pandanus spp. 5
4
3
2 No. ofNo.recorded trees 1
0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level
Distance from start of transect (m) Figure 38 : Main species of vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals along the transect made on south side of Madaveli from the beach on to the start point of the main road on that side of the island.
58 12
10 level 3 level 2 8 level 1
6
4 No. of treesof No.recorded 2
0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100110120130140150160 Distance from start of transect (m) Figure 39 : Total vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals for the three levels used during the survey. A summation of Figure 38 to show the total vegetation counted at each 10m interval along the transect shows that vegetation in the area were mainly composed of bushes and medium sized plants (Figure 39). Large sized mature plants found in the area were few. Hence it is envisaged that although vegetation clearance in the area would be required during the project, impact of this action would be minimal to medium.
5.5.3.3.3. Haadhoo
Vegetation survey on the proposed area to be cleared on Haadhoo for the road connecting the 1 st part of the causeway (Madaveli – Haadhoo) with the 2 nd part of the causeway (Haadhoo to Hoandedhdhoo) revealed major species of plants present on the island to be Cocos spp. , Scaevola taccada (Sea lettuce, Magoo), Pemphis acidula (Iron wood, Kuredhi), Guerttarda speciosa (Nit pitchas, Uni) and Calophyllum inophyllum (Alexander laural wood tree, Funa) though in few numbers. Figure 40 shows the species- wise results of the vegetation survey, while Figure 41 shows the total count of vegetation recorded for the 10 m intervals, along the transect which was laid from the beach on the northern side of the island, across to the beach on the southern side of the island.
59 14 Unknown spp. Funa Uni Ruh Kuredhi Magoo Hirundhu 12 10 8 6 4
No. ofNo.recorded trees 2 0 Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
10 m 20 m 30 m 40 m 50 m 60 m 70 m 80m 90 m Distance from start point of transect (m)
Figure 40 : Main species of vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals along the transect laid on Haadhoo, from the beach on the northern side of the island, across to the beach on the southern side of the island.
18 level 3 16 level 2 14 level 1 12
10
8
6 No. of trees No. recorded 4
2
0 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 70m 80m 90m Distance from start of transect (m) Figure 41: Total vegetation recorded at 10 m intervals for the three levels used during the survey. As seen from above figures, although few species of vegetation were observed to be present on the island, they were not abundant and mainly belonged to the lower levels of vegetations such as bushes and smaller trees. Thus vegetation impact envisaged for the road clearance required during the project is minimal for Haadhoo and is predicted to have minimal impacts.
60 5.5.3.3.4. Hoandedhdhoo
Two transects were tried on the northern tip of Hoandedhdhoo, where the link road will most likely be cleared, one close to the beach where an already cleared path exists and one further on land. The second was not possible to be completed due to dense vegetation.
Results of survey along transect 1 (at approximately 5 m from the beach) revealed main vegetation around the area to belong to species such as Scaevola taccada (Sea lettuce, Magoo), Pemphi sacidula (Iron wood, Kuredhi), Cocos spp. and Pandanus spp. (Figure 42).
12 Guerttarda speciosa Cocos spp. Scaevola taccada Thespesia populnea Pandanus spp. 10
8
6
4
No. of treesof No.recorded 2
0 Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Distance from start of transect(m) Figure 42: Main species of vegetation recorded at 30 m intervals along the 1 st transect laid on Hoandedhdhoo northern tip, close to the beach (area of vegetation clearance to make link road between causeway and existing main road). Although vegetation was recorded at 10 m intervals it is reported here for 30 m intervals for ease of representation. Results of the second survey which was done 30m inland from the 1 st survey (hence approximately 35 m from the beach), showed the area to have dense vegetation which was mainly composed of large individuals of Pandanus spp., Cocos spp., Scaevola taccada and Guerttarda speciosa . Approximate distance from the start to end of the survey (on main road) is 235m. If a road is to be cleared in this area, this would have high impacts on vegetation in the area as large number of large sized mature trees would have to be cut.
61 5.5.3.3.5. Hoandedhdhoo shore line
Vegetation survey along the shoreline of Hoandedhdhoo in the region where a coastal ridge will be built revealed that the main species of vegetation along the coastline were those belonging to the Cocos spp., Pandanus spp., Scaevola taccada (Sea lettuce, Magoo), Thespesia populnea (Tulip tree, Hirun’dhu), and Hibisucus tilaceus (Sea hibiscus, Dhiggaa). Vegetation along the shoreline was quite abundant and evenly distributed.
The project will not require any vegetation clearance for this component of the project, thus no impact is envisaged on the existing vegetation along this part of the shoreline of Hoandedhdhoo.
5.5.4. Benthic and fish community monitoring
5.5.4.1. Benthic monitoring
5.5.4.1.1. Survey plan
The benthic survey was carried out on 20 th and 21 st October 2011. The geo coordinates of the transects taken are given on the (Figure 43; Table 11). The survey covered three main areas, as shown in Figure 43: the North-west side outer reef, the East side inner reef and the main channel between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo.
Figure 43: Benthic transects location
62
Table 11: Geo-coordinates of the transects Area Transect Latitude Longitude Tr 1 0°27'40.82"N 72°59'34.91"E North West – outer reef Tr 2 0°27'46.68"N 72°59'36.37"E (Blue pins) Tr 3 0°27'51.25"N 72°59'38.22"E Tr 4 0°27'55.60"N 72°59'41.37"E Tr1 0°27'12.18"N 72°59'58.43"E Channel in between islands Tr2 0°27'11.71"N 73°00'00.78"E (Red pins) Tr3 0°27'14.91"N 73°00'02.85"E Tr4 0°27'12.94"N 73°00'05.01"E Tr1 0°26'59.52"N 73°00'37.92"E Tr2 0°27'03.43"N 73°00'35.24"E Tr3 0°27'07.25"N 73°00'33.28"E Tr4 0°27'11.73"N 73°00'32.39"E Tr5 0°27'15.07"N 73°00'30.43"E East – inner reef Tr6 0°27'17.51"N 73°00'27.50"E (Yellow pins) Tr7 0°27'20.36"N 73°00'25.47"E Tr8 0°27'23.69"N 73°00'23.19"E Tr9 0°27'27.44"N 73°00'21.64"E Tr10 0°27'30.86"N 73°00'20.10"E Tr11 0°27'34.19"N 73°00'19.12"E Tr12 0°27'37.21"N 73°00'17.98"E
5.5.4.1.2. Methodology
During the field survey, several line photographic transects have been done to determine percentage cover and obtain information on percentage cover of benthic communities e.g. hard coral, soft coral, sponges, algae, rock, dead coral. For each transect, 10 pictures were taken on a 20 meters long line (Figure 44). Each picture of the reefs was taken at 1 m from the bottom, and then covers a 0.4 square meter of seabed. For the transects in the channel, due to the shallow depth, each picture covers only 0.08 sqm (pictures taken at 20 cm from the bottom, due to shallow depths).
63
Figure 44: Example of a picture done for the photographic transect
Each picture is then analyzed using the CPCe 2 software, which provides a tool for the determination of coral cover using underwater images. 25 random points are distributed on the image, and coral species/substrate lying under these points are then identified by the marine expert who chooses the best ID code within the following list Table 12: Benthic categories used for the substrate analysis (Table 12) adapted from two common protocols worldwide at the two different levels, the GCRMN life form categories for the detailed level and Reef Check for the basic level.
2 Kohler, K.E. and S.M. Gill, 2006. Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe): A Visual Basic program for the determination of coral and substrate coverage using random point count methodology. Computers and Geosciences, Vol. 32, No. 9, pp. 1259-1269, DOI:10.1016/j.cageo.2005.11.009.
64
Table 12: Benthic categories used for the substrate analysis
Main categories Detailed categories Acropora Branching AcroporaDigitate AcroporaSubmassive Acropora Tabular Acropora encrusting Coral Branching CORAL Coral Foliose Coral Massive Coral Mushroom Coral Submassive Coral encrusting Heliopora Millepora Soft Coral SOFT CORAL Zoanthid Halimeda OTHERS Other Water Algal Assemblage NUTRIENT INDICATOR ALGAE Macraoalgae RECENTLY KILLED CORAL Dead Coral SPONGE Sponges Coralline Algae Dead coral with Algae ROCK Rock Turf Algae RUBBLE Rubble SAND Sand SILT Silt TAPE Tape
65 5.5.4.1.3. Results and discussion
The results from the survey are represented in the following graphs:
Figure 45 : Main composition of benthic substrate The reef areas, on North-west side as on East side, show a good living coral coverage (64% to 76%) (Figure 46). The dead corals and the sand (respectively 10% to 15% and 9.4% to 12.5%) are the following main components of the substrate on the eastern sites (Figure 47). Rubble (13.8%) and sand (12.2%) are the other main component on the North-west sites.
Figure 46: Overview of the North-west reef
Figure 47: Overview of the East reef
The benthic substrate is different in the channel, as the main component is sand (38%). Living corals represent only 30% of the area surveyed, followed by rubble (20.4%).
67 Here the presence of algae is more important (7.7% of the coverage) than on the reef areas (0% to 1.1%). It is important to notice that the transects cover mainly the centre part of the channel (Figure 48), as on both side (near the shores) seagrass is the main benthic organism present (Figure 49).
Figure 48: Overview of the centre of the channel
Figure 49: Presence of seagrass on the sides of the channel
The figure below presents the diversity of coral life forms identified (Figure 50). On the East transects, Acropora Branching is predominant (38.7% to 42.3%), followed by Acropora Tabular (4% to 21.4%) and Coral Massive (7.9% to 9.3%). The North-west side has a different coral coverage, with mainly Acropora Tabular (42.8%), followed by Coral
68 Massive (9.2%) and Acropora Branching (6.6%). In the channel, Acropora Branching are the most numerous (19.2%), followed by Coral Massive (5.1%). Coral Branching, Coral Submassive and Heliopora are also present.
Figure 50: Coral life forms identified in the benthic transects
5.5.4.2. Fish census
5.5.4.2.1. Survey plan
The fish census was carried out in the same areas as that covered during the benthic survey (Figure 43 and Table 11 ) where Site 1 is the site on the north west of Madaveli, Site 2 is the site on the eastern side of both islands, inside the atoll and Site 3 is the channel between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo (Figure 51 ). The count was carried out at 3 depths: the first count at 20m, the second at 10m and the third at 5m. Each dive lasted 45 minutes and observation time at each depth was 15 minutes.
Figure 51: Fish census survey sites
The fish watch was carried out in the GPS location given in Table 12. The count was carried out at 3 depths: the first count at 20m, the second at 10m and the third at 5m. The dive last 45 minutes and every observation time period last 15 minutes. The dives were carried out at the locations marked on the above figure (Figure 51).
5.5.4.2.2. Methodology
The fish census was done following the Fishwatch Maldives method. The procedure is the following:
70 − A Fishwatcher filled two of the four waterproof separate sheets (Figure 52), each with about 18 species, representing the four major categories of fish indicators. Thus, 2 fishwatchers are required to complete one fish count. − Each count consists of recording the fish seen during a 15-minute swim/dive. − The target is to do 3 x 15 minute counts during the dive.
After the dives, data were compiled and processed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Figure 52: Example of a fish count sheet to be filled during the fish count
5.5.4.2.3. Results and discussion
The results from the FishWatchsurvey are represented in the figures shown below (Figure 53).The reef areas, on sites 1 and 2, show a good representation of reef fish (55%- 45%) of the targeted families shown in Table 13. The dominant families in these areas wereGroupers (Serranidae, 26%-39%), Snappers (Lutjanidae, 35%-13%), Jacks (Carangidae, 17% on site 2 while none was observed from site 1) and Butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae, 14%-10%).Species counts of those observed at the three sites are shown in Table 13.
71 3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 4% 1% 6% 14% 7% 10% 6% 10% 13%
35% 17% 26% 39%
1% 2% Chaetodontidae Zanclidae Serranidae Haemulidae Chaetodontidae Monacanthidae Lutjanidae Lethrinidae Zanclidae Serranidae Acanthuridae Balistidae Haemulidae Carangidae Microdesmidae Pomacanthidae Lutjanidae Pomacanthidae Ostraciidae Pomacentridae Figure 53: Family composition of site 1 (left) and site 2 (right)
In contrast to sites 1 and 2 , the diversity of fish in site 3 was very low (15%), compared to the total number of targeted families (Figure 54 ). The main species observed in this site was of those belonging to thetriggerfish family (52%) and b utterflyfish family (43%). Overall at this site, most of the individuals observed were juveniles, including those of species that are not targeted in FishWatch.
43% 52%
4%
Chaetodontidae Serranidae Balistidae
Figure 54: Family composition in Site-3
In addition to count of individuals seen, size estimates of groupers were also made during the survey. Overall, large individuals of variou s grouper species were observed in sites 1 and 2. This result is of significance mainly due to the heavy exploitation of grouper species all throughout Maldives in the export market oriented grouper fishery. Hence it is no longer common for high numbers of large sized individuals of key grouper species to be observed in one area at times other than their spawning periods. A second key observation was that of large numbers of Masked groupers ( Gracila albomarginata ) on the dives at sites 1 and 2. This species is rarely seen on shallow dives and more than two individuals per dive are rarely observed. Additionally, they are rarely observed in the catch composition brought to the grouper cages by fishermen.
One point to take note of here is that since FishWatch targets certain species and families, counts reported here are for those species only (Table 13 ). Hence there were other species which were observed in the area but are not included in the family/species counts, which may mislead in thinking that certain families were less abundant than in reality. Table 13: Species targeted in the FishWatch protocols and numbers seen during the survey Scientific Name Common name Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Chaetodonauriga Threadfin butterflyfish 9 8 9 Chaetodonfalcula Saddleback butterflyfish 1 5 Chaetodonxanthocephalus Yellowheadbutterflyfish 2 Chaetodonmeyeri Meyer's butterflyfish 13 10 1 Zancluscornutus Moorish idol 19 14 Aethalopercarogaa Red-mouth grouper 19 Anyperodonleucogrammicus Slender grouper 1 12 Cephalopholisargus Peacock rock cod 18 21 1 Cephalopholisminiata Vermillion rock cod 24 Cephalopholissexmaculata Six-spot rock cod 1 Epinepheluscaeruleopunctatus Whitespotted grouper 3 1 Epinepheluspolyphekadion Snout-spots grouper 1 Plectropomuspessuliferus Roving coral grouper 6 Plectropomuslaevis Black-saddle coral grouper 6 Variolalouti Moon tail grouper 3 Other groupers 30cm+ 11 9 Plectorhinchusvittatus Oriental sweetlips adult 4 3 Caranxmelampygus Blue -fin trevally 39 Macolormacularis Midnight snapper 7 3 Macolorniger Black snapper 5 Lutjanusgibbus Humpback snapper 55 8 Lutjanusbohar Red snapper 2 13 Lethrinuserythracanthus Orangefin emperor 2 Zebrasomadesjardinii Sailfin surgeonfish 2 Amphiprionnigripes Maldives anemonefish 3 Balistoidesconspicillum Clown triggerfish 5 Rhinecanthusaculeatus Picasso triggerfish 12 Nemateleotrismagnifica Red firegoby 2 Pygoplitesdiacanthus Regal angelfish 9 15 Ostracionmeleagris Spotted boxfish female 1 Pomacanthusxanthometopon Bluefaced angelfish adult 1 Pomacanthus imperator Emperor angelfish adult 1 1 Oxymonacanthuslongirostris Longnose filefish 10
73 5.5.5. Landscape integrity
The landscape will be impacted due to the reclamation works as some islands will be joined altering irreversibly the landscape. Views such as the ones in the following pictures will be lost (Figure 55; Figure 56).
Figure 55: Views at low tide over the mud flat of Madaveli
Figure 56: The island of Kudehulhadhoo, which will be linked trough reclamation and the bay of Hoandedhdhoo along which a coastal ridge will be implemented.
The causeway is also somewhat higher than the previous levels around this area and the water retention due to constrains in the flow will also change the overall feel of the area. Despite these changes, it is expected that the works will benefit the vegetation overall as the new reclaimed land will eventually be connected by plants.
5.6. Socio-economic environment Madaveli and Hoandedhdhooare located in the South of Maldives on the western boundary reef of South Huvadhoo or GaafuDhaalu (GDh) Atoll. The population of GDh atoll as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs is 19,270 (Ministry of Home Affairs website
74 accessed December 2011). While fisheries and farming are dominant income earning activities in the atoll, the Census 2006 reports majority of the population in the atoll as being employed in various manufacturing industries (Census 2006, Department of National Planning). Other income earning activities include employment in the fields of education, health, public administration, construction and trade amongst others.
5.6.1. GDh. Madaveli
5.6.1.1. Demography
GDh. Madaveli has a total population of 1763, which is composed of 920 males and 843 females. Sex ratio of males to females in the population is 1:0.92. Although almost all inhabitable land area of the island is settled, population density is quite low with 0.0095 people living per m 2 of land. Average growth rate for the island over the past 10 years has been 2.23% (Madaveli Council information sheet, 2011).
5.6.1.2. Employment and economic activities
In terms of employment, Madaveli is mainly a fishing community with majority of the community being involved in this industry. Other forms of employment are within the fish processing activities, government/civil service positions, farming, employment in the resorts within and outside the atoll, and at Kaadehdhoo airport as well as in the construction industry. A minor part of the population also makes their income through businesses such as café’s and shop. Figure 57 shows the percentage of people employed in various industries as reported by the Madaveli Council. While fishing is the main source of income for majority of the population, this activity is at times affected due to the monsoons and fishing and farming are not possible during the rough weather of the southwest monsoon.
75 50 45 40 35 30 25 20
Percentage 15 10 5 0 Fishermen Fish processing Govt/Civil Service Resort employees Farming activities
Figure 57: Distribution of employment amongst the working population of Madaveli
5.6.1.3. Land use planning and zoning of activities at sea
While Madaveli does not have a finalized land use plan, land is distributed for various activities such as vessel maintenance, sports and recreation and waste disposal site. Although the island does not have a waste disposal facility, the Council has now informed all residents that waste should only be disposed of at the northern side of the island.
5.6.1.4. Natural resource utilisation and impact on natural resources due to population increase
Farming on land and fishing within the island reef and lagoon and the open ocean are the main two ways of natural resource utilization on the island. The island has experienced severe erosion over the years due to the removal of vegetation on the shoreline, which provides a natural defence against erosion. Several areas of the island are flooded and uninhabitable, and certain areas experience severe flooding during storms.
The increasing population is in need of habitable land space as the existing land is not enough to sustain the population at the current rate of increase. Furthermore, the population increase has also had its effects on the groundwater resource of the island, the extensive use of this resource making it saline.
5.6.1.5. Accessibility and transport to nearby islands
There are two ferry systems which operate to nearby islands, one of which is operated by the government. Travel to nearby islands can also be done by hiring dinghies, row boats or
76 speed launches. The nearest island of Hoandedhdhoo can be visited by crossing the shallow area in between both islands, on foot. During low tide the area is shallow enough for islanders to wade across from one island to another.
5.6.1.6. Quality of services and accessibility
5.6.1.6.1. Water supply Rain water is the main source of drinking water. Every house is equipped with fibre glass tanks of 2500 litres and 5000 litres for collecting rain water. High levels of ground water extraction has made it saline and thus there is a need for fresh water on the island.
5.6.1.6.2. Solid waste and waste water disposal The island does not have a waste management centre. A site on the northern side, which was appointed by the Council is used for waste disposal and is at times a cause of discomfort for the community. The lack of a proper waste disposal system makes it difficult to properly manage waste and non-biodegradable waste is piled on the island without access to final disposal. The island does not have a sewerage network. Residents of each house sink their water into a junction within their own 2000 sqft of land (which is the allocated plot for each house).
5.6.1.6.3. Electricity Electricity is available to all residents 24 hours a day.
5.6.1.6.4. Health The island has a Health Centre, which employs 01 doctor and 03 nurses. With the recent developments, all Maldivians now have health insurance covered under the government program of Aasandha.
5.6.1.6.5. Education The government run Madaveli School provides education from grades 1 to 10, while two preschools are functional in providing education to the younger children.
5.6.1.6.6. Community needs With the increasing population,the community is in need of land space. Land is also required for various other activities such as oil storage space for easier availability of oil, and a set up
77 of a proper fish processing facility. Other needs include better social security from the increasing crime rate due to high drug usage on the island and neighbouring islands as well as a better education and health system.
5.6.1.6.7. Sites with historical, cultural interests or sacred places While there are no sites with historical or cultural interests, the island has 2 mosques and a cemetery.
5.6.2. GDh. Hoandedhdhoo
5.6.2.1. Demography
GDh. Hoandedhdhoo has a total population of 1197, which is composed of 647 males and 550 females. Sex ratio of males to females in the population is 1:0.85. The area that is inhabited by the residents of the island is considerably small in comparison to the total area available. Some areas of the island are uninhabitable due to flooding which is experienced in these areas during heavy rains. Average growth rate for the island is 4.06 (Hoandedhdhoo Council information sheet, 2011).
5.6.2.2. Employment and economic activities
The main source of income for the community of Hoandedhdhoo is from farming. Additional sources of income include employment in government offices and companies, civil service, resorts and private companies. Information was unavailable on estimates of percentages of people involved in the various fields of employment. Given that farming is the main source of income, this activity is quite seasonal since severe flooding during the southwest monsoons affects the land available for farming.
5.6.2.3. Land use planning and zoning of activities at sea
Hoandedhdhoo has recently developed a land use plan, though it has not yet been finalized. The plan demarcates areas of land for residential, institutional and community, utility and municipal, recreational, commercial as well as industrial use. The plan also considers areas that should be left as green areas, and areas that should be preserved for future use. While the area on the north-western side of the island, which experiences flooding was previously not inhabited, the new land use plan allocates plots in these areas
78 for various purposes. There is no zonation of activities at sea and all Maldivians have open access to the resources.
5.6.2.4. Natural resource utilisation and impact on natural resources due to population increase
While ground water resource was previously used for all purposes, the impact of high usage of this resource is now being felt on this freshwater resource. With the increasing salinity and odour of this resource it is no longer usable as a source of drinking water or for cooking purposes.
5.6.2.5. Accessibility and transport to nearby islands
Nearby islands can be visited using the existing ferry systems operated by the government and a private party or by hiring dhoni’s or speed launches.
5.6.2.6. Quality of services and accessibility
5.6.2.6.1. Water supply Rain water is the main source of drinking water on Hoandedhdhoo. Every house is equipped with its own water tank for collecting rain water. Rain water is also available from tanks installed by the government which are open for community use.
5.6.2.6.2. Solid waste and waste water disposal Waste is not managed appropriately on the island as the island does not have a waste management centre or a designated site for waste disposal. Thus solid waste is disposed of in various locations of the island and non-biodegradable waste is accumulated on the island over time without access to final disposal facilities.
5.6.2.6.3. Electricity Electricity is available to all residents 24 hours a day and is supplied by the Upper Southern Utilities Cooperation.
5.6.2.6.4. Health The island has a Health Centre, which employs 01 doctor and 03 nurses. However unavailability of all required medications from Hoandedhdhoo makes treatments difficult.
79 Hence consultations and treatment has to be either sought at GDh. Thinadhoo or medicines have to be obtained from Thinadhoo. In case of an emergency, a speed launch has to be hired for transfer of the patient to GDh. Thinadhoo, the main urban hub of the atoll.
5.6.2.6.5. Education The government run Hoandedhdhoo School provides education from grades 1 to 10. However students can only study the Commerce stream in higher education due to the lack of a library, laboratory and a computer facilities in the school.
5.6.2.6.6. Community needs The community is in need of several services and improvements to currently existing services such as education, health etc. Details of community needs as specified by the Hoandedhdhoo council are as follows: Education: Improving the education system through the availability of computer, laboratory and library facilities, so that students are also able to study within the different streams other than only the commerce stream for higher studies. Health: Availability of medicines and a readily accessible pharmacy at the health centre. Youth: Job availability for youth in the community and an establishment of a Youth Centre. Farming industry: Better services and easily available water resources which can be used for farming area of the island. Easier access to all necessary equipment and other materials used for farming. Harbour: Renovation of the quay wall of the harbour which is currently severely damaged. Electricity: Availability of electricity at cheaper prices than current prices. Water and sewerage system: Set up of a proper sewerage network system. Security: Better security for the community through the establishment of a Police outpost on the island to eliminate various criminal activities from the island.
5.6.2.6.7. Sites with historical, cultural interests or sacred places While there are no sites with cultural interest, the old Friday Mosque (Hirigaa Mosque) is of historical value.
80 5.7. Hazard vulnerability
5.7.1. Known historic hazard events in Madaveli
Most of the hazards events (6 events on 8) occur during the SW monsoon (in May, June and July) (Table 14). These events are mainly tidal waves or strong winds and rain (plus the earthquake of 15th July 2003). Two events have been recorded during the NE monsoon: a strong storm in February 2002 and a heavy rain in December 2007. Table 14: Recorded natural disasters in Madaveli since 1998 Date Event Consequences 11 th May 1998 tidal wave from Southwest & North 13 th May 1998 strong wind & rain 17 th February 2002, big storm with thunders & lost the communication on the late afternoon lightening island 15 th July 2003 earthquake 18 th July 2003 strong wind & rain 15 th May 2007 to tidal waves affected big area on the island 17 th May 2007 13 th June 2007 stormy & unusual strong wind serious damages 06 th December 2007 heavy rain some flood on the island Note: No records of natural disasters are kept before 1998.
5.7.2. Water flows and culvert design
In such a case of open channels with an unidirectional flow, Manningsformula is usually used to relate current speed and slope of the water given the seabed conditions and geometry.
Q = A/n * R2/3 * S1/2
• Q = Discharge • A = Cross-sectional Area of Flow • n = Coefficient of Roughness • R = Hydraulic Radius • S = Slope of water surface
A simple routine was entered on excel to investigate the relation between culvert geometry, flow rate and slope, in our case, the height difference between either side of the culvert (Table 15)
81
Table 15: Relation between water flow, culverts parameter and expected level differences
Q (cbm/sec) h (m) b (m) A (sqm) P (m) = 2h+b R (m) V (m/s) S (m) Dh (m) Dh (cm)
50 1.5 24 36 27 1.333 1.389 0.000 0.002 2.0630633 100 1.5 24 36 27 1.333 2.778 0.001 0.008 8.2522531 150 1.5 24 36 27 1.333 4.167 0.002 0.019 18.5675694 200 2 24 48 28 1.714 4.167 0.002 0.013 13.2920789 250 2 24 48 28 1.714 5.208 0.003 0.021 20.7688733 275 2 24 48 28 1.714 5.729 0.003 0.025 25.1303367
The design should therefore add a level of about 20 cm to its upstream part compared to its downstream part. This has to be related to the height of the coastal ridge in Hoandhdhdhoo in particular. This is the lowest area, and the specified height for the causeway is much higher than that of the island. It is clear that at this site, coastal ridge is absent (Figure 58; Figure 59) and that an increase of the sea level of 20 cm will increase the risks of flooding.
Figure 58: The path inland of the northern coastline of Hoandedhdhoo exhibiting crab holes
82 Figure 59: The low lying part of the island on the northern shore of Hoandeddhdhoo
It is therefore advised that the coastal ridge is extended to the causeway in order to prevent flooding of this part of the island.
5.7.3. Draining of the Hoandedhdhookuli
In addition to this, the coastal ridge on the western side of the bay where it is planned at present could obstruct the flow of water from the Hoandedhdhookuli as has been described previously (See sensitive areas) If the coastal ridge is maintained as design at present, care has to be taken to at least not hinder this system. It is advised that a proper system providing a long term solution is implemented.
83 6. Assessment of the significant impacts and mitigations measures
6.1. Impacts on the socioeconomic environment Impacts on the socioeconomic environment due to the proposed project were identified through the field survey and through consultations with stakeholders of both islands. While majority of impacts identified through the project are positive impacts, the project also has a few potential negative impacts such as decreased availability of usable groundwater resource while demand for these resources would increase with increase in population numbers, social destabilization of the community due to potential increased crime rates etc. Table 16 identifies the potential impacts due to the project, both during the construction and operation stages, the rating of the impact and also provides mitigation measures for those impacts which may be detrimental to the society.
Table 16: Potential impacts on the socioeconomic environment arising from the project, impact rating and mitigation measures for the negative impacts Mitigation Component Impact Rating measures Employment and Increased job opportunities and + income diversity in available employment Ground water Ground water resource of both Provision of usage availability islands are already saline to some freshwater extent and increased usage of this resources through resource during construction - the utilities works and due to reclamation company would make the resource unsuitable for use Sea level rise and Better protection from such storm surges events due to the construction of the coastal ridge in + Hoandedhdhoo as well as revetment structure around reclaimed land area in Madaveli Size and Protection of the north western allocation of side of Hoandedhdhoo which plots currently experiences flooding and reclamation of land on south side + of Madaveli would allow allocation of plots to both communities for various uses such as farming,
84 residential and industrial purposes Impacts on food Linking of both islands via the and nutrition causeway would allow residents of security both islands to get better access to the products from the other island such as fish and vegetables. Furthermore easier travel also ++ means that residents have higher security once it comes to availability of food supplies even if supplies might not be available on own island at times. Social services Social services such as health and such as Health education are foreseen to improve and Education with the added support from the government, as it would then be ++ easier to invest a larger amount towards such facilities due to shared resources. Natural resource Increased demand on resources Strategic planning in and services and services such as waste and a timely manner usage sewage disposal due to increased accounting for the population might eventuate in lack increase in of availability of such resources population and and services which do not function provision of such to its maximum potential. - services to an increased population so that negative effects of the increase in numbers is not experienced. Trade and Business and trade is foreseen to business improve due to the project, due to easier access and bigger market. Larger population means that the communities would be able to tap + into other markets such as establishment of agency offices of companies such as Maldivian, Dhiraagu, Wataniyaetc as well as a Police outpost.
85 Impact equity Joint population would result in enhanced coordination and cooperation between the communities due to better relationships that would be + forged. As a result it is predicted that effects of all positive impacts would be felt by both communities. Social It is felt by both communities that Increased security destabilization of the issue of increased drug usage for the community the island and increased crime rate would be and better community an issue with the easier travel collaboration between the islands. between the two _ _ communities to remove these negative activities from the community. Monitoring of This would be positively impacted socioeconomic once again due to better and demographic relationships established between + development the communities at all levels including the administrative level.
As seen from Table 13 above, while the project has a few negative impacts on the socioeconomic environment, these can be moderated or diminished by implementing proposed mitigation measures. The positive impacts on the socioeconomic environment due to this project are far greater and diverse than the negative impacts.
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6.2. Impacts on the natural environment.
6.2.1. Methodology
6.2.2. Impact Identification Methodology
Impacts on the environment are divided into two main categories: impacts during construction and impacts during operations. These are linked to the utilization of the facility or irreversible change in the environmental configuration.
6.2.2.1. Impacts during construction
The impact prediction methodology for constructional impacts starts with the identification of the potential impacted area from the development. There is, in this category a difference made between direct physical damage and indirect impacts, which could come from turbidity plumes for example. Therefore, the extent of the damage area very often follows natural features, such as shoreline and streamline of hydrodynamic patterns.
Once the location is defined, the activities taking place at the site are listed and their impacts on the environment are identified. The impacts are predicted using the following:
• The results of field surveys, along with consultations with project manager and engineers • Impact prediction is also based on experience from similar projects carried out previously
Finally, the magnitude of the impact is inferred based on the conditions at the site and experience from previous projects.
6.2.2.2. Impacts during operation
For the operational impacts, the process starts with the identification of the factors, which potentially differ from the existing conditions before the operation of the facility. The impacts are mostly linked to the coastal modifications of the island related to the protection structures implemented or utilization of the facility
87 6.2.2.3. Impacts ratings
The results from the survey presenting the natural environment in the considered area are used to assess how the changing conditions will affect the existing environment. The significance of the impacts were predicted based on the experience gathered over years of observations, the magnitude and the duration of the exposure to changing condition as well as the long lasting changes caused to the natural processes. The negative impacts on the environment have been considered in the worst-case scenario in order to emphasize the need for mitigation and try to minimize the impacts. The importance of each impact was rated along a scale from very negative (---) to very positive (+++). When the impact is not very significant, it is stated as negligible.
6.2.2.4. Limitations in impact prediction
Even though a thorough brainstorming takes place when assessing the impacts, there is always a possibility for some of the impacts to have been disregarded, either that they have not been noticed in the past or that the effects and causes have not been related. Therefore there is an intrinsic limitation due to the limitation of our knowledge itself.
The lack of previous studies or careful monitoring creates a lack of information as to the extent and magnitude of the impacts encountered in other similar cases. Therefore, in many cases it is difficult to ascertain the significance of impacts, which remains subjective to the field experience of the consultant and observations of the proponent.
There is often a discrepancy between the understanding of the consultant and the operation carried on site by the proponent. Even though the environmental follow up of the project is supposed to reduce these discrepancies, it is clear that there is an inherent risk of misunderstanding.
Furthermore, there is always a possibility that uncertainties about related decisions such as planning, negotiation, coordination, etc. affect the accuracy of prediction in EIA process.
88 6.2.3. Impacts during construction
6.2.3.1. Impact from machinery
The transport of material and dredging activities will require the use of different machinery (bulldozers, excavators, etc). These will usually emit a fair amount of black
smoke and green house gases such as CO 2 which will disturb the natural environment and associated flora and fauna. The impacts will be limited as the works will be carried in open air areas. Moreover, in order to minimise the emission of pollutants, the engines should be maintained in good working conditions and all machinery will be subjected to regular inspection and maintenance programs.
The noise pollution from the machinery may disturb the houses located closest to the working areas, as well as the wildlife and birds in particular. However,
− the dredging areas will not generate increased disturbances as the harbour area is already a noisy place and the lagoon area is located far from any houses; − the South-West reclaimed area is separated from the houses by a wooded area; − the South reclaimed area is located near houses, but the power plant is also located nearby and already generates noise disturbances; − the causeway as well as the coastal ridge, are located far from existing houses.
Machinery also emits green house gases that increase the global world emission, which contributes to the increase in the global warming effect. The overall amount produced by theses works is very limited compared to the general fuel consumption in the world.
Moreover, the use of machinery carries pollution risks, like accidental oil spillage. Frequent controls will be done to prevent and avoid such spillages.
The movement of the machinery around the island and in particular during the construction of the causeway will negatively affect the sea bed in the work area. It is planned that the machinery should move either on the already built causeway or on the footprint where the causeway will be built in order to limit the unavoidable breakage of corals and associated loss of habitat.
89 6.2.3.2. Impact from dredging
Dredging activities will increase the turbidity in the working areas and lead to sedimentation and suspension issues.
During the dredging, the top layers of the seabed will be disturbed. These layers are colonized by an array of living organisms such as worms, shells and echinoderms etc. that will be exposed and suspended into the water column when an excavator and a sand pump operate. Most of these will be eaten by the fish, in particular wrasses, which are not hindered by the turbid conditions. On the other hand some fish, such as gobies, will lose their habitat and could fall prey to other fish when they move away in search of a new habitat. The concerned species usually have very short life cycles, and colonization of the area after the end of the disturbance will be rapid.
Silt and fines materials put in suspension during the works will sediment on the surrounding seabed. Impacts of excessive sedimentation on coral reefs can be low (temporary growth slowdown) to severe (death of some corals species), depending on the intensity and the duration of the disturbance.
The first proposed borrowing location is Madaveli harbour, which is partially filled with sediment and sand, and where the negative impact of dredging will be limited as boats movements in the harbour area already frequently put the sediments in suspension.
The second proposed location, at the east side of the channel between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, will be more impacted by the seabed disturbance. However, the powerful hydrodynamic regime observed in the area, and especially in the channel, is expected to reduce the impacts of sedimentation, since the currents will help in the dispersal of the suspended materials in the ocean. Impacts would be noticed on the reef assessed in site 2 (Figure 51), which exhibit a good coral. These corals are already used to the lee side reef more turbid conditions. They will most likely survive the episode as sedimentation is unlikely owing to the hydraulic regime mentioned above.
90 6.2.3.3. Solid and construction wastes management
During the work period, it is clear that some wastes will be generated, be it packing material for the elcobags, form work for the casting of concrete, goani and jumbo bags from construction material such as sand or gravel. When this aspect is not properly managed, the scattering of these wastes into the environment is an eye sore and can also harm some wildlife. The waste management in Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo is less than acceptable with a lot of rubbish strewn all over the island. This may be due to the fact that the only waste disposal area in the country is located days of boat away. The shipping of waste on a regular basis is unlikely, and it seems advisable to use the opportunity offered by the reclamation work to bury the waste that can be found on the island in a pit which can be dug in the reclamation area. Given that most of the wastes generated during the works and on the island is stable this should not cause any long term problems. Waste sump oil will have to be collected in drums and kept until it can be shipped to Thilafushi, together with other hazardous wastes such as batteries.
6.2.4. Impacts during operation
6.2.4.1. Impact of the land reclamation
The long term consequences of the reclamation part of the project are discussed in different paragraphs below, together with a description of the impacts resulting from these changes.
6.2.4.1.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime
Reclaimed areas modify permanently the hydrodynamic regime by forcing the water flow in using new ways. While the two areas will be filled, the water will flow directly and in full through the channel main channel. It has to be noted that the consideration on flow velocities were based on the areas downstream where the channel on either side of Kudehulhadhoo have already joined and therefore the calculations will not be affected by this new configuration.
6.2.4.1.2. The loss of marine habitats
91 The land reclamation will result in a permanent loss of marine habitats. However, the reclaimed areas are very shallow lagoon areas (maximum depth: 60 cm from MSL) and do not shelter large coral colonies. Reclaimed area 1 is a sea grass bed, which shelters not such a abundant fish population, but also sea urchins and other invertebrate. Reclaimed area 2 is a shallow mud flat. This has a number of invertebrate life forms and is often frequented by different bird species.
6.2.4.1.3. The increase of protected land area
The reclaimed area will provide new land plots to the Madaveli community. Due to the elevation of the reclaimed areas (+1.2 m from MSL) and the higher ridge and revetments, the land will be protected against the main sea level increases. This will protect the area which was inundated in 2007.
In addition, the reclaimed land will after a few month increase the groundwater resources of the island. This will probably benefit the populationas well as the vegetation.
6.2.4.2. Impact of the causeway
The long term consequences of the causeway part of the project are dicussed in the paragraphs below, together with a description of the impacts resulting from these changes.
6.2.4.2.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime
The causeway will create an obstacle to the natural water flow. Culverts are expected to be sufficient enough to allow the flow to go through the causeway without negative impact. Nevertheless, when sea water rises to high levels, the flow restriction due to the causeway will create a level difference between the western side and the eastern side of the causeway. It is estimated (Table 15) that with a flow of 250 m 3/h the difference on either side would be around 20 cm. The causeway elevation (+1.6 m above MSL) will protect the causeway from flooding but may cause some flooding in the lowest surrounding areas, in particular the northern part of Hoandedhdhoo.
It is inevitable that higher levels of water on the western part of the reef flat create an increased risk of flooding on the islands. Therefore the coastal ridge is important to
92 mitigate this effect. Loose sediment is likely to wash away in the area and therefore should not be the preferred method if a long lasting solution is envisaged.
Figure 60: In Hoandedhdhoo the population is using construction wastes to consolidate the ridge
It is advised to create a line of geo-tubes at the top of the beach to retain the material imported to the area.
It also seems judicious to extend the protection of the ridge until the causeway to prevent flooding in the low lying land on the northern side of Hoandedhdhoo, as this is the most likely to be impacted by floods.
6.2.4.2.2. The creation of a connection between the 2 islands
The causeway will connect the islands of Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo, allowing easy crossing of the channel. Instead of renting a boat or walking across in the water, people from both islands will have easy access to their neighbour island. It is expected that people from Madaveli could buy the vegetables that people from Hoandedhdhoo
93 grow, while the Hoandedhdhoo community will access to cheaper fishes from the Madaveli fishermen.
Public services (schools, hospitals, etc.) could also be more easily ‘shared’, resulting in a higher level of the services proposed to the population of both islands.
6.2.4.2.3. The increase of traffic
The causeway will inevitably increase the traffic on the 2 islands. It will mainly be motorized traffic, as the road distance between Madaveli harbour and Hoandedhdhoo harbour would be about 2.8 km. This traffic increase will increase the air pollution at a small scale, as only few motorbikes and small pick-up trucks are usedon the islands, and this is again saved on fuel used by the boat traffic.
6.2.4.2.4. Influence on marine life
People walk across the channel between the two island quite frequently. This involves some trampling of the corals and disturbance to the sea bed. It is expected that these disturbances will be limited and that the area will therefore be more stable for coral growth in the long run. The design of the culvert, with a deeper area will create a somewhat different habitat which may benefit the marine diversity and abundance. It is expected that the area will be rapidly colonised by the branching species present creating the complexity to shelter more fishes.
6.2.4.3. Impact of the coastal ridge
The long term consequences of the coastal ridge part of the project are dicussed in the paragraphs below, together with a description of the impacts resulting from these changes.
6.2.4.3.1. The modification of the hydrodynamic regime
Except in the case of flooding from the kulhi, the coastal ridge will not affect the hydrodynamic regime drastically. This can be remediated by installing a proper sluice gateand culvert or providing a space between two geotubes.
94 6.2.4.3.2. The protection of the low land areas against flooding
As mentioned above, the coastal ridge will provide protection against waves and sea level rise. The land located behind the ridge should experience less flooding events and should be a safer place than it is now.
6.2.4.3.3. Aesthetic aspect
If the loose sediment option is adopted, it is likely that what will be left after a few years is a line of loose rocks creating an uncomfortable beach face and finally providing little added protection.
The presence of the line of geo tubes may be an eye sore for a few years, but it is expected that it will blend in after a few years (Figure 61).
Figure 61: Elco-rock blending with vegetation abroad
95 Table 17: Summary table of impacts and ratings and the mitigation measures proposed for negative impacts
Activity Works Site of Impact Component Impacts Rating Mitigation measures Final rating Proper maintenance of the Smell and noise disturbance - - - machinery can reduce these impacts
Oil spillage risks - Frequent controls Negligible Use of All working All working sites Construction machinery sites The machinery movement is Physical damage to sea bed -- organized on the causeway - footprint as much as possible
Green house gas emission - -
Good flushing of the current in the Land Rise in turbidity and sedimentation in an Dredging South Madaveli Construction - - area will enable a larger dilution -- Reclamation area close to a healthy coral reef and dispersion of the sediments
South Madaveli Operation Modification of hydrodynamic regime - -
South Madaveli Operation Loss of marine habitats - - - -
Filling Increase the surface of protected land Land South Madaveli Operation + + + + reclaimed area reclamation areas A pit can be excavated in the main reclaimed area and be used as a Production of solid and construction Madaveli Operation -- solid waste burial ground. This ++ wastes could be used for the garbage already present around the island
Modification of hydrodynamic regime Adequate designs and large Channel Operation - - - And possibility of increased flooding assumptions Building a Causeway Increase trade between the 2 islands and causeway Madaveli and Operation improve the level of public services ++ ++ Hoandedhdhoo available by sharing the facilities
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Activity Works Site of Impact Component Impacts Rating Mitigation measures Final rating Diversification of the habitats in the Channels Operation + + culvert area Madaveli and Operation Traffic increase - - Hoandedhdhoo West Install gates or provide gap in Operation Obstruct flood drainage of kulhi - - - Hoandedhdhoo structure The low lying part of the island is not The ridge is extended until it meets Build a North Operation protected and is subject to more frequent --- the causeway offering extended ++ coastal Coastal Ridge Hoandedhdhoo ridge flooding protection West Coastal protection increased Operation ++ ++ Hoandedhdhoo Protection of low lands against flood
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7. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES
7.1. No –Project option
The following table sums up the impacts of the ‘No-Project’ option (Table 18). Table 18: Potential impacts from the ‘No-Project’ option: Activity Advantages Disadvantages People from Madaveli or Handedhdhoo still have to rent a boat or cross through the water to reach the No modification of the other island No causeway built hydrodynamic regime between Madaveli and No possibility to benefit from the other island local Hoandedhdhoo No increase of the motorized economy (vegetables for Hoandedhdhoo and fishes traffic on the islands fro Madaveli) or from public services Negative socio-economic impact
No modification of the Continued problem with the housing in Madaveli, No reclamation in hydrodynamic regime and plots given in very low lying areas Madaveli No impact on the seabed Negative socio-economic impact
The low land on the west side of Hoandedhdhoo will continue to be subject to floods when high or Coastal ridge in No modification of the strong waves occur or when the sea level rises. Hoandedhdhoo hydrodynamic regime These lands are not appropriate for settlement. Negative socio-economic impact
7.2. Alternative design for coastal ridge
The coastal ridge is changed to a more durable method with sand filled containers, such as the one depicted in the following figure (Figure 62).
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Figure 62: Sand filled containers to replace the loose sediment ridge
The ridge should also be continued all the way until it meets the causeway. If both these changes are brought about, the solution is long lasting and the protection is extended to the whole of Hoandedhdhoo. The mistake of increasing the risk and intensity of flooding in the northern part of Hoandedhdhoo is avoided.
7.3. Alternative site plan
In this alternative, the course of the causeway is changed. Rather than to have a link between Haadhoo and Hoandedhdhoo directly, it is proposed to make two smaller sections and link the island of Haadhoo to that of Kanigilla, then Kanigilla to Hoandedhdhoo. A sketch, depicting the position of the causeways is shown in the following figure (Figure 63).
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Figure 63: Another path for the causeway linking Hoadedhdhoo to Madaveli
The main advantages of this design is that it provide better protection to the northern part of Hoadedhdhoo without building the coastal ridge any further. Indeed, this low part of the island would be on the downstream part of the culvert and would not be affected by the rise in sea water level occasioned by the structure. In addition, this would enable to link another 7 ha of land without any extra costs.
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8. MONITORING PROGRAM
Monitoring is the systematic collection of information over a long period of time. It involves the measuring and recording of environmental, social and economic variables associated with the development impacts. Monitoring is needed to: • Compare predicted and actual impacts • Test the efficiency of mitigation measures • Obtain information about responses of receptors to impacts • Enforce conditions and standards associated with approvals • Prevent environmental problems resulting from inaccurate predictions • Minimize errors in future assessments and impact predictions • Make future assessments more efficient • Provide ongoing management information • Improve EIA and monitoring process
The before-impact data collection at Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo was carried out during baseline surveys in October 2011. Baseline survey is carried out to quantify ranges of natural variation and/ or directions and rates of change that are relevant to impact prediction and mitigation. A set of reference data was obtained from these surveys, which can be used during the construction and operation phases to evaluate whether the predicted impacts occurred and to test the efficiency of the mitigation measures that will be implemented.
To compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities and to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures, an environmental impact monitoring and a mitigation monitoring are carried out. This type of monitoring is targeted at assessing human impacts on the natural environment. By monitoring the actual impacts, the environmental risks associated with the project can be reduced. Impact monitoring is supported by an expectation that at some level, anthropogenic impacts become unacceptable and action will be taken to either prevent further impacts or re-mediate affected systems. Mitigation and monitoring aim to compare predicted and actual (residual) impacts, and hence to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
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In summary, environmental monitoring can: • Illustrate the extent of environmental effects and resource losses; • Provide scientific information on the response of the environment to human activities and mitigation measures; • Provide data that can be used in the environmental auditing for management purposes.
All monitoring activities will be carried out under the supervision of the environmental
consultants. The details of the monitoring program are given in Table 19.
Table 19: Environmental Monitoring Plan
Monitoring Phase Methodology Indicators Sampling Estimated Parameter Frequency Cost Coastline Construction/ Beach level • Erosion or accretion Every 6 months USD 1000/ Operational survey • Changes to the survey beach profile • Sand movement around island Coastline Construction/ Photography • Erosion or accretion Every 6 months USD 200/ Operational • Changes to the survey beach profile • Sand movement around island Benthic Construction/ Photo transects • Percentage live coral Just after USD 1000/ substrate Operational cover and other construction and survey benthic substrates every 6 months following that Seawater Construction/ Test of the • Salinity, Turbidity, Just after USD 500/ quality Operational seawater COD, pH, nitrate, construction and survey parameters suspended solids every 6 months following that
Monitoring reports will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Environment.
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9. Stakeholder Consultation The Island Councils of Madaveli and Hoandedhoo were consulted on their respective islands along with key members from the community. During these meetings, the project was discussed with the meeting participants and feedback was obtained of their views on the project.
9.1. Madaveli Council The consultation with Council members and key stakeholders from Madaveli was held at the Office of the Secretariat of the Madaveli Council on the 9th of December 2011. A total of 15 participants including members of the Madaveli Council as well as the Vice President of the South Huvadhoo Atoll Council attended the meeting. A list of all participants and their designations are given in Table 20 below.
Table 20 : List of stakeholders consulted within Madaveli Name Position Office
Ahmed Saeed Principal Madaveli School
Mohamed Ahmed Waheed Principal Huvadhoo School
ShiaarZahir Manager Upper Southern Utilities Limited
Upper South Health Services Shafee Adam Executive Director Corporation Ltd
Mohamed Hassan Councillor Madaveli Council
Eeman Mohamed Rasheed President Madaveli Council
Sahir Hassan Vice President Atoll Council
Hassan Habeeb Assistant Director Madaveli Council
FarishMuneer Assistant Manager Madaveli Health Centre
Hijaaz Hassan Finance Officer Madaveli Council
Ziam Abdul Hardy Station Manager Maldivian/ Kaadehdhoo Station
Shahid Ahmed Councilor Madaveli Council
Hassan Qasim Shop Owner Madaveli
SuvaadHabeeb Councilor Madaveli
Mohamed Akram Dive Instructor Madaveli
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The meeting was initiated with an introduction to the purpose of the meeting by the EIA consultants. Participants were then asked about their thoughts and feelings towards the project and how they feel that this project would affect their livelihoods and that of the community. Participants were encouraged to be open about their comments.
The participants of the meeting were very positive towards the building of the causeway and reclamation of land on the southern side of the island as they felt that this would greatly improve the livelihoods of the community and add about 50 years to the continued development of the community. Reclamation of land on the southern side would, in their viewpoint, aid combating the issue of lack of land space for housing of the current community and future population growth, as well as provision of land for better-established fish processing facilities etc.
The joining of the two islands via the causeway is beneficial in their view due to the improvements this would bring to the administrative system, education, health and employment of the communities. The joint population would be greater able to enjoy the benefits of the fishing and farming industries which Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo excel in respectively. The easier access to the products of both islands by communities of both islands would improve business as well as foster better relations between the communities. The participants also felt that with the joint and increased population they would then be able to tap into markets currently out of their reach, such as establishing agency offices in the island for companies such as Maldivian, Dhiraagu, Wataniya etc.
Furthermore, all participants felt that with the linkage of two islands, they would be in a better position to receive higher quality services for utilities such as electricity, freshwater, sewerage network etc for which the government invests in depending on the size of the population.
Whilst overall, the participants were enthusiastic about the project, they also expressed their concern regarding environmental impacts this project might have on Madaveli especially on the northern area and the western side of the island. The northern side of Madaveli is also quite badly eroded and uninhabitable. They would like to see some sort of protection for this area of the island as well and had previously brought up this issue during a previous meeting. The participants felt that improving the condition of the northern part of Madaveli was equally important and would like to bring this issue to the notice of
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concerned parties so that action might be taken in the near future or a temporary solution for this issue be implemented currently. Ideally they would like protection of the northern side of the island to also be included in the current project. The participants felt that it was important to consider all impacts of this project and provide mitigation measures for all anticipated impacts when implementing the project, including impacts on Haadhoo and the western and northern side of Madaveli.
Furthermore, the participants acknowledged that with the joint population, there would initially be social challenges, but felt that these would improve over time. One of the biggest fears of the participants was the increased crime rate and drug usage which might arise due to the linkage but felt that with proper security and improved services, this issue could be resolved. However they would like to stress the need for a Police post on one of the islands.
Overall, all the participants of the meeting were in favour of the project and were eager to see the implementation of the project expedited so as to enable them to see the benefits of this project in the very near future. They felt that this is a much needed project by the community and that there has already been too much delay in getting the project implemented. The Council and community were willing to give their full support towards both the causeway and reclamation projects.
9.2. Hoandedhdhoo Council The consultation with the key stakeholders for this project from Hoandedhdhoo was held at the Office of the Secretariat of the Hoandedhdhoo Council on the 10th of December 2011. A total of 11 participants including members of the Hoandedhdhoo Council, Head of School and members of various NGOs as well as community members attended the meeting. A list of all participants and their designations are given in Table 21 below.
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Table 21 : List of stakeholders consulted within Hoandedhdhoo Name Position Office Mohamed Ashraf President Hoandedhdhoo Council Hasma Hassan Manik Vice President Hoandedhdhoo Council Council Mohamed Saeed Hoandedhdhoo Council Member Council Mohamed Shiran Hoandedhdhoo Council Member Midhhathulla Abdul Head of School Hoandedhdhoo School Azeez Mohamed Muslim NGO member
Mohamed Guraish
Abdulla Haashim
Abdulla Saidh
Mahudhee Hashim
Ali Ahmed
As with the consultation at Madaveli, the meeting was initiated with an introduction to the purpose of the meeting by the EIA consultants. Participants were then asked about their thoughts and feelings towards the project and how they feel that this project would affect their livelihoods and that of the community. Participants were encouraged to be open about their comments.
Participants of the Hoandedhdhoo consultation also felt that this was a much needed project but were hesitant to speak on behalf of the community. Upon their request a second meeting with the community was organized for the afternoon. They did nevertheless mention that the community has been in favour of a reclamation project to link both islands rather than a causeway for a long period of time now. However, when the environmental impacts of such a project were explained, the participants agreed that a causeway would be the better method of linking the islands.
Amongst the benefits listed by the participants of this meeting were increased employment opportunities for residents of both islands, improved markets for products of both islands, improved education system and shared resources, improved social activities and greater
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audience for such activities and improved trade and businesses. They also felt that the coastal ridge would greatly benefit in improving the land area and enable greater usage of land area.
Similar to the feedback from the Madaveli Council, the members of the current consultation session also felt that the easier link between the two islands might lead to increase in crime rate and drug usage and would like to request a Police post to be set up on one of the islands.
Overall they felt that the community was also in support of both project components; causeway and coastal ridge on western side coast of the island but felt that it was important to have a separate meeting with the community to get their feedback. Participants of current meeting were full in support of the project and wished to expedite its implementation.
9.3. Consultation with Hoandedhdhoo community
The second meeting in Hoandedhdhoo, the consultation with the community was held in the afternoon of the 10th of December 2011 at the Hoandedhdhoo School Hall. The meeting was announced to all and welcome for participation by all members of the community. In total 46 members (42 male, 4 female) of the community attended the meeting.
As with the other two consultation sessions, the meeting was initiated with an introduction to the purpose of the meeting by the EIA consultants. Participants were then asked about their thoughts and feelings towards the project and how they feel that this project would affect their livelihoods and that of the community. Participants were encouraged to be open about their comments.
Participants were initially slightly unaware of the details of the causeway project and inquired as to the design of the project. When it was explained to them that the design was still being finalized but would be one which would be of least impact to the environment, they were supportive of the project and its implementation. They stressed that earlier similar projects had been halted due to the environmental issues, which might have arisen from those projects such as severe erosion of the vulnerable area on the western side of the island. They felt that the coastal ridge being constructed as part of this project would be
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very important in preventing further flooding in that area and would like the coastal ridge to have all the necessary features to ensure that the area remains flood free.
Amongst potential benefits listed by the participants of the meeting were improved trade between islands and easier access to products of both islands (i.e. fish and agricultural products), better relationships between the communities and provision of greater assistance to one another. However similar to the major concern expressed in the other two meetings participants of this meeting also expressed the concern of increased crime rate and drug usage due to better linkages and also requested improved security.
Overall, all participants of this meeting also felt that this would be a very beneficial project for the communities, which has already been delayed too much. Participants expressed their wish to expedite the project so that they are able to receive the benefits of this project in the near future. All participants were willing to give their full support to the project and its implementation.
To conclude, although Councils and communities of both Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo had their concerns regarding impacts of this project on the already existing vulnerable areas of both islands as well as additional impacts to other areas which might arise, all were in favour of the project due to the multitude of benefits which would result from the project. All consulted parties were in full support of the project and would like to see the implementation stage of the project in the very near future.
10. Conclusion
The construction of the causeway between Madaveli and Hoandedhdhoo and the associated reclamation projects in Madaveli will fulfill the community’s desire for interaction and integration. It will provide extra land to cater for the growing land allocation problems in Madaveli. The present design of the coastal ridge in Hoandedhdhoo is not optimal and may create increased risk of flooding in the northern part of the island. The construction method based on loose material is unlikely to resist the test of time and a more durable solution should be adapted. It is proposed as an alternative to use geotubes made of geotextile.
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The environmental consequences are multiple and range from very negative to very positive. Indeed some habitats will be completely destroyed and a certain aesthetic aspect of some land formation will be lost. The unavoidable direct physical impact can be minimized and mitigated, and in the long term nature will readapt to the new conditions. In cases, the project can in fact compensate in helping the island with their recurring garbage disposal problem. It would be desirable to consider the alternative options proposed as they seem more adapted to the purpose of linking land masses together and increase the protection to flooding while maintaining a high quality standard to ensure a long time benefit from the project.
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11. Declaration of the Consultant
I certify that the statements made in this Environmental Impact Assessment study are true, complete and correct.
Name: Mariyam Rozlyn Saleem
Signature:
Date: 09 January 2012
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12. Declaration of the proponent
As the representative of the proponent of the proposed development I guarantee that I have read the report thoroughly and that to the best of my knowledge all information provided here is accurate and complete. In addition, I confirm our commitment to making sure that the contractor implements all mitigation measures proposed in the present report.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
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APPENDICES
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Annex 1: ToR
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Annex 2: Water samples results
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Annex 3: CVs of the Environmental Impact Assessment Team
CURRICULUM VITAE of MARIYAM SALEEM
PERSONAL DETAILS
Name: Mariyam Rozlyn Saleem Marital Status: Married with two
Nationality: Maldivian children
Gender: Female Languages: Dhivehi (mother tongue) English (Fluent) French Date of Birth: 1st of September 1974 (Intermediate)
Present address for communication: 7th FL/ M. Maya GandhakoalhiMagu Malé Republic of Maldives Tel: (960) 3337945 (H) (960) 3331626 (W) (960) 7783694 (M) Fax: (960) 3336575 Email: [email protected]
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION SECONDARY EDUCATION: 1991-1993 Woodstock School, Mussoorie, Uttarkhand, India High School Diploma May 1993 - Advanced Placement
1981-1991 Aminiya School, Malé Republic of Maldives GCE O' level
TERTIARY EDUCATION: Master of Applied Science (Protected Area Management) James Cook University February 2002 – April 2004 Conferred in May 2004
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) July 1996 - June 1997 - University of the South Pacific, Fiji July 1997 - July 1999 - James Cook University, Australia Conferred in August 1999
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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 28.06.00 – Ongoing Environmental Consultant Seamarc Pvt. Ltd.
20.02.08 – 13.09.09 Reef Ecologist Marine Research Centre Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources
08.05.04 – 20.02.08 Senior Research Officer Marine Research Centre Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources
28.07.99 – 08.05.04 Research Officer (Grade 3) Marine Research Centre Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources
29.11.94 - 30.06.96 Research Assistant Marine Research Section Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources
23.08.93 - 28.11.94 Marine Biology Trainee Marine Research Section Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources
RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE On-screen guide for the Maldives part on the BBC documentary series “Indian Ocean”. This is a six-part series presented by Simon Reeve, which follows a journey around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean. The programmes combine travelogue and current affairs, exploring topical issues which affect the countries we travel through. The series is about the ocean, and portrays stories linked to the sea and coastal communities. (September 2011)
Consultant for the Management of Solid Waste Project for B. Kamadhoo, B. Kihaadhoo and B. Dhonfanu. The project aims to implement a system for solid waste management on the islands whereby waste is segregated at the household level and non-biodegradable waste is collected from the islands regularly for disposal at Thilafushi. The project is funded by Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru. Ongoing.
National Consultant for the preparation of National Report on Coastal Pollution Loading and Water Quality Criteria for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project. (July – September 2010). Project Manager for the Youth Awareness and Training Program of Baa Atoll Youth at Fourseasons Resort, LandaaGiraavaru. This project aims to increase the capacity and awareness of youth of Baa Atoll to facilitate implementation of environmental projects on their respective islands and to help in the enforcement of existing environmental regulations. 2010. Member of the event management team for the 350 Campaign, Maldives, 24 th October 2009.Male’, Maldives.
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Assisted in the development of NAPA Project Document: Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives for GEF Funding. UNDP/ MHTE. (August – September 2009). Coral Reef Expert to the workshop on Regional Economics of Climate Change in South Asia: Part 1, Cleaner Technologies and Options. Asian Development Bank. (16 August 2009). Member of the Panel of Judges to select Climate Ambassadors to attend the Children’s Climate Forum, Copenhagen. (June 2009). Research on the status of the shark fishery for management. My work was focused on implementing baseline and long term monitoring of reef sharks. This involved development of monitoring protocols and data collection sheets. It also required good communication skills to involve the dive schools and make a network of monitoring teams to carry out volunteer monitoring. (2003 – 2009). Preparation of an Issue Paper on the Status of the Shark Fishery in Maldives for the Fisheries Advisory Board (FAB). My role was to coordinate the project and involved organizing and carrying out field trips to the northern and southern atolls of Maldives to collect socio- economic data on the fishery. The data was then compiled, analysed and a report was formulated recommending phasing out the fishery and the implementation of an export ban. The recommendations were endorsed by the FAB and all shark fishing within the EEZ of Maldives has been banned from the 15 th of March 2010, with subsequent ban of all trade of shark products from July 1 st 2010. (2009). Project Manager for the Darwin Reef Fish Project. I collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society of UK and successfully procured funding from the Darwin Initiative for a 4 year project to establish monitoring for preparation of reef fishery management plans. This project will result in fisheries management plans for the aquarium and food fish reef fisheries. (2009). Management of the Aquarium Fishery of the Maldives. It involved working closely with the exporters and Maldives Customs Services to develop tools and guidelines for monitoring and management. (2003 – 2009). Preparation of a paper on the Environmental Impacts of Tsunami Restoration in the Maldives. This involved consultation with the donors and government agencies and report writing. IUCN. (February 2009). National Consultant to the “Assistance to the Economic Valuation component of the broader Atoll Ecosystem Conservation” project. This involved coordinating and carrying out household interviews in Baa atoll inhabited islands and in Male’ on valuation and willingness to pay of the marine biodiversity. It also required the formulation of three reports: Willingness to pay for biodiversity at the national level, Willingness to pay of tourists visiting the Maldives and also a report on value of biological resources in Baa Atoll. IUCN March (August 2008) Consultancy to prepare a paper on “Status of Shark Fisheries in the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone for the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation. This involved formulating a report on the status of shark fisheries in the Maldives and presenting it at the Regional Consultation on Preparation of Management Plan for Shark Fisheries. (March 2008). National consultant to assist the Country Programme Environment Outcome and Renewable Energy Project Evaluation 2007, UNDP. (September 2007).
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Preparation of a report on Cost Estimation and Willingness to pay for waste management in Baa Atoll as National Consultant for Atoll Ecosystem Conservation project funded by UNDP and GEF. This involved research on waste management systems and cost estimation of all components required for such a system in Maldives. My team and I carried out household surveys in all the inhabited islands (13 islands) of Baa Atoll to collect information on the status of and willingness to pay for waste management in the atoll. The resorts operating in the Atoll were also consulted. (2006). As part of my Masters special project, I worked on the preparation of a report on the Aquarium Fishery of Maldives. This involved compilation and analysis of export data and interviews with exporters. The output was a report giving comprehensive information on the fishery and also recommendations for improving the monitoring and management of the fishery. (2003 – 2004).
RECENT WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ATTENDED Pew Global Shark Conservation Summit, Washington DC, 1-2 June 2011.
Regional Workshop on Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Best Practices and Lessons Learned, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 28 – 29 July 2010.
BOBLME Regional Coastal Pollution Workshop, Male', Maldives, 2 -3 June 2010.
30 th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, Goa, India, 27 – 29 April 2010.
Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project Inception Workshop, Male’, Maldives, 24 – 25 February 2010.
Regional Economics of Climate Change in South Asia: Part 1, Cleaner Technologies and Options. Maldives National Experts Workshop, ADB. Bandos Island Resort, Maldives, 16 August 2009.
2nd Regional Consultation on Preparation of Management Plan for Shark Fisheries, 9-11 August 2009.
Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium, Paradise Island Resort, Maldives. 18 – 20 July 2009.
National Workshop on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance in Marine Fisheries, Male’, Maldives, 22-23 March 2009.
Training Programme on Integrating Environmental Safeguards into Disaster Risk Management, 16-19 March 2009, IUCN, Waikkal, Sri Lanka.
11 th International Coral Reef Symposium, 7 – 11July 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Training Course on ‘Exploring Marine and Coastal Protected Areas - Tools for Management’, 4 – 7 June 2008, Paradise Island Resort and Spa, Maldives
Mangroves For the Future (MFF) Regional Review Forum, 21-24 April, Heritance Hotel, Ahungalla, Sri Lanka
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Regional Consultation on Preparation of Management Plan for Shark Fisheries, 24 – 26 March 2008, Beruwela, Sri Lanka
Applying the Ecosystem Approach to Managing Atoll Ecosystems in the Maldives, 11 March 2008, Hulhule’ Island Hotel, Maldives
Management Planning Workshop for Olhugiri and Dhigaliha Protected Areas, 3 – 5 March 2008, Baa Atoll Eydhafushi, Maldives
Second Regional Coordination Workshop – South Asia MCPA Project, 25 – 27 July 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka
National Consultation on the Fisheries Sector Master Plan, May 2007, Islamic Centre Conference Hall, Male’, Maldives
Workshop on the Development of a Grouper Management Plan, April 2007, Dharubaaruge, Male’, Maldives
SAARC Expert Group Consultation on Coastal Zone Management, April 2007, Dharubaaruge, Male’, Maldives
Environment and Disaster Risk Assessment of Islands in the Maldives, December 2006, Hulhule’ Island Hotel, Maldives
Regional Resource Coordination and Mobilisation Workshop for the Long-term Management and Conservation of MCPAs in South Asia, September 2006, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Roundtable on Coastal Erosion and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability, September 21, 2006 - Male, Maldives
NAPA Workshop on Identifying and Prioritisation of Adaptation Measures, September 2006, Bandos Island Resort, Maldives
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and National Development Plan 7 Review Retreat – Atoll Ecosystem Conservation Project and National Climate Change Project, July 2006, Paradise Island, Maldives
Second Workshop on the Development of a National Waste Management Strategy May 2006, STELCO Seminar Room, Male’, Maldives
First Workshop on the Development of a National Waste Management Strategy December 2005, Hulhule’ Island Hotel, Maldives
Inception workshop on Atoll Ecosystem Conservation – AEC Baa Atoll Project July 2005, Hulhule’, Maldives
Inception workshop on the “Preparation of National Adaptation Plan of Action” (NAPA) Project 25 November 2004, Hulhule’, Maldives
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Technology Needs Assessment for Climate Change: First Workshop on Technology Needs Assessment Methodology 22 – 24 November 2004, Hulhule’, Maldives
10 th International Coral Reef Symposium 28 June – 2 July 2004, Okinawa, Japan
Workshop on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries January 2004, Male’, Maldives
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Computer literate - Fluent in Microsoft Windows PADI Open water and Advance certificate
REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS Anderson, R.C., Adam, M.S. and M.R. Saleem. (2011). Shark longline fishery in the northern Maldives. Prepared for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project of the FAO. Saleem, M. (2010). Coastal Pollution Loading and Water Quality Criteria: Maldives. Prepared for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project of the FAO. Sattar, S.A. and M. Saleem. (2010). Willingness-to-pay for Shark Watching, Management and Conservation in the Maldives. Marine Research Centre, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male’, Maldives. Saleem, M.R. and F. Islam. (2009). Management of the Aquarium Fishery in the Republic of the Maldives. In: B.M. Riegl and R.E. Dodge (eds). Proceedings of the 11 th International Coral Reef Symposium, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 7-11 July 2008. CD-ROM Proceedings. Saleem, M.R. and S.A. Sattar. (2009). Study on post-tsunami restoration and conservation projects in the Maldives. Report submitted to IUCN. Saleem, M.R. and M.S. Adam. (2009). Status of the Shark Fishery of Maldives. Dhivehi report prepared for the Fisheries Advisory Board of Maldives. Emerton, L., Baig, S.P. and M.R. Saleem. (2009). Valuing Biodiversity. The economic case for biodiversity conservation on the Maldives.AEC Project, Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment, Government of Maldives and UNDP Maldives. van den Akker, J and M. Saleem. (2007). Maldives: Renewable Energy Technology Development and Application Project (RETDAP) Mid-term Review. Report submitted to UNDP Maldives and GEF. van den Akker, J and M. Saleem. (2007). Outcome Evaluation of the UNDP Country Programme 2003 – 2007: Environment and Climate Change. Report submitted to UNDP Maldives. Saleem, M. R. and M. Hameed. (2006). Willingness to Pay for Waste Management in Baa Atoll. Report prepared by Seamarc for the AEC Baa Atoll Project. Saleem, M.R. and M.S. Adam. (2004). Status of the Shark Fishery of Maldives. Dhivehi report prepared for the Fisheries Advisory Board of Maldives. Saleem, M.R. and M.S. Adam. (2004). Review of the Aquarium Fishery of the Maldives. Unpublished report.
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Saleem, M.R. (2004). Monitoring management effectiveness of KudaHuraa Dive Site, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. Report submitted for the degree of Master of Applied Science in TESAG, James Cook University, Australia. Zahir, H., Clark, S., Rasheed, A. and M.R. Saleem. (2002). Spatial and temporal patterns of coral recruitment following a severe bleaching event in the Maldives. In: O. Linden, D. Souter, D. Wilhelmsson and D. Obura (eds.) Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean: Status report 2002. CORDIO, Sweden. 125-134 pp. Jameel, A., Hameed, F., Shakeel, H., Ahmed, H., Shareef, H.A., Shareef, M., Saleem, M., Aslam, M.,Faiz, M., Zuhair, M., Hassan, M.Z. and S. Saeed. (2002). National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Maldives. Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment, Male’, Maldives. Jameel, A., Hameed, F., Shakeel, H., Ahmed, H., Shareef, H.A., Shareef, M., Saleem, M., Aslam, M., Faiz, M., Zuhair, M., Hassan, M.Z. and S. Saeed. (2002). National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Maldives. Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment, Male’, Maldives. Ahmed, H., Le Berre, T. & M.R. Saleem. (2001).Initial Environmental Examination for Proposed Information Technology Project in the Maldives. Report prepared for ADB. Cesar, H., Waheed, A., Saleem, M. & D. Wilhelmsson. (2000). Assessing the impacts of the 1998 Coral Bleaching on Tourism in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Report prepared for CORDIO Programme. Ahmed, H., Le Berre, T. & M.R. Saleem. (2000). Annual environmental monitoring report – Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives. Unpublished report. Ahmed, H., Le Berre, T. & M.R. Saleem. (2000). Annual environmental monitoring report – Velavaru Island Resort, Maldives. Unpublished report. Ahmed, H., Le Berre, T. & M.R. Saleem. (2000). Environmental statement for Thari Village Beach reclamation and associated harbour development project. Unpublished report. Ahmed, H. & M.R. Saleem. (1999). Marine Flora and Fauna of the Maldives. Biodiversity theme paper prepared for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment. Unpublished manuscript. Ahmed, H., Mohamed, S. & M.R. Saleem. (1996). Exploitation of Reef Resources - Beche-der- mer, Reef Sharks, Giant Clams, Lobsters and Others. In: Workshop on Integrated Reef Resources Management in the Maldives, D.J. Nickerson and M.H. Maniku (eds.), Bay of Bengal Programme, Madras. pp: 137-165. Anderson, R.C. & M.R. Saleem. (1995). Inter-annual Variations in Livebait Utilization in the Maldives. In: Rasain, M. H. Manik (ed.), Vol 15. Ministry of Fisheries & Agriculture. pp: 194-216. Anderson, R.C. & M.R. Saleem. (1994). Seasonal and Regional Variation in Livebait Utilization in the Maldives. In: Rasain, M. H. Maniku (ed.), Vol 14. Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. pp: 162-182.
REFEREES Dr. Abdulla Naseer Mr. Ali RazaRizvi Permanent Secretary Head, IUCN Asia Ecosystems and Livelihoods Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture Group Colombo 129
Malé IUCN Republic of Maldives 4/1, Adam’s Avenue Mob: (960) 7788197 Colombo 4 Tel: (960) 3322625 Sri Lanka Fax: (960) 3326558 Tel: (94) 773868637 Fax: (94) 112559637
Dr. Mohamed Shiham Adam Executive Director Marine Research Centre Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture Male’ Republic of Maldives Mob: (960) 7792687 Tel: (960) 3313681 Fax: (960) 3322509
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CURRICULUM VITAE of THOMAS LE BERRE
6th Floor M. Maya GandhakoalhiMagu 36 y. o Republic of Maldives Work : +960 333 16 26 Married Fax: +960 333 65 75 Mobile: 778 76 42 E-mail :[email protected] 2 children
Main Compétences
- Trilingual (french (mother tongue) / english (fluent) / divehi (maldivian)), bicultural french-maldivian. - Environmental consultant, coastal oceanography, Programming (Delphi) - Worked overseas (Maldives, Australia). Education
1995 -1998 Engineering Diploma (ENSTA, Paris), a 3 year-formation,admission after preparatory classes, ending Baccalaureat + 5 years. Participated in two exchange programs with KTH, Stockholm, Sweden (6 months in second year), studies in groundwater management and fluid mechanics, and JCU, Townsville, Australia (1 year in third year), studies in environmental engineering, coral reef geology and fluid mechanics.
1992 -1995 Mathematic superior and special : Preparatory classes for selective examination to the french engineering schools (major in Physics and Chemistry) LycéeChateaubriant, Rennes. This is to prepare the selective examination to enter the french “GrandesEcoles”.
1992 Baccalauréat C (Math-Physics, distinctions) . Lycée Lesage, Vannes. French equivalent to A-levels
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Professionnal experience
1999 - 2008 Setup and run an Environmental Consultancy in the Maldives - Seamarc Pvt. Ltd. (Systems Engineering and Marine Consulting)
The major contracts in which I was involved were:
• Environmental Impact assessment and design for coastal development of VabboaHuraa (Four Seasons Resort, HPL) • Coral Monitoring of T. Vilufushi, which was undergoing major dredging operations, dredging works and consultancy for Boskalis International. • Environmental Impact Assessment for the development of a fisheries project in Addu Atoll, for MIFCO (Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company) • Environmental Impact Assessments for the development of Herethere as a tourist resort, for MTDC (Maldives Tourism Development Corporation). • Work as national consultant for the development of the Integrated Climate Change Strategy. Includes GEF (Global Environmental Facility) NAPA (National Adaptation Plan of Action) project, NCSA (National Capacity Self Assessment) project and TNA (Technology Need Assessment) project. Remains member of the National Climate Change Technical Team. • Environmental Impact assessment and design for coastal redevelopment of KudaHuraa (Four Seasons Resort, HPL) • Environmental Impact Assessment and coastal designs for the redevelopment of K. Kandooma. redevelopment works not yet started (Leisure Hollidays, HPL Maldives) • Erosion control at Baa LandaaGiraavaru (upcoming Four Seasons resort, LGPL) (on going). • Coral translocation as a mitigation measures for development impacts at Baa LandaaGiraavaru (upcoming Four Seasons resort) (on going). • Setting up of a fish laboratory to breed Amphiprionnigripes and other ornamental species at Baa LandaaGiraavaru (upcoming Four Seasons resort) (on going). • Supervising clearing of 45 hectares plot in L. Gan for the French Red Cross utilizing man power from the IDP camps and villages in L. Gan.
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• Constructed a 50 feet boat in the Maldives in order to carry out research and tourism activities. Subsequently managed this activity (on going). • Bid documents for a number of resort islands, regularly obtained among top ranking for environmental concepts. • Local Environmental counterpart for BCL (Bangladesh Consultant Limited) for a IDB funded project for the government of Maldives about Focus Development Islands. • Research on Amphiprionnigripes (Maldives clownfish for aquarists) and export of 500 individuals maricultured by the Marine Research Center of the Government of Maldives. • Bid document and Environmental Impact Assessment for the development of a hotel/marina in H.A. Dhonakulhi for Turquoise Pvt. Ltd. • Environmental and research programs for restoration and rejuvenation of reefs affected by global warming and bleaching using Reef Balls, for Four Seasons Resort (on going). • Consultancies for the dredging operations and coastal works at Medhufinolhu (One and Only at Reethi Rah). • Database design and programming for coral reef resources management for the governments of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, for IOC/UNESCO through the GCRMN (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network) • Analysis of salinity and temperature profile data at the mouth of the Herbert and Burdekin River in North Queensland, Australia, for James Cook University. • Environmental auditing of tourist resorts for Velavaru (Turtle Island Resort) and Fonimagoodhoo (Reethi Beach Resort) since 2000. • Feasibility study for power generation with wind mills in the Maldives. • Translation into French of books pertaining to the Maldives (Marine Life of the Maldives, by Neville Coleman, Dive Maldives, by Tim Godfrey).
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