ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT For the reconstruction of a harbour in Maabaidhoo island, Laamu Atoll, Maldives

September 2013

Proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Prepared by Ahmed Jameel (EIA 07/07) For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

I EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Table of Contents

Table of Contents II Declaration of the consultants ...... IV Proponents commitment V Non Technical Summary IX 1 Introduction...... 1 1.1 STRUCTURE OF THE EIA ...... 1 1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA...... 1 1.3 EIA IMPLEMENTATION ...... 1 1.4 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 1 2 Project Setting...... 2 3 Project Description...... 4 3.1 PROJECT PROPONENT...... 4 3.2 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MANAGING THE PROJECT ...... 4 3.3 PROJECT LOCATION AND STUDY AREA...... 4 3.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ACCESS TO THE ISLAND...... 4 3.5 NEED AND JUSTIFICATION TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT ...... 5 3.6 WHY REBUILD THE HARBOUR? ...... 5 3.6.1 Why is the Project Important for the Local Community?...... 5 3.6.2 Why Proposed Design? ...... 6 3.7 PROJECT DURATION AND BOUNDARY...... 8 3.8 THE PROJECT ...... 8 3.8.1 Brief Description of Proposed Concept ...... 8 3.8.2 Process and Materials...... 9 3.9 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ...... 9 3.10 PROJECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ...... 9 3.11 RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT ...... 10 3.12 PROJECT SCHEDULE...... 11 3.13 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY...... 11 3.13.1 Construction strategy ...... 11 3.13.2 Work methods for coast-based activities ...... 11 3.13.3 Work method for marine-based activities...... 11 3.13.4 Management of dredged spoil and its disposal ...... 11 3.14 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ...... 12 3.14.1 Flood control measures...... 12 3.14.2 Project management...... 12 4 Methodology...... 14 4.1 GENERAL METHODOLOGIES OF DATA COLLECTION ...... 14 4.2 MAPPING AND LOCATION IDENTIFICATION ...... 14 4.3 MARINE SURVEY ...... 14 4.4 BATHYMETRIC SURVEY ...... 15 4.5 MARINE WATER QUALITY ...... 15 4.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION...... 15 5 Existing Environment of Maldives ...... 16 5.1 COASTAL ENVIRONMENT...... 16 5.1.1 Climatic setting ...... 16 5.2 NATURAL HAZARD RISK...... 19 5.3 RAINFALL ...... 20 5.4 TEMPERATURE...... 20 5.5 TOPOGRAPHY...... 20 5.6 EXISTING TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 21 5.7 BEACHES ...... 21 5.8 BATHYMETRY...... 21 5.9 CORAL REEF...... 22 5.10 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 1...... 22 5.11 STATUS OF CORAL REEF AT SITE 2...... 23 6 Status of fish abundance ...... 24

II EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

7 Marine water quality...... 26 7.1 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 27 7.1.1 Setting...... 27 8 Environmental Impacts ...... 29 8.1 ASSESSING AND IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACT ...... 29 8.2 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION MATRIX...... 29 8.3 MAGNITUDE OF IMPACTS ...... 30 8.4 UNCERTAINTIES IN IMPACT PREDICTION ...... 31 8.5 IMPACTS ON THE MARINE AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENT...... 31 8.6 IMPACT ON THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 32 8.6.1 Mobilization Impacts...... 32 8.6.2 Impacts of Sedimentation ...... 32 8.6.3 Impact of Breakwaters and Quay walls...... 32 8.6.4 Impacts of Land Reclamation (filling)...... 32 8.6.5 Impacts due to Harbour Operation ...... 32 8.6.6 Solid waste disposal ...... 32 8.6.7 Impacts on the Marine Environment from the Proposed Harbour Project ...... 33 8.6.8 Mobilization Impacts...... 33 8.6.9 Impacts from Construction Materials and Other Waste...... 33 8.6.10 Impacts due to Construction Work ...... 34 8.6.11 Impacts of Built Coastal Structures...... 34 8.6.12 Impacts due to Harbour Operation ...... 34 8.7 MITIGATING THE IMPACTS...... 34 9 Stakeholder Consultations...... 38 9.1 CONSULTATION WITH THE ISLAND COUNCIL ...... 38 9.2 CONSULTATION WITH THE PROJECT ENGINEER ...... 38 9.3 CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN AT THE SCOPING MEETING...... 38 9.4 LIST OF PEOPLE CONSULTED ...... 39 10 Alternatives...... 40 10.1 NO PROJECT OPTION...... 40 10.2 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS MATRIX ...... 40 10.3 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS SCORES ...... 43 10.4 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE...... 43 11 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 44 11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 44 11.2 COST OF MONITORING ...... 44 11.3 DURATION OF MONITORING ...... 44 11.4 METHODS OF MONITORING...... 44 11.5 MONITORING RESPONSIBILITY ...... 44 11.6 MONITORING REPORT...... 44 12 Conclusion ...... 48 13 Recommendations...... 49 14 Acknowledgements...... 50 15 Reference Books and Sources...... 51 Annex: Terms of reference...... 52 Annex: Proposed Harbour Design...... 54 Annex: Project Schedule 56 Annex: Photo Representation of the island ...... 58 Annex: Surveyed maps of the island - shoreline ...... 60 Annex: Surveyed maps of the island – Erosion and Accretion Map of the island ...... 62 Annex: Surveyed maps of the island - Bathymetry...... 64 Annex: Letter from Atoll Council...... 66

III EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Declaration of the consultants This EIA has been prepared according to the EIA Regulations 2012, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. The EIA was carried out by a multidisciplinary consulting team representing Water Solutions Private Ltd. In preparing this report, no data has been manipulated. All data has been collected by field visits. I as the lead consultant certify that the statements in this Environmental Impact Assessment study are true, complete and correct. Name: Ahmed Jameel ( EIA 07/07 ) Signature:

IV EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Proponents commitment

V EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

ާސާލުޙ ާދާސ

ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްށަމުރުކ ީގްއަރަތްނުލައ ުރަދނަބ ަންނައ ްނުމަރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގޫދިއަބާމ .ލ ީކަޓޯޕިރިމ

ޭހެބ ިއާމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ާވިއަފިވޭރ ްށަމުއިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ިއަގޫދިއަބާމ .ލ ްނިއ ރަޗްކަރަޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިސުއަހ

ގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްނުތޮގެގުމުލެބ ޯތްއެމަކެނާރުކްއެރަސައ ާހިކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގޫދިއަބާމ .ލ ްނުބަބަސ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ

ުރަސައ ްށަޓްށެވާމިތ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަަތ ްނިއ ްޑެޓިމިލ ްޓެވިއަރްޕ ްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްށައރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ

ްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ިހެވިދ ީނާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްޓރޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓރޯޕިރ ާރުކ ްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފ

ްނުޓްނަމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްނުށަދ (93/4 ރަބަނަނ ުނޫނާގ) ުނުނާގ ެގުމުރުކ

ިއަގ 2012 ުދިއާވަގ ޭހެބ ިއާމުދެހ ްޓރޯޕިރ ާރުކ ްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފ ުރަސައ ްށަޓްށެވާމިތ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ

ާވިއަފިވެރުކޫދ ްށަތަކްއަސަމިމ ްނީޓިރޯތޮއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ ްޓްނަމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތުލޫސުއ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ

.ެވެށަތޮގްއެއ ިއާސްސްނަރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމރާޓ

ިއަގޫދިއަބާމ .ލ ްނުރާކުރަސ ްނުތާރަފ ެގ ރަޗްކަރަޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ

ަލިތ ެގުރެނ ަންނައ ްނުމަރުކްނުނޭބ ުރާހިމ ީނެނެމިހ ިއަގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފާޅަހަށުހ ްށަމުރުކ ީގްއަރަތްނުލައ ުރަދނަބ

ތަންތަން ފުންކުރުމާއި، ބަނދަރުގައި މިހާރު ލެވިފައިވާ އެއްގަމު ވާޓަރު ނަގައި އެތަނުގައި ކޮންކްރިޓް ބޮލޮކް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން

އައު ވާޓަރެއް ހެދުމާއި، މިހާރު ބޭނުންކުރަމުން އަންނަ ބަނދަރުގެ އުތުރުން 79.8 މީޓަރު ދިގު ކުރުމާއި 270 މީޓަރުގެ

ބޮޑު ހިލަ ތޮއްޓެއް ލުމާއި، ބަނދަރުގެ އުތުރުކޮޅުން ގޮނޑުދޮށުގައި 25 މީޓަރ ރިވަޓްމަންޓެއް ޖެހުމެވެ. ބަނދަރު

ުރަޓީމ ީޑޮކ 22700 ޭގެނ ުދްއަހަރަސ ަންނޮކ ްނުމުނޮކ ުދްއަހަރަސ ޭވެރުކުރުތިއ ްށަލައ ްށަރަދނަބ ިދައ ިއާމުރުކްނުފ

ިއަގުތޮގ ެގްއެއަބ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ .ެވެމުކްއިހ ްއެއަބ ެގުށަރ ްނެގިއާޅައ ުދްއަހަރަސ ަންނޮއ ްނުރުތުއ ެގުރަދނަބ ްނިލެވ

.ެވެއެނެމިހ ްސެވްނުހެޖ ިތްއަބ 2 ިއަގުނަކ ުރަތަހ ެގުރެނ

ުނުދެހ ިދައ ްނުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިލެބ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ ްށަމުރުކ ިއަގުށަރިމ

ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ްށަކަރަވްސެމްނޮކ ީނަވ ުރަސައ ެނާރުކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގޫރްޝަމ ިމ ްނުކަތާސާރިދ

އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ބެލެވެނީ ރަށުގެ އުފެދިފައިވާ ބައްޓަމަށާއި، ރަށުގެ މޫދުގެ މާހައުލަށާއި މޫދުގައި ހިމެނޭ

ދިރޭ ތަކެއްޗައް ކުރާ އަސަރުންނެވެ. މިގޮތުން މަސްމަހާމެހި، ގައު، މުރަކަ އަދި މިނޫންވެސް ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށް ކޮންމެވެސް

.ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ ްށަމަކެނާރުކްއެރަސައ ޭވެދޭނ ެގްއެރަވ

ތިމާވެށްޓަށް އަސަރު ފޯރާ މިންވަރު ދެނެގަތުމަށް ކުރެވުނު ދިރާސާއަށް ބެލުމަށްފަހު މޫދުގެ ވެއްޓަށް،

ްށަމަކެނާދިބިލ ްށަޓްއެވ ެގުށަރ ަމަނެޖްއިޅެއ ްެއެކަތުޅަވަޔިފ ޭވެދެއ ްށަމުރުކ ަޑުކުރަސައ ެނާފްށޮކ ްނުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ

ިއަގުދޫމ .ެވެއެވެލެބ ްށަމަކ ެނާރުކ ާދިއަފ ުރުތިއ ްނުބަބަސ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ްށޮކަޑުކ ްއަތްނުލްއެގ ޭވެރުކުނަދާޔިއ ާވިއަފިވެލެބ

ކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅިފައިވާ ބަނދަރުގެ ސަރަހައްދު ކޮނުމާއި، ކޮނެގެންނެގޭ ބަނދަރު ސަރަހައްދެ ހިއްކުމަށާއި، ކަނޑު

VI EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

ތޮއްޓާއި، އެއްގަމު ތޮއްޓާއި، ރިވަޓްމަންޓް ލުމުގެ މަސައްކަތުން ރަށުގެ މޫދުގެ މާހައުލަށް ގެއްލުން ތަކެއް ލިބިދާނެ ކަމަށް

ބެލެވޭތީީ، މިގޮތަށް ލިބިދާނެ ގެއްލުންތަކުގެ އަސަރު ކުޑަ ކުރުމަށްޓަކައި ބަނދަރު ހެދޭ ސަރަހައްދު ރަގަޅަށް ފާހަގަ

ކުރުމަށް ވަނީ ލަފާ އެރުވިފައެވެ. ބަނދަރު ސަރަހައްދު ކޮނުމާއި، ކޮނެގެން ނެގޭ ވެލިން ބިންހިއްކުމަށް ހުށަހެޅިފައިވާ

ެމްނެއ .ެވެކެމަކާވްނެގީށަކެއ ީކަމުރޯފ ުރަސައ ްށަކަތުދްއަހަރަސ ްނެހެއ ްނުޑަސިކ ޭދެފުއ ެވުބނަލިކ ުދޫމ ްނުތަކްއަސަމ

ިއާއ ުރިއާރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުހެޖ ިށޮތުޑނަކ ިއާޓްއޮތ ުމަގްއެއ ިއާއުރިއާރުކްނުފ ުރަދނަބ ީނާރުކުރަސައ ެގުބނަލިކ ްށަޑޮބ

ިށޮތުޑނަކ .ެވެއ ުރިއާކްއިހ ްނިބ ިއަކަޓްށަމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ ުދްއަހަރަސ ަންނައ ްނުމަރިގ ުރާހިމ ްނެގެވްނިއ ިއާރަދނަބ

ޖެހުމަށް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވިފައިވަނީ ތިލަ ސަރަހައްދެކަމުން، މިސަރަހައްދުގެ ދިރޭ މުރަކަ އަދި މަސްމަހާމެހި ނިސްބަތުން

.ެވެއެވެރުކަގަހާފ ްނަކ ާވިއަފިރުތެފ ަނިވުދޫމ ިއަގްއެޔަބުޑޮބ ެގުދްއަހަރަސިމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވްށަމަކުދަމ

ްށަކަމަކެނާވްނުލްއެގ ްށަސްއެމިއާހަމްސަމ ިއާށައަކަރުމ ޭރިދ ުުރިއާރުކ ްތަކްތަސަމ ިއަގުދްއަހަރަސ ިމ ްނުމަކްނެހިމ

.ެވެއެވެލެބުނ

ެނާދިޅެއ ްށަމުރުކަޑނުކ ްއަތްނުލްއެގ ެނާދިބިލ ްނުތޮގ ީއާމިތްޖިއ ްނުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފާޅަހަށުހ

ުރިއާދްނުމަރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ުހަފްށަމުލެބ ްށަޗްއަމ ެގާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކިމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ިއަގްޓޯޕިރ ީނަވްއެކަތުޅަވަޔިފ

ްއަތުޑަގްނިމ ޭހެޖ ްނެޅުގްނެގ ިއަގުމުރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެއަފިނެމިހ ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ީނާވްއަތްތޮގެނާވަޑުކ ްނުލްއެގ

ަދަފިމ ެމްނޮކ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެދާފަލ ްށަމުރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ްށަތޮގެނޭވެރުކަޑުކ ްނުލްއެގ ްސެވްނޫނިމ ިދައ .ެވެނާވިއަފިނެމިހ

މަޝްރޫއަކީވެސް ތިމާވެއްޓަށް އޭގެނޭދެވޭ އަސަރު ކޮންމެވެސް ވަރަކަށް ކުރާނެ ކަމެކެވެ. ހަމަ އެފަދއިން، މިފަދަ

.ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގްޓރޯޕިރ ްސެވްނަކެނާރުކ ްސެވްއެކަތާދިއަފ ްއަތެއ ީއާމިތްޖިއ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުކަތުއޫރްޝަމ

ެގުށަރ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްށަމުރުކީގްއަރަތ ްނުލައ ުރަދނަބ ެގޫދިއަބާމ .ލ

ޭހެބ ިއާޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ުރާހިމ ިއަގުމުލާވަލުކެއ ުޓރޯޕިރ ާރުކ ްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފ ުރަސައ ްށަޓްށެވާމިތ

ިދައ ިއަފެވ ްށަކަރަދނަބ ުމްނިހުމ ޭނެމިހ ިއަގުޅޮތައ ީކަރަދނަބ ެގޫދިއަބާމ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ީނަވ ްއަތްނަކްއެއަބ

ރަށަކީ މަސްވެރި ރަށަކަށްވާތީ، މިހާރު ބަނދަރު ފުންކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅިފައިވާ ފުންމިނަކީ މިފަދަ ބަނދަރަކަށް ތިލަ

ިއަގުމުރުކްނުނޭބ ުރަދނަބ ްސެވީކަމުރުކ ާޅުފ ްނެރުވ ްށަރަވ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ ުރާހިމ ުރަދނަބ ިދައ .ެވެއެނެފ ްށަކަރަދނަބ

ްނުފ ްށަރަވަންނުހ ުރަޓީމ 3 ިއަގާޔިދިކިހ ުދނަބ ާވިއަފާޅަހަށުހ ުރާހިމ .ެވެއެވެލެބ ްށަމަކްއެމަކެނާވ ްއެެކަތަހޭސަފ ުރުތިއ

ކުރުމުން ނުވަތަ ބަނދަރު އިތުރަށް ފުޅާ ކުރުމުން، ރަށުގެ ވެއްޓަށް މިހާރަށްވުރެން ބޮޑު ބަދަލެއް އަތުވެދާނެކަމަކަށް

ްއެދްއަހަރަސ ުރުތިއ ާދްނުމަރިގ ެގުށަރ ްސަފ ޭގެނ ްނުމުރުކ ާޅުފ ިއާންނުމުރުކްނުފ ްށަރުތިއ ްނުތޮގިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެވެލެބުނ

.ެވެއެނޭވެރުކ ްނުނޭބ ްށަމުރުކ ްތަޔާމިހ

VII EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

ްށަކަށަރ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ެގުށަރ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ ްނުމުލެބިލެބ ްށޮކާސާރިދ ިމ

ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ިއަގުށަރްއަރ ެގޭޖްއާރ .ެވެެއެނެފުނ ްށަކަމަކެނާވްއެކަތ ްނުލްއެގުޑޮބ ަދަފޭވެރުކުނަދާޔިއ ާވުނާވިއަފިވެނެގ

ެގުމަކެއ ީކަމުއިދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ްއަތްތަކްއަސަމިމ ީތާވްށަކަމަކ ަންނައ ްނުމަރުކ ިއަގުށަރްއަރ ަނިގ ްށަރަވ ީކަކަތްތަކްއަސަމ

ފާއިދާ ރާއްޖޭ އިކޮނޮމީއަށާއި، ރާއްޖޭގެ ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ކުރާނެ ކަމަކަަށްވަތީ މި ޕްރޮޖެކްޓް ކުރިޔަށް ގެންދިއުން އެންމެ

.ެވެއެނެފ ްށަމަކްއެމަކުޅަގނަރ

VIII EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Non Technical Summary This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves reconstruction of a harbour at the island of Maabaidhoo in, Laamu Atoll. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of its national programme to provide safe harbours to each and every inhabited island in Maldives. Presently, the lack of an appropriate harbour is not only the biggest obstacles faced by the islanders, but the reason why the economic growth of the island is not expanding and diversified. Lack of an appropriate harbour has many development obstacles for islands and similarly, Maabaidhoo is also faced with similar dilemma. At present, the islanders depend on favourable weather conditions to get on and off the island. In rough weather, getting in and out of the island is difficult. In south west monsoon, due to lack of an breakwater make the harbour difficult to use and moore the boats. The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the western side of the island at the existing foot print of the harbour. This harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. An environmental assessment was undertaken for this project and the findings are reported in this EIA. This EIA has been prepared to assess the environmental impacts of this proposed harbour reconstruction project. As this is a redevelopment project, significant negative impacts on the marine environment will not be felt through habited modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef will also be not directly and indirectly impacted from this project. At the same time, the socio-economic impacts of the project will be significantly felt on a very larger group, and not necessarily the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in the most least damaging manner. As some area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes damage will be key for this project. Most of these measures are best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require a lot of money to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. The redevelopment of the harbour at Maabaidhoo will have some environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The island had been facing erosion since the existing harbour was developed in early 90s. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the southern. The biggest threat to islands when a harbour is developed is the disruption it causes to the natural movement of the beach. The social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Maabaidhoo is expected to increase the annual visitor numbers significantly which will have numerous environmental impacts. Therefore, it is justifiable to undertake this project.

IX 1 Introduction This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives to assess the impacts of proposed project for the redevelopment of a harbour at Laamu Maabaidhoo island. 1 . 1 Structure of the EIA The report has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations 2012 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. Hence, the report will provide an executive summary at the beginning. The report will then have a project description in detail, existing environmental conditions, justifications given by the proponent for undertaking the proposed project components and alternatives. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of location, construction methods and technologies, design and environmental considerations would be suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works will be outlined at the end. The major findings of this report are based on qualitative and quantitative assessments undertaken during site visit in July 2013 and information provided by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. However, due to unavailability of long term site-specific data, the impact assessment methodology has been restricted to field data collected, consultations, experience and professional judgment and field data taken on site. In addition, satellite photos have also been used to study the geography and environmental changes where necessary. 1 . 2 A i m s and Objectives of the EIA This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed redevelopment of the harbour in Maabaidhoo island in Laamu Atoll. It helps to achieve the following objectives. The objective of the report is to: o Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making. o Find solutions and ways to overcome the present design concept. o To fulfill the obligations of the proponent to undertake an EIA under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives. o Undertake the proposed project work with minimum damage to the environment. o Ensure that all the social aspects of the project are addressed. o Propose recommendations to the client based on stakeholder assessments. 1 . 3 EIA Implementation This EIA has been prepared by a local environmental consulting firm, Water Solutions. Water Solutions have been chosen by the proponent as the environmental consultants for this project. The team members were: o Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-07/07) o Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA-09/07) o Hamdhulla Shakeeb, - Surveyor. 1 . 4 Terms of Reference Terms of Reference for this assessment has been included in the Appendix of this report.

1 2 Project Setting

This section outlines the relevant environmental legislation pertaining to this project. The following table outlines a matrix of major environmental laws, guidelines, codes and standards, both local and international indicating the relevance to this project. Details of these regulations, what they cover and under what circumstances they apply can viewed at www.environment.gov.mv. Name of legislation Area relevant to this Linkages to this project project (yes/no)

Environmental protection and Generally covering the Yes Clause 5a states that an impact assessment study shall be submitted to preservation act Environment the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water before implementing any development project that may have a potentially detrimental impact on the environment. Therefore, Clause 5 is of specific relevance to this EIA. The EIA Regulations, which came into force in May 2012 has been developed by the powers vested by the above umbrella law. This EIA has also been prepared as per this regulation. National biodiversity strategy and Environment Yes In implementing the proposed project activities, due care has to be taken action plan to ensure that the national biodiversity strategies are adhered to. To adhere, surveys were undertaken as part of the EIA to find out if biological resources of value and protected nature are affected by implementing any component of the proposed project.

Waste management regulations Environment Yes This project will conform to this regulations. Construction waste management details and methods have been outlined in the EIA report. Regulation on sand and aggregate Coral reefs Yes No sand and coral aggregate will be mined in this project. mining Ban on coral mining Coral reefs Yes No mining of corals for any construction or any other infrastructure will be used in this project. Consultation and Public Participation Socio-economics Yes During the preparation of this EIA, stakeholder views were taken into laws consideration from the very first stages of planning and also during the EIA process. Stakeholder consultations were conducted in order to take public opinion, views, suggestions and expectations into consideration.

2 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Name of legislation Area relevant to this Linkages to this project project (yes/no)

Stakeholder Consultations outlines the outcomes of the consultations and provide information about the stakeholder views towards the project. Regulation on cutting and uprooting Environmental No This project only involves reconstruction of L. Maabaidhoo harbour. trees. Protection Therefore it does not require clearing land.

Guidelines for land use planning Planning, Yes The project conforms to the land use plan of the island. environment Land law Planning, land use Yes The project conforms to the land use plan of the island. and environment Maritime and Port legislation Environment / Yes There is no maritime or port legislation of relevance. The only Transportation regulations that exist in the transport sector are Law No. 65/78 (Law on the lighting requirements for vessels parked in Maldivian ports) and Law No. 66/78 (Law on port tariff or tariff levied on vessels parked in Maldivian waters). Third National Environment Action Environment Yes The proposed project is expected to provide a learning experience in Plan terms of effectiveness of the use of EIA as a planning instrument and appropriate monitoring for which specific focus is laid in Objective 24.1 of NEAP 3 (Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment, 2009).

3 3 Project Description 3 . 1 Project Proponent This project is proposed by the government of Maldives with Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure as the Implementing Agency. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is the government ministry responsible for the development and regulation of the construction sector of the country. It is also the agency which oversees the development of public infrastructure of the country. All harbour development projects therefore fall under the responsibility of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has undertaken several harbour design and implementation projects throughout the Maldives and have also developed standards and criteria’s for developing harbours. The project would be executed by MTCC. MTCC has been selected through the government tendering process. The project will be entirely funded by the government. 3 . 2 Institutional arrangements for managing the project The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure will be the executing agency for this project. Once a contractor is selected and awarded the project, they will have to abide and stick to a timeline. All engineering supervision will be undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. 3 . 3 Project Location and Study Area The proposed development project is located in the island of Maabaidhoo in Haddhunmathi (Laamu) Atoll. The nearest airport is Kahdhoo Airport, approximately 17.98 km south of Maabaidhoo. The location of the proposed project is shown in the maps attached. The closest islands to the project location, Maabaidhoo is inhabited islands of Mundhoo (population 372) approximately 0.5 km south. The closest uninhabited island is Kanuhuraa with distance of approximately 0.58 km. There is no designated protected area or ecologically or environmentally sensitive area identified in the vicinity of the project location. Maabaidhoo island is formed at the outside edge of the atoll with two channel on north and south side separating the island with other islands. There is no other island inside the Maaabidhoo lagoon. 3 . 4 Description of the existing access to the island The existing harbour at the island was built in 1989. The harbour is 420 ft long and 250 ft wide.

Figure 1: Existing Harbour at Maabaidhoo

4 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo The breakwater and the quay wall of the harbour is made of corals. The harbour basin has depth from 2.0 to 2.5 m from mean sea level at various locations. The quay wall has failed in many areas and it is not accessible by boats. This makes difficult for vessels to load and unload cargo and passengers. The breakwater has failed in many locations and is unable to provide protection during south west monsoon. The Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004 caused the major damages to the island harbour. Since then the harbour had not been rebuilt. 3 . 5 Need and Justification to undertake the project This is a socially-driven project to improve the condition of the existing harbour and to extend the harbour to cater the present demand at the island. The primary objective of the project is to improve the condition of the harbour to ensure sustainability and improve living conditions at Maabaidhoo. Maabaidhoo is a fishing island which has many fishing dhonies.

Figure 2: Existing Harbour at Maabaidhoo 3 . 6 W h y rebuild the h a r b o u r ? The existing harbour was developed in 1989 and since then, not much development or renovation has taken place. The harbour was badly damaged during the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004. The island is traditional fishing islands. Maabaidhoo is home to a large fleet of fishing vessel. The island is strategically located on eastern rim of the atoll and easy to access the open sea. Hence a large number of fishing vessels from other islands makes Maabaidhoo as a base to undertake the fishing, when fishing is good in the southern regions. Improvement of the condition of the harbour, increasing the length of the quay wall, increase the size of the harbour basin would help to have a safe mooring conditions for the large vessels during the southwest monsoon. Having a safe mooring harbour would allow to boost the fishing effort. This would help to improve the economy of the island and the Maldives.

3 . 6 . 1 Why is the Project Important for the Local C o m m u n i t y ? Maabaidhoo is considered as the fishing capital of Laamu Atoll. The island has many fish processing business and hence large number of fisherman sells their fish to the island. The fish processing business at Maabaidhoo gives better rate to the fresh fish than the main fish processing facility that are located in the region.

5 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo The island’s harbour had been badly damaged and the size of the harbour is not adequate to cater to the large fishing vessels. Hence there is a an immediate need to rehabilitate and expand the island’s harbour. The rehabilitation and expansion of the harbour would improve accessibility and bring about direct and indirect benefits to the local community. Presently, the island is facing erosion on southern side of the island. The implementation of the harbour rehabilitation project will help to nourish the currently eroding beaches to provide temporary solutions to the current erosion problem to the island.

3 . 6 . 2 Why Proposed Design? The proposed concrete quay walls are the new, third generation of quay walls tried and tested in the Maldives. The proposed design has also been considered based on the following. Local people have aspirations to shift the harbour northwards and increase the harbour front area. This would allow to develop fishing related activities on this side of the island. This gives more land for harbour front. The concrete quay wall has been considered for reasons of durability over the design period as well as the cost. The harbour to be extended to north of the existing harbour area. The new harbour would be access through the existing entrance channel.The harbour basin would be dredged to have a depth of 3m at MSL. The new entrance channel would have a width for easy and safely access to the island. The breakwater would be made using the rock boulders. The material used for the existing breakwater and quay wall would be used as core material. The new harbour would have a quay wall and it would be paved to maximise the use of the harbour.

6

3 . 7 Project duration and boundary The implementation of the project is planned for the third quarter of 2013. The contractor for the project has been selected through the government tendering process. Detail work plan would be available after the tendering process. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months. 3 . 8 The Project The proposed development involves the redevelopment of the harbour at the island. Different configurations for the existing harbour were investigated to develop optimal conceptual design for the harbour. Based on the findings during field visit and discussions with local community, a concept incorporating the wishes of the community to increase the harbour area, redevelop the existing harbour quay wall and breakwater have been considered. A brief description of the concept design is considered below. Technical details are attached as Appendix to this report.

3 . 8 . 1 Brief Description of Proposed Concept Similar to any other harbour project in the Maldives, the proposed harbour redevelopment project for Maabaidhoo Island has the following components. They are: 1. Construction of a quay wall The quay wall of the existing harbour has been damaged during the tsunami (mainly). The quay walls were constructed using corals. Therefore, these quay walls would be replaced with new concrete structure. The materials from the existing quay wall would be used for the rehabilitation of the breakwater. The total length of the quay wall that would be built is 212 m. 2. Redevelopment of the breakwater The existing breakwater on western side of the harbour has been badly damaged. It is made from corals. This breakwater would be removed and a new rock boulder breakwater would be constructed. The breakwater would be redeveloped using existing materials at the breakwater and the materials recovered from the demolition of the existing quay wall at the island would be used as the core material of the rock boulder breakwater. The total length of the rehabilitated breakwater is 287 m. 3. Dredging of the harbour basin The proposed harbour basin would be dredged to a depth of -3 m at MSL. It is proposed to make a harbour basin 299 m long and 79 m wide. The area of the proposed rehabilitated harbour basin is 10,507 m2. The size of the existing harbour basin is 133 m long and 79 m wide. The area of the existing harbour basin is 10,507 m2. The area of the harbour basin which would be extended is 5,214 m2. The total volume of material to be dredged would be about 22,700 m3. The material would be disposed to reclaim the area where harbour would be extended and excess material would be used to replenish the area of the beach eroding on southern side of the island. 4. Disposal of the dredged materials The rehabilitation of the harbour basin would generate around 22,700 m3. This material would be disposed to the area north of the harbour, where the harbour would be extended. It is estimated that the dredged material could be used to

8 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo replenish 12,600 m2 area. 5. Placement of the marker lights As part of the project, marker lights would be placed at the entrance channel. 6. Revetment A revetment would be built on north end of the harbour to protect the harbour from erosion. The revetment would be built using sand cement bags and its proposed length is 15 m.

3 . 8 . 2 Process and M a t e r i a l s 3.8.2.1 The Dredging Process The dredging of the harbour basin would be undertaken by using an excavator. It is recommended that excavator which is larger than 460 excavators to be used in the dredging phase of the harbour development to minimise the impact on the environment. The excavator would be working on sand beds during the excavation work. 3.8.2.2 Dredged spoil disposal The dredged material would be disposed in the area indicated in Error! Reference source not found.. The material excavated from the harbour basin area would be placed on trucks. The trucks would transport the material from the harbour area to the material disposal area. The trucks would move along the harbour front road. 3.8.2.3 Construction Materials The quay wall would be constructed with concrete L blocks. Concrete caps on the quay walls would be replaced using concrete. The rehabilitation of the breakwater would be with existing corals at the breakwater, corals recovered from the demolition of the quay walls and sand cements bags. 3 . 9 Operation and Maintenance Harbour management in the Maldives is a responsibility of the government. The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has a budget line allocated to investment and maintenance of the harbour. Harbour inspections are undertaken by the Ministry at regular intervals and condition of the harbours assessed regularly. Harbours requiring maintenance are then taken into consideration for public funding. In many islands, day-to-day management of harbours are undertaken by the island councils. 3 . 1 0 Project Inputs and Outputs The project has inputs in terms of human resources, and natural resources and machinery. The main output of the project is a rehabilitated harbour that would bring direct and indirect benefits to the local communities in terms of social and economic development. The inputs and outputs are summarised in Table 1 and Table 2.

9 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Table 1: Main inputs of the proposed project Input resource(s) How to obtain resources Construction workers Contractor’s responsibility Management and maintenance staff Island Council Construction materials. Concrete blocks, Import and purchase where locally available at reinforcement steel bars, sand, cement, aggregates, competitive prices – Contractor’s responsibility. etc. Maintenance material N/A Water supply (during construction) Ground or rainwater Electricity/Energy (during construction) Diesel-based electricity from island mains Machinery such as excavators, crane lorries and dump Contractor’s responsibility trucks

Table 2: Matrix of major outputs Products and waste materials Anticipated Method of disposal quantities Sand-cement bags 200 m long Reused for construction of the breakwater as core sections materiall Fill material or dredge spoil 22,700 m3 Disposed to adjacent areas requiring reclamation and beach nourishment Breakwater corals 176 m long The corals recovered from existing breakwater section and quay wall would be used to rehabilitate the breakwater Constructional waste (concrete and 10 tonns / week Transported to Thilafushi or any other designated cement debris) facility 3 . 1 1 Risks Associated with the Project There are few risk factors associated with this project that could possibly have both financial and environmental implications. The most significant risk associated is not completing the work on time and causing delay in demobilizing from the island. There is also the risk of project delays caused by bad weather. The start of the project period falls in the south west monsoon. This risk can be minimized if the works are scheduled as such that major work is planned to south west monsoon. The mobilisation to the project could be planned as such heavy machineries are transported at the end of the south west monsoon.

10 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 3 . 1 2 Project Schedule Following is a tentative schedule for undertaking the proposed harbour redevelopment project at Maabaidhoo after project is awarded to a contractor Table 3: Project Schedule

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Awarding of contract undertake site survey detail designing mobilisation dredging of harbour basin beach nourishment construction of quay wall Construction of the seawall Construction of the breakwater undertake as built survey demoblisation handover of the harbour 3 . 1 3 Construction methodology

3 . 1 3 . 1 Construction strategy The harbour redevelopment project will be undertaken in the planned time period to reduce cost and also reduce the environmental damage. Both coastal and marine based construction activities will be done in parallel to complete the work in the least possible time frame.

3 . 1 3 . 2 Work methods for coast - based activities Beach structures for this project include quay wall. Quay wall will be constructed using L-shaped reinforced precast concrete walls. These L-shaped concrete walls will be placed along the quay wall section where it will be placed upright with a tie rod and concrete slab to stabilize the quay wall when it is loaded. Loading and unloading will be carried by excavators and cranes. Once they are in place and completed, backfilling will be done using part of the sand dredged from the entrance channel and harbour basin.

3 . 1 3 . 3 W o r k method for marine - based activities Marine-based activities under the project include dredging and construction of breakwaters. Excavation of the harbour basin and access channels will be done by using excavators. Excavators placed on a barge or sand bund will be used to dredge the harbour basin. Breakwater construction will also be undertaken using excavators to place the boulders. The placing of boulders will be carried out either on barge or constructing a temporary sand bund.

3 . 1 3 . 4 Management of dredged sp oil and its disposal The project will produce a combined volume of about 22,700 m3 of sand or dredged spoil which has to be managed in an environmentally acceptable manner. In this project, the dredged spoil from the proposed harbour basin and the entrance channel will be disposed to the northern side of the island (north of the harbour). This additional sand will be stockpiled near the harbour for use by the island community.

11 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

3 . 1 4 Operation and Maintenance The Government currently has plans to form community cooperatives which will operate and maintain communal services such as water supply, sewerage, electricity, solid waste and may be harbours. It is envisaged that these cooperatives would be able to manage such services better and in a more-organised manner than the current setup

3 . 1 4 . 1 Flood control measures In order to control flooding, the filling behind the quay walls will be filed to the same height as the island and the eroding areas will have a fill profile that will drain the flood water to the lagoon. Elevated filling around the periphery will trap flood waters and hence it is important to follow the beach profile in order to prevent flooding. If filling takes place higher than the existing island level, then appropriate drains need to be included. The detail design of these should be provided by the contractor once the project is awarded.

3 . 1 4 . 2 Project management The project will be entirely managed by the contractor from material supply to labour and equipment hire among others. Following are details of the project management components. 3.14.2.1 Communication mechanism The contractor will be responsible to communicate directly with the engineering section of the ministry of Housing and Infrastructure regarding the project. Regular reporting will be done between the ministry and the contractor. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure will communicate with the Island Council if any matters that need to monitored on a regular basis are to be undertaken or not. 3.14.2.2 Labour requirements and availability Labour will be sourced by the contractor, that is either locals or foreigners. The contract value should include labour charges. Hiring of local labour from the island is not anticipated as harbour projects require labours with specialized skills. However, it is up to the discretion of the contractor to hire labourers if they feel to do so from the island. 3.14.2.3 Housing of temporary labour Discussion with the island council indicated that the island has adequate houses if the contractor wishes to rent them. However, a project site will be established near the proposed harbour area to house the project office as well as accommodate temporary labour. The final location will be decided in consultation with the island council and they have indicated that the island will provide maximum cooperation in this regard. 3.14.2.4 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease and oil) The project site will have contact numbers for the project manager in case of any emergency and everyone working on this project will have access to the project managers through mobile phones. To avoid any serious spillage, all fuelling activities will be undertaken on land. That is to say, excavators, barges and other vehicles refuelling will takes place in the harbour itself. This would totally avoid any oil spillages to the marine environment. In case of a serious oil spill from a machinery

12 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo due to a damage, all work will be immediately stopped and everyone will be directed to focus their attention and effort to get the leaking stop, either through mechanically or by any temporary means. The focus will then be to move the machinery to land, if it happens on the sea. 3.14.2.5 Safety equipment Safety shoes and hats will be provided to all workers. Gloves and boiler suits will be provided for workers when necessary. Ear muffs will not be given as the project will not generate nuisance or dangerous levels of noise. Snorkelling gear will be provided to labourers working on water in case they need it. 3.14.2.6 Management of fuel All fuel to site will be stored in the island at the site office. The fuel storage will be done in a hard floor area with roof covering to avoid rain and heat. Temporary storage area will be required to have an impervious flooring surface, such as metal sheets or wood on which fuel drums will be stored.

13 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 4 Methodology The section covers methodologies used to collect data on the existing environment. The key environmental and socio-economic components of the project that were considered are physical environment, social and economic environment and coral reef areas as the marine environment. Hence, data collection was undertaken for the above components. In order to study the existing environment of the island, the following data collection methodologies were used during the field visit undertaken in July 2013 to the island.

4 . 1 General Methodologies of data collection Conditions of the existing environment were analyzed by using appropriate scientific methods. The environmental components of the study area were divided into marine and coastal zone. The marine environment of the island covered the house reef, especially eastern side of the island, around the area of the proposed project. The coastal environment covered the coastline within the project boundary.

4 . 2 Mapping and Location identification The entire island, including reef line, shore line, vegetation line and marine survey locations (in the project boundary) and existing coastal structure were mapped. Mapping was undertaken using hand held differential GPS. The location of data collection sites were marked using handheld GPS. These data collection points include water sampling locations, marine survey areas and proposed borrow areas.

4 . 3 Marine Survey To assess the benthic composition of the survey site, an LIT transect of 20 meters were undertaken. The benthic categorization was focused on categorizing life forms followed under the Reef Check protocol, which emphasises on benthic composition categorizing such as hard corals, sand, rock and others. The emphasis is not on recording corals to their species levels, but rather the general coral and other life forms such as hard and soft corals. This method is more accurate as the percentage of healthy coral cover and other life forms can be more accurately recorded even by a non experienced surveyor. Recording corals to their species levels will pose difficulty if the surveyor is not familiar with the different coral types. This method is universally used throughout the world by Reef Check surveyors and hence it has been used. The 20 meter segment was divided in to 2 segments, each 10 m long. This LIT method was also complimented by qualitative methods, such as visual observations and through the use of photos. Fish counts were also undertaken to get a snapshot of the fish population. Details of these methodologies are discussed in the methodology section. The following are definition of benthic categories used in this survey. o HC: All living coral including bleached coral; includes fire, blue and organ pipe corals o SC: Include zoanthids but not anemones (OT) o RKC: Coral that has died within the past year; appears fresh and white or with corallite structures still recognizable o NIA: All macro-algae except coralline, calcareous and turf (record the substrate beneath for these); Halimeda is recorded as OT; turf is shorter than 3cm. o SP: All erect and encrusting sponges (but no tunicates). o RC: Any hard substrate; includes dead coral more than 1 yr old and may be

14 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo covered by turf or encrusting coralline algae, barnacles, etc. o RB: Reef rocks between 0.5 and 15cm in diameter o SD: Sediment less than 0.5cm in diameter; in water, falls quickly to the bottom when dropped. o SI: Sediment that remains in suspension if disturbed; recorded if colour of the underlying surface is obscured by silt. o OT: Any other sessile organism including sea anemones, tunicates, gorgonians or non-living substrate. Sea grass is also recorded under this category.

4 . 4 Bathymetric survey A bathymetric survey was undertaken to assess the baseline condition of the proposed the harbour basin and the disposal site. Bathymetric surveys were also used to determine the volume of sand that could be borrowed to replenish the beach.

4 . 5 Marine water quality The quality of the marine water in the harbour and outside was assessed by testing water samples at the Public Health Laboratory. Using a GeoXT GPS, the positions of the locations were identified. Turbidity was the main parameter that was tested.

4 . 6 S o c i o - economic condition and stakeholder consultation The baseline socio- economic condition of the island and the possible impacts of the project to be caused to the island community were studied by using various methods including, key informant interviews, utilizing existing data and maps, stakeholder consultation. The socio-economic aspect of the EIA was targeted to get in-depth information of the community, their perception, values regarding the proposed harbour redevelopment project. The specific objectives were: to identify the existing socio economic conditions prevailing on the island; to understand the perceptions that the islanders have towards the proposed harbour development project; to determine the parameters that requires future monitoring to gauge the impact of the proposed harbour development project. The EIA team met the island community representatives under the guidance of the island council. In this meeting detailed discussions were held with the committees regarding the proposed harbour development project and gathered views and perceptions of committee members. A site inspection was also carried and gathered information about the socio-economic condition of the island.

15 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 5 Existing Environment of Maldives The island Maabaidhoo is located in the eastern part of the Laamu Atoll around 02° 01’ 03” N and 73° 31’ 55” E. The size of the island has a length of 1,400 m from north to south and a width of 460 m on the east to west. The total surface area of the island is approximately 49.6 hectares. The island lies on a shallow reef which has an area of 154.6 hectres. The typical reef flat depth around M is about 0.5 meter below MSL or less. The entire reef flat on eastern side of the island gets exposed during the low-low tides. The existing island is 1.2 meter above mean sea-level. The harbour front area had been added to the island by reclamation with the harbour development project in late 80’s. The area that had been reclaimed had no coastal protection and hence some of the land had been lost for erosion. Maabaidhoo has a large lake on northern side of the island. the lake covers about 30% of the island. The area is now considered as a protected area by the Island Council. The harbour of the island is located on the western side.

Figure 4: Maabaidhoo showing the extent of the lake 5 . 1 Coastal Environment There are few coastal modifications and structures on the island. The only coastal structure is the harbour while the coastline on western side of the island has been reclaimed by dredged sand obtained during the dredging of the harbour basin and the reclamation project implemented at the island. The following points were noted regarding the existing harbour. o The harbour on the island measures 420 ft x 250 m and was constructed in 1989. o The harbour quay walls were constructed using corals. o The breakwaters were constructed using corals. o Currently the harbour accommodates around 20 vessels. o The area south of the harbour is used to beach vessel at the island.

5 . 1 . 1 Climatic setting The Maldives, in general, has a warm and humid tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 25C to 30C and relative humidity ranging from 73 per cent to 85 per cent (MEC 2004). The country receives an annual average rainfall of 1,948.4mm. There is considerable variation of climate between northern and

16 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo southern atolls. General studies on climatic conditions of Maldives were taken into account during study as local level time-series data are unavailable for longer periods at the nearest meteorological station at Laamu Kadhoo Airport. 5.1.1.1 Monsoons Monsoons of Indian Ocean govern the climatology of the Maldives. Monsoon wind reversal plays a significant role in weather patterns. Two monsoon seasons are observed: the Northeast (Iruvai) and the Southwest (Hulhangu) monsoon. Monsoons can be best characterized by wind and rainfall patterns. The southwest monsoon is the rainy seasona which lasts from May to September and the northeast monsoon is the dry season that occurs from December to February. The transition period of southwest monsoon occurs between March and April while that of northeast monsoon occurs from October to November. 5.1.1.2 Wind The two monsoon seasons have a dominant influence on winds experienced across Maldives. These monsoons are relatively mild due to the country’s location close to the equator and strong winds and gales are infrequent. However, storms and line squalls can occur, usually in the period May to July; gusts of up to 60 kts have been recorded at Male’ during such storms. Medium term meteorological data from Met Office at Kadhoo Airport weather station was used in this analysis. The south-west monsoon brings winds predominantly between SW and NW. During May and June winds are mainly from WSW to WNW, and in July to October winds between W and NW predominate. The north-east monsoon brings winds between N to E quadrant. During March and April, winds are variable and during November winds are predominantly from west, becoming variable. Wind was uniform in speed and direction over the past twenty-plus monsoon seasons in the Maldives (Naseer, 2003). Wind speed is usually higher in central region during both monsoons, with a maximum wind speed recorded at 18 m.s-1 for the period 1975 to 2001. Maximum wind speed recorded in the south was 17.5 m.s-1 during the period 1978 to 2001. Mean wind speed was highest during the months January and June in the central region, while wind speed was in general lower and more uniform throughout the year in the southern region. Wind analysis indicated that the monsoon was considerably weaker in the south (Naseer, 2003). During the peak months of the SW monsoon, southern regions have a weak wind blowing from the south and south-eastern sectors. 5.1.1.3 Waves It was not possible to obtain site specific data on wave conditions due to lack of time. Studies conducted elsewhere in the Maldives have been considered as a general guide to wave conditions at Maabaidhoo. Two major types of waves have been reported on the coasts of the Maldives: wave generated by local monsoon wind and swells generated by distance storms. The local monsoon predominantly generates wind waves which are typically strongest during April-July in the south-west monsoon period. During this season, swells generated north of the equator with heights of 2-3 m with periods of 18-20 seconds have been reported in the region. Local wave periods are generally in the range 2-4 seconds and are easily distinguished from the swell waves. Distant cyclones and low pressure systems originating from the intense South Indian Ocean storms are reported to generate long distance swells that occasionally

17 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo cause flooding in Maldives (Goda, 1988). The swell waves that reached Malé and Hulhule in 1987, thought to have originated from a low pressure system of west coast of Australia, had significant wave heights in the order of 3 metres. In addition, Maldives have been subject to earthquake generated tsunami reaching heights of 4.0m on land (UNEP, 2005). Historical wave data from Indian Ocean countries show that tsunamis have occurred in more than 1 occasion, most notable been the 1883 tsunami resulting from the volcanic explosion of Karakatoa(Choi and others, 2003). 5.1.1.4 Currents In general, currents tend to be monsoonal in origin, generally setting W during the NE Monsoon (January to March) and E during the SW monsoon (May to October). During the transition months, the currents are variable. Ocean currents flowing through channels between the atolls are driven by the monsoon winds. Current speeds of 1 to 1.5 knots are reported in the Admiralty pilot. However, the current in the E/W channels of the Maldives may attain 5 knots. Currents which affect the sea areas around Maabaidhoo reef system and within reef flat can be the result of one or more of tidal currents, wind-induced currents, wave-induced currents and ocean currents. Studies on current flow within a reef flat in Male’ Atoll suggests that wave over wash and tides generate currents across the reef platforms, which are also capable of transporting sediments (Binnie Black & Veatch, 2000). However, available information suggests that tidal currents are not strong due to small tidal range. Studies in other coral atolls show that wind and waves as the primary driving mechanism of lagoon flushing and circulation on coral atolls (Kench, 1994). Within the lagoon, the surface water is moved primarily by wind, whereas deeper water is moved by tide. Currents within a reef flat are modified by reef and island morphology. In general terms, the tidal component of current is eastward during flood tide and westward during ebb tide. Tides experienced in Maldives are mixed and semi-diurnal/diurnal. Typical spring and neap tidal ranges are approximately 1.0m and 0.3m, respectively (MEC, 2005). Maximum spring tidal range in the central and southern atolls is approximately 1.1m. There is also a 0.2m seasonal fluctuation in regional mean sea level, with an increase of about 0.1m during February to April and a decrease of 0.1m during September to November. Tidal variations in Maldives are presented in Table 5.2. Table 5.2: Tidal Variations at Male’ International Airport (source MEC, 2004)

Tide Level Referred to Mean Sea level

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) +0.64 Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +0.34 Mean Lower High Water (MLHW) +0.14 Mean Sea Level (MSL) 0.00 Mean Higher Low Water (MHLW) -0.16 Mean Lower Low Water (MHLW) -0.36 Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) -0.56

The predicted astronomical tides provided above may vary at any given time and location based on a number of meteorological and other factors including:

18 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo o Wind set-up or set-down, due to onshore or offshore winds; o Atmospheric pressure deficiency or excess, due to areas of low or high pressure, leading to a positive or negative surge component respectively. o Wave set-up or set-down due to ‘groupiness’ of waves reaching the shore, due to ‘surf beats’, or due to ponding of broken waves. o Seasonal variation in Mean Sea Level; and o tsunamis 5 . 2 Natural hazard risk The primary sources of natural hazard risks in Maldives are strong winds during monsoons or freak storms, earthquakes, island interior flooding caused by heavy rain, coastal flooding caused by high surf, storm surge, prolonged strong monsoonal wind, high astronomical tides or tsunamis, and sea level rise. Coastal flooding related flooding and wind damage can be considered as the most frequent natural hazards that occur in Maldives (see Maniku (1990), Luthfy(1994)). Most of these risk factors (apartform earthquake, wind damage and rainfall flooding), stems from the extremely low elevation of all Maldivian islands: the average elevation is 1.5 meters above sea level. Inspite of the occasional natural hazards, Maldives in general is relatively from high risk natural disasters. Spatial variations in hazards are evident across Maldives (Maniku, 1990). Northern atolls are more exposed to intense storm systems, increasing the risk of wind damage in these atolls. In comparison, southern atolls experience less storms systems, but are more exposed to flooding events, probably as a result of exposure to intense South Indian Ocean storm surges and wind-waves during south west monsoons. Southern atolls are also more likely to experience earthquakes. Historical records suggest that Maabaidhoo has been relatively safe from natural disasters compared to other islands of Maldives. Only 3 incidents of significant impact have so far been reported; a freak storm in 28 September 1984 (Maniku, 1990), flooding during April 1987 and flooding during 2004 tsunami (UNEP, 2005). Amongst these, the tsunami of 2004 caused, by far, the biggest damage to Maabaidhoo. During the 2004 tsunami, Maabaidhoo was badly damaged. Harbour was badly damaged by the tsunami. Project site could be considered as being in a relatively safe zone, in terms of natural hazards. Impacts from wind damage and flooding due to a combination of high astronomical tide and strong wind generated waves during southwest monsoon are the most probable sources. Risk of tsunami damage exists, although its probability is quite low and could be managed with proper code of construction. 5.2.1.1 Cyclones in the Maldives The islands of the Maldives are less prone to tropical cyclones. The northern islands of the country have been affected by weak cyclones that formed in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The number of cyclones directly crossing the Maldives is small. Only 11 cyclones crossed the islands over the entire span of 128 years between 1877 and 2004. Most of the cyclones crossed the Maldives north of 6.0°N and none of them crossed south of 2.7°N during the period. All the cyclones that affected the Maldives were formed during the months of October to January except one, which formed in April. The Maldives have not been affected by cyclones since1993.

19 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo In the northern islands, the probable maximum storm tide due to cyclones has been estimated to be around 1.82m (storm surge of 0.84 m) for a return period of 100 years. This storm surge was computed taking into account probable maximum winds and probable maximum pressure drops. 5 . 3 R a i n f a l l Annual average rainfall in Maldives is about 1900mm. There is a marked variation in rainfall across Maldives with an increasing trend towards south. The annual average rainfall in north is 1977mm and for south is 2470mm. The southwest monsoon is known as the wet season with monthly average rainfall ranging from 125-250mm. The northeast monsoon is known as the dry season with average monthly rainfall of 50-75mm. 5 . 4 Temperature Daily temperatures of Maldives vary little throughout the year with a mean annual temperature of 28C. The annual mean maximum temperature recorded for Male’ during the period 1967-1995 was 30.4C and the annual mean minimum temperature for the same period was 25.7C. The highest recorded temperature for Male’ was 34.1C on 16th and 28th of April 1973. The hottest month recorded was April 1975 with a maximum monthly average temperature of 32.7C, the next highest being 32.6C in April 1998. The lowest minimum average temperature of 23.7C was recorded in July 1992. Average daily temperatures to Laamu Atoll varies between 27C and 30C. 5 . 5 T o p o g r a p h y The islands of Maldives are low lying with an average elevation of 1.5 m above mean sea level and maximum recorded elevation of 3.5m. Majority of the islands are small and narrow. There is no substantial variation in topography within an island, but studies have shown that islands often dip slightly towards the centre, especially in more circular islands (Woodroffe, 1989). Islands facing frequent storms or strong wind generated waves from Indian Ocean, often have high dunes on the ocean ward side, while islands facing less frequent storm activity have relatively uniform topography throughout the island. The process of natural adjusting in oceanward ridges is believed to be a natural response of islands to oceanic severe weather events and potentially to sea level rise (Kench and Cowell, 2002). Mangroves, marshes and small inland fresh water wetlands are found in some larger islands. The island of Maabaidhoo possesses most of these general characteristics of Maldivian islands. But also has some usual characteristics. The islands has unusual shape which does not have any natural shape. This suggests the island formation is influenced by the strong swells from the east for a short period followed by a long south west monsoon when the prevailing wind direction is from west. Though, western side of the island had been reclaimed, eastern side shoreline of Maabaidhoo is relatively low and has a gentle sloping beach. Surface waves within atoll lagoon relatively calm during north east monsoon. The height of beach areas in Maabaidhoo suggest that wave power reaching the beach area is limited. The island have coastal vegetation but the residential areas as encroached this area on southern side of the island. The island has coastal vegetation on eastern side of the island. The observation of coastal vegetation tells about the estability of the beach over the years. Due lack of buffering distance between the present beach line and the built up area of the island, the island is now considered as a high risk island, where erosion is considered as critical. Pressure on Maabaidhoo’s topography includes inappropriate

20 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo alteration of natural island profile through land reclamation and clearing of coastal vegetation. However, clearing of coastal vegetation is not significant compared to most of the inhabited islands. 5 . 6 Existing terrestrial environment The terrestrial environment of the island consisted of two main vegetation types. They are coastal vegetation and the inner vegetation. The coastal vegetation consisted of salt tolerant species with low canopy profiles. The inner vegetation consisted of larger and older trees and coconut palms. Terrestrial environment of the island can further be categorized into three (3) main components; they are the i) soil, ii) flora (vegetation) and iii) fauna. Among these terrestrial components of the island’s environment, the coastal vegetation on the northwestern side of the island will be most affected by the proposed development. 5 . 7 B e a c h e s Maabaidhoo shoreline has been modified on western side of the island. There is noticeable erosion on the south and northern side of the island. Significant area of the western part of the island is covered by the harbour. Beach material consists usually of fine sand, coral rubble and coarse sand. On the eastern shoreline, incoming swells form the east is the dominant force building and shaping the island, with longshore currents running north or south most of the time, diverging in their direction around northern and southern end.

Figure 5: Maabaidhoo erosion on western side of the island. As illustrated in beach profiles included in the appendices of the report, eastern side of the island is higher than the level of the natural island. The area of the island had been increased with the creation of the harbour in late 80’s. The new land that had been added to the island had been utilised to create the public and community infrastructure for the island. During the consultation with the council, it was revealed that beach erosion is a critical issue facing the island. During the field survey, it was found that land had been allocated for residential purpose very close to the beach. 5 . 8 B a t h y m e t r y A bathymetric survey was undertaken in the lagoon using Echo sounder. The levels were then corrected for mean sea level and represented in a map. Bathymetric map is attached as an annex. The average depth of the existing harbour basin is 2.0 to 3.0 m at MSL. The average depth in the entrance channel is about 2.5 m at MSL. The average depth of the shallow lagoon north of the existing harbour is 0.5 m at MSL.

21 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 5 . 9 C o r a l r e e f Two sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community. The geographical coordinates and the locations are outlined in the diagramme attached. Two sites were from within the western side of the island, one site close to the entrance of the harbour and one site south-west in close proximity to the harbour. 5 . 1 0 Status of coral reef at site 1 Site 1 was chosen from the western side of the existing harbour. Site 1 is not considered as a healthy site as the percentage of healthy live coral cover was very low. The fish population was another indicator that was used to assess the health of the site. Most of the fishes at this site were grazers and herbivore species. Their numbers were low and the diversity of fish population can be considered very low. To assess the fish population, fish counts were done for fish families as used by the Reef Check fish survey method. The following graph outlines the percentage benthic composition at site 1 and the following table outlines the results of the LIT transect at site 1 in Maabaidhoo island.

Figure 6: Percentage benthic composition at site 1.

Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 5% 4% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 0% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 48% 9% RB 35% 18% SD 10% 7% SI 0% 0%

22 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo Table 4: Percentage benthic composition at site 1

Figure 7: percentage living and non-living benthic composition cover for site 1

Live coral cover at site 1 was 5%. Of the non-living components, rocks dominated this area with 48%. Percentage of coral rubbles is 35%. No bleached corals were recorded or found, and no algae recorded on the transect line. 5 . 1 1 Status of coral reef at site 2 Site 2 was also selected from west of the existing harbour and was selected as a control site, close to the reef slope. Hence, this site is further away from the harbour. The reason for selecting this location was to assess the reef health as baseline in order to ensure that the proposed work has the least impact on this area, and hence help to monitor the reef. Site 2 has slightly higher percentage of live coral cover. Fish population was not considered abundant and diverse, but Surgeon fish population was high. The following table illustrates the results of the benthic survey at site 2.

Live reef cover Mean % per segment SE HC 8% 2% SC 0% 0% NIA 0% 0% SP 0% 0% OT 0% 0% Non-living reef cover Mean % per segment SE RKC 0% 0% RC 33% 9% RB 50% 0% SD 10% 7% SI 0% 0% Table 5: Percentage benthic composition at site 2

Live coral cover at site 2 was 8%. Of the non-living components, coral rubbles dominated this area with 50%. Percentage of rocks is 33% and sand accounted for 10%. No bleached corals were recorded nor any nutrient indicative algae. The following graph illustrates the percentage of benthic composition at site 2.

23 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Figure 8: Percentage benthic composition at site 2

Figure 9: Percentage living and non-living benthic composition cover for site 2

6 Status of fish abundance The amount and type of fish present at a given site can be a good indicator of the marine environment. For example, increased grazers are generally a sign of increased nutrients in the area, thus decreased coral cover and increased algal cover. Similarly, more live corals will attract more fish and some of the fishes are associated with different types and growth forms of corals. For example, Damselfish like Dascyllus sp. or Chromis sp. are common fish found in branching corals and large schools are often seen around healthy branching corals. In abundance, fish communities were by far dominated by the herbivorous Acanthuridae in both sites. Details of the fish census survey is outlined in the following table.

24 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Table 6: Results of the Fish census survey

Family Site 1 Site 2 Anthias C R Butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae) - A Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) C C Emperors C - Fusiliers (Caesionidae) - C Groupers - R Hawk fishes - R Jacks - R Moorish idol (Zanclidae) - R Parrotfishes (Scaridae) R - Snappers (Lutjanidae) - R Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) C A Triggerfishes (Balistidae) C C Wrasses (Labridae) - - A= Abundant (Meaning that during the 15 minute time swim survey, species counts were recorded more than 50, hence it is difficult to count their numbers). C=Common (Meaning that during the 15 minute time swim survey, they were spotted occasionally and throughout the survey, but their numbers were less than 50) R=Rare (Meaning that during the survey, only few of these species were observed, often 1 or 2.

25 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 7 Marine water quality The primary objective of the marine water quality sampling was to determine the baseline conditions of the marine water in the project site. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on seawater from one location. The following table illustrates the result of the marine water quality test. Water Quality Site 1 Optimal range Ref Physical appearance Clear

Electrical Conductivity 55200 (us/cm Temperature C 28.00 18 - 32 Degree GBRMPA 2009 Celcius Total Dissolved Solids 30850mg/L Salinity (mg/l) or PPT 33300.00 3.2% - 4.2% GBRMPA 2010 pH 8.5 8 to 8.3. Levels below 7.4 will cause stress Turbidity (NTU) 3.0 3 to 5 NTU. > 5 Cooper et al 2008 NTU causes stress Suspended solids (mg/l) 5.0

Table 7: Results of the marine water quality tests undertaken in Maabaidhoo island

26 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 7 . 1 E x i s t i n g socioeconomic E n v i r o n m e n t

7 . 1 . 1 S e t t i n g Maabaidhoo Island is located in Laamu Atoll with distance of approximately 236 km from capital Male’. The island has area of 313,211.85 square meters or 31 hectares. The nearest inhabited island is Mundoo and nearest airport is Kahdhoo regional airport.

Table 8: Some key figures the island Name of island Maabaidhoo Area of islands/Sqm 313,211.85 Distance to atoll capital/Km 5.8 Distance to Male'/Km 236 Is it on its own reef Yes is it sharing reef withother islands No if sharing how many islands 0 Nearest distance to reef edge/Km 0.365 Longest distance to reef edge/Km 0.938 Area of the reef (including lagoon)/Sqm 569374.7571 Nearest inhabited island Mundhoo Nearest Airport Kahdhoo Regional Airport 7.1.1.1 Population The atoll also has relatively fewer inhabited islands of 16 in 2006. The population census shows that the population of the atoll is 11,743. The socio- economic surveys suggest that the population of the atoll has grown by 0.35% due to the projects that had been implemented at the atoll as part of the tsunami reconstruction project. The following table outlines the statistics for Haa Alif Atoll which compares population figures with the island and the others in the atoll.

Table 9: Population statistics for Laamu Atoll Locality Avg. Sex ratio (males Population 2006 annual per 100 females) growth Both sexes Male Female 2006 2000 rate Administrative Islands 11,743 5,928 5,815 0.35 102 100 Isdhoo 1,559 755 804 1.41 94 92 Dhabidhoo 537 263 274 -1.87 96 89 Maabaidhoo 690 351 339 -2.31 104 109 Mundhoo 372 206 166 -5.47 124 104 Kalhaidhoo 434 233 201 0.04 116 108 Gamu 2,502 1,277 1,225 1.81 104 110 Maavah 1,373 652 721 0.27 90 89 Fonadhoo 1,762 937 825 0.21 114 108 Gaadhoo 231 110 121 -2.47 91 86 Maamendhoo 845 401 444 -0.97 90 97 Hithadhoo 836 438 398 3.09 110 101 Kunahandhoo 602 305 297 2.18 103 90

27 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 7.1.1.2 Employment The major income earning activities of the island people are recorded as fishing and agriculture. A number of people are working outside the island, mostly in Male’ and in safari boats. 7.1.1.3 Health The Health Centre is the main health facility that serve the population of the island. The quality and availability of better services is still a concern for most of the island people. The health centre has one expatriate doctor, two nurses, two family health workers, two community health worker and administrative and support staffs. 7.1.1.4 Education Quality of education and lack of trained teachers are still a main issue in most of the islands. The current teacher training policy and educational policy of the government is a main concern for the public. The government of Maldives has claims to have been reached the universal school enrolment rate, whilst most schools in the islands are facing lack of facilities including teachers, laboratories and teach training institutions. The growing demand of schooling has increased the demand on skilled teachers which are often met by importing expatriate teachers from nearby countries. The lack of skilled teachers and facilities in island schools are one of the main reasons why people are still migrating to the capital Male’. The island has a government run school which offers education up to grade 10. Most skilled teachers of the school are expatriates. 7.1.1.5 Housing Maabaidhoo is not a densely populated island. Most of the houses are built from corals and according to the island council; construction of new houses are not frequent. The island has a number of new houses built with cement blocks. The island council does not have statistics about the number of new housing plots allocated for housing, but in total there are 120 houses in the island as per the latest Council records. 7.1.1.6 Water There is a community rainwater water supply tanks in the island, but the demand is high only during dry periods. The island population depends on rain water harvesting from roof tops as their main source of potable water. Households are provided with 2500 litres rain water tanks after the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004. The available rain water harvesting facilities are insufficient to meet the demand of the people throughout the year. The island does not have a desalination plant nor any piped drinking network.

28 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 8 Environmental Impacts 8 . 1 Assessing and identification of I m p a c t Environmental Impact identification has been undertaken by considering the proposed activities and examining the level of impact the proposed development will have on the environment. Each activity was then examined in detail to identify the construction methods, technology and other factors that would determine the potential impact of the various activities. The following two methods were used to identify the impacts of this project. o Impact Identification Matrix (refer to the matrix) o Expert judgment. This method relied on experience gained from similar projects in Maldives. o Reviews from previous studies undertaken by similar projects 8 . 2 Impact identification matrix This matrix was designed to help provide an assessment and screening of the potential environmental impacts of this project. The matrix considered 17 potential environmental factors. Indicators are listed for each factor and these are used as a weighing scale. The project components are then assessed against each factor, scoring them on a scale of 1 to 10. This tool was thus utilized to help provide an assessment and screening of the potential environmental impacts of this project. The matrix will identify the impact types. Once the impact types are determined, the matrix is then used to assess the impact significance together with the network diagramme and expert judgment. This matrix contains:  An impact assessment matrix which lists all of the 17 environmental factors and allows, for each one, to provide a score (1-10) and any additional comments. Each factor considers several sub categories (not indicated in the following matrix), depending on the project type and a total score is derived by averaging the individual scores.

 A summary of scores for each factors and the impact type, negative, positive or neutral.

All types of projects that are listed in the EIA Regulation of 2012 can be assessed using this tool. The following table outlines the impact assessment matrix and the scores for the 17 categories derived for this project.

29 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Table 10: Impact assessment matrix for the project

+ Neutral - Total score impacts impacts Impacts Air pollution 4.00 x Waste 2.00 x Water pollution 1.00 x Noise / Vibration 5.00 x Amenity 7.50 x Ground water conservation 5.00 x Energy 5.00 x Energy efficiency 5.00 x Access to quality green space 3.00 x Flooding 5.50 x Transport 9.00 x Biodiversity 1.00 x Local environmental quality 3.00 x Resource depletion 3.80 x Health gain 8.00 x Employment 8.65 x Socio-economic implications 9.00 x

Scale Score 1-3, Negative Environmental Impact Scale Score 4-7; Neutral Environmental Impact Scale Score 8-10; Positive Environmental Impact 8 . 3 Magnitude of impacts Environmental impacts of the proposed work have been examined through the above mentioned three processes and the results are outlined in the following pages. By using the impact assessment matrix as a tool, the magnitude of the impacts can be assessed as outlined in the following table. Scores based on the impact assessment matrix < Negative Impacts > < Neutral Impacts > < Positive Impacts >* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Magnitude Major 2, Minor 4 &5 Minor, 6 & 7 Good Very Excellent of adverse adverse Negligible good impacts. 3, Moderate adverse Table 11: Impact magnitudes and their corresponding scores.

This EIA identifies and quantifies the significance of impacts on the environment from the proposed project. Impacts on the environment were identified and described according to their location/attribute, extent (magnitude) and characteristics (such as short-term or long term, direct or indirect, reversible or irreversible) and assessed in terms of their significance according to the following categories: o Negligible – the impact is too small to be of any significance; o Minor– the impact is minor; o Minor adverse – the impact is undesirable but accepted; o Moderate adverse – the impact give rise to some concern but is likely to be

30 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo tolerable in short-term (e.g. construction phase) or will require a value judgment as to its acceptability; o Major adverse – the impact is large scale giving rise to great concern; it should be considered unacceptable and requires significant change or halting of the project. o Positive – the impact is likely to bring a positive change in the sense that it is aimed at further minimizing the impacts as a result of the proposed actions. 8 . 4 Uncertainties in Impact Prediction Environmental impact prediction involves a certain degree of uncertainty as the natural and anthropogenic impacts can vary from place to place due to even slight differences in ecological, geomorphological or social conditions in a particular place. There is also limited data and information regarding some sites under consideration, which makes it difficult to predict impacts. The level of uncertainty, in the case of this project is expected to be high as this project takes place in an undisturbed environment. The island does have an infrastructure of this scale constructed and extensive damage to a large area has taken place in the island. The marine and most importantly, the coastal environment will be subjected to a lot of stress. During construction period, dredging and filling (reclamation) will have the most significant impact on the marine environment through direct destruction to the lagoon foot print as well as through sedimentation from these works. As the project takes place in a marine environment, there is some uncertainty in predicting impact as the impacts are going to depend on many factors such as weather patterns among others. The coral reef will directly and indirectly be affected due to dredging and reclamation. Coral reef impacts are going to be temporal in nature. Unlike the marine environment, coastal environmental impacts are going to be permanent and is the most uncertain of all. The island’s coastal environment or the beach can be divided in to two areas as described in the “Existing coastal environmental” section. There is marked difference between the sediment dynamics in these two areas. Therefore only long term monitoring will provide reliable information and data on this. 8 . 5 Impacts on the Marine and Coastal Environmen t Four components of the marine environment that will be impacted are identified as the lagoon, the reef-flat, the coral reef system and beaches. Quantitative assessment of potential direct and indirect impacts due to the proposed development was based on area calculation of the lagoon and coral reef. Impacts from these activities will be due to direct destruction of the beach and indirect disturbance to the lagoon and to the reef-flat bottom in construction activities through the release of fine sediment to the water column. Indirect impacts will be felt to the pelagic organisms inhabiting these areas that are close to the harbour development zone. Indirect and long term impacts on the marine environment will be more accurately assessed by long term monitoring and assessment as part of this environmental assessment.

31 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 8 . 6 Impact on the Coastal Environment

8 . 6 . 1 Mobilization Impacts The transport and supply of construction material, the excavator and other heavy duty equipment to the project site is not expected to have a direct impact on the coastal environment.

8 . 6 . 2 Impacts of Sedimentation Dredging of harbour basin, access channel and filling of the eroded areas will be carried out using excavators, loaders and lorries. The negative impact of sedimentation is unavoidable even with the construction of sand bund walls. However, the impacts of sedimentation are short term impacts since the monsoonal currents will aid in the dispersal and removal of fine suspended materials. Successful reduction of impacts will be achieved through a combination of work protocols and following good site supervision as impact of sedimentation cannot be avoided totally.

8 . 6 . 3 Impact of Breakw aters and Quay walls Construction of quay walls is expected to have significant impact on the coastal environment. As this would have an irreversible change to the natural shoreline and sediment movement around the island.

8 . 6 . 4 Impacts of Land Reclamation ( f i l l i n g ) Land reclamation under this project may be considered a positive and indirect impact of the project. The island has a chronic erosion problem on the western and southern side and the need to abate this is something that the community is looking forward. It is obviously going to bring a temporary solution for erosion but the long term changes can only be determined by undertaking monitoring. The council also expressed that their intention to reclaim and level part of the wetland that is located on northern side of the island. However, this project will not be able to generate enough fill material

8 . 6 . 5 Impacts due to Harbour Operation Impacts associated with the harbour operation can be considered as minor to moderate and short to long term. These impacts include: Impacts due to accidental spillage of oils, other chemicals and waste and hydrodynamic changes forming dead zones in the inner harbour where litter may accumulate

8 . 6 . 6 Solid waste disposal Inappropriate handling of solid waste and garbage, and its disposal into the surrounding environment can have impacts on the marine environment including pollution of coastal waters and consequential effects on coral reefs and associated reef organisms. The types of solid waste generated during the operation will mainly consist of plastic bags, glass and plastic bottles, cans, tins, paper, wrappings, other discarded litter and human faeces. Such items can have adverse impacts on the marine environment ranging from reduced aesthetic beauty of the surrounding area to degraded harbour water quality from marine pollution as well as potential ecological disturbances. Ecological impacts associated with solid waste disposal into the marine environment include reductions in fish populations due to water pollution, as well as

32 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo killing corals and other marine organisms by smothering and certain items such as plastic bags.

8 . 6 . 7 Impacts on the Marine Environment from the Proposed Harbo u r P r o j e c t Harbour dredging and land reclamation projects have both construction and operational impacts on the marine and coastal environment. These impacts may be either short term reversible or long term irreversible damage or alteration to the marine and coastal environment. Potential environmental impacts predicted for the development will be the impacts during construction and irreversible modifications as a result of dredging and excavation. These impacts are presented together with mitigation measures later in this section. Excavation and reclamation generally lead to major impacts on reef habitats, lagoon and coastal hydrodynamics. The Impacts of excavation and dredging may range from smothering of live corals and other flora and fauna. Coastal modification involved in the construction of the harbour can have short to long term impacts on the coastal processes and beach profiles of the island. Specific impacts on the marine environment arising from the proposed project will be mainly be the alteration of the bottom of reef-flat where dredging is done and a moderate impact on the sediment movement along the shoreline, and a major impact on the benthic and nektonic communities that inhabit in the possible impact area. The predicted impacts are high because the proposed location is a pristine environment.

8 . 6 . 8 Mobilization Impacts The transport and supply of construction material, the excavators and other heavy duty equipment may have an impact as a result of increased traffic with barges and other large vessels. The impacts may arise from: o Accidental spillage of construction materials (cement bags, iron bars etc.). o Accidental oils and other chemical spills. o Accidental grounding of large vessels. o Propellers’ wake can break fragile corals. o Anchor damage from the vessels.

8 . 6 . 9 Impacts from Construction Materials and Other W a s t e Construction materials such as cement, timber, and fuel for excavators and trucks have the potential to damage the marine environment. Pollution of the lagoon and reef system can be caused by waterborne and windblown debris escaping from the construction. The dredge material will be disposed at the area located at the map (see the dredge material disposal site). Disposing dredge material at the shoreline would have major irreversible impacts on the near shore habitat since the project will dispose materials on the south side of the island. However, disposal of dredge material at these sites may have positive socioeconomic impacts. Filling these areas will temporarily control erosion and protect the coastline. The long term possible alterations in coastal processes of the area will not be clear only after carrying out long term monitoring.

33 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 8 . 6 . 1 0 Impacts due to Construction Work Excavation work of the entrance channel and harbour basin will be carried out using excavators. Therefore the negative impact of sedimentation is unavoidable even with the construction of sandy bund walls. The impacts of sedimentation are short termed since the monsoonal currents will aid in the dispersal and removal of fine suspended materials. Growth and recruitment of live corals may have moderate short term impact due to sedimentation. The impacts of excessive sedimentation on corals include: o Direct physical impacts like smothering of corals and other benthic organisms, o Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity of corals. o Formation of false bottoms due to unstable shifting of sediments. o Eutrophication due to increased fine sediments leading to algal blooms. o Formation of anoxic (black) bottoms under the fine sediments. Construction of quay walls and protection walls may have impacts on the marine environment habitat by seepage of cement material. Construction of protection wall include a lot of manual transport of cement bags and other materials, trampling and breakage of live coral is possible at the seaward side of the harbour basin and the sides of the entrance channel.

8 . 6 . 1 1 Impacts of Built Coastal Structures The impact of anthropogenic physical structures such as breakwaters, access channels and quay walls on the coastal processes and marine flora and fauna, can be quite significant and often permanent. Some of these include: o Change in near shore hydrodynamics. o Erosion and loss of vegetation at the low energy areas during either monsoons. o Sedimentation and turbidity resulting poor water quality which negatively impacts vitality of marine organisms. o Alteration of bottom substrate o Degradation of sea water quality due to turbidity

8 . 6 . 1 2 Impacts due to Harbour Operation Impacts associated with the harbour operation can be considered as minor and long term. These impacts include (but are not limited to): o Poor water quality due to siltation and stagnation of water. o Impacts due to accidental spillage of oils, other chemicals and waste. o Hydrodynamic changes forming dead zones in the inner harbor where litter may accumulate o Erosion and its associated impacts like loss of coastal vegetation.

8 . 7 Mitigating the Impacts Several actions can be taken to minimize the above mentioned impacts. Expert consultations, past experience and local knowledge are essential in reducing the impacts. Mitigation measures are employed to eliminate or reduce the severity of any predicted impacts. This will ultimately improve the environmental outcomes of the project. The predicted impacts on the coastal environment of the can be mitigated by joint cooperation and careful environmental planning. All parties, the Island council and the contractors must work carefully to eliminate or reduce the identified risks.

34 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo Given the magnitude of impacts for this project, the adverse effects can be mitigated at virtually no cost if best environmental practice and precautionary principles are used. Supervision and inspection of the project activities are imperative to minimize adverse impacts. Therefore, competent environmental consultants with experienced in same or similar work in the local environment will be consulted and allowed to inspect and monitor the work activities of the project life‐cycle. Proposed project’s work will be carried out to coincide with low tide and easterly current so as to minimize effects of sediment on the reef. The work will be carried out in calm weather and sea condition. Machinery, equipment and vessels used in the project activities will be maintained in good condition and operated in a manner that they do not pose a risk of the environmental degradation. All work activities will be kept to the minimum period of time to reduce impacts on the environment. The monitoring programme specified in this report will be followed and reported in both work phase and operation phase.

Table below provides more information on potential impacts during construction and operation of the harbor rehabilitation project and mitigation measures.

35 Development Intensity and Responsible Estimated cost Potential impacts Mitigation measures Impact locality phase reversibility authority (MRf) Littering on and marine Avoided by proper planning in Reef-flat, During Minor to moderate, Contractor, Included in the environment ways transportation and disposal. lagoon, and land construction short term -ve impact. Island contract Use 3R- reduce, re-use, recycle. Reversible Council Proper disposal Damage to reef by Raising awareness and utilizing Reef-flat and During Minor, short term –ve Contractor, Included in the Loading/unloading environmental best practice, careful reef- construction impact. Reversible over Island contract works planning Slope and long run Council lagoon Sedimentation and Creation of a sand bund to reduce Reef-flat and During Moderate, short term - Contractor, Included in the siltation on the reef the sedimentation impact, carried reef construction ve impact. Reversible Island contract and lagoon due to out in low tides Slope, lagoon over long run Council excavation works Loss of habitat, damage Clearly marking the areas to be Reef-flat, and During Moderate, short term – Contractor, Included in the or death of excavated. lagoon construction ve impact since these are Island contract coral at the entrance new dredging sites Council channel area, harbour basin and quay wall areas Loss of habitat at the Clearly marking the areas to be lagoon During Minor, long term –ve Contractor Included in the spoil disposal site. filled construction impact. contract and Most likely irreversible. Operational phase Habitat modification at The material will be disposed at the Beach and During Moderate, long term – Contractor, Included in the the spoil disposal site. eroded areas with strictly marking lagoon construction ve impact. Most likely Island Council contract the areas to be filled. and irreversible. Positive Operational impacts phase

36 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Development Intensity and Responsible Estimated cost Potential impacts Mitigation measures Impact locality phase reversibility authority (MRf) Impacts on commercial Shortening the duration of the Reef-flat and During Minor -ve; impacts not Contractor, N/A species project; minimizing the spread of reef- construction fully clear. Most likely Island sediment by containing the slope, lagoon little change. Council sediment using sandy bund walls; and Atoll creating awareness about the lagoon. importance of these species. Impacts of storm-water The spoil will be disposed at sites Coastal area During Minor, impacts not fully Contractor, Included in the drainage and coastal adjacent to the beach. The elevation construction clear. Most likely no Island contract flooding. will be maintained at the same level and change. Council of the adjacent areas. Operational phase Impact of dredging Dredging will be carried in a Lagoon and During Minor, –ve impacts on Contractor, N/A works on the existing manner that will not interfere with coastal areas construction the operation of the Island operations of the lagoon the operation of the lagoon (this harbor Council. and beach activities. area is not used at present). Air pollution Completing the excavation works as Air During Minor, short term –ve Contractor N/A soon as possible. construction impact. Reversible Noise pollution Completing the excavation works as Land During Minor, short –ve term Contractor N/A soon as possible, avoid working at construction impact. Reversible night Possible erosion due to Filling the eroded areas form Beach Operational Minor and unpredictable Island Included in the obstruction of littoral dredge spoil from the dredging phase impact. Most likely no Council contract sediment movement works. In addition, constructing change revetments on either side of the harbour. Solid waste Employ a staff for monitoring and harbour Operational Minor, long term –ve Island Included in the cleaning the harbour phase impact Reversible Council contract Accidental spillage of Put up sign boards and developing harbour Operational Minor, short term –ve Island Included in the fuels. harbour use guidelines. phase impact reversible Council contract

37 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 9 Stakeholder Consultations For the purpose of this project, stakeholder consultations were limited to relevant government agencies, the island council, project engineer and informal discussions with the people of the island. Methodology for undertaking these discussions was through meetings and discussions. 9 . 1 Consultation with the Island Council Consultations were held with the island council of Maabaidhoo on 2nd July 2013 at 13:30 pm through a formal discussion held at the council office. The following are the major issues discussed with the council members. The consultations were lead by Water Solutions, with the help of two consultants who were mediating the discussions.

 The council indicated that they are also generally happy with the proposed location of the harbour.  The existing entrance channel is very shallow  The existing harbour at the island is 400 ft long and 200 ft wide. The harbour was constructed in 1990.  The council noted that the harbour need to be extended on northern side of the existing harbour.  Breakwaters need to be placed on either side of the entrance channel.  The council noted that they wish to reclaim some part of the wetland using the sand that is dredged from the harbour.  During the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the quay wall of the harbour was badly damaged and a lot of sand deposited to the harbour.  Northern side of the island gets flooded during the heavy rainfall period.  The council noted that they wish to use the breakwater that is proposed on southern side of the harbour as a quay wall.  The proposed harbour is 700 ft long and 260 ft wide. 9 . 2 Consultation with the project Engineer Discussions were also held with the project Engineer from Housing Ministry to obtain their views and understand the policy implications. Following are the key points discussed.

 The project is a contractor design and built project. Hence, the final design of the harbour will be designed by the contractor based on the proposed concept and design guidelines.  The ministry will accommodate minor adjustments to the proposed concepts as long as it does not have huge financial implications and is found to benefit the community. Hence, even works that have not been included in the project concept will be accommodated if environmental permits and the budget allow to do so.  The recommendations and findings from this EIA report will be utilized in finalizing the detail components. Such details include the size of the harbour, the length of the entrance channel, disposal sites and issues like coastal protection and revetments. 9 . 3 Consultation undertaken at the scoping meeting. On 14h August 2013, the EIA scoping meeting was held at EPA and provided a good opportunity to discuss engineering issues and other project related matters with the engineers from the Housing Ministry. This was also a meeting where the council

38 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo and the Ministry were able to align their ideas and discuss the project. Following are the summary of the discussions.

 Aishath Bariya, the l Engineer from Housing Ministry briefly addressed the participants and gave an overview of the proposed project in Maabaidhoo.  Like any other harbour, this project will also utilize rock boulders to construct the breakwater and concrete quay walls will be used while the depth will be 3 meters at mean sea level.  The project includes construction of a 270 m breakwater, 338 m concrete quay wall with a 5 m payment, 700 ft long and 260 ft wide harbour basin. 9 . 4 List of people consulted Following are the list of people consulted during various meetings with the island council and other agencies.

Name Designation Organisation Contact number Hassan Adil Member Island Council 6800708 Mariyam Didi Vice President Island Council 6800708 Ibrahim Shareef President Island Council 6800708 Aishath Bariya Engineer Ministry of Housing 3004300 and Infrastructure Hamraau Ahmed Senior Construction Ministry of Housing 3004300 Officer and Infrastructure Ibrahim Anees Member Laamu Atoll Council 9999267 Ibrahim Naeem Director General EPA 3335949 Fathimath Reema Assistant Director EPA 3335949 Rifath Naeem EPA 3335949 Anwar Environment Officer Ministry of Environment and Energy

39 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 10 Alternatives In this project, there are few alternatives that can be suggested. Since the EIA Regulations require two alternatives to be analysed and assessed, two alternatives have been suggested in addition to the no project alternative. These alternatives are discussed below: 1 0 . 1 No Project Option The no project option takes the following into account. o No reconstruction of the harbour. The main advantages and disadvantages of these are given below. Strategy Advantages Disadvantages Allow islanders to use Environmental problems Economic burden will increase. the existing harbour related to redeveloping the Long term socio-political harbour can be avoided. problems may arise. No costs to the proponent and Higher long term costs. hence there is a short term Damage and loss to property and benefit. people. Health and well being will severely be affected, especially children, women and the elderly. Economic expansion would be limited. Allow public frustration Short term costs of dealing Political unrest. and anger to continue with the problem can be Stability and peace in the island avoided. affected. Economic activities and social fabric weakened. Lives and livelihoods will be affected. Table 12: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option

1 0 . 2 Alternative analysis matrix For this project, an alternative analysis was carried out on the basis of various biophysical and socioeconomic parameters including: o Technical feasibility, o Economic viability and o Environmental acceptability of the project and o Social benefits Based on the above four factors, an alternative analysis matrix was developed with scores given for each factor from 1 to 5. This analysis provides information about the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative considered with regard to its technical, economic, environmental and social factors. The purpose of this matrix is to obtain a favourable implementation of alternatives proposed by considering alternatives in terms of site selection, design and operational methods, the project scale and timing of project. The total for all factors gives an overall score for a given alternative. The highest total score provides the most desirable and preferred alternatives and vice versa. The following table outlines the various alternatives proposed for this project, their economic, technical, environmental as well as social factors taken in to consideration.

40 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Alternatives Environmentally SN Technical feasibility Economic viability Social benefits proposed acceptable A1 Sheet piling the quay Sheet piling the quay wall will allow Expensive and not Sheet piling is High cost will affect walls greater live load carrying capacity. This feasible. environmentally more the entire project and option has been rejected as it is not damaging. Therefore, hence it is not predicted that the island will have traffic this option is not beneficial to the society and cargo that require sheet piling in the attractive. and in fact may have an near future. If it is required, then the undesirable effect. harbour will have to be upgraded with more facilities. A2 Use of tetra pods for They can be manufactured on site provided The cost is almost same More environmentally High cost is a negative breakwater materials are available. Tetrapods also as or even more than friendly than sheet piling factor for the society. absorb wave energy well if interlocked rock boulders and hence, but equally damaging as properly. They are long lasting and strong. economically its not rock boulders Their size and weight can be suited to meet very attractive. the project. Their use is not technically advisable unless it is a large project. They also require especially skilled people and heavy machinery to place. A3 Rubble –mound Rubble-mound breakwaters are ineffective Economically cheap, but Very unacceptable as it Low cost may be breakwater for harbours because they collapse during sourcing is not possible damages and encourages attractive for low storm conditions. Even with a wire mesh now. coral reef destruction. income societies, but (or gabion box) around the structure, the ongoing maintenance structure is bound to collapse. Therefore, cost will be a the use of rubble mound breakwaters has cumulative burden for been discontinued, especially with the the society. regulation on banning the mining of sand and coral from house reefs. A4 Alternative location The entrance channel will be located in the The cost of the project Would have the same Cost would be the same for the harbour centre of the harbour and effective usable would remain the same environmental impact extension – southern area of the harbour basin will be reduced. side

41 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Alternatives Environmentally SN Technical feasibility Economic viability Social benefits proposed acceptable A5 Develop the harbour Feasible and less complicated as the Cost of development is More acceptable to Attractive option for on the southern side sediment movement is very small or almost reasonable provided the develop the harbour in the community as the nil on the southern areas. There is low basin is dredged with this area compared to the beach on the northern sediment budget. part from the inner north due to low areas can be retained lagoon including part of sediment budget. This with minimal impacts the island. will have far less as well as temporarily impacts compared to control erosion on the northern side. south side with the disposal of dredge materials to control the erosion on either side of the harbour.

Table 13: Alternative analysis matrix for the project

42 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

1 0 . 3 Alternative analysis scores The following table outlines the results of the alternative analysis scores calculated for this project as well as graphical representation of the scores. Alternatives proposed viability Technical feasibility Economic acceptable Total scores Total Social benefits Environmentally

A1 Sheet piling the 4 1 1 1 7 quay walls A2 Use of tetra pods 1 1 2 2 6 for breakwater A3 Rubble-mound 2 2 1 1 6 breakwater A4 Harbour extension 4 4 4 4 16 to the south side

Based on the analysis, Alternative 4 (A4) ranks the highest in terms of score and thus, it is considered as the preferred alternative for this project. The following figure outlines the location of alternative site for the harbour construction. 1 0 . 4 Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative for this project is to construct the harbour extension on the south side of the island. For mitigation, refer to the impacts and mitigation section as this section outlines the details of the measures proposed.

43 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo 11 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 1 1 . 1 Introduction Environmental monitoring is essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and to mitigate unanticipated impacts. Monitoring will be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment and monitoring requirements addressed in this EIA report. The following table summarizes the aspects of monitoring. 1 1 . 2 Cost of Monitoring The proponent has committed fully for the monitoring programme outlined in this report. The total cost of undertaking the regular monitoring is estimated in the following table. Cost of monitoring includes all data collection and reporting to the client as well as the relevant government agencies. 1 1 . 3 D u r a t i o n of Monitoring Monitoring will include marine, coastal and social aspects only. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 12 months during the construction period as well as for two (2) years in the operational period. Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the two years of the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm. 1 1 . 4 M e t h o d s of Monitoring Environmental monitoring will be undertaken using standard methods described in the Methodology section. Monitoring is recommended for marine, coastal and social aspects. 1 1 . 5 Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring responsibility will be with the client and financial provisions will be made in the project to undertake the monitoring. 1 1 . 6 M o n i t o r i n g R e p o r t A detailed monitoring report should be compiled after the completion of the civil works. During the construction period, summary monitoring reports must be provided every two months and final report should be provided at the end of the construction stage and should adhere to EIA Regulations, 2012. During the operational stage, regular monitoring reports should be provided once every three months. This report will be submitted to the relevant government agencies for compliance. The report will include details of the site, data collection and analysis, quality control measures, sampling frequency and monitoring analysis and details of methodologies and protocols followed.

44 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Table 14: Schedule for environmental monitoring for the first 12 months of the construction period as well as per annum during operation period.

Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) phase). Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Live Coral cover at survey Percentage live Qualitative & - Annually $4,300.00 sites cover Quantitative

Diversity and abundance of Number / Qualitative & - Annually $2,400.00 fish communities at sites percentage of Quantitative selected fish Marine water quality at pH, DO, temp, Onsite or Lab - Twice annually $750.00 survey sites analysis

Siltation Sediment Qualitative & Every other Four times No cost. Contractor $2,000.00 deposited on Quantitative day during annually to undertake this. reef substrate work. Coastal Environment Sand transport (from Beach profiles Levelling from - Every three $150.00 $800.00 baseline locations) specific BMs at months 50m interval

Shore line Using DGPS No need Twice annually - $550.00 mapping Erosion Physical No need Quarterly - $550.00 inspection and shoreline mapping

45 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) phase). Construction Operational stage stage Social Environment Service quality of harbour Efficiency of User survey / - Annually - $300.00 operation and island council maintenance of records and harbour. information Services User survey, - Annually - $200.00 available to island and atoll vessels administration data Financial sustainability Income Financial - Annually - No cost. Records from generated from statements / Island council will be the harbour and income statements adequate related from Island activities. Council. Safety Safety of Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from harbour. records / user Island council will be survey / complains adequate from boat owners Records of Health record and - Annually - No cost. Records from accidents or island council Island council will be injuries. records. adequate Institutional arrangements Functioning of Island council / - Annually - No cost. Records from Harbour Atoll council Island council will be management adequate Complaints Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from dealt Island council will be adequate

46 EIA for the reconstruction of a harbour at L. Maabaidhoo

Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction (operational phase) phase). Construction Operational stage stage Mobility of vessels / traffic Development Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from analysis plans Island council will be adequate Vessel types, Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from size and Island council will be numbers adequate New vessels Island council - Annually - No cost. Records from owned by Island council will be islanders since adequate harbour Employment New Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from employment interviews, Island council will be created as a published reports adequate result of the harbour construction. Demography Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from census data Island council will be adequate Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from migration census data Island council will be adequate

47 12 Conclusion This EIA report has identified the major impacts of the proposed harbour redevelopment project in Maabaidhoo. The impacts are going to be felt on the marine, coastal, terrestrial and social environment. Impacts to the marine environment arising from the proposed development will be felt on the lagoon environment on northern side of the existing harbour and western side of the island. The impact will be the loss of the natural habitat for lagoon infauna of the lagoon environment due harbour basin excavation and channel deepening. Dredge material disposal would also have impacts on the environment and positive impacts to the island as it will temporarily solve the erosion on the southern side. The assessment has indicated that the impacts are likely to be felt on eight percent of the lagoon and reef areas. Short-term impacts of this development activity will be spreading of fine sediment in the lagoon water which will be minimized through appropriate mitigation measures of timing of excavation and completing the project in as short period as possible. Socioeconomic impacts have also been assessed and it is evident that there would be numerous positive socioeconomic impacts. Most significant impact on the terrestrial environment will be felt on the island’s coastal vegetation for harbour quay wall construction. Approximately 3% of the coastal vegetation will be impacted. This impact will be minimized through careful removal of the plants and relocation of these plants to other location in the island’s coastal vegetation. During dredging, care should be taken to allow only minimal amount of suspended sediments to escape from the working areas. The harbour basin to be dredged shall be initially enclosed by creating a bund using initially dredged material. Areas to be filled would have to be bunded in the same way. Although several alternatives have been considered, these alternatives cannot be implemented for various reasons. Alternative locations cannot be considered for this project, as this is a harbour redevelopment project. This location is the preferred location by the community. This is also the most economically viable location. The monitoring programme for this project will focus on water quality during dredging works and for this reason, turbidity level monitoring has been considered in the monitoring programme. It appears justified from a technical and from a developmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project in light of the existing socio-economic developments and forecasts made on the harbour use and traffic increase. There are very good reasons from an economic and social point of views to undertake the project. There would definitely be environmental impacts, but they are also unavoidable and achieved by social acceptability of the project and socio-economic gains on the other hand. The adverse environmental effects of the project therefore appear to be limited and acceptable, including the effects of dredging the basin. Disposing the dredged spoil to fill the northern side of the harbour and the impacts on sediment movement, assuming that the mitigation measures proposed are implemented.

Page 48 13 Recommendations Following are some of the recommendations based on this EIA assessment. These recommendations cover both environmental and the social aspects. o Increase the size of the harbour from the present length of 700ft. This recommendation is one of the key highlights noted during the stakeholder consultations. The Island Council have particularly highlighted that the islanders are currently waiting for the harbour to be redeveloped. Once that happens, many islanders will invest in large vessels and so it is anticipated that the number and size of vessels will increase significantly. Hence, these are socioeconomically important aspects that should be addressed if the budget allows doing so within a reasonably acceptable price variation.

o The harbour basin needs to excavated. Hence, it is recommended that heavy duty excavators to be used for the excavations to avoid the need for controlled blasting of the hard structures that would be located at the harbour basin area.

Page 49 14 Acknowledgements Various people have assisted the consulting team in preparing this report, name and their designations are listed below. CV’s of the field assistants are attached as an annex. Water Solutions would like to thank their support and assistance provided in completion of this report. 1- Abdul Aleem, EIA consultant 2- Hamdhulla Shakeeb, Surveying Assistant, Water Solutions. 3- Laamu Maabaidhoo Island council

Page 50 15 Reference Books and Sources (Lamer), L. a. (2006). Environment Impact Assessment of V. Thinadhoo harbour development project. Male: Lamer Group. Allison, W. (15: 215-218). Snorkeler damage to reef corals in the Maldive Islands,. Coral Reefs. British Hydrographic Society. (1990). British Admiralty Charts. London: British Hydrographic Society. E-CAD Associates. (2008). EIA of harbour development in Utheemu. Male': E-CAD Associates. English, S., & Wilkinson, C. a. (1997). Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources. Australian Institute of Marine Science. Hoepner, T. (1999). A Procedure for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Seawater Desalination Plants. Desalination, vol.124, pp. 1-12. Jameel, A. (2007). Developing a Disaster Profile for Maldives, A thesis for the Masters Degree. Chirstchurch, New Zealand: University of Cantebury. Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group Pvt Ltd (Lamer). (2006). Environment Impact Assessment of V. Thinadhoo harbour development project. Male: Lamer Group. Services, M. m. (2010). Maldives meteorological Services. Retrieved from www.meteorology.gov.mv UNDP. (2006). Developing a Disaster Risk profile for Maldives. Maldives: UNDP. UNEP. (2005). Maldives Post Tsunami Environmental Assessment. Geneva: United Nations. UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report . Maldives: UNEP2002. Water Solutions Pvt Ltd,. (2008). Maps of Maldives, the complete guide to the Atolls and islands of Maldives. Male: Water Solutions.

Page 51 Annex: Terms of reference

Page 52

Annex: Proposed Harbour Design

Page 54 c

Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure ރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރް ޓްސިނިމ މާލެ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ. .Male’, Republic of Maldives

ަ ދްއުހ ެގުމުރުކްނުފ ުޅަ ފ - ްނުށަދ ެގު ދިއާވަޤ ެގުމުރުކްނުފ ިއާމުކްއި ހ ުދްއަޙަރަސ ެގުޅަފ ިއާށަރްށަރ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

:ުތާމޫލުޢަމ ޭހެބ ިއާއުޢޫރްޝަމ

ުޢޫރްޝަމ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ޫދިއަބާމ .ލ :ްނަނ

ްސަވުދ 350 :ުތަދްއުމ

(ްނުޓެޖަބ ެގުރކާ ުރަސ ިހެވިދ) ާޔިފުރ ްނައިލިމ 41.8 :ުގައ

2013 ްޓްސަގޯއ :ްޚީރާތ ާވިއަފިހެޖަމަހ ްށަމުށެފ ްތަކްއަސަމ ީލަމަޢ

ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުދެހ ޭއ.ިއައ.ީއ :ްތަކްއަސަމ ދާ ްށައިރކު ުރާހިމ

ުޓޫފ 700 ިއަގުށަރިމ ުހަފްށަމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ .ްނުރކު ްތަކްއަސަމ ގެ ުމުރުކ ުތާމާރަމ ްށޮކ ުޑޮބ ުރަދނަބ ާވިއަފާދަހ ުރާހިމ ިއަގުށަރ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިދެހ ްއެރަދނަބ ާޅުފ ުޓޫފ 260 ުގިދ

:ްއަތިއަބ ުމްއިހުމ ޭނެމިހ ިއަގުޢޫރްޝަމިމ

ްނުހެޖ ްއެޓްށޮތުރޭބ ެގިއަލިހ ުޑޮބ ެގުރަޓީމ 270

ް ނުހެޖ ްއެޓްނަމްޓެވިރ ެގިއަލިހ ުޑޮބ ްނިތަމިރައ ެދ ެގުރަދނަބ

ްނުހެޖ ްއެޓްށޮތ ުމަގްއެއ ްޓީރްކްނޮކ ެގުރަޓީމ 338

.ްނުނޮކ ްށަނުފ ުރަޓީމ 3 ްނިއަޔިދުދެމ ުރެނ ިދައ ުޅަފ ެގުރަދނަބ

ބަނދަރު ކޮނެގެން ނެގޭވެލިން، ބަނދަރުގެ އުތުރު ފަރާތް ހިއް ުކން.

1 ާ ޙްފަޞ ްނިއެރެތެގާޙްފަޞ 1

އަމީނީމަގު، މާފަންނު، މާލެ، 20392، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ. .Ameenee Magu, Maafannu, Male’, 20392, Republic of Maldives +(960) 300 4 300 +(960) 300 4 301 [email protected] www.mhe.gov.mv www.facebook.com/mhe.gov.mv www.twitter.com/MHEgovMV

Annex: Project Schedule

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Annex: Surveyed maps of the island - shoreline

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2 2 2 2 N " 5 2 ' 1 ° 2 N " 0 3 ' 1 ° 2 N " 5 3 ' 1 ° 2 2 2 2 2 Annex: Surveyed maps of the island – Erosion and Accretion Map of the island

Page 62

Annex: Surveyed maps of the island - Bathymetry

Page 64 Annex: Letter from Atoll Council

Page 64 73°31'40"E 3 73°32'0"E 3 6

6 L .. M a a b a ii d h o o H a rr b o u rr P rr o jj e c tt 7 8 Legend Bathymerty µ Shallow : -0.30 Deep : -5.20 Breakwater Quaywall Vegitation_line Shoreline N N " "

0 224211 224211 0 4 4 ' '

1 1 Reef line ° ° 2 2

72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E N N N N " " " " 0 0 0 0 ' ' ' ' 0 0 0 0 ° ° ° ° 2 2 3 3

72°0'0"E 74°0'0"E 73°30'0"E

Geodetic Parameters

Coordinate Systems :Univ ersal Transverse Mercator (UTM ) Zone: 43 North Projec tion :Trans ver se Mercator (TM ) Datum : WGS 1984 Longitude of Origin :0.000000000 Central Meridian:75 W Scale Factor :0.999600000000000040 Fals e Easting :500000.000 Fals e Northing :0.00000000 Sem i-M ajor Axis (a) (M eters) :6378137.000 Sem i-M inor Axis (b) (M eters): 6356752.3142451793

Scale:0 25 50 100 Meters Project: L.Maabaidhoo Harbour Project

Client: Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure

Contractor:

Water Solutions Pvt Ltd Ma.Shah, Dhihdhee Goalhi, Male', Maldives

8 Tel: +(960)3341643, Fax: +(960)331643 www.water-solutions.biz 7 6 6 3 3 73°31'40"E 73°32'0"E EIIA PURPOSES ONLLY Annex: Letter from Atoll Council

Page 66