Environmental Impact Assessment

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Environmental Impact Assessment ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Proposed Landscaping works in Tourism zones of Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City Proponent: Addu City Council January 2021 EIA for the Proposed Landscaping Works in Tourism Zones of Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... I TABLE OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................ V TABLE OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. VI LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................. VII CONSULTANT’S DECLARATION ................................................................................. VIII PROPONENT’S DECLARATION ...................................................................................... IX EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... X 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 PREFACE.......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 SCOPE OF THE EIA .......................................................................................................... 2 1.3 RELEVANT STUDIES ........................................................................................................ 2 1.4 EIA IMPLEMENTATION AND METHODOLOGIES ................................................................ 3 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................ 4 2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 PROPONENT ..................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 PROJECT LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES ........................................................................... 4 2.4 THE PROJECT ................................................................................................................... 6 2.5 ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES ................................................................. 6 2.5.1 Vegetation Clearance ....................................................................................................................... 6 2.5.2 Landscaping ..................................................................................................................................... 7 2.5.3 Area in which palms will be replanted ............................................................................................. 7 2.5.4 Work Methods .................................................................................................................................. 8 2.5.5 Project duration ................................................................................................................................ 9 2.6 PROJECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ....................................................................................... 9 2.7 NEED AND JUSTIFICATION ............................................................................................. 10 3 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS.................................. 14 3.1 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT .......................................................................... 14 3.1.1 EIA Decision Statement ................................................................................................................. 14 Proponent: Addu City Council Page | i Consultant: Amir Musthafa EIA for the Proposed Landscaping Works in Tourism Zones of Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City 3.1.2 Design Approvals ........................................................................................................................... 14 3.2 APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS ......................................................................... 14 3.2.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ............................................................................ 15 3.2.2 Maldives Tourism Act .................................................................................................................... 16 3.2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation .............................................................................. 17 3.2.4 Regulation on Protected Areas ....................................................................................................... 17 3.2.5 Regulation on Migratory Birds....................................................................................................... 18 3.2.6 Regulation on Uprooting, Cutting and Transportation of Palms and Trees ................................... 18 3.2.7 Dredging and Reclamation Regulations ......................................................................................... 19 3.2.8 Regulation on Fuel Storage, Handling and Usage .......................................................................... 20 3.2.9 Regulation on Environmental Damage Liabilities ......................................................................... 21 3.2.10 Waste management regulation ....................................................................................................... 22 3.2.11 Ozone Layer Protection Act ........................................................................................................... 23 3.2.12 Regulation on Ozone Depleting Substances ................................................................................... 23 3.2.13 Regulation on the Construction Safety Standards .......................................................................... 24 3.3 POLICY GUIDANCE ........................................................................................................ 24 3.3.1 Fourth Tourism Master Plan .......................................................................................................... 24 3.3.2 Strategic Action Plan 2019 to 2023 ................................................................................................ 25 3.3.3 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan............................................................................. 25 3.3.4 National Environmental Health Action Plan .................................................................................. 26 3.4 REGULATORY BODIES ................................................................................................... 27 3.4.1 Ministry of Tourism ....................................................................................................................... 27 3.4.2 Ministry of Environment and Energy ............................................................................................. 27 3.4.3 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ...................................................................................... 27 3.5 INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONTEXT ................................................................... 28 3.5.1 Environment Sector ........................................................................................................................ 28 4 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................... 30 4.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 30 4.2 METHODOLOGIES .......................................................................................................... 30 4.2.1 Location identification ................................................................................................................... 30 4.2.2 Water Quality ................................................................................................................................. 31 4.2.3 Bathymetry ..................................................................................................................................... 31 4.2.4 Marine Ecology .............................................................................................................................. 31 4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT SITE ......................................................................................... 31 4.4 CLIMATE ....................................................................................................................... 33 4.4.1 General meteorological conditions ................................................................................................. 33 4.4.2 Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 34 4.4.3 Rainfall ........................................................................................................................................... 34 Proponent: Addu City Council Page | ii Consultant: Omni Solutions EIA for the Proposed Landscaping Works in Tourism Zones of Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City 4.4.4 Wind ............................................................................................................................................... 35 4.4.5 Waves ............................................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Electricity Needs Assessment
    Electricity needs Assessment Atoll (after) Island boxes details Remarks Remarks Gen sets Gen Gen set 2 Gen electricity electricity June 2004) June Oil Storage Power House Availability of cable (before) cable Availability of damage details No. of damaged Distribution box distribution boxes No. of Distribution Gen set 1 capacity Gen Gen set 1 capacity Gen set 2 capacity Gen set 3 capacity Gen set 4 capacity Gen set 5 capacity Gen Gen set 2 capacity set 2 capacity Gen set 3 capacity Gen set 4 capacity Gen set 5 capacity Gen Total no. of houses Number of Gen sets Gen of Number electric cable (after) cable electric No. of Panel Boards Number of DamagedNumber Status of the electric the of Status Panel Board damage Degree of Damage to Degree of Damage to Degree of Damaged to Population (Register'd electricity to the island the to electricity island the to electricity Period of availability of Period of availability of HA Fillladhoo 921 141 R Kandholhudhoo 3,664 538 M Naalaafushi 465 77 M Kolhufushi 1,232 168 M Madifushi 204 39 M Muli 764 134 2 56 80 0001Temporary using 32 15 Temporary Full Full N/A Cables of street 24hrs 24hrs Around 20 feet of No High duty equipment cannot be used because 2 the board after using the lights were the wall have generators are working out of 4. reparing. damaged damaged (2000 been collapsed boxes after feet of 44 reparing. cables,1000 feet of 29 cables) Dh Gemendhoo 500 82 Dh Rinbudhoo 710 116 Th Vilufushi 1,882 227 Th Madifushi 1,017 177 L Mundoo 769 98 L Dhabidhoo 856 130 L Kalhaidhoo 680 94 Sh Maroshi 834 166 Sh Komandoo 1,611 306 N Maafaru 991 150 Lh NAIFARU 4,430 730 0 000007N/A 60 - N/A Full Full No No 24hrs 24hrs No No K Guraidhoo 1,450 262 K Huraa 708 156 AA Mathiveri 73 2 48KW 48KW 0002 48KW 48KW 00013 breaker, 2 ploes 27 2 some of the Full Full W/C 1797 Feet 24hrs 18hrs Colappes of the No Power house, building intact, only 80KW generator set of 63A was Distribution south east wall of working.
    [Show full text]
  • Deep South Atolls — Beyond the Southern Hemisphere of the Maldives Text by Jordi Chias Photos by Rafa Fernande
    Deep South Atolls — Beyond the Southern Hemisphere of the Maldives Text by Jordi Chias Photos by Rafa Fernande 31 X-RAY MAG : 103 : 2021 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel Maldives We were in Addu, the second We started our trip by exploring the state of conservation was very good. The largest “city” in the Maldives finest dive spots in this atoll. One of ship lay on the sandy bottom on its star- the most accessible was the wreck of board side and was heavily colonized and capital of the southernmost the British Loyalty. This British navy ship with hard corals. Large black coral trees atoll. Located 45 miles below was torpedoed in March 1944 by the could be found at the stern, below the the equator, and 540km south German submarine U-183. The ship, propeller. It was also in this area where of Malé, this is the most remote dedicated to fuel transport, suffered we found the highest concentration of extensive damage but did not sink. It fish. This wreck was an entertaining dive, of the 26 atolls that, scattered was partially repaired and destined to an ideal way to start off our dive cruise. along almost 900km of the function as a floating “warehouse.” Indian Ocean, make up the Finally, in 1946, it was sunk at its current Mudakan: A manta point archipelago of the Maldives. location, just off Hithadhoo Island, and Another essential dive in Addu was has become a very popular dive. The Mudakan, one of the best-known manta This piece of land, with a very history of this shipwreck is not a coinci- cleaning stations in the area.
    [Show full text]
  • Population and Housing Census 2014
    MALDIVES POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS 2014 National Bureau of Statistics Ministry of Finance and Treasury Male’, Maldives 4 Population & Households: CENSUS 2014 © National Bureau of Statistics, 2015 Maldives - Population and Housing Census 2014 All rights of this work are reserved. No part may be printed or published without prior written permission from the publisher. Short excerpts from the publication may be reproduced for the purpose of research or review provided due acknowledgment is made. Published by: National Bureau of Statistics Ministry of Finance and Treasury Male’ 20379 Republic of Maldives Tel: 334 9 200 / 33 9 473 / 334 9 474 Fax: 332 7 351 e-mail: [email protected] www.statisticsmaldives.gov.mv Cover and Layout design by: Aminath Mushfiqa Ibrahim Cover Photo Credits: UNFPA MALDIVES Printed by: National Bureau of Statistics Male’, Republic of Maldives National Bureau of Statistics 5 FOREWORD The Population and Housing Census of Maldives is the largest national statistical exercise and provide the most comprehensive source of information on population and households. Maldives has been conducting censuses since 1911 with the first modern census conducted in 1977. Censuses were conducted every five years since between 1985 and 2000. The 2005 census was delayed to 2006 due to tsunami of 2004, leaving a gap of 8 years between the last two censuses. The 2014 marks the 29th census conducted in the Maldives. Census provides a benchmark data for all demographic, economic and social statistics in the country to the smallest geographic level. Such information is vital for planning and evidence based decision-making. Census also provides a rich source of data for monitoring national and international development goals and initiatives.
    [Show full text]
  • The Republic of Maldives Renewable Energy Roadmap Final Workshop
    The Republic of Maldives Renewable Energy Roadmap Final Workshop 17 September 2015, Kurumba Resort, the Maldives Organized by: The Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives & The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Roadmap Overview • Review of key renewable energy plans & studies including: . Maldives SREP Investment Plan . Greater Malé Region Renewable Energy Integration Plan . Towards a Carbon-neutral Energy Sector: Maldives Energy Roadmap 2014-2020 . Solar PV Integration in the Maldives • Modelling of least cost options solar PV deployment . Gdh. Thinadhoo & Villingili • Goal: supporting RE deployment by identifying: . Key barriers & areas for further analysis . Recommendations to build on existing efforts 2 Key RE Deployment Plans & Studies SREP Investment Plan 2012, World Bank, ADB, IFC 138.5 million USD, 26 MW RE Outer Islands Technical assistance & 62 million USD, 7 MW RE Greater Malé capacity building + infrastructure upgrades 69.5 million USD, 19 MW RE 7 million USD supporting additional RE Greater Malé RE Integration Plan Towards a Carbon-neutral Energy Sector 2015, World Bank 2014 ADB 43.5 MW RE RE in Outer Islands Solar PV Integration in the Maldives 2013, ADB PV in Greater Malé & Outer Islands 3 Maldives Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP) Investment Plan World Bank, ADB, IFC, 2012 4 SREP Investment Plan Overview • Objective: RE deployment to transform electricity sector • A key funding mechanisms for RE projects in the Maldives • Designed to leverage private investment • 138.5 million USD divided into three components Funding (million USD) SREP Investment Components Public Pirvate 1) Renewable energy for Greater Malé 34.5 35 2) Renewable energy for outer islands 46 16 3) Technical assistance & capacity building 7 0 Total investemnt 87.5 51 5 SREP: Four Funding Programs 1) ASPIRE: Accelerating sustainable private investments in RE .
    [Show full text]
  • National Geospatial Database for Maldives to Mainstream Climate Change Adaptation in Development Planning (ADB Brief No. 117)
    NO. 117 November 2019 ADB BRIEFS KEY POINTS National Geospatial Database for • The Republic of Maldives is one of the most biodiverse Maldives to Mainstream Climate countries in the world, yet it is among the most vulnerable Change Adaptation in Development to climate change. The country needs to ensure the Planning sustainable management of natural resources in spite of the impacts and consequences of climate Liping Zheng change. Advisor • The government’s Asian Development Bank environmental management and resource conservation National Consultant Team: efforts that began in the early 1990s have been constrained Ahmed Jameel Hussain Naeem by a lack of relevant data and Integrated Coastal Zone Coastal Ecosystems and Biodiversity information. Management Specialist Specialist • This brief presents the Faruhath Jameel Mahmood Riyaz development of a geospatial Geographic Information Systems database and maps to help Climate Change Risk Assessment Maldives (i) assess disaster Specialist and Team Leader Specialist risks and impacts; (ii) reduce these by strengthening the design of programs and policies; and (iii) mainstream BACKGROUND climate change adaptation in development planning. Maldives is a developing state composed of 26 natural atolls with about 1,192 small coral islands spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean. The country • A geospatial database is divided into 20 administrative regions, each with a local administrative authority on coastal and marine governed by the central government. With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, ecosystems that includes Maldives has relied on high-end tourism to expand its economy over recent decades climate risk assessment and gained middle-income status with the highest per capita income in South Asia.1 information makes it feasible to screen for climate risks in Maldives is characterized by extremely low elevations and, as one of the most development projects and geographically dispersed countries in the world, it is among the most vulnerable to programs at national and climate change.
    [Show full text]
  • Table 2.3 : POPULATION by SEX and LOCALITY, 1985, 1990, 1995
    Table 2.3 : POPULATION BY SEX AND LOCALITY, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 , 2006 AND 2014 1985 1990 1995 2000 2006 20144_/ Locality Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females Republic 180,088 93,482 86,606 213,215 109,336 103,879 244,814 124,622 120,192 270,101 137,200 132,901 298,968 151,459 147,509 324,920 158,842 166,078 Male' 45,874 25,897 19,977 55,130 30,150 24,980 62,519 33,506 29,013 74,069 38,559 35,510 103,693 51,992 51,701 129,381 64,443 64,938 Atolls 134,214 67,585 66,629 158,085 79,186 78,899 182,295 91,116 91,179 196,032 98,641 97,391 195,275 99,467 95,808 195,539 94,399 101,140 North Thiladhunmathi (HA) 9,899 4,759 5,140 12,031 5,773 6,258 13,676 6,525 7,151 14,161 6,637 7,524 13,495 6,311 7,184 12,939 5,876 7,063 Thuraakunu 360 185 175 425 230 195 449 220 229 412 190 222 347 150 197 393 181 212 Uligamu 236 127 109 281 143 138 379 214 165 326 156 170 267 119 148 367 170 197 Berinmadhoo 103 52 51 108 45 63 146 84 62 124 55 69 0 0 0 - - - Hathifushi 141 73 68 176 89 87 199 100 99 150 74 76 101 53 48 - - - Mulhadhoo 205 107 98 250 134 116 303 151 152 264 112 152 172 84 88 220 102 118 Hoarafushi 1,650 814 836 1,995 984 1,011 2,098 1,005 1,093 2,221 1,044 1,177 2,204 1,051 1,153 1,726 814 912 Ihavandhoo 1,181 582 599 1,540 762 778 1,860 913 947 2,062 965 1,097 2,447 1,209 1,238 2,461 1,181 1,280 Kelaa 920 440 480 1,094 548 546 1,225 590 635 1,196 583 613 1,200 527 673 1,037 454 583 Vashafaru 365 186 179 410 181 229 477 205 272
    [Show full text]
  • Nassimo Thila and Banana Reef, North Male' Atoll, Maldives
    Socioeconomic Monitoring for Coastal Managers of South Asia: Field Trials and Baseline Surveys Nassimo Thila and Banana Reef, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives Project completion Report: NA10NOS4630055 Prepared By Marie Saleem March 2012 This volume contains the results of the Socioeconomic Assessment and monitoring project supported by IUCN/ NOAA Prepared by: 1. Seamarc Pvt. Ltd, M. Honey Dew, Izzudheen Magu, Male’, Maldives 2. Divers Association of Maldives, M. Anthias, Male’, Maldives Citation: Saleem, M. (2012). Socioeconomic Monitoring and Assessment for Coral Reef Management at Nassimo Thila and Banana Reef, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives Acknowledgements: We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following individuals and organisations for their ongoing support and inputs: 1. Ms. Christy Loper, Scott Frew and Eileen Alicea, NOAA, USA 2. Mary Beth West and Ang Sherpa, IUCN, USA 3. Maeve Nightingale, IUCN, Asia 4. Dr. Mohamed Shiham Adam, MRC, Maldives 5. Huraa Island Council 6. Himmafushi Island Council 7. Vineeta Hoon, CARESS, India We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the dynamic Socmon Maldives Team and all those who participated in the surveys. Cover illustration: Kamille Le Berre 2 Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................5 Aims and Objectives ...........................................................................9 Study Area ........................................................................................10 Methodology .....................................................................................12
    [Show full text]
  • Energy Storage Roadmap for the Maldives Executive Summary
    Public Disclosure Authorized Energy Storage Roadmap for the Maldives Executive Summary November 2019 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2019 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW | Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 | Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 18 17 16 15 This report was researched and prepared by the World Bank and its consultant and software maker Acelerex Inc., Acelerex Chile SpA, and Acelerex Yazılım Danışmanlık Limited Şirketi with inputs and comments from the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Maldives and the Maldives’ utilities STELCO and FENAKA. The work was financially and technically supported by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). This work is a product of the staff of the World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of the World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) http:// creativecom- mons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Adpatation Survey 2011
    Survey of Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Maldives Integration of Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives Project January 2011 Prepared by Dr. Ahmed Shaig Ministry of Housing and Environment and United Nations Development Programme Survey of Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Maldives Integration of Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives Project Draft Final Report Prepared by Dr Ahmed Shaig Prepared for Ministry of Housing and Environment January 2011 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 COASTAL ADAPTATION CONCEPTS 2 3 METHODOLOGY 3 3.1 Assessment Framework 3 3.1.1 Identifying potential survey islands 3 3.1.2 Designing Survey Instruments 8 3.1.3 Pre-testing the survey instruments 8 3.1.4 Implementing the survey 9 3.1.5 Analyzing survey results 9 3.1.6 Preparing a draft report and compendium with illustrations of examples of ‘soft’ measures 9 4 ADAPTATION MEASURES – HARD ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS 10 4.1 Introduction 10 4.2 Historical Perspective 10 4.3 Types of Hard Engineering Adaptation Measures 11 4.3.1 Erosion Mitigation Measures 14 4.3.2 Island Access Infrastructure 35 4.3.3 Rainfall Flooding Mitigation Measures 37 4.3.4 Measures to reduce land shortage and coastal flooding 39 4.4 Perception towards hard engineering Solutions 39 4.4.1 Resort Islands 39 4.4.2 Inhabited Islands 40 5 ADAPTATION MEASURES – SOFT ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS 41 5.1 Introduction 41 5.2 Historical Perspective 41 5.3 Types of Soft Engineering Adaptation Measures 42 5.3.1 Beach Replenishment 42 5.3.2 Temporary
    [Show full text]
  • List of MOE Approved Non-Profit Public Schools in the Maldives
    List of MOE approved non-profit public schools in the Maldives GS no Zone Atoll Island School Official Email GS78 North HA Kelaa Madhrasathul Sheikh Ibrahim - GS78 [email protected] GS39 North HA Utheem MadhrasathulGaazee Bandaarain Shaheed School Ali - GS39 [email protected] GS87 North HA Thakandhoo Thakurufuanu School - GS87 [email protected] GS85 North HA Filladhoo Madharusathul Sabaah - GS85 [email protected] GS08 North HA Dhidhdhoo Ha. Atoll Education Centre - GS08 [email protected] GS19 North HA Hoarafushi Ha. Atoll school - GS19 [email protected] GS79 North HA Ihavandhoo Ihavandhoo School - GS79 [email protected] GS76 North HA Baarah Baarashu School - GS76 [email protected] GS82 North HA Maarandhoo Maarandhoo School - GS82 [email protected] GS81 North HA Vashafaru Vasahfaru School - GS81 [email protected] GS84 North HA Molhadhoo Molhadhoo School - GS84 [email protected] GS83 North HA Muraidhoo Muraidhoo School - GS83 [email protected] GS86 North HA Thurakunu Thuraakunu School - GS86 [email protected] GS80 North HA Uligam Uligamu School - GS80 [email protected] GS72 North HDH Kulhudhuffushi Afeefudin School - GS72 [email protected] GS53 North HDH Kulhudhuffushi Jalaaludin school - GS53 [email protected] GS02 North HDH Kulhudhuffushi Hdh.Atoll Education Centre - GS02 [email protected] GS20 North HDH Vaikaradhoo Hdh.Atoll School - GS20 [email protected] GS60 North HDH Hanimaadhoo Hanimaadhoo School - GS60
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Shaping Vulnerability to Climate Change? the Case of Laamu Atoll, Maldives
    Island Studies Journal, 14(1), 2019, 81-100 What is shaping vulnerability to climate change? The case of Laamu Atoll, Maldives Karen E. McNamara The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia [email protected] Rachel Clissold The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia [email protected] Annah Piggott-McKellar The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia [email protected] Lisa Buggy The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia [email protected] Aishath Azfa United Nations Development Programme, Malé, Maldives [email protected] Abstract: As climate change accelerates, it brings with it numerous challenges to society and the natural world. Concepts such as vulnerability have emerged as a way of trying to understand people’s risk, despite there being a range of variables that can influence vulnerability and its temporal and spatial dimensions. Drawing from the well-known conceptualisation of vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, this paper seeks to understand what variables are influencing and shaping vulnerability in Laamu Atoll, the Maldives, and produce a base of knowledge for future vulnerability reduction initiatives. Household questionnaires (n=412) were used on Laamu Atoll to ascertain locals’ perceptions of vulnerability based on livelihood resources, financial security, and climate-change experiences. Results show that peripherality, as a notion that describes the disparities between ‘core’ and ‘peripheral’ islands, is a key factor shaping vulnerability variables on Laamu Atoll. This has prompted an overarching recommendation for peripherality to be considered as a key dimension of vulnerability to climate change and an important consideration for existing and future human development and climate change policy and practice in Small Island Developing States.
    [Show full text]
  • Oceanic Manta Ray |Summary Report 2019
    Maldivian Manta Ray Project Oceanic Manta Ray | Summary Report 2019 Conservation through research, education, and colloboration - The Manta Trust www.mantatrust.org The Manta Trust is a UK and US-registered charity, formed in 2011 to co-ordinate global research and conservation efforts WHO ARE THE around manta rays. Our vision is a world where manta rays and their relatives thrive within a globally healthy marine ecosystem. MANTA TRUST? The Manta Trust takes a multidisciplinary approach to conservation. We focus on conducting robust research to inform important marine management decisions. With a network of over 20 projects worldwide, we specialise in collaborating with multiple parties to drive conservation as a collective; from NGOs and governments, to businesses and local communities. Finally, we place considerable effort into raising awareness of the threats facing mantas, and educating people about the solutions needed to conserve these animals and the wider underwater world. Conservation through research, education and collaboration; an approach that will allow the Manta Trust to deliver a globally sustainable future for manta rays, their relatives, and the wider marine environment. Formed in 2005, the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) is the founding project of the Manta Trust. It consists of a country- wide network of dive instructors, biologists, communities and MALDIVIAN MANTA tourism operators, with roughly a dozen MMRP staff based RAY PROJECT across a handful of atolls. The MMRP collects data around the country’s manta population, its movements, and how the environment and tourism / human interactions affect them. Since its inception, the MMRP has identified over 4,650 different individual reef manta rays, from more than 60,000 photo-ID sightings.
    [Show full text]