ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT For the Proposed Harbor Construction Project at Rakeedhoo Island, ,

Rakeedhoo Island. Photo by: Water Solutions (February 2020)

Proposed by: Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure Prepared by: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007), Ibrahim Faiz (EIA P05/2017) Mohamed Umar (EIA P02/2019)

For Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

March 2020

EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

1 Table of contents 1 Table of contents ...... 3 2 List of Figures and Tables ...... 7 3 Declaration of the consultants ...... 9 4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration ...... 10 5 Non-Technical Summary ...... 13 6 Introduction ...... 15 6.1 Structure of the EIA ...... 15 6.2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA ...... 15 6.3 EIA Implementation ...... 15 6.4 Rational for the formulation of alternatives ...... 15 6.5 Coordination with other stakeholders ...... 15 6.6 Terms of Reference...... 16 7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 17 7.1 Environmental Protection and Preservation Act ...... 17 7.2 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas ...... 17 7.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ...... 18 7.4 FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 18 7.5 Second Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 18 7.6 THIRD Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 .... 19 7.7 FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 19 7.8 FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 ..... 19 7.9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation ...... 20 7.10 Dredging and Reclamation regulation ...... 20 7.11 First Amendment to the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation ...... 21 7.12 Waste management policy ...... 21 7.13 Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 ...... 22 7.14 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ...... 22 7.15 National Framework for Development 2009-2013 ...... 22 7.16 Decentralization Act ...... 22 7.17 Third National Environment Action Plan (NEAP III) ...... 22 7.18 Responsible Institutions ...... 23 7.18.1 Ministry of Environment ...... 23 7.18.2 Environmental Protection Agency ...... 23 7.18.3 Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure ...... 23 7.19 International Conventions ...... 24 7.19.1 Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 24

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8 Project Description ...... 25 8.1 Project proponent ...... 25 8.2 Project Location and Study Area ...... 25 8.3 Need and Justification for the project ...... 26 8.3.1 The proposed design ...... 26 8.4 Scope of works ...... 27 8.5 Description of the proposed harbor ...... 27 8.5.1 Concept design ...... 27 8.5.2 Construction of coastal structures ...... 27 8.5.3 Dredging of the harbor basin and channel ...... 29 8.5.3.1 Machineries used for dredging ...... 30 8.5.3.2 Method and equipment used for reclamation and their justification ...... 30 8.6 Construction works ...... 30 8.6.1 Mobilization ...... 30 8.7 Project management...... 31 8.7.1 Project duration ...... 31 8.7.2 Using existing basin during construction ...... 31 8.7.3 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, grease and oil) ...... 31 8.7.4 Equipment used ...... 32 8.7.5 Material Storage ...... 32 8.7.6 Fuel Management ...... 32 8.8 Project Inputs and Outputs ...... 32 8.8.1 Project Inputs ...... 32 8.8.2 Project Outputs ...... 32 9 Methodology ...... 34 10 Existing Environment of Maldives ...... 35 10.1 Existing general environment of Maldives...... 35 10.2 Existing Marine Environment ...... 35 10.3 Methodology of marine surveys ...... 35 10.3.1 Data Processing methodology ...... 36 10.4 Coral reef ...... 36 10.4.1 Benthic composition at site 1 (M1) ...... 37 10.4.2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ...... 38 10.4.3 Benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ...... 39 10.4.4 Benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ...... 40 10.5 Status of fish abundance ...... 41 10.6 Marine water quality and bathymetry ...... 42 10.7 Marine Protected and Sensitive Areas ...... 43

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10.8 General Climate Settings ...... 44 10.8.1 Temperature ...... 44 10.8.2 Rainfall ...... 45 10.8.3 Waves ...... 46 10.8.4 Wind speed and direction ...... 46 10.8.5 Hazards and Disasters ...... 48 10.8.5.1 Risks of Hurricanes / Cyclones ...... 48 10.9 Hydrography / Hydrodynamics ...... 49 10.9.1 Current patterns ...... 49 10.9.2 Tide and Wave Characteristics ...... 49 10.9.3 Current Patterns near Rakeedhoo during the field visit ...... 50 10.10 Existing Coastal environment ...... 50 10.10.1 Shoreline and Vegetation Line ...... 51 10.11 Existing Socio-Economic Environment ...... 53 10.11.1 Overview of Vaavu Atoll...... 53 10.11.2 Rakeedhoo Island ...... 53 10.11.2.1 Employment ...... 53 10.11.2.2 Land Use and Natural Resources in the Island ...... 53 11 Environmental Impacts ...... 54 11.1 Assessing and identification of Impact ...... 54 11.2 Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction ...... 54 11.3 Environmental impacts during Construction Stage ...... 55 11.3.1 Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and harbor construction .... 55 11.3.2 Changes in drainage pattern and flooding ...... 56 11.3.3 Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss ...... 56 11.3.4 Waste Management ...... 57 11.3.5 Workforce & Temporary Facilities ...... 57 11.3.6 Operation of Heavy Machinery ...... 58 11.3.7 Impacts on the coral reef during construction ...... 58 11.3.8 Sedimentation impacts on the coral reef during construction of the quay walls, breakwater and revetment ...... 59 11.4 Environmental Impacts during Operational Stage ...... 60 11.4.1 Improved Transportation ...... 60 11.4.2 Socio-economic impacts ...... 60 11.5 Magnitude of Impacts ...... 60 12 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 62 12.1 Consultation with Rakeedhoo Island Council and Community Including Fisherman 62

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12.2 Consultation with MMRI ...... 62 12.3 Consultation with Ferry boat operator ...... 62 12.4 List of personnel consulted ...... 63 13 Alternatives ...... 64 13.1 No Project Option ...... 64 13.2 Alternative Harbor Concept ...... 65 13.3 Alternative harbor location ...... 67 13.4 Alternative analysis matrix ...... 67 13.5 Preferred Alternative ...... 72 13.5.1 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative ...... 72 14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 73 14.1 Introduction ...... 73 14.2 Environmental management plan ...... 73 14.3 Cost of Monitoring ...... 73 14.4 Duration of Monitoring ...... 73 14.5 Methods of Monitoring ...... 73 14.6 Monitoring Responsibility ...... 73 14.7 Monitoring Report ...... 73 14.8 Environmental Management plan ...... 74 15 Conclusion and Recommendation...... 79 15.1 Conclusion ...... 79 15.2 Recommendations ...... 80 16 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report ...... 82 17 Acknowledgements ...... 83 18 Reference Books and Sources ...... 84 19 Annex: Terms of reference ...... 85 20 Annex: Harbour Design Drawings (Approved from council) ...... 87 21 Annex: Alternative concept by MoNPI...... 89 22 Annex: Bathymetry Map ...... 91 23 Annex: Stakeholder Meeting Attendees ...... 93 24 Annex: Response to MMRI concerns ...... 95 25 Annex: Project schedule ...... 97 26 Annex: Methodologies used ...... 99 27 Annex: EIA submission letter from Atoll Council ...... 101

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2 List of Figures and Tables

List of Figures Figure 1: Location of V. Rakeedhoo 25 Figure 2: Existing basin of Rakeedhoo 26 Figure 3: Proposed concept for the harbor 27 Figure 4: Plan view of the proposed coastal structures 28 Figure 5: Schematic drawing of a typical concrete quay wall 28 Figure 6: Cross section of a typical revetment 29 Figure 7: Cross section of a typical breakwater 29 Figure 8: Location of dredging and filling areas 30 Figure 9: Location of temporary site office 31 Figure 10: Marine survey and water sample locations. 35 Figure 11: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (11h February 2020). 37 Figure 12: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (11h February 2020) 37 Figure 13: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (11h February 2020). 38 Figure 14: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (11h February 2020). 38 Figure 15: Percentage benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ± SE (11h February 2020). 39 Figure 16: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (11h February 2020). 39 Figure 17: Percentage benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ± SE 40 Figure 18: Photos taken from site 4 (M4) 40 Figure 19: YSI ProDSS Water Quality Meter 42 Figure 20: Protected Areas in Vaavu Atoll. (Source EPA) 43 Figure 21: Location of ‘Rakeedhoo kandu’ sensitive area and its proximity to project site 44 Figure 22: Yearly Average of daily maximum and minimum temperature 2018 (source: Statistical Yearbook of Maldives 2019). 44 Figure 23: Average hourly temperature (source: weatherspark.com) 45 Figure 24: Average monthly rainfall for 2019 – Hulhule, nearest weather station to Rakeedhoo (source: Maldives Meteorological Service) 45 Figure 25: Average yearly rainfall data 2010 – 2019 – Hulhule, nearest weather station to Rakeedhoo (source: Maldives Meteorological Service) 46 Figure 26: Average wind speed near Male’ (source: weatherspark.com) 47 Figure 27: Wind direction (source: weatherspark.com) 47 Figure 28: Cyclonic Wind Hazard Map (source: UNDP, 2006) 48 Figure 29: Surface currents around Maldives (JICA 1992) 49 Figure 30: Water current patterns near Rakeedhoo on 11th February 2020 50 Figure 31: Existing coastal environment of Rakeedhoo 51 Figure 32: Shoreline and vegetation line mapped during the field visit 52

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Figure 33: Dimensions of the alternative concept. A3 map of this concept is provided in the annex. 65 Figure 34: Proposed changes in the alternative concept compare to the proposed concept 66 Figure 35: Alternative concept overlaid on a drone photo of 2020 66 Figure 36: Illustration of recommended shift of harbour to the seaward 80 Figure 37: Sea surface temperature prediction and bleaching alert level for the next 3 months (Source: MMRI) 81

List of Tables Table 1: Matrix of major inputs during construction period ...... 32 Table 2: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage ... 32 Table 3: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (11th February 2020)...... 41 Table 4: Water Quality Results ...... 42 Table 5: Sensitive areas in Vaavu Atoll (Source: EPA) ...... 43 Table 6: Wind Occurrence Frequency per Directional Sectors ...... 48 Table 7: Water levels of the tide stations. (MEE, 2016) ...... 49 Table 8: Population statistics for Vaavu Atoll (Census 2014) ...... 53 Table 9: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis ...... 54 Table 10: Magnitude of the impacts ...... 60 Table 11: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option ...... 64 Table 12: Alternative analysis matrix for the project ...... 68 Table 13: Scores for alternatives ...... 71 Table 14: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period...... 74 Table 15: Recommendations and corresponding responses from MNPI ...... 81

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3 Declaration of the consultants This EIA report has been prepared according to the EIA Regulations 2012, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Environment and all the amendments brought to the regulation including the amendment number 2016/R-66 gazetted 11 August 2016. The EIA was carried out by a multidisciplinary consulting team representing Water Solutions Private Ltd. In preparing this report, no data has been manipulated. All data has been collected by field visits. I as the lead consultant certify that the statements in this Environmental Impact Assessment study are true, complete and correct. Name: Ahmed Jameel (EIA P07/2007)

Signature:

Water Solutions Project Reference: WS/QUT/2019/119 Email; [email protected] Tel: +960 3341643

Report reviewed by: Ibrahim Faiz and Mohamed Umar Reviewed date: 27 February 2020

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4 Proponents Commitment and Declaration

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EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

c ާސާލުޙ ާދާސ

ްށަކަމުތަގިއަޑަވިދެއ ެގރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިނޭލްޕ ްލަނަޝޭނ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ ާހިކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމުދެހ ުރަދނަބ ޫދީކަރ .ވ ީކަޓޯޕިރ ިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްޓޯޕިރިމ .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުރާޔްއަތ ްނިއްސްނަޝުއިލޮސ ރަޓޯވ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުލެބ ޯތެނާރުކްއެރަސައ ްނުށަދ )93/4 ުރަބްނަނ ުނޫނާޤ( ުނޫނާޤ ެގުމުރުކްތަޔާމިހ ްށޮކިރެތާކްއަރ ިށެވާމިތ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީނާވިއަފިވެރުކާޔްއަތ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ާވިއަފިއަލާވަލުކެއ ްނުޓްނަމަރަޔަވްނެއ ްޑްނެއ ެގްނިސުއަހ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ްޓްނަމްނަރަޔަވްނެއ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތުލޫސުއ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ ިއަގ 2012 ުދިއާވަގ ޭހެބިއާމުދެހ ްޓޯޕިރ ާރުކްނާޔަބ .ެވެށަތޮގްއެއ ިއާއ ްސްނެރަފިރ ްފޮއ ްސްމރާޓ ާވިއަފިވެރުކޫދ ްށަތަކްއަސަމިމ ްނީސްނެޖޭއ ްނަޝްކެޓޮރްޕ

ުރަދނަބ ިއަގޫދީކަރ ްނުތާރަފ ެގރަޗްކަރްޓްސާރްފްނިއ ްޑްނެއ ގްނިނޭލްޕ ްލަނަޝޭނ ްފޮއ ީރްޓްސިނިމ ިމ .ެވެމުދެހ ްއެރަދނަބ ުގިދ ރަޓީމ 134 ިދައ ާޅުފ ރަޓީމ 71 ީނެނެމިހ ިއަގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފާޅަހަށުހ ްށަމުދެހ ްނިރުކެގީމ ީކަދްއަހަރަސ ިމ .ެވެއަގުދްއަހަރަސ ޭވެރުކްނުނޭބ ްށަމުރުފާފަލ ިއަގުށަރ ްސެވުރާހިމ ީނާދްނެގިދެހ ުރަދނަބ .ެވެއެވިއަފިނެމިހ ްނުރުކ ްއަތްއަތްނަކ ިވިނަންނައ ްނުށަދ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕިމ .ެވެކެދްއަހަރަސ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނުފ ެނޮކ

1. 156 މީޓަރުގެ ކަނޑު ތޮއްޓެއް ބޮޑުހިލަ ޖެހައިގެން ހެދުން،

2. ކޮންކްރީޓް ބްލޮކް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން 164 މީޓަރުގެ އެއްގަމުވާޓަރެއް ހެ ދުން،

3. ބަނދަރުގެ ސަރަހައްދު މެދު ދިޔާގައި 3.5 މީޓަރު ހުންނަވަރަށް ފުންކުރުން،

4. މީގެ އިތުރުން ބަނދަރުކޮނެގެން ނެގޭވެލި ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ބަނދަރުގެ އިރުމަތި ފަރާތާއި، ހު ޅަނގުފަރާތާއި، ބަނދަރާއި ރަށާ ގުޅޭ ސަރަހައްދު ހިއްކުން،

5. މިހާރު ރަށުގައި ބޭނުންކުރެވެމުންދާ ނެރު މެދު ދިޔާގައި 4 މީޓަރު ހުންނަވަރަށް ފުންކުރުން ،

ްނުހެޖ ްއެޓްނަމްޓެވިރ ެގުރަޓީމ 96.5 ަލުމުޖ ިއަގުތާރަފެދ ެގުރަދނަބ .6

.ެވެއަގުތާރަފުގނަޅުހ ެގުރަދނަބ ީނާދްނެގިވެލ ްޕްމޭރ ިމ .ްނުލ ްއެޕްމޭރ ިއަގުތާރަފްއެއ ެގުރަދނަބ .7

ްނުދެހްއެޓްނަމްވޭޕ ާހަޖާގ ިއަގީޅަފީވ ިއާށަރ ެގުރަޓާވ ެގުރަދނަބ .8

ްނުހެޖ ްޓިއަލ ްނަޝޭގިވެނ ެގުރަދނަބ .9

ްށަމަކެނޭގެނ ިލެވ ުރަޓީމ ިޑޮކ 5644 ްނެގެނޮކ ުދްއަހަރަސ ުރަދނަބ ްނުށަދ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ލަފާކުރެވެއެވެ. މިވެލި ބޭނުންކުރުމަށް ހަމަޖެހިފައިވަނީ ބަނދަރުގެ އިރުމަތީ ފަރާތާއި، ހު ޅަނގުފަރާތާއި، ބަނދަރާއި .ެވެށަމުޅެއިލެވ ްށަދްއަހަރަސ ޭޅުގ ާށަރ

ުނުދެހ ިދައ ްނުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިލެބ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ާވިއަފިޅެހަށުހ ްށަމުރުކ ިއަގުށަރިމ ދިރާސާތަކުން، މި މަޝްރޫއުގެ ސަބަބުން ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ކުރާނެ އަސަރުވަނީ ކޮންމެވެސް ވަރަކަށް ދެނެގަނެވިފައެވެ. މިގޮތުން އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް އަސަރުކުރާނެކަމަށް ބެލެވެނީ ރަށް އުފެދިފައިވާ ބައްޓަމަށާއި، ރަށުގެ މޫދުގެ މާހައުލަށާއި

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މޫދުގައި ހިމެނޭ ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށެވެ. މިގޮތުން، މަސްމަހާއިމެހި، ގައު، މުރަކަ އަދި މިނޫންވެސް ދިރޭތަކެއްޗަށް ނޭދެވޭ ިމ ްނުކަތާސާރިދ ުނުދެހ ިދައ ްނުކަތްއަތްނަކ ިލެބ ްށޮކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަމަކްނަކިމ .ެވެއެވެރުކާފަލ ްށަމަކެނާރުކުރަސައ ިމ ުހަފްށަމުލެބ ްށަކަތ ާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކ .ެވެއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ީނަވ ުރަސައ ެނާރުކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމ ްޓްކެޖޮރްޕ ިމ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެއެނެފ ްށަކަމަކެނޭބިލ ްއެކަތ ްނުލްއެގ ެގުރަވިކެއ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގ ްޓެޖޮރްޕ ުރަދނަބ .ެވެއ ީތޭނެމިހ ިއަގުނިއަޒިޑ ެގްޓްކެޖޮރޮޕ ްއެކަތްއަތްނަކ ާވްނުލްއެގ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ުރިއާދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ސަރަހައްދު ކޮނުމާއި، ކޮނެގެން ނެގޭވެލިން މޫދުގެ ބައެއް ހިއްކުމާއި، ކަނޑު ތޮއްޓާއި، އެއްގަމު ތޮއްޓާއި އަދި .ެވެކެކަތްތަކްތަސަމ ޭބިލ ްއަތްނުލްއެގ ެގުރަވިކެއ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ީކަކަތްއަތްނަކ ަދަފ ްނުހެޖ ްޓްނަމްޓެވިރ

މި ޕުރޮޖެކްޓުގެ އީއައިއޭ ހެދުމަށް ކަމާބެހޭ ފަރާތްތަކާ ކުރެވުނު މަޝްވަރާތަކާއި، އެއްކުރެވުނު މައުލޫމާތުން ްސެވިއަގުދެމ ެގްނުޓްސިރޫޓ ްނުރުތިއ ެގުމުރުކްތާގ ުރަހަފިނޯދ ީކަދްއަހަރަސ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ްށަމުރުފާފަލ ިއަގޫދީކަރ ުރާހިމ ެގްނުޅުފޭބްއެއަބ ުނުވެރުކަލަދްއަބ ުދެމ ިއާމުދެހުރަދނަބ ާތިމ ްނުމަކްނެހެއ .ެވެއިވަގަހާފ ްނަކްއެދްއަހަރަސ ުލޫބުގަމ ީނަވ ްނިއީރްޓްސިނިމ ގްނިނޭލްޕ ްއެނިއަޒިޑ ްނެހެއ ެގުރަދނަބ ްށަމުރުކްތަޔާއިރ ްށަމަކިމ .ެވެތާފަތ ުލާޔިހ ފާސްކޮށްފައެވެ. މި ޑިޒައިނުގައި މިހާރު ރަށުގައި އޮތްފަދަ، ދޯނިއެހެލާ ސަރަހައްދެއް ރަށުގެ ހުޅަނގުފަރާތުގައި ހެދުން ހިމެނިފައިވެއެވެ. ވީމާ، ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ބަނދަރުގެ ސަބަބުންލިބޭ ފައިދާއަށް ރިއާޔަތްކޮށް މިޑިޒައިންގައިވާ ްށަރޭބ ުރަދނަބ ުރިއާދްނެގިދެހ ުރަދނަބ ްނުރުތިއ ެގީމ .ެވެކެމަކ ާވްނެގިވެދެއ ީކަމުއިދްނެގ ްށައިރުކ ްށަތޮގ ެގީޤްއަރަތ ަންނައ ްށަދްއަހަރަސ ުރަދނަބ ިއަގުލަބުގަތްސުމ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމަކިމ .ެވެމަކާވްނެގިވެދެއ ްސެވީކަމުލާސްއަޖ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިބިލަގާޖ ާވްނުނޭބ ްށަކަތުއޫރްޝަމ

މިފަދަ ބަދަލުތަކާއިއެކު، ބަނދަރު ހެދުމުގެ މަސައްކަތް ކުރިޔަށް ގެންދިއުމަކީ ރަށުގެ ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ްއެކަތްނުލްއެގ ިއާކަކަތުލަދަބ ެގުރަވާވުނިއަފްސިއައ ްށަކަށަރ ެގޭޖްއާރ ްނިރުކ ެގީމ ްސަޔިވ ިއަގުމަކ ީވ ްނުލްއެގ ީތާވްށަކަމަކަންނައ ްނުމަރުކ ިއަގުށަރްށަރ ަނިގ ްށަރަވ ީކަތަކްއަސަމ ުޑޮބ ުރަދނަބ ިއަގޭޖްއާރ .ެވެއެނެފުނ ްށަކަމަކެނާވ ިރުހ ިއަފިވެރުކ ާބިރުޖަތ ިއަގޭޖްއާރ ީކަކަތްތޮގ ަނިގ ެނޭވެރުކަޑުކ ްނުލްއެގ ޭބިލ ްނުކަތްތަކްތަސަމ ަދަފިމ .ެވެކަތްއަތްނަކ

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5 Non-Technical Summary This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed Harbour Construction Project in Rakeedhoo Island, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. This project will involve creation of a new harbour with related infrastructures. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long-term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored, and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed harbour project hereafter referred as “the project” aims to construct a harbour basin 134 m long and 71 m wide. The project will have following characteristics: • A total of 156m of breakwater will be constructed. • Construction of revetments using rock boulders, a total of 96.5m of revetment will be constructed. • Construction of 164m quay wall • The new harbor basin will be 71 m wide and 134m long • Existing entrance channel would be deepened up to -4 m at main sea level. • Harbor basin would be deepened up to -3.5 m at main sea level • Harbor pavements (includes installation of settlement tanks, stormwater drainage pipes and streetlights) • Ramp for landing crafts near the west edge of the harbor • Navigation light and mooring blocks The proposed new harbour basin and maintenance dredging would be dredged to a depth of - 3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). The new harbour channel would be dredged to a depth of -4m at mean sea level (MSL). The excavation of the basin and the entrance channel is expected to generate approximately 5644 cbm of dredge material (new dredging and maintenance dredging). This material will be used to fill both side of the harbor as well as for backfilling. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, the most significant impacts are likely to occur on the marine environment due to the nature of works involved. As this is a new harbour development project, significant negative impacts on the marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef and lagoon area will be both directly and indirectly impacted during the implementation of this project. Rest of the significant impacts during the construction period are those related to waste management, sedimentation and turbidity of the water. During the operational stage of this project, there will mostly be positive impacts, all of which has been outlined in detail in the relevant sections. At the end of the report, a monitoring program has been outlined. Parameters selected for monitoring has been done in a way to allow the most significant changes arising from the project activities to be monitored. This includes the changes to the shoreline and the beach profiles, durability of the coastal structures and the socio-economic impacts. It is very crucial

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 13 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives to adhere to this monitoring plan. Some recommendations also have been identified after the EIA study, which needs to be taken into consideration when finalizing and commencing the construction stage of the project.

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6 Introduction This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, law no. 4/93 in order to assess the impacts of the proposed harbour construction project in Rakeedhoo Island, Vaavu Atoll. The aim of this project is to ensure that the project is sustainably undertaken to address and manage the environmental issues. 6.1 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 and subsequent revisions. 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, 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 February 2020 and through the use of available secondary data. The impact assessment methodology has been restricted to field data collected, consultations, experience and professional judgment. In addition, satellite and aerial photos have also been used to study the geography and environment where necessary. 6.2 Aims and Objectives of the EIA The objective of the report is to: • Promote informed and environmentally sound decision making. • Report the existing situation of wastewater treatment and its shortcomings in the island. • To fulfill the obligations of the proponent to undertake an EIA under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives. • Undertake the proposed project work with minimum damage to the environment. • Ensure that all the environmental and social aspects of the project are addressed. • Propose recommendation measures to the proponent 6.3 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: • Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019) • Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-P07/2007) • Ibrahim Faiz, BSc, MSc - Environmental Management (EIA P05/2017) • Mohamed Umar, BSc - Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019) • Hamdhulla Shakeeb, - Surveyor. 6.4 Rational for the formulation of alternatives Alternatives analysis provides other ways of implementing the project or various components of the project. Hence, in formulating the alternatives, various critical components of the project were considered such a, environmental acceptability, cost and benefits to the community. These factors were used to assess the various alternatives for the project as outlined in detail in the relevant sections. 6.5 Coordination with other stakeholders The EIA can be considered as a blanket permit through which, the permit will be given to undertake the works. However, before an EIA is undertaken, various government and other stakeholders provide their input to the formulation of the project. Following are key points in this regard.

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o The client develops the project in consultation with the needs and requirements from the community. o Independent consultants prepare feasibility studies and outlines potential locations for harbor construction. o The community provides assurance to the project by giving their consent for any issues regarding harbor construction. o Once the concept is finalized, then consultants will develop detail designs of the harbor. These get approved through consultation with the client. o Client tenders the project and selects a contractor through the government tendering process. o In parallel, an EIA consultant is hired and awarded the project to prepare the EIA. o The EIA Consultant, during the preparation of the report revisits the project concept whereby the various components are studied, and alternative methods or technologies are identified. o The EIA is then reviewed by independent consultants through the EIA review process before approval is granted. o Once the EIA is approved, then the contractor can implement the project. 6.6 Terms of Reference This EIA is prepared according to the Terms of Reference issued by Environment Protection Agency on 23rd January 2020. Terms of Reference has been included in the Appendix of this report.

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7 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework This section outlines the relevant environmental legislation pertaining to this project. The following table outlines a matrix of major environmental laws, guidelines, codes and standards, both local and international indicating the relevance to this project. 7.1 Environmental Protection and Preser v a t i o n A c t The project conforms to the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives, Law no. 4/93. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulation 2012 of the Maldives by registered consultants. Furthermore, it adheres to the principles underlined in the regulations, action plans, programmes and policies of Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Housing and Infra Structure and relevant local councils. These are discussed in detail in the following sections and relevant amendments brought to the regulations from time are also considered in this chapter. The Articles of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) addresses the following aspects of environmental management: Guidelines and advice on environmental protection shall be provided by the concerned government authorities. Formulating policies, rules and regulations for protection and conservation of the environment in areas that do not already have a designated government authority already carrying out such functions shall be carried out by MEEW. Identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. An EIA shall be submitted to MEEW before implementing any developing project that may have a potential impact on the environment. Projects that have any undesirable impact on the environment can be terminated without compensation. Disposal of waste, oil, poisonous substances and other harmful substances within the territory of the Republic of Maldives is prohibited. Waste shall be disposed only in the areas designated for the purpose by the government. Hazardous / Toxic or Nuclear Wastes shall not be disposed anywhere within the territory of the country. Permission should be obtained for any trans-boundary movement of such wastes through the territory of Maldives. The Penalty for Breaking the Law and Damaging the Environment are specified. The government of the Maldives reserves the right to claim compensation for all damages that are caused by activities that are detrimental to the environment. The proposed project will fully abide to the Environmental Preservation and Protection Act. Disposal of oil, chemicals and other hazardous materials will be strictly controlled and managed. Such materials will not be disposed in to the local or the regional environment, but will be transported to designated waste disposal site (Thilafushi Island/ Island), that need to be identified by the Ministry of Housing and Environment. All mitigation measures will be implemented in the interest of the environment. 7.2 Protected Areas and Sensitive Areas Under Article 4 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, the Ministry of Environment is vested with the responsibility of identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. As part of the Environmental Regulation, EPA has established list of ‘sensitive sites’ in the Maldives. Although not formalized as a regulation, the sensitive list is mentioned in the recent Regulation on Dredging and Reclamation (Regulation number 2014/R-13, see Section 5.7, page34). The sensitive sites, according to EPA are sites in the Maldives (islands, reefs, mangroves, inter-tidal areas) where developments ought to be restricted, regulated or controlled.

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V. Rakeedhoo is not a protected island. However, south east corner of Rakeedhoo reef is a sensitive area. This site is not within 200m of the project site. More information about this site is included under the ‘Existing Environment’ section. 7.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 The Ministry of Environment has issued EIA regulation on May 2012, which guides the process of undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maldives – This guideline also provides a comprehensive outline of the EIA process, including the roles and responsibilities of the consultants and the proponents. This regulation outlines every step of the IEE/EIA process beginning from application to undertake an EIA, details on the contents, minimum requirements for consultants undertaking the EIA, format of the EIA/IEE report and many more. The guidance provided in this Regulation was followed in the preparation of this EIA report, and the EIA has also been prepared by registered consultants 7.4 FIRST Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 9th April 2013. As per this amendment the responsible authority has to check the submitted EIA report for everything mentioned in the Regulation’s article (Kaafu) was in order and inform the proponent whether the EIA Report has been accepted or rejected within 2 working days. The penalty for repetitive offenses has been also amended in this amendment of the Regulation. 7.5 Second Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 30th August 2015. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted. • Procedural changes have been made to the EIA process. One of the most important changes was shifting the tourism related developmental project EIA’s to the Ministry of Tourism. Slight changes to the process like finalization of the Terms of Reference during the scoping meeting and changes in the fees structure for review process has been made to three different categories.

• Article 8 (a) of the amendment of the decision for screening form is as follows

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

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

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7.6 THIRD Addendum to Environmental Imp act Assessme n t Regulation 2012 Amendment 3 (issued on 11th August 2016) covers the point systems for consultants, categories of the consultants and amendment of the penalties to consultants and proponents who fail to follow the regulation. This EIA report was prepared by a Category A registered EIA consultant. 7.7 FOURTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 There was a 4th amendment done on the EIA regulation 2012 and gazetted on 19th January 2017. This amendment explains about the projects that can be preceded without an Environmental Impact Assessment when the proponent requests to the Ministry of Environment and Energy in writing along with commitments or guarantee that the Proponent will carry out the mitigation measures that may impact on the Environment due to such projects. A list of such projects given in the amendment is as follows. 1. Deepening of Existing harbors and channels as same as the foot print 2. Uprooting trees that fall into the existing plots given to citizens for residential purpose 3. Uprooting trees that fall into the roads/path ways to the above plots. (Only councils or who takes such responsibilities can apply). 4. Drilling boreholes to take water. 5. Reclamation carried out as land extension means to the natural existing land. Such lands that are less than 3 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 ( c ) of this amendment. 6. Reclamation carried out in a lagoon with an island shape or characteristics. Such lands that are less than 5 years after the reclamation is completed with exception of the projects mentioned article 1 ( c ) of this amendment. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out and permission shall be obtained in Lands that are mentioned in 5 and 6 as above, when such lands become inhabited. Environmental Impact Assessment shall be carried out in the following projects even in the lands that are reclaimed as per the number 5 and 6 explained above. 1. Projects that involve Dangerous Chemicals 2. Projects that involve in any Oil Storage 3. Projects that involve Incinerators 4. Projects that involves release of any poisonous elements to the atmosphere 5. Projects that involve fiber glass work. The amendment also says that this amendment will come into force from the date it is gazetted.

7.8 FIFTH Addendum to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 This amendment was gazetted on 27th December 2018. With this Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, the following important points were noted: • It states the termination of article 4(b) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation.

• Changes to the Article 13 (G):

o Clause (F): decision after reviewing EIA report means, environmental decision statement or requesting for additional information, • Addition of the following points to Annex (d)

o Development of tourist resorts o Development of tourist hotels

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7.9 Post EIA Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation The environmental monitoring programme given in EIA reports is an important aspect of the EIA process. The monitoring programme outlines the objectives of the monitoring; the specific information to be collected; the data collection program, and managing the monitoring programme. Managing the monitoring programme requires assigning institutional responsibility, reporting requirements, enforcement capability, and ensuring that adequate resources are provided in terms of funds, skilled staff, etc. The monitoring programme outlined in this report will comply with the EIA Regulations 2012 and ToR approved by the EPA for this project. 7 . 1 0 Dredging and Reclamation regulation Following are the relevant clauses of this regulation. Clause 6, a, and c outlines the situation or cases to which dredging and permit can be given. Clause 7 discusses the types of situations in which dredging and reclamation can be undertaken. Clause 10 outlines the exemptions and exceptional cases where enforcing authority can issue decisions or waive the conditions. Clause 11 outlines the criteria’s to be utilized during dredging and reclamation. Clause 13 outlines the details conditions to be met in a borrow area. This includes, minimum buffer zone between the reef line, shore lines and also buffer zones around reef. Clause 14 outlines the dredge spoil disposal methods and its use. Clause 15 outlines the maximum area for dredging. Under clause 10, this project can be exempted and the regulatory authority has the legal obligation to issue the approval for this. In short the regulation covers situations or cases where dredging permits can be given and types and situations where dredging and reclamation can be undertaken. Criteria for dredging and reclamation, minimum buffer zone, between reef line, shoreline, disposal methods, dredge spoil and maximum area for dredging and reclamation are covered in this regulation. Furthermore, the following points are highlighted. The 21 clauses in the regulation on Dredging and reclamation was gazetted on 2nd April 2013 and this regulation explains in details about the situations of dredging and reclamation. The relevant clauses of this regulation for this project are outlined below. Clause 6 (a). Permission for Dredging and reclamation shall be given as per the following methods. When dredging or reclamation is required, it should be carried out as per the Clause 7 and 8 of the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. For this the need of dredging or reclamation, land use plan and the details of essential requirement should be submitted to the Implementation Agency. Along with these details, a geo referenced scale map (1:10000) should be submitted and permission should be obtained from the Implementation Agency. Clause 6 (b) says that, when permit explained in Clause 6(a) is obtained, An “Environmental Impact Assessment” Report should be carried out and submitted to the Implementation Agency. Clause 6 ( c ) says when the said (Clause 6 (b) ) Environmental Impact Assessment Report is reviewed by the Implementation Agency and the decision taken by the Implementation Agency should be informed to the proponent. Clause 7 (b) says If the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the dredging can be carried out to full fill the permit given by the Government Agency. But this dredging can be carried out only if the permitted activity is not possible to proceed due to the accessibility to the island.

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Clause 8 (b) If the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the reclamation can be carried out to full fill the permitted activity by the Government. But this reclamation can be carried out only if the permitted activity is not possible to proceed due to the shortage of land. Clause 10 of this regulation explains about the exemption situations with the exception of the activities explained in clause 6. Clause 10 (2) says if the island is leased for Industrial, Agricultural or Tourism related activities or commercial purpose, then the dredging and reclamation can be carried out as per the initial concept. Clause 13 explains the various areas banned for dredging and reclamation under this regulation. Clause 13 (d) has given reference to clause 13 (c) number (4) and says sand mining or reclamation that are 200 meters closer to the areas explained in clause 13 (c) number 4 are banned. 7 . 1 1 First Amendment to the Dredging and Reclamation R e g u l a t i o n This amendment to the Regulation came into force on 9th February 2014 and has brought changes to the clause 13 (d) of the Dredging Regulation. The amendment says that the developmental projects planned to carry out under cabinet decision or run under government developmental projects can be preceded even after it falls under clause 13 (d) number 4 along with the conditions given in the first amendment. The proponent shall apply to the Implementation Agency for such activities like sand mining; dredging and reclamation and shall be carried out only after obtaining the permission from the Implementation Agency. The conditions given in the amendment are as follows. 1. Carry out a study on the existence of living flora, fauna and threatened species

2. Submit a plan and obtain permission for such plans on how to transfer, shift and farm the threatened species

3. Develop a natural area not smaller than the existing area with the existing characteristics or develop an area with such characteristics that are instructed by the Implementation Agency as per the policy, regulation, standards and set arrangements to protect, manage, and monitor such areas.

4. Carry out study to monitor the impact on aquifer and to take mitigation measures to prevent from likely impacts and these activities should be monitored by the implementation Agency.

5. Carry out study on possible flooding and implement a suitable drainage system as mitigation measures to

Therefore, this project can be preceded as per the regulations and its amendments and mitigation and monitoring are explained in relevant sections.

7 . 1 2 Waste management policy The Ministry of Environment has developed the framework for a national waste management policy. The key elements of the policy include: • Ensure safe disposal of solid waste and encourage recycling and reduction in waste generated. • Develop guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate enforcing these guidelines through inter-sectoral collaboration. • Ensure safe disposal of chemical, industrial and hazardous waste.

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The key objective of the waste management policy would be the formulation and implementation of guidelines and means for solid waste management to maintain a healthy environment. Waste management for the proposed project will be in line with this policy. 7 . 1 3 Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation, 2011 Under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93), the Ministry of Environment formulated the Environmental Damage Liabilities Regulation in February 2011, which encompasses the basis to avoid environmental deterioration, extinction of biological resources, environmental degradation and avoid wastage of natural resources. The main purpose of this regulation is to stop unlawful activities on environment and adequately implement a fining procedure for violations as well as implement a compensation mechanism on environmental damages. Its Schedules form the basis for levying fines on various environmental components and activities. Under the Article 14 of the regulation, any party, from whom the implementing agency requires information relating to an investigation or for other purposes of this regulation, should provide such information. This regulation describes the factors to consider when determining the fine to be charged on a party causing damage to the environment and formulas to measure the magnitude of the damages caused to the environment. 7 . 1 4 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025 (NBSAP 2016-2025) seeks to ensure that threats to biodiversity are addressed, biodiversity is conserved, sustainably used and benefits arising from them are shared equitably. It also encompasses ways of addressing gaps, challenges and constraints highlighted in earlier sections. It is a living document that will have the capacity to adapt to changes in national conditions, capacities and to the changes in the international arena. In implementing the proposed project activities due care would be given to ensure that the national biodiversity strategies are adhered to. • The proponent has committed on conservation and protection of the environment while undertaking this proposed project. 7 . 1 5 National Framework for Development 2009 - 2013 This framework consists of 10 policies and it is the very important environmental policy guidance given in the Strategic Action Plan. This policy encourages strengthening EIA process and EIA monitoring including conservation and sustainability of biological diversity. Based on this plan, relevant laws, regulations and amendments to such regulations has been done to improve the processes and the relevant laws and regulation are covered under Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework of this report

7 . 1 6 D e c e n tralization Act The Decentralization Act establishes the local councils as highest authority in the locality and who shall have executive powers to be exercised in accordance with this Act. The Act establishes Atoll Councils, Island Councils and City Councils. This project will be monitored and overlooked by the Island Council. The project was also formulated and finalized together with input from the local council. 7 . 1 7 Third National Environment Action Plan (NEAP III) The aim of NEAP III is to protect and preserve the environment of the Maldives and to sustainably manage its resources for the collective benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The following principles outlined in the NEAP III to in environment protection and environmental management are; • Environmental protection is the responsibility of every individual

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• Achieve results - The actions, activities, regulations, supervision, reporting, incentives, information and advice for environmental management shall be directed and well- coordinated to achieve the results the citizens want. • Promote and practice sustainable development • Ensure local democracy • Inter-sectoral co-ordination and co-operation • Informed decision making • Precaution first • Continuous learning and improvement • Right to information and participation • Environmental protection complements development • NEAP III contains environmental policies and guidelines that should be adhered to in the implementation of the proposed project activities. • The harbour development will also be in accordance with the main strategies of the NEAP III. The proponent is committed to the EIA and the proposed monitoring programme. The monitoring program proposed in this report outlines the environmental management strategy and plan. This EIA has also been prepared in consultation with the key stakeholders, especially the island council, island community of V. Rakeedhoo and relevant stakeholders. Therefore, these measures address the key strategies outlined in the NEAP III

7 . 1 8 Responsible Institutions The main government institutions that have roles and responsibilities relevant to this project are summarised below. 7 . 1 8 . 1 Ministry of Environment The Ministry of Environment is mandated for the effective implementation of the Environmental Protection Act of the country and has the statutory power over issues related to the environment. It has the central control over the environment protection, management, conservation and environmental emergencies. The Ministry operates mainly at a policy level and the more regulatory and technical assessment activities are mandated to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this respect EPA has now been mandated to manage all issues relating to Environmental Impact Assessment of individual projects. 7 . 1 8 . 2 Environmental Protection Agency The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the Ministry of Environment has responsibility for efficient operation of the EIA process. This encompasses a number of tasks, including screening of projects and provision of general procedural advice to the project proponents throughout the EIA process. The EPA manages the review of the EIA report and is responsible for any approvals or recommendations associated with the EIA. It is also responsible for verifying that environmental protection measures are properly implemented by undertaking environmental audits in collaboration with other government as well as non‐government agencies with a role for environmental protection and preservation.

7 . 1 8 . 3 Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure Ministry of National Planning 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 National Planning and Infrastructure. The Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure works to develop and provide all Maldivian citizens with affordable, quality and safe housing. The ministry develops public

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

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8 Project Description 8.1 Project proponent This project is proposed by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure. It 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 National Planning and Infrastructure. Maldives Transport and Contacting Company Plc. (MTCC) is the contractor for the project. MTCC was incorporated in 1980 and is currently the longest serving public company in the Maldives. Today the company offers a diverse range of services such as construction and project management services, logistical operations, modern transport services, engineering and docking service and a plethora of reputed product.

8.2 Project Location and Study Area This island is situated at the geographical coordinates of 3°18'51.25"N, 73°28'10.52"E in Vaavu Atoll. The small reef consists of the island of Rakeedhoo only. The following figure illustrates the location of V. Rakeedhoo. The island lies at the southern edge of the Atoll about 19 km away from (the capital of Vaavu Atoll). Rakeedhoo is formed in its own coral reef system, the nearest inhabited island is (about 18.17 km away). The width of the island at its widest point is approximately 238.38 m and the length of the island at its longest point is approximately 361.8 m long.

Figure 1: Location of V. Rakeedhoo

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8.3 Need and Justification for the project This project is a socially-driven project that will have significant positive impacts. The primary reason to undertake this project is to obtain a permanent solution for the difficulties faced by the community due to lack of a harbour. The island presently has a dredged basin and an entrance channel. Edge of the basin and part of entrance channel is shallow. A jetty on the east side of the basin is used for mooring vessels. Edge of the basin towards the island has created a natural slope and is a now utilized as a beaching area for vessels. Therefore, there are concerns of losing one of the most important features of the island as the current basin is used for beaching yachts and other boats and is a key recreational spot for the local tourism in the island. This project will benefit the local population by providing a suitable harbour and increasing the standard of living through provision of a safe and easy access to the island. A harbour in the island will also help to establish further facilities and opportunities to develop various economic activities in the island. Existing basin in Rakeedhoo is used by fishing vessels from other areas due to the location and remoteness of the island.

Existing jetty

Existing basin

Figure 2: Existing basin of Rakeedhoo 8 . 3 . 1 T he proposed design The proposed design of the harbor is a typical configuration with a harbor basin, breakwaters, entrance channel, quay wall and revetments. The proposed concrete quay walls and rock boulder breakwater are the new third generation designs that have been tested in Maldives. Compared to the previous two generations, third generation harbors provide better protection, and the construction materials and structures are more durable. The proposed design has been considered based on the following criteria. • The concrete quay walls are considered more durable and allow load bearing capacity for general use vehicles and temporary material storage.

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• The breakwater would be constructed using rock boulders. A total of 156m of breakwater will be constructed. • Construction of revetments using rock boulders, a total of 96.5m of revetment will be constructed. • Construction of 164m quay wall • The new harbor basin will be 71 m wide and 134m long • Existing entrance channel would be deepened up to -4 m at main sea level. • Harbor basin would be deepened up to -3.5 m at main sea level • This design is proven to be effective in Maldives for Small Island. Harbor pavements (includes installation of settlement tanks, stormwater drainage pipes and streetlights) • Ramp for landing crafts near the west edge of the harbor • Navigation light and mooring blocks 8.4 Scope of works The scope of works in this project constitutes the following. • Mobilization. • Site preparation. • Construction. • Handing over of the project.

8.5 Description of the p r o p o s e d h a r b o r 8 . 5 . 1 Concept design The project involves construction of a new harbour in the existing mooring area in Rakeedhoo. A harbour with a basin of 134m long and 71m wide (most part of the proposed basin includes existing mooring area) and a quay wall of 164m will be constructed under this project. The following diagram outlines the proposed concept for the harbour and its various components.

Figure 3: Proposed concept for the harbor 8 . 5 . 2 Construction of coastal structures

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For the harbour construction of Rakeedhoo, concrete quaywall, rock boulder revetment and breakwater will be constructed. • Total length of breakwater: 156m

• Total length of revetment: 96.5m

• Total length of quaywall: 164m

The following diagrams illustrates the plan view and a schematic design of the coastal structures proposed.

Figure 4: Plan view of the proposed coastal structures

Figure 5: Schematic drawing of a typical concrete quay wall (for reference only)

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Figure 6: Cross section of a typical revetment (for reference only)

Figure 7: Cross section of a typical breakwater (for reference only)

8 . 5 . 3 D r e d g i n g o f t h e h a r b o r basin and channel The proposed new harbor basin would be dredged to a depth of -3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). Moreover, access channel is also proposed to be dredged to a depth of -4m at mean sea level (MSL). Both channel and basin is already deep enough in most areas. Therefore only a maintenance dredging is required in most areas. Estimated cut volume of sand from the proposed basin is 5544 cbm and from the entrance channel is 100 cbm. It is estimated that total volume of 5827 cbm of sand will be required for backfilling of the quaywall and filling inside the revetments on both side of the harbor. Additional sand required can be sourced from the proposed beaching area on the west side of the harbor. The alternative concept approved by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure (MoNPI) is discussed in detail in the alternative section.

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Figure 8: Location of dredging and filling areas 8.5.3.1 Machineries used for dredging The dredging of the harbor basin and the entrance channel would be undertaken using an excavator. It is recommended to use a larger excavator on a barge to minimize the impact on environment through limiting the total duration of the project that can be achieved through appropriate sizing of dredging machineries. A large excavator will save time and the impact of dredging would not be prolonged. Excavators will be working on sand beds and barges. The dredged material would be disposed in the area proposed for filling.

8.5.3.2 Method and equipment used for reclamation and their justification The dredged material would be disposed in the area proposed for reclamation. Dump trucks and other heavy machineries will be used to assist in transportation of materials and other processes. In this project the dredging and reclamation area is very close by and thus the excavators can be used to reclaim the proposed areas around the harbor. Nevertheless, other machineries such as dump trucks will be assisted. The advantage of using dump trucks is that it can result in major cost savings if materials need to be transported for long distances. Dump trucks can transport large volumes on a single run and thus makes this very efficient.

8.6 Construction works 8 . 6 . 1 Mobilization Site mobilizations and construction related activities will be undertaken within the planned manner. A site office will be setup on the east side of the existing mooring area as shown in the following diagram. This location has already been approved by the council. All vehicles and machinery as well as site office will be setup here. No vegetation clearing is required in this location. This location is shown in the figure below.

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Figure 9: Location of temporary site office

8.7 Project management The project will be managed by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure by way of subcontracting of the civil works to MTCC. The contractor will provide a daily work schedule for the project and will be responsible for hiring laborers and civil works. 8 . 7 . 1 Project duration It is expected to take 11 months for the completion of the project. Detail project schedule is attached as annex.

8 . 7 . 2 Usi n g existing basin during construction The proposed location for the harbour is same location of the existing mooring area. Therefore contractor (MTCC) and island council need to work together to make sure there is a way the vessels can have continuous access to the island. Recommended construction workflow to ease this is to start the dreading works from the west side of the proposed location and leave the existing jetty on the east side intact until few meters of quywalls are built on the west side. After that the jetty can be decommissioned and disposed in accordance with the current regulations.

8 . 7 . 3 Emergency plan in case of spills (diesel, greas e a n d o i l ) The project site will have contact numbers for the project manager in case of any emergency and everyone working on this project will have access to the project managers through mobile phones. In order to avoid any serious spillage, all fuelling activities will be undertaken on land. That is to say, excavators, barges and other vehicles refueling will takes place around the temporary site office with careful supervision. This would totally avoid any oil spillages to the marine environment. In case of a serious oil spill from a machinery 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.

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8 . 7 . 4 E q u i p m e n t u s e d Heavy machineries like excavators and dump trucks will be used for dredging harbor basin and construction of quay wall and breakwater.

8 . 7 . 5 Material Storage All the equipment and material needed for the project will be stored in site office. Heavy vehicles will be parked near the site office and the work area in and around the harbor site.

8 . 7 . 6 Fuel Management All fuels to the site will be stored in the island at the site office. The fuel storage should 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.

8.8 Project Input s and Outputs 8 . 8 . 1 Project Inputs Table 1: Matrix of major inputs during construction period Input resource(s) Source/ Type How to obtain resources Construction workers Maldivians + foreign labors Contractor’s responsibility (1 project manager, 1 site supervisor / foreman, etc) Construction machinery Excavators, wheel loader, Import and purchase where locally Trucks, concrete tools etc., available at competitive prices – Contractor’s responsibility. Transport (sea) Materials to be transported Contractor’s responsibility in carrier vessels or large barges. Water supply (during Rainwater from the island From the island. construction) and bottle water when required to be purchased from the island or supply from Male’. Rock boulders - Imported from another country

Electricity/Energy Electricity from the island’s Diesel-based electricity from island mains (during construction) main power grid. Electricity/Energy Electricity for operation Diesel-based electricity from island mains (during operation) Fuel Diesel, Petrol and Local purchase or supply from Male’. Lubricants Contractor’s responsibility.

8 . 8 . 2 Project Outputs The type of outputs (products and waste streams) and what is expected to happen to them are given in the following table. Table 2: Matrix of major outputs of environmental significance during construction stage Products and waste Anticipated quantities Method of disposal materials Constructional waste 800 to 900 cbm Some of them can be used as landfill in fill area behind quay wall.

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Other can be reused and sent to landfill (to Thilafushi). Alternatively with approval from the council, the waste can be managed in the island itself. Noise Localized to the project Unavoidable during the construction site including the stage. surrounding areas. This is unavoidable. Air pollution Limited quantities of dust, Mainly arising as a result of emission oxides of Nitrogen and from the construction work sulphur from use of machinery in the construction zone. Dredged material 5644 cbm Disposed to areas requiring reclamation and backfilling. As well as to level land plots that has given for housing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erosion and accretion areas Coastal Environment No mapping Beach profiles Coastal Environment Yes

Drogues and current Coastal Environment No

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

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10 Existing Environment of Maldives 1 0 . 1 Existing general env ironment of Maldives The general environmental conditions of Maldives is well documented in many EIA reports and reference is made on the following EIA reports. • EIA for the development of sewerage system in , (Water Solutions Pvt Ltd, 2006). • EIA for the development of a resort in Kalhufahalafushi island in Thaa Atoll (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd, 2006). • EIA for the development of a resort in Vagaru island in (Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd; 2006). 1 0 . 2 Existing Marine Environment The marine survey at Rakeedhoo was focused on 4 sites. Additionally seawater samples were collected from these 2 sites as indicated in the following diagram.

Figure 10: Marine survey and water sample locations. Site selection for the marine survey and sea water samples were based on the location of Harbour and control site for monitoring purposes. • Marine survey location 1: Control site. Alternatively, this is the site proposed for a beaching area under the proposed alternative concept approved by MoNPI.

• Marine survey location 2 and Seawater Sample 1: Proposed area for harbor basin

• Marine survey location 3: Proposed area for entrance channel

• Marine survey location 4and Seawater Sample 2: Control site

1 0 . 3 M e t h o d o logy of marine surveys Several methods are available to estimate the percentage benthic cover on coral reefs. Some of the common methods are, rapid visual assessment, line-point intercept, and photo-quadrat

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 35 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives surveys. For this particular survey, a photo quadrate method was used. Photo quadrate surveys involve taking photos at a fixed distance from the substrate generally at a random or regular interval along a transect line. The photo quadrate surveys are undertaken as follows. Two transect lines of 20 meters are placed at the monitoring site in similar depth, surveyor then places a half a meter quadrate made from PVC along the transect line and takes a photo directly vertically. Consecutive photos are taken at 2 meter intervals along the transect line. In this manner, photos are taken along the transect line and in total, 10 photos on each transect line is taken.

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

1 0 . 4 C o r a l r e e f Four sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community.

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1 0 . 4 . 1 Benthic composition at site 1 (M1) Site 1 was selected from the western side of the island reef, this site was selected as a control site for monitoring purposes. This is also the locatin proposed to dredge a beaching area under the alternative concept stamped by MoNPI. The substrate of the site is dominated by sand (70.00 ± 1.00%). Fishes observed to be common were Goatfishes and Wrasses. The following graph outlines the status of site 1(M1).

Figure 11: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (11h February 2020).

Figure 12: Photos taken from site 1 (M1) (11h February 2020)

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1 0 . 4 . 2 Benthic composition at site 2 (M2) Site 2 was selected from existing basin. The site was selected as the site is within the proposed dredging area. The substrate of the site is dominated by rubble (63.50 ± 1.50%). Number of fishes observed in this location is very low.

Figure 13: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (11h February 2020).

Figure 14: Photos taken from site 2 (M2) (11h February 2020).

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1 0 . 4 . 3 Benthic composition at site 3 (M3) Site 3 was selected from the east side of the entrance channel. The site was selected as the site was at close proximity to the harbour. The substrate of the site is dominated by rubble as well (55.50 ± 1%). Fishes observed to be common were Surgeonfishes. The following graph outlines the status of site 3(M3).

Figure 15: Percentage benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ± SE (11h February 2020).

Figure 16: Photos taken from site 3 (M3) (11h February 2020).

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1 0 . 4 . 4 Benthic composition at site 4 (M4) Site 4 was selected from the east side of the island reef. This location is selected as a control site. The substrate of the site is dominated by Rubble (62.00 ± 4.00%). The is the only site with hard coral cover (9.75± 1.00%) out of the four site. Fishes observed to be Abundant were Parrotfishes. The following graph outlines the status of site 4(M4).

Figure 17: Percentage benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ± SE

Figure 18: Photos taken from site 4 (M4)

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1 0 . 5 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. The following table outlines the fish count survey at all the sites. Table 3: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (11th February 2020). Family/Subfamily Site M1 Site M2 Site M3 Site M4 Anthias (Anthiadinae) - - - - Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) - R C C Wrasses (Labridae) R - - C Parrotfishes (Scaridae) - - - A Triggerfishes (Balistidae) - - - C Boxfishes (Ostraciidae ) - - - - Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) - - - - Groupers (Serranidae) R - - C Moorish idol (Zanclidae) - - - R Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) - - - C Goatfishes (Mullidae) R - R - Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) - - - - Threadfin and Whiptail breams (Scolopsis) - - - - Octopus (Octopodidae) - - - - Fusiliers (Caesionidae) - - - - Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) - - - - Gobies (Gobiidae) - - - - Pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathinae) - - - - Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) - - - - Emperors or scavengers (Lethrinidae) - - - - Jacks and Trevalleys (Carangidae) R - - - Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) - - - - Lizardfishes (Synodontidae) - - - - Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes (Holocentridae) - - - - Grunts and Sweetlips (Haemulidae) - - - R Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes) - - - - Rudder Fish (Kyphosidae) - - - - Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) - - - - Snappers (Lutjanidae) - - - - 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.

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1 0 . 6 Marine water quality and bathymetry The primary objective of the marine water quality sampling was to determine the baseline conditions of the marine water in the project site. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on seawater from four locations. Water quality was done by using YSI ProDSS Water Quality Meter. The YSI ProDSS (digital sampling system) is a portable water quality multi- parameter instrument for the measurement of several critical parameters, it is designed for use in applications such as surface water, groundwater, coastal/estuarine, aquaculture, and wastewater, the rugged and reliable ProDSS allows for the measurement of water quality parameters with digital sensors. The ProDSS uses smart sensor technology that allows sensors to be automatically recognized by the handheld while retaining calibration data. The following table illustrates the result of the marine water quality test.

Figure 19: YSI ProDSS Water Quality Meter

Table 4: Water Quality Results Water Quality Site SW1 Site SW2 Physical appearance Clear with particles Clear with particles Conductivity (µS/cm) 43575.5 45125.4 Temperature (F) 63.9 61.3 Salinity (psu) 34.53 34.15 pH 8.01 8.05 Turbidity (FNU) 0.17 0.10 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 33830 33923

The bathymetry survey of the proposed harbor location was surveyed by MTCC. Bathymetry map is attached as an annex.

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1 0 . 7 Marine Protected and Sensitive Areas Marine Protected Areas are sites which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological or cultural values. Within the project boundary of this project there are no protected or sensitive sites. The two nearest protected area is “Vattaru Kandu” and “Miyaru Kandu” “Vattaru Kandu” located approximately 11.3 km away from Rakeedhoo is marked as a protected site. “The 150m wide canal presents a bright white sandy bottom, a vertical wall on its west side, and a gently sloping reef on its eastside, and an edge at the south. May Myliobatoidei (Stingray/ Madi) are present at the bottom, while fish are concentrated on the eastern reef. During currents mega fauna such as Selachimorpha (sharks/ Miyaru) and Manta alfredi (Manta rays/ Enmadi) are observed.” (Protected Areas of Maldives 2019, EPA) “Miyaru Kandu” is located approximately 29.4 km away from Rakeedhoo. “The reeftop starts at abput 60m and slopes gently down in a series of ledges to a sandy plateau at 35m. This area of the reef and ledges are packed with life, and there are many shallow caves. On the edge of the reef are great schools of fishes such as red snappers, surgeonfish. Myliobatoidei (Stingrays) and Triaenodon obesus (Whitetip Sharks). (Protected Areas of Maldives 2019, EPA)

Figure 20: Protected Areas in Vaavu Atoll. (Source EPA) Table 5: Sensitive areas in Vaavu Atoll (Source: EPA) Sensitive areas Sensitive areas Sensitive areas Medhu Kandu Kuda Falhu / Kuda Huralhu Kandu Dhiggaru Kandu Foththeyo Bodu Fushi Rakeedhoo Kandu Ambara House Reef Ambara Thila Fulhafi Kandu Kashivaru Kandu Kudhiboli Finolhu Fussaru Reef System Aarah Vattaru Atoll Ruh Huri Anbaraa Faru The nearest sensitive area near Rakeedhoo is Rakeedhoo Kandu which is southeast corner of Rakeedhoo reef. This location is famous for live corals, overhangs and caves. Big pelagic species and turtles are often sighted in this location. Below is a buffer zone map of this area with the project location.

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Figure 21: Location of ‘Rakeedhoo kandu’ sensitive area and its proximity to project site

1 0 . 8 G e n e r a l Climate Settings 1 0 . 8 . 1 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. The highest yearly average of daily maximum was recorded in HDh. Hanimaadhoo, at 31.7°C, meanwhile the lowest in GDh. Kaadedhdhoo, at 25.0°C in 2008 as shown in the diagram below.

Figure 22: Yearly Average of daily maximum and minimum temperature 2018 (source: Statistical Yearbook of Maldives 2019). The figure below shows a compact characterization of the entire year of hourly average temperatures. The horizontal axis is the day of the year, the vertical axis is the hour of the day,

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 44 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives and the color is the average temperature for that hour and day. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016.

Figure 23: Average hourly temperature (source: weatherspark.com)

1 0 . 8 . 2 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. Rainfall records indicate an average annual rainfall of 2500mm. The intensity of rainfall is a concern in the Maldives since intensity is high with low frequency. Excessive rainfall with low intensity is not a concern for the island.

Figure 24: Average monthly rainfall for 2019 – Hulhule, nearest weather station to Rakeedhoo (source: Maldives Meteorological Service)

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Figure 25: Average yearly rainfall data 2010 – 2019 – Hulhule, nearest weather station to Rakeedhoo (source: Maldives Meteorological Service)

1 0 . 8 . 3 W a v e s 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 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 Krakatoa (Choi and others, 2003). 1 0 . 8 . 4 W i n d speed and direction The average hourly wind speed in Male experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The windier part of the year lasts for 6.0 months, from May 3 to November 3, with average wind speeds of more than 10.1 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is May 31, with an average hourly wind speed of 13.4 miles per hour. The calmer time of year lasts for 6.0 months, from November 3 to May 3. The calmest day of the year is March 27, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.8 miles per hour. The average monthly wind speed in 2018 has been presented in the figure below. The maximum average wind speed has been observed in the month of May in Male’. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016.

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Figure 26: Average wind speed near Male’ (source: weatherspark.com) The predominant average hourly wind direction in Male varies throughout the year. The wind is most often from the north for 6.0 days, from March 21 to March 27, with a peak percentage of 35% on March 21. The wind is most often from the west for 8.0 months, from March 27 to November 28, with a peak percentage of 90% on May 23. The wind is most often from the east for 3.8 months, from November 28 to March 21, with a peak percentage of 59% on January 1. The data is based on a statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2016.

Figure 27: Wind direction (source: weatherspark.com)

The table below presents the seasonal distribution of wind statistics, sourced from Globocean database. The following periods have been defined in the database: • December to March: NE Monsoon

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• April: Transitional season - 1 • May to October: SW monsoon • November: Transitional season – 2

Table 6: Wind Occurrence Frequency per Directional Sectors

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

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

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

These results clearly indicate the prevailing directional sectors during the monsoon seasons: • N15° to N105° during the NE monsoon, with about 71% of the observations, • N225° to N315° during the SW monsoon, with about 78% of the observations.

1 0 . 8 . 5 Hazards and Disasters 10.8.5.1 Risks of Hurricanes / Cyclones This paragraph presents information extracted from (UNDP- Developing a Disaster Risk profile for Maldives – May 2006) presenting the characteristics of 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 since 1993. In the northern islands, the probable maximum storm tide due to cyclones has been estimated to be around 1.82 m (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.

Figure 28: Cyclonic Wind Hazard Map (source: UNDP, 2006)

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1 0 . 9 Hydrography / Hydrodynamics 1 0 . 9 . 1 C urrent patterns Several currents affect the Maldives Islands. These currents are divided mainly into ocean currents and tidal currents. The ocean currents are stronger than the tidal currents. A general view of the seasonal current patterns in the Indian Ocean is shown in the diagram below. The currents flow westward during the northeast monsoon period, and they flow eastward during the southwest monsoon period.

Figure 29: Surface currents around Maldives (JICA 1992) The ocean currents flowing by the Maldives islands are also driven by the monsoonal winds. In the northern part of the Maldives, constant currents flow westward during the northeast monsoon period from December and April and eastward during the southeast monsoon period from May to August. General, the tidal currents are eastward in flood and westward in ebb, the velocity, however, varies by island areas. The current patterns result from reef forms. Currents tend to be monsoonal in origin, generally setting W during the NE Monsoon (January to March) and E during the SW monsoon (May to October). During the transition months, the currents are variable. Ocean currents flowing through channels between the atolls are driven by the monsoon winds. Current speeds of 1 to 1.5 knots are reported in the Admiralty pilot. However, the current in the E/W channels of the Maldives may attain 5 knots. 1 0 . 9 . 2 Tide and Wave Characteristics Tides are single waves that stretch across ocean basins. They are also shallow-water waves because their wavelengths greatly exceed the depth of the ocean. The tide observed in Maldives can be classified as mixed duirnel tides. Major dominant types of waves experienced in Maldives are local generated and swell waves (MEE, 2016).

Table 7: Water levels of the tide stations. (MEE, 2016)

Water level from MSL (m) Hanimaadhoo Male’ (1992- (2010-2011) (2007-2011) 1998) Highest High Water (HHW) 0.62 0.62 0.79

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Mean Highest High Water (MHHW) 0.36 0.34 0.39 Mean High Water (MHW) 0.35 0.33 0.38 Mean Low Water (MLW) -0.41 -0.36 -0.40 Mean Lowest Low Water (MLLW) -0.42 -0.37 -0.41 Lowest Low Water (LLW) -0.80 -0.72 -0.78

1 0 . 9 . 3 Current Patterns near Rakeedhoo during the field v i s i t The following diagram outlines the current pattern during the field visit to Rakeedhoo. Since the field visit was done during February and in northeast monsoon, current is from north northeast side as mainly expected current patterns during the Northeast monsoon.

Figure 30: Water current patterns near Rakeedhoo on 11th February 2020

1 0 . 1 0 Existing Coastal environment The coastal environment of the island was studied using physical inspection combined with drone photos. The island’s coastline is exposed to various environmental stresses, most importantly from the wave action generated by the two monsoons. As the island does not have much historical data, available limited information was used to present the coastal environment of the island. The following diagram illustrates a brief summary of the existing coastal environment.

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Figure 31: Existing coastal environment of Rakeedhoo

1 0 . 1 0 . 1 Shoreline and Vegetation L i n e Shorelines are ever-changing features of coastal ecosystems, responding to wave energy, storm events, and changes in sea level and sediment supply. In order to understand the changes that may cause in the future, it is essential to map the existing shoreline and vegetation line. The diagram below shows shoreline of February 2019.

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Figure 32: Shoreline and vegetation line mapped during the field visit

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1 0 . 1 1 Existing Socio - Economic Environment 1 0 . 1 1 . 1 Overview of V a a v u A t o l l “Felideatholhu”, more commonly known as Vaavu Atoll (V) is an administrative division of the Maldives and stretches approximately 42.1 km (26.16 miles) from north to south, and 55.4 km (34.5 mi) east to west. Some of the facts about the Atoll includes the following: • The least number of islands in Maldives are found in Vaavu Atoll • The easternmost island of Maldives, Foththeyobodufushi is in Vaavu Atoll • The Atoll comprises of natural atolls of Vattaru and Felidhe Atolls • Alimathaa Island is the first resort to open in Vaavu Atoll • The atoll is the least populated atoll in the Maldives The following table shows the population of the inhabited islands in Vaavu atoll according to the 2014 census. Table 8: Population statistics for Vaavu Atoll (Census 2014)

Population 2014 Locality (Including resident foreigners) Total Male Female

Felidhoo 506 269 237

Fulidhoo 372 219 153

Keyodhoo 675 366 309

Rakeedhoo 106 70 36

Thinadhoo 152 128 24

1 0 . 1 1 . 2 Rakeedhoo Island The island lies at the southern edge of the Atoll about 19 km away from Felidhoo (the capital of Vaavu Atoll). Rakeedhoo is formed in its own coral reef system, the nearest inhabited island is Keyodhoo (about 18.17 km away). The width of the island at its widest point is approximately 238.38 m and the length of the island at its longest point is approximately 361.8 m long. 10.11.2.1 Employment The island council reported the majority of the population works outside the island. Few people are inhabited in the island permanently. Employment sectors include tourism and fishing. Local tourism is growing in the island which will create more jobs and hence will attract more people to the island. Home gardening is common in the island without much space for farming at commercial level. 10.11.2.2 Land Use and Natural Resources in the Island The island provides is located in the southern rim of Vaavu atoll and is very remote without anu inhabited island nearby. This makes the island a very important location for the fishing vessels and other boats travelling to southern atolls. In terms of land use, the island currently is almost fully occupied. This has put lot of pressure on the terrestrial environment without much green space. Considering the marine based resources, island house reef is famous for diving with reef’s southeast corner declared as a sensitive area by EPA. The island has a lagoon surrounding it.

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11 Environmental Impacts Environmental Impact identification was undertaken for the proposed activities necessary for the construction phase and the activities that will continue during the operational phase. The impact analyses for construction phase and operational phase were made separately to better understand the impacts as the duration, magnitude and probability of impacts greatly differ. 1 1 . 1 Assessing and identification of I m p a c t Environmental Impact identification was made by a combination of matrices along with expert opinions and experiences from similar projects in the past. The environmental impacts were examined using an adaptation of the Leopold matrix method. The Leopold matrix (Leopold et al, 1971) implements a two-dimensional checklist, where the columns of the matrix contains the project’s activities while the rows list the environmental receptors under the three main categories – Physical components, Biological components, and Socio-economic and Cultural components. This interaction matrix helps to identify impacts on individual factors of the three main categories of the impact. Furthermore, the sum of the magnitude from each impact activity and/or a certain environmental factor could be identified. This method analyses three aspects of each action which may have an impact on the environment – Magnitude, Duration, and Probability. • Probability – Likelihood of an impact to be produced from a said activity. • Duration – Defines the duration of which the environmental impacts would persist. • Magnitude – Defines the severity of the impact, for both positive and negative. A score is given from a scale of +10 to -10. +10 being major positive and -10 being major negative.

Table 9: Evaluation criteria and scoring system for impact analysis Magnitude Category Evaluation criteria Score Probability (I) O Impact is possible (Probability < 50%) M Impact is likely (Probability >50%) X Impact is certain (Probability = 100%) Duration (II) T The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within a few months of its completion. S The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within months to a year of its completion. L The effects of the activity would not be identifiable within multiple of its completion. P The effects of the activity will persists endlessly causing irreversible impacts. Magnitude (III) 9 & 10 Major Positive 7 & 8 Moderate Positive 5 & 6 Minor Positive -4 to 4 Negligible -5 & -6 Minor Negative -7 & -8 Moderate Negative -9 & -10 Major negative

1 1 . 2 Uncertainty and Limitations in Impact Prediction Environmental impact prediction involves a certain degree of uncertainty as the natural and anthropogenic impacts can vary from place to place due to even slight differences in ecological, geomorphological or social conditions in a particular place. There is also a lack of long term

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 54 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives data, for instance, shoreline, local currents, economic actives and such, which are crucial to analyse impact predictions. There is also uncertainty with the continuation of this project. Minor or even major changes to the project’s concept plan could alter the series of impacts. Major changes would require an EIA addendum to be prepared. 1 1 . 3 E nvironmental impacts during Construction S t a g e 1 1 . 3 . 1 Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and h a r b o r con s t r u c t i o n Dredging, reclamation and harbor construction on reefs or lagoons will permanently alter the seabed and disperse sediment plumes to the coral reef areas. This is an inevitable result of dredging and reclamation component of the project. Corals can tolerate sedimentation to a certain extent. However, coral growth and recruitment will be affected in the short to medium term. Prolonged exposure will eventually lead to death of the corals in the proximity to project area. (Refer to the marine environment section for details of the marine environment of the project area). The impacts of excessive sedimentation on corals include; • Direct physical impacts like smothering of corals and other benthic organisms,

• Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity and growth, calcification and reproduction rates of corals.

• Formation of false bottoms characterized by shifting of sediments.

• Eutrophication due to increased fine sediments leading to algal blooms.

• Formation of anoxic (black) bottoms under the fine sediments.

• Impact of project activities on live corals in this project is expected to be high as the reef around the project site has high live coral cover.

• Maintenance dredging might also cause shoreline changes as well, predicting these changes is quite impossible due to lack of historical data.

Mitigation Measures There are not many options that can be undertaken to reverse this impact of sedimentation. However, the following mitigation measure will help and need to be undertaken. • Plan the dredging periods taking into account the weather and wave conditions of the area. The sedimentation area increases during high wave and rough weather.

• It is recommended to dredge during low tide and in fine weather days.

• Use of Silt curtains: Silt curtains are floating geotextile material which minimizes sediment transport from a disturbed area adjacent to or within a body of water. Any other similar methods more pragmatic to the Maldives can also be utilized.

• Reclamation to be undertaken by creating a sand bund around the fill area or after provision of the coastal protection (breakwaters and revetments) to reduce sedimentation impact.

Cost of Mitigation Cost of mitigation needs to be included in the project.

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1 1 . 3 . 2 Changes in drainage pattern and flooding Reclamation of land around the harbour basin will increase the risk of storm water flooding to the adjacent land / lagoon if the level of this filled area is higher than the existing island levels. Drainage of coastal areas depends on the distance of the point to be drained from the sea and the elevation difference between them. This determines the hydraulic gradient of the water flowing in the drains. Reclamation extends the distance and therefore reduces the hydraulic gradient. This can result in reduction of flood discharge through the drains and can cause flooding. When reclaiming adjacent to existing land, the potential of flooding increases the reclaimed area would be higher than the adjacent area in the island. As a result, the drainage pattern and volumes will increase significantly. If the additional land is higher than the existing land and if there are no flood mitigation measures, then the risk is even greater. Therefore, flood mitigation measures must be in place. Mitigation measures In order to avoid the risk of flooding, a number of methods can be used. These are outlined below. • Maintaining the fill level same as the existing island level. • Leveling the new reclaimed area towards the seaward side. This will ensure that water flows away from the existing islands and towards the sea, allowing discharge of water in the lagoon. • Construction of engineered storm water drainage system along the harbor and reclamation area should be considered as a proper long-term solution to flood control and mitigation. • A temporary drain to be constructed at the interface between the existing island and the proposed reclamation area to drain off the water in to the lagoon or to other areas in the island where storm water can be used to recharge groundwater. This method has been proved to be successful when new reclaimed areas are filled higher than the existing island.

1 1 . 3 . 3 Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss Dredging and reclamation will lead to direct loss of habitat for corals and marine organisms in the target area. The habitat will be modified permanently. Habitats such as live corals in the target area will be destroyed. However, there are no corals in the dredging and filling area. Nevertheless, due to sedimentation direct habitat loss will occur as the coral reef has good coral cover. Transportation of equipment, use of heavy machinery and associated works increases the following risks; • Accidental spillage of construction materials. • Accidental oil and other chemical spills, including oil leaks from vehicles etc. • Accidental grounding of large vessels on the reef and lagoon. • In addition, Pollution of the lagoon and reef system can be caused by waterborne and windblown debris escaping from the construction as well as accidental oil/chemical spills. • Waste and residue arising from the project activities can also affect the marine environment. These can include hazardous waste such as used filters, empty lube- oil cans and oil filters as well as various solid wastes arising from humans and construction activities. Re-suspension of fine sediments and dispersal of sediments induced by erosion of fill area can lead to turbidity and deterioration of water quality in the immediate vicinity of the area.

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Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures can be used: • Working during low tide hours • Completing the filling works in the shortest possible time period. • Providing bund wall before filling takes place. • Avoid work during bad weather. • Educate the workers and create awareness about good waste management and responsible behavior with regard to environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Needs to be included in the project

1 1 . 3 . 4 Waste Management Impact of solid waste can be detrimental to the marine and the terrestrial environment if they are not managed properly. Solid waste generated during the construction stage will include organic, inorganic and hazardous materials and all of which require adequate disposal. Furthermore, waste management also involves sewage and wastewater. Negative impacts for the physical environment include leaching, disposal of waste to coastal zones as well as to ocean thus affecting the coral reefs. Leaching of wastewater to land/soil is considered as a possible impact, however if it occurs, the impact would be long term. Improper waste management have impacts on air, for example bad smell. Impacts of waste is however considered as a temporary impact. Negative socio-economic impacts include disruption to fishing as a result of waste dumping to coral reefs. It also has negative impacts to health and well-being as well as aesthetics. However, these are temporary impacts, and maintenance of proper waste management increases the health and well-being.

Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures are proposed.

• Awareness about impact of waste to workers as well as to the surrounding environment. • It is advised to provide rainwater for drinking, thus reducing the need for mineral water and hence reducing the impact of plastic bottles and their management and disposal. • All construction waste including hazardous materials will be stockpiled and stored on the island. Construction waste will be taken to Thilafushi once in three months. • Training of site personnel in proper waste management procedures and general environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Estimation of total cost for waste manegement is difficult, but the contractor can manage the waste in consultation with island council. Under the contract contractor is responsible for waste management and hence will be bearing the cost of transferrin waste to Thilafushi is required. Cost of 1 trip to Thilafushi Island from Rakeedhoo is expected to be MVR 30,000.

1 1 . 3 . 5 Workforce & Temporary Facilities The overall impact of work force and temporary facilities is neutral. These impacts are mostly temporary and have minor negative and minor positive impacts. If unmanaged, these impacts could escalate and can be significant to the environment. It is believed that temporary work force will have physical impacts to coral reefs, especially using illegal methods to catch fish and other organisms or through unethical practice by workers

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Cost of Mitigation No cost, but the contractor will be required to follow proper protocols.

1 1 . 3 . 6 Operation of Heavy M a c h i n e r y The operation of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, compactors, excavators, barges, and dredgers have minor to major negative impacts but are mostly temporary and short term. These include air and noise pollution during machinery operation. Leakage of oils from machinery may contaminate the soil. Improper use of barges may cause destruction to reefs and this may be a long term or permanent impact. Social impacts include the possibility of accidents which are low in probability but has a high magnitude when it happens. Aesthetics of the island during the construction works will decrease as well as huge machinery will be operating at the proximity of the construction site. However, this is considered a minor negative impact and is temporary. Mitigation measures • Vehicles should be serviced and maintained to avoid delays and excess emissions of pollutants. • Oil spill contaminant equipment shall be installed in all vehicles. • Construction materials shall not be transported during bad weather conditions. • Materials for construction and equipment shall be stored at a designated area, temporary site. Sheds can be made on temporary site to protect the materials and equipment from rain and direct sunlight. • Ensure that no leaks and accidental spillages of oil occur from vehicles and that they are maintained adequately. • Nominate a site manager, to be responsible for good site practices, arrangements for collection and effective disposal to an appropriate facility, of all wastes generated at the site during construction stage. • Elimination of noise may not be totally achieved, as construction takes place within the island. • Despite being temporary, all construction activities that generate noise will be carefully supervised by project supervisors to ensure they cause minimal noise. Work will be minimized at night as much as possible to avoid disruption to the island. • Workers should be provided with and made compulsory to use safety wear and equipment while at work

Cost of Mitigation No cost, but the contractor will be required to follow proper protocols.

1 1 . 3 . 7 I m p a c t s on the coral reef during construction Filling will lead to direct loss of habitat for corals and marine organisms in the target area. The habitat will be modified permanently. Habitats such as live corals in the target area will be destroyed because of the following: • Sedimentation and turbidity resulting in poor water quality which negatively impacts vitality of marine organisms. • Alteration of bottom substrate topography. • Degradation of sea water quality due to turbidity. • Continual re-suspension of dredged sediments leading to sedimentation and formation of dredge silts. • Degradation of sea water quality due to alteration to littoral sediment transport regime causing turbidity.

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Mitigation Measures There are not many options that can be undertaken to reverse this filling and its effects on hydrodynamic regime. However, the following mitigation measures will help and will be undertaken. • Only construct the required foot print in the required area in order to limit the direct impact of the foot print. • Avoid work during bad weather. • Educate the workers and create awareness about good responsible behavior with regard to environmental care.

Cost of Mitigation Needs to be included in the project

1 1 . 3 . 8 Sedimentation i mpacts on the coral reef d u r i n g construction of t he q u a y walls, breakwater and r e v e t m e n t Construction of the quay walls, breakwaters and revetments are activities that will permanently alter the seabed and disperse sediment plumes to nearby areas in the target area. All these activities incorporate the use of heavy machinery to alter the seabed and in most instances excavate, dredge, move materials and undertake backfilling. Corals can tolerate sedimentation to a certain extent. However, coral growth and recruitment will be affected in the moderate term. Prolonged exposure will eventually lead to death of the corals in the surrounding areas and indirect sedimentation impacts to the overall reef as well as the nearby reefs. The impacts of excessive sedimentation on corals include; • Direct physical impacts such as smothering of corals and other benthic organisms, • Reduced light penetration reducing the productivity and growth, calcification and reproduction rates of corals. • Formation of false bottoms characterized by shifting of sediments. • Eutrophication due to increased fine sediments leading to algal blooms. • Formation of anoxic (black) bottoms under the fine sediments.

Mitigation Measures • This activity will be undertaken during calm weather at low tides. • Avoid work during bad weather. • All quay walls, breakwaters and revetments will be undertaken as per the designed measurements. These structures will be set out and marked by qualified surveyors in order to ensure that the footprint is as per the design. • These works to be undertaken by qualified contractors with experience in working in similar environments.

Cost of mitigation Needs to be included in the project

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1 1 . 4 Environmental Impacts during Operational Stage 1 1 . 4 . 1 Improved Transportation The construction of the harbor will provide numerous benefits to the island community and to the fishing community that uses the harbor regularly. Some of these are summarized below. • With the construction of the harbor, the loading and un-loading of goods and people will be easier, safer and more reliable. • It will provide more and safer mooring facilities for boats, thus, the number of boats and boat activities is likely to increase significantly. • Number of boats visiting the island will increase, thus healing directly and indirectly to the local economy.

1 1 . 4 . 2 S o c i o - economic impac ts As population increases, there is greater opportunity for development of business and small industries. With the current state of the mooring area, access to the island is difficult. The construction of a harbour in the islands of Maldives have been proved to be one of those developments that bring significant, drastic and sudden changes to the socio-economic status of islands. The new harbour will attract more boats fishing nearby. This will boost the island economy by injecting more money when they come to refill their supplies.

1 1 . 5 Magnitude of Impacts This EIA identifies and quantifies the significance of impacts on the environment from the proposed project. Table 9 outlines the criteria used for impact assessment and the following table outlines the magnitude of impacts.

Table 10: Magnitude of the impacts

sible

or POS) + Significant (H/M/L/N)* Direct Indirect Magnitude (N/M/MA/MoA/ # MaA) Short term Long term Unavoidable Rever Irreversible Mitigation Required Impact type (NEG Construction

phase

Construction works – Dredging, reclamation and harbour construction Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA ✓ ✓ ✓ X X ✓ Changes in drainage pattern and flooding Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ X X X ✓ Construction works – Deterioration of marine environment, water quality and habitat loss Neg L ✓ ✓ MaA ✓ ✓ ✓ X X ✓

Waste management Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Workforce & Temporary Facilities Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Operation of Heavy Machinery Neg N ✓ X N ✓ X X ✓ X ✓ Impacts on the coral reef from construction of coastal structures Neg H ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ ✓ X X ✓

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sible

or POS) + Significant (H/M/L/N)* Direct Indirect Magnitude (N/M/MA/MoA/ # MaA) Short term Long term Unavoidable Rever Irreversible Mitigation Required Impact type (NEG Impacts on the coral reef from construction of coastal structures – sedimentation Neg H ✓ ✓ MaA X ✓ ✓ X X ✓ Operational phase Improved Transportation Pos H ✓ X MoA X ✓ X X X

Socio-economic impacts Pos H X X MoA X ✓ X

+ POS = positive impacts, NEG= negative impacts, * H=high, M=Moderate, L=Low, # N=Negligible, M=Minor, MA=Minor Adverse; MoA= Moderate adverse; MaA=Major Adverse

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12 Stakeholder Consultations For the purpose of this project, stakeholder consultations were limited to the organizations who were identified by EPA and outlined in the TOR. Methodology for undertaking these discussions was through meetings and discussions. The following section summarises the stakeholder consultations. 1 2 . 1 Consultation w i t h R a k e e d h o o Island Counci l a n d C o m m u n i t y Including Fisherman As part of the EIA consultation process, Rakeedhoo Island council and selected members of the public were consulted during the data collection process to obtain their views and feedback on the proposed harbour. This group of the community involved some recreational fisherman as well. However, currently there is no big fishing vessels registered to the island as the population is very low. Therefore it was challenging to find a fulltime fisherman to consult. The only boat that uses the harbour regularly is the ferry boat that operated between Male and Rakeedhoo. Following are the summary of major outcomes from the discussions. • The council have approved the harbor concept design (stamped copy attached as annex). The concept design has been undertaken after consulting the Island council and the community on numerous occasions. • During the discussion with the proponent, it was highlighted that ramp will be built on an area approved by island council. Therefore, in this meeting location was ramp was discussed. After the discussion, west end of the harbor was approved an appropriate location for ramp.

• Council highlighted that Rakeedhoo is among very few inhabited islands without a harbor and hence they want this project to start as soon as possible. They will provide full support to the contractor during the construction stage.

• Council noted that the existing basin is very stable, and they have been using it for many years. This basin has been catering fishing vessels from other areas as well.

• Some of the island community members that was consulted raised concerns over the location of the proposed harbor. According to them the proposed location is an important feature in the island and is popular among the tourists for fish feeding and other recreational purposes.

• The beach slope in this area is very suitable to yachts to beach here and tourists can access to the island very easily even without a quaywall. Therefore, some of the community members want to change the location of the harbor to the east of the island lagoon and keep the existing basin as it is. They feel that keeping the existing basin as it is important to expand local tourism in the island.

1 2 . 2 Consultation with M M R I As part of the consultation process, to consult MMRI a letter was sent. MMRI sent back some questions and concerns regarding the harbor project, which were answered in writing. The questions from MMRI and EIA team’s response are attached as annex.

1 2 . 3 Consultation with Ferry boat operator During the field visit, since the ferry has already left, we couldn’t undertake stakeholder consultation in person. Ferry operators are not resided in Rakeedhoo. However, we got the contact of the ferry operators and conducted consultation through phone call. Currently there are 2 regular ferries using Rakeedhoo harbor. MTCC atoll ferry operates between Island of Vaavu Atoll and Male’ on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. ferry that operates between Male and island Meemu Atoll also stops at Rakeedhoo. MTCC Vaavu Atoll contact

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 62 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives person is Ali Zahir (7565363) and for Meemu Atoll Ferry, contact person is Abdulla Moosa (7911629). Following are the main points discussed between the ferry operators. • A project brief was given with the information about the important components of the project

• Ferry operators highlighted that existing jetty is very small and difficult to use if the sea is rough.

• The waves during rough days come directly into the basin near the jetty because the jetty is in front of the entrance channel.

• This harbor is used by vessels from other areas of Maldives as well. Since the basin is very small, the ferries cannot moor on the jetty if there are already vessels in the basin. This gets worse during the rough weather as many boats put additional safety to their vessels by putting several anchors. In most instances, even the entrance channel is blocked by anchor ropes, making it very difficult to get access to jetty.

• Meemu atoll ferry operators said there are even some instances that they sold tickets to Rakeedhoo residents and had to refund because they cannot get access to the island jetty on some days.

• Ferry operators also highlighted that the existing jetty is the only mean of access to the island. Therefore, during the harbor construction it is very important to schedule the works in a way that there is access to one the jetties in the island.

• Current depth of the basin is ideal to moor ferries on the jetty.

1 2 . 4 List of personnel consulted The list of personnel consulted is attached in the annex.

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13 Alternatives This section looks at alternative ways of undertaking the proposed project. There are two basic options: (1) leave the problem as it is (no project option), or

(2) Take measures to resolve the problem (undertake the project option).

If the project is to continue, it would be necessary to take economic, ecological and environmental aspects of the project into consideration and ensure that these concerns exist within a delicate balance. Neither the economic benefits nor the environmental and ecological concerns can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to consider all options and ensure that the best available option(s) is chosen to solve the issues/problems. A single activity can bear effects on a considerable number of key components determining a range of closely interconnected impacts. The relative importance of each of these beneficial and detrimental impacts has to be evaluated in the context of a set of alternative options. The effectiveness of an EIA process depends on the successful identification of these alternatives. We can then aim at minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones acting on specific activities through selection of best alternative options and / or mitigation measures. 1 3 . 1 No Project Option It should be noted that the “no project” option cannot be excluded without proper evaluation. Direct benefits from the project implementation include construction of a harbour which benefits the whole community. Without this project the community will face difficulties loading and un-loading of goods and travel difficulties to other parts of the country for basic and general needs. In this report, this alternative was considered as the baseline against which to evaluate the other various options. Hence, the no project option takes the following into account. • The existing basin will be used without any change. • Damage and loss to property and people will continue to pose a risk. • No dredging of a new harbor basin The main advantages and disadvantages of these are given in the following table.

Table 11: Advantages and disadvantages of the no project option Strategy Advantages Disadvantages Allow the Environmental problems related Economic burden will increase. islanders to use to developing a new harbour can Long term socio-political problems existing basin be avoided. may arise. as it is Damage and loss to property and There will not be any costs to the people. proponent and hence there is a Economic expansion will be short-term benefit. limited. Control and limits the economic Residents and guest house owners development. can continue to use the basin for Construction industry in the island beaching vessels and recreational will continue to suffer. purposes

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1 3 . 2 Alternative Harbor Concept Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure has proposed some changes to the concept approved by the island council to make the harbor more usable to island community. This concept is considered as an alternative concept for the proposed project. Below is a figure showing the alternative concept.

Figure 33: Dimensions of the alternative concept. A3 map of this concept is provided in the annex.

The proposed changes to this concept are • a new beaching area on the west side of the harbor

• s strip of new quaywall on the east side of the harbor instead of revetment

• alignment changes of breakwater and revetment on the east side

Refer to the figure below.

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Figure 34: Proposed changes in the alternative concept compare to the proposed concept

Figure 35: Alternative concept overlaid on a drone photo of 2020

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1 3 . 3 Alternative harbor location The present mooring basin is used to beach vessels such as yachts that harbour in the island. This provides tourists with more natural and traditional way to access the island and is considered as an important feature to expand the local tourism in the island. Therefore, alternatively the location of the harbour could be changed to east side of the island lagoon. The alternative location is shown below. This alternative is environmentally more damaging than the proposed concept as this location is an untouched location. However, this will address the issue of some of the residents wanting to keep the existing basin as a beaching area and as a recreational beach and lagoon.

1 3 . 4 Alternative analysis matrix For this project, an alternative analysis was carried out on the basis of various biophysical and socioeconomic parameters including the following using an analysis matrix: • Technical feasibility, • Economic viability, • Environmental acceptability of the project and • Social benefits The following table outlines the various alternatives proposed for this project, their economic, technical, environmental as well as social factors taken into consideration.

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Table 12: Alternative analysis matrix for the project

Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

A1 Alternative concept

This is the concept approved by the MoNPI. Technically This option is more More damaging than the This concept is Under this concept, additional quaywall will feasible costly than the proposed proposed concept without socially more be constructed and new beaching area will be option. This is due to the a beaching area. beneficial as it will developed on the west side of the island. This proposed additional new provide more quaywall will address the concerns of losing the beaching area and new space and a new existing beaching area in the island. strip of quay wall on the beaching area for the east side. However, this residents. alternative will provide enough sand to fill both sides of the harbour. Additional funds need to be allocated and approved by MNPI to implement this alternative.

A2 Alternative location

This alternative considers moving the harbour Technically Cost will be higher as Most damaging as this The present basin can

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

to the east lagoon of the island keeping the feasible more dredging is location is totally new be used normally as of existing basin as it is. required to make a new without any modification. now. basin and entrance channel.

A3 Sheet piling the quay walls Technically Expensive and not Sheet piling is High cost will affect Sheet piling the quay wall will allow greater feasible feasible. environmentally more the entire project and live load carrying capacity. This option has damaging. Therefore, this hence it is not been rejected as it is not predicted that the option is not attractive. beneficial to the island will have traffic and cargo that require society and in fact may sheet piling in the near future. If it is have an undesirable required, then the harbour will have to be effect. upgraded with more facilities.

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

A4 Vegetated breakwater by reclaiming a strip of Technically Economically viable unacceptable Attractive as land that will act as a breakwater with the difficult due to environmentally additional land space option of planting trees and providing space lack of space. is created for for recreational and commercial activities. recreational as well as for the provision of There are very few vegetated breakwaters in green space. harbours in the Maldives. However, these structures have been seen to be quite effective in reducing wave action inside the harbour basin during rough weather, especially wind- generated harbour waves. Vegetated breakwaters also provide better wave- overtopping control than plain breakwaters. Vegetated breakwaters are made by placing dredged material on the inside of the breakwater area and salt-resistant trees such as Pemphis acidula (kuredhi), Hibiscus tiliaceous (dhiggaa), Calophyllum innophyllum (funa) or Scaevola taccada (magoo). Vegetated breakwaters are also aesthetically pleasant.

A5 Use of tetra pods for breakwater. Technically The cost is almost same More environmentally High cost is a negative They can be manufactured on site provided feasible as or even more than friendly than sheet piling factor for the society. materials are available. Tetrapods also absorb rock boulders and hence, but equally damaging as wave energy well if interlocked properly. economically not very rock boulders They are long lasting and strong. Their size attractive.

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Technical Environmentally SN Alternatives proposed Economic viability Social benefits feasibility acceptable

and weight can be suited to meet 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.

Table 13: Scores for alternatives Technical Economic Environmentally Social SN Alternatives proposed Total feasibility viability acceptable benefits A1 Alternative concept by MoNPI 5 4 4 5 18 A2 Alternative harbour location 4 3 1 5 13 A3 Sheet piling the quay walls 3 2 1 1 7 A4 Vegetated breakwater 3 2 1 3 9 A5 Use of tetra pods for breakwater 3 2 3 1 9 Technical Feasibility: (1-5, 5 being most feasible to construct and 1 being less feasible) Economic Viability: (1-5, 5 being most economically viable (less cost and more benefits) and 1 being least economically beneficial) Environmentally Acceptable: (1-5, 5 being least damaging to the environment and 1 being most damaging to the environment) Social Benefits: (1-5, 5 being most beneficial and 1 being least beneficial)

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1 3 . 5 Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative is the concept stamped by MoNPI for the following reasons. • More quaywall areas as the revetment on the east side edge of the harbor is replaced by a quaywall providing more space for mooring vessels

• New beaching area for the island community

• However, it is noticeable that this will increase the cost of the harbor compared to the proposed concept. Therefore, additional funds need to be allocated to cater the additional components in the preferred alternative.

• It is recommended to try to get funds for this alternative and implement it if the funds are made available. Otherwise, the council wants the proposed design to be implemented.

1 3 . 5 . 1 Mitigation Measures for the Preferred Alternative The following mitigation measures are proposed for the preferred alternative. 1. Only utilize experienced contractors to place rock boulders. Ensuring that the right dimensions of the breakwater base are kept preventing failure during storms.

2. Ensure that the breakwater is extended to the maximum allowable space keeping the base as per the designs.

3. Appropriate slope in beaching area to be maintained.

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14 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 1 4 . 1 Introduction Environmental management and monitoring is essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and to mitigate unanticipated impacts. Monitoring will be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment and monitoring requirements addressed in this EIA report. The following table summarizes the aspects of monitoring. 1 4 . 2 Environmental management plan An environmental management plan is outlined in this section. This plan outlines the measures that need to be undertaken during construction period. The management plan should be followed during the construction period. The plan also outlines the monitoring components. A detail monitoring plan is separately outlined. 1 4 . 3 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 4 . 4 D u r a t i o n of Monitoring Monitoring will include marine and social components. The proposed scheduled for monitoring has been prepared for 12 months during the construction period as well as annually during the operational stage (for 5 year period). Hence, this schedule will be applicable for monitoring during the construction period and annually during the operational stage after the project. Monitoring will be undertaken by subcontracting the work to an independent consultant or a consulting firm. 1 4 . 5 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 4 . 6 Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring responsibility will be with the client and financial provisions will be made in the project to undertake the monitoring. 1 4 . 7 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 three 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 for three years. 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.

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1 4 . 8 Environmental Management plan

Table 14: Schedule for environmental monitoring during the construction period as well as per annum during operation period. Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction phase). (operational phase) Construction Operational stage stage Marine environment Live Coral cover at survey Percentage live Qualitative & After Annually $700 $1,400.00 sites cover Quantitative completion of M1, M2, M3 and M4 the project

The indicator Incorporate coral bleaching will be % of monitoring into the marine bleached coral survey encountered during the marine survey. Diversity and abundance of Number / Qualitative & After Annually $500 $900.00 fish communities at sites percentage of Quantitative completion of M1, M2, M3 and M4 selected fish the project Marine water quality at pH, turbidity, Onsite or Lab Once after Bi-annually $550.00 $550.00 survey site SW1 and SW2 TDS, analysis Dredging work conductivity, and after DO completion of the project Sedimentation Sediment Qualitative & Once after Bi-annually No cost. Contractor to $2,000.00 deposited on Quantitative Dredging work undertake this. reef substrate and after

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Cost during Cost Per annum Monitoring Attribute Indicator Methodology Monitoring Frequency (construction phase). (operational phase) Construction Operational stage stage completion of the project

Coastal environment Sand transport / Erosion Shore line Physical After Bi-annually $200 $550.00 mapping, inspection and completion of Erosion and shoreline mapping the project accretion of the island patterns Social Environment Complaints from boat - Complaints log - Bi-annually - - owners / island residents from island council 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 Five main User survey / - Annually - $200.00 operation and island council

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maintenance records and problems. information Care and use of User survey / - Annually - $200.00 harbour evidence of facilities. facilities 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 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 expansion that are related to harbour directly or indirectly. Demography Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from census data Island council will be adequate

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Population Island council, - Annually - No cost. Records from migration census data Island council will be adequate

Coastal protection structures (breakwaters and revetments) Are the breakwaters / Physical $ 1500 for the entire groynes / revetments inspection component under this. constructed as per the designed length? Is any damage or Physical During a storm Same dislodgement of rocks inspection event noticeable after a storm (breakwaters / groynes / revetments). Does sand accumulate on Physical Three monthly Same any side of the breakwater? inspection

Have rocks from the Physical Three monthly Same breakwaters / groynes / inspection revetments shifted position or rolled seaward since construction? Has the breakwaters / Physical Three monthly Same groynes / revetments inspection elevation dropped? Are there any signs of wave Physical Three monthly Same overtopping the breakwater inspection from any side? Has the breakwaters / Physical Three monthly Same revetments rotated inspection seaward?

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Has the slope of the Physical Three monthly Same breakwaters / groynes / inspection revetments changed? Is there any physical Physical Three monthly Same evidence of breakwaters / inspection groynes / revetments structure being damaged?

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15 Conclusion and Recommendation 1 5 . 1 C o n c l u s i o n This EIA report has identified the major impacts of the proposed harbour project in Rakeedhoo Island. The main negative impacts of the project would be related to dredging and reclamation. Dredging and reclamation would have negative impacts on the environment. The assessment has indicated that the impacts are likely to be felt on a large area of the coral reef, even though the live corals rate is less. Socioeconomic impacts have been assessed in depth and it is evident that there would be numerous positive socioeconomic impacts. The proposed harbour basin would be dredged to a depth of -3.5 m at mean sea level (MSL). There will be other engineered structures built around the harbour such as breakwaters, quay walls and revetments. These details have been outlined in the report. Rakeedhoo is located on the southern edge of Vaavu Atoll. The island economy depends mainly on fishing and tourism. Currently there is no modern harbour in Rakeedhoo and the only way to get access to the island is by means of a jetty in a dredged basin. Lack of a proper harbour for vessels made it very difficult for the fisherman and other boat owners that stops at Rakeedhoo, especially on Fridays. Hence the proposed harbour development project is proposed to improve the accessibility and mooring of vessels at the island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The impacts of the project result mainly from excavation of the harbour basin and entrance channel and disposal of excavated materials (reclamation). The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. Excavation of the entrance channels and harbour basin would have irreversible impacts. However, in the case of Rakeedhoo the impacts of dredging will be lower than most other islands with similar projects, as there is an existing basin that is deep enough in most areas. Nevertheless, proposed measures need to be taken to protect the island and reef. Reclamation will have impact on the lagoon bathymetry and smother the biota. The socio-economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island. The proposed project conforms to prevalent environmental legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally friendly manner. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the community consultations held during the data collection stage. The EIA also allowed to explore alternatives for the proposed development and identified key mitigation strategies. Feasible alternatives in terms of costs, environment and social are discussed in the report. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction of the harbour. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as to not undertake the project. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project.

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1 5 . 2 Recommendations Following are some of the recommendations based on this EIA assessment. These recommendations cover both environmental and the social aspects. • Implement alternatives into the proposed harbor design. It is recommended to change replace the revetment proposed on the east edge of the habour with a quaywall to provide more mooring space.

• Environmental monitoring to be carried as a requirement addressed in this EIA report. The monitoring program outlined in the report should be used as a basis from the construction period as well as after construction.

• The proposed project work needs to be closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with atoll and island council. It is thus recommended that the Island Council be involved in day to day monitoring of the works during construction period.

• It is also recommended to shift the harbor away from the island shoreline to create more space for the developments that will come after the harbor development. Currently houses in front of the habour are very near to the proposed quaywall providing very less space for any future development in front of the harbor. There is enough space available in the lagoon to make this change. Refer to the image below.

Figure 36: Illustration of recommended shift of harbour to the seaward • As predicted by NOAA sea surface temperatures at the end of February 2020 were rising above the mean towards a possible mass bleaching event (refer to the attached figure below). MMRI advise refraining from activities causing additional stress to coral reefs. Therefore, it is highly recommended to undertake the mitigation measures for the

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harbor project works. The proponent should strictly monitor the project works to check its adherence to the mitigation measure provided in the report.

Figure 37: Sea surface temperature prediction and bleaching alert level for the next 3 months (Source: MMRI)

The table below shows the summary of recommendations highlighted in the report and responses from MNPI regarding these recommendations. Table 15: Recommendations and corresponding responses from MNPI Recommendations Response from MNPI Implement the preferred alternative concept Additional funds required as the alternative (A1) stamped by the MNPI has additional concepts. If the funds are available, the changes in this alternative can be accommodated. Monitoring to be conducted both during and Monitoring to be done as per EIA report after the construction of the harbour as outlined in the report Island council need to be involved in the Island council is always involved in harbour monitoring process to make the process more projects collaborative and transparent Shift the harbour to seaward to create more Cannot be entertained due to limited budget space between quaywall and existing houses. and extra funds that have to be allocated This space is essential for future developments that will follow after the harbour construction. Strict coral bleach monitoring during the Dredging works for this project is very small, construction stage as recommended by if EIA report is approved this month MMRI if the construction phase falls within dredging and breakwater can be pushed to the forecasted potential bleaching period. finish as soon as possible Include a budget in the contract for the The Mitigation Cost as per the BOQ for the proposed mitigation measures project is MVR 125,000

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16 People who have assisted in the preperation of this report

EIA People who registration Page assisted in data number (only Chapter Signature number collection and for those report writing registered consultants)

Introduction 15 Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Project Description 25 Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Project Setting 17 Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007 (Legislative section)

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019

Existing 35 Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007 Environment

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Mohamed Umar EIA P02/2019 Impact and 54 Mitigation Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007 Stakeholder 62 Consultations Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017

Monitoring 73 Abdul Aleem EIA P03/2019

Alternatives 64 Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

Ibrahim Faiz EIA P05/2017 Conclusion and 79 Recommendation Ahmed Jameel EIA P07/2007

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17 Acknowledgements Various people have assisted the consulting team in preparing this report, name and their designations are listed below. Water Solutions would like to thank their support and assistance provided in completion of this report. 1. Abdul Aleem, BSc, MPH – Mapping and GIS (EIA P03/2019) 2. Ahmed Jameel, B. Eng (Environmental), MSc – Environmental (EIA-P07/2007) 3. Mohamed Umar, BSc - Environmental Management (EIA P02/2019) 4. Ibrahim Faiz (EIA P05/2017) 5. Water Solutions staff 6. Rakeedhoo Island Council 7. MTCC 8. Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure

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18 Reference Books and Sources Blue Peace,. (2017, August 23). Conservation and Management of Maldivian Mangrove Habitats – Baseline Study. Retrieved from Conserving Mangroves through the Development of an Informative Website and Community Advocacy: http://www.bluepeacemaldives.org/mangroves/ Department of National Planning. (2009). Statistical Year Book. Male: DNP. Falkland, T. (2000). Report on Groundwater Investigations, . Male': Ministry of Atolls Administration. Jameel, A. (2007). Developing a Disaster Profile for Maldives, A thesis for the Masters Degree. Chirstchurch, New Zealand: University of Cantebury. Ministry of Planning and National Development. (2006). Analytical Report of Population and Housing Census. Male': Ministry of Planning and National Development. UNEP, M. o. (n.d.). State of the Environment Report . Maldives: UNEP2002. Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2006). EIA for the development of a resort in Kalhufahalafushi in Thaa Atoll. Male': Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. Water Solutions Pvt.Ltd. (2012). EIA of Harbour development and rehabilitation in island, . Male': Water Solutions. Water Solutions Pvt Ltd. (2019). EIA for the Harbour development project at Rhin'budhoo Island. : Water Solutions

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19 Annex: Terms of reference

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EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

20 Annex: Harbour Design Drawings (Approved from council)

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21 Annex: Alternative concept by MoNPI

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 89

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- ESTIMATED CUT VOULME OF SAND FROMPROPOSED CHANNEL= 100.00cbm.

ll.e.:en ESTIMATEDFILL VOLUMEOF SAND REQUIRED TO FILL THE ~ 0 ~ q - PROPOSEDR ECLAMATION AREA = 5827.28cbm. I I H I I 1'1CXXJ EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

22 Annex: Bathymetry Map

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 91 M T C C MALDIVES TRANSPORT & CONTRACTING COMPANY PLC MTCC

Meters 24 0 24 48

1:800 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

23 Annex: Stakeholder Meeting Attendees

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EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

24 Annex: Response to MMRI concerns

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 95 Questions from MMRI Regarding Rakeedhoo Harbour Project

1. What is the existing health of the coral reef around Rakeedhoo? To study the health of coral reef around the project location in Rakeedhoo, marine survey was undertaken. The sites of the surveys were focused on the proposed harbor location and control sites. Since there is already a dredged basin in the proposed location, we didn’t find any live corals in this area. Rubbles and sand dominate the benthic composition of these sites. However, on the control site, on the east side house reef, we found several live corals including massive corals and acropora. In addition, the southeast channel of Rakeedhoo is a sensitive area. This area is far from the project site and is not considered to have significant impacts the if the mitigation measures proposed in the report is adhered. Below are the results of the marine survey conducted in the project site.

Methodology of marine surveys

Several methods are available to estimate the percentage benthic cover on coral reefs. Some of the common methods are rapid visual assessment, line-point intercept, and photo-quadrat surveys. For this survey, a photo quadrate method was used. Photo quadrate surveys involve taking photos at a fixed distance from the substrate generally at a random or regular interval along a transect line. The photo quadrate surveys are undertaken as follows. Two transect lines of 20 meters are placed at the monitoring site in similar depth, surveyor then places a half a meter quadrate made from PVC along the transect line and takes a photo directly vertically. Consecutive photos are taken at 2-meter intervals along the transect line. In this manner, photos are taken along the transect line and in total, 10 photos on each transect line is taken.

Figure 1: Marine survey locations

Data Processing methodology

Analysis of the photos were done using a computer program called, CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel extensions). This is an internationally recognized software used all over the word to assess the benthic composition of coral reefs. In the programme, photographs are analyzed using a pre-defined benthic category. Depending on the type of survey, these categories can be user defined at any given level. Users can have very complex levels ranging from individual coral families or have broader assessments categories. As broader categories adopted from reef check are used most frequently in Maldives for coral reef assessment. Benthic categories adopted from the Reef Check protocol was utilized. A text file containing these categories were created and imported to CPCe. The Reef Check protocol allows categorizing of life forms followed under the Reef Check protocol, which emphasizes on benthic composition categorizing such as hard corals, sand, rock and others. The emphasis is not on recording corals to their species levels, but rather the general coral and other life forms such as hard and soft corals. This method is more accurate as the percentage of healthy coral cover and other life forms can be more accurately recorded even by a non-experienced surveyor.

The following are definition of benthic categories used in this survey.

• HC: All living coral including bleached coral; includes fire, blue and organ pipe corals • SC: Soft corals and include zoanthids but not anemones (OT) • DC: Coral that has died within the past year; appears fresh and white or with corallite structures still recognizable • ALG: All macro-algae except coralline, calcareous and turf (record the substrate beneath for these); Halimeda is recorded as OT; turf is shorter than 3cm. • SP: All erect and encrusting sponges (but no tunicates). • RC: Any hard substrate; includes dead coral more than 1 yr old and may be covered by turf or encrusting coralline algae, barnacles, etc. • RB: Reef rocks between 0.5 and 15cm in diameter • SD: Sediment less than 0.5cm in diameter; in water, falls quickly to the bottom when dropped. • SI: Sediment that remains in suspension if disturbed; recorded if color of the underlying surface is obscured by silt. • OT: Any other sessile organism including sea anemones, tunicates, gorgonians or non-living substrate. • SG: All types of sea grass observed categorized in the field SG. Each of the 10 photos from transect are imported, cropped and prepared for analysis. The CPCe program then generates a matrix of random points overlaid on the image for each point to be visually identified. Users can then input the defined categories for each photo and once all the photos are analyzed, the results are displayed on a table.

Coral reef

Four sites were surveyed to assess the marine environment as baseline for reef benthic community.

Benthic composition at site 1 (M1)

Site 1 was selected from the western side of the island reef, this site was selected as a control site for monitoring purposes. This is also the locatin proposed to dredge a beaching area under the alternative concept stamped by MoNPI. The substrate of the site is dominated by sand (70.00 ± 1.00%). Fishes observed to be common were Goatfishes and Wrasses. The following graph outlines the status of site 1(M1).

Figure 2: Percentage benthic composition at site 1(M1) ± Standard Error (SE) (11h February 2020).

Benthic composition at site 2 (M2)

Site 2 was selected from existing basin. The site was selected as the site is within the proposed dredging area. The substrate of the site is dominated by rubble (63.50 ± 1.50%). Number of fishes observed in this location is very low.

Figure 3: Percentage benthic composition at site 2 (M2) ± SE (11h February 2020).

Benthic composition at site 3 (M3)

Site 3 was selected from the east side of the entrance channel. The site was selected as the site was at close proximity to the harbour. The substrate of the site is dominated by rubble as well (55.50 ± 1%). Fishes observed to be common were Surgeonfishes. The following graph outlines the status of site 3(M3).

Figure 4: Percentage benthic composition at site 3 (M3) ± SE (11h February 2020).

Benthic composition at site 4 (M4)

Site 4 was selected from the east side of the island reef. This location is selected as a control site. The substrate of the site is dominated by Rubble (62.00 ± 4.00%). The is the only site with hard coral cover (9.75± 1.00%) out of the four site. Fishes observed to be Abundant were Parrotfishes. The following graph outlines the status of site 4(M4).

Figure 5: Percentage benthic composition at site 4 (M4) ± SE (11h February 2020)

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. The following table outlines the fish count survey at all the sites.

Table 1: Fish abundance based on the fish survey at survey sites (11th February 2020). Family/Subfamily Site M1 Site M2 Site M3 Site M4 Anthias (Anthiadinae) - - - - Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) - R C C Wrasses (Labridae) R - - C Parrotfishes (Scaridae) - - - A Triggerfishes (Balistidae) - - - C Boxfishes (Ostraciidae ) - - - - Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) - - - - Groupers (Serranidae) R - - C Moorish idol (Zanclidae) - - - R Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) - - - C Goatfishes (Mullidae) R - R - Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) - - - - Threadfin and Whiptail breams (Scolopsis) - - - - Octopus (Octopodidae) - - - - Fusiliers (Caesionidae) - - - - Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) - - - - Gobies (Gobiidae) - - - - Pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathinae) - - - - Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) - - - - Emperors or scavengers (Lethrinidae) - - - - Jacks and Trevalleys (Carangidae) R - - - Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) - - - - Lizardfishes (Synodontidae) - - - - Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes (Holocentridae) - - - - Grunts and Sweetlips (Haemulidae) - - - R Eels and Morays (Anguilliformes) - - - - Rudder Fish (Kyphosidae) - - - - Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) - - - - Snappers (Lutjanidae) - - - - 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.

2. What are the measures to be taken to prevent the impact of sedimentation on corals? We have recommended that following measures in the EIA report to put into place to minimize the impacts of sedimentation on corals.

Mitigation Measures

There are not many options that can be undertaken to reverse this impact of sedimentation. However, the following mitigation measure will help and need to be undertaken.

• Plan the dredging periods taking into account the weather and wave conditions of the area. The sedimentation area increases during high wave and rough weather.

• It is recommended to dredge during low tide and in fine weather days.

• Use of Silt curtains: Silt curtains are floating geotextile material which minimizes sediment transport from a disturbed area adjacent to or within a body of water. Any other similar methods more pragmatic to the Maldives can also be utilized.

• Reclamation to be undertaken by creating a sand bund around the fill area or after provision of the coastal protection (breakwaters and revetments) to reduce sedimentation impact.

• Completing the filling works in the shortest possible time period. • Providing bund wall before filling takes place. • Educate the workers and create awareness about good waste management and responsible behavior regarding environmental care. • These works to be undertaken by qualified contractors with experience in working in similar environments.

3. What are the proposed plans with the live corals that are present in the project location? (how are you planning to move them and where are you planning to move them to? As mentioned above under question 1, there are no live corals encountered during the marine survey on the project footprint.

4. How are the sand taken from the dredging used? Sand from dredging will be used for backfilling of quay walls and to fill the erosion areas on both sides of the proposed harbor as shown below.

EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

25 Annex: Project schedule

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 97 DESIGN AND BUILD OF V. RAKEEDHO HARBOUR

ID Task Task Name Duration Start Finish 2019 2020 Mode M-4 M-3 M-2 M-1 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 1 V.Rakeedhoo Harbour 337 days Mon 05-08-19 Tue 07-07-20 2 Preliminaries 311 days Mon 05-08-19 Thu 11-06-20 3 Bid opening 1 day Mon 05-08-19 Tue 06-08-19 4 Contract Award 0 days Tue 01-10-19 Tue 01-10-19 01-10 5 Access to the site 0 days Tue 15-10-19 Tue 15-10-19 15-10 6 Provision of performance security1 day Tue 06-08-19 Wed 07-08-19 7 Provision of insurance (Contractor1 day to specify) Tue 15-10-19 Wed 16-10-19 8 Mobilisation-equipment and construction14 days plantTue 15-10-19 Tue 29-10-19 9 Mobilisation- contractor's personal14 days Tue 15-10-19 Tue 29-10-19 10 Time related charges for contractor240 personal.days Tue(Incl. 15-10-19 food, lodging,Thu etc) 11-06-20 11 Establishment- Contractor's 14 days Tue 15-10-19 Tue 29-10-19 facilities, incl. laboratory, 12 Operation and maintenance of Contractor's240 days facilitiesTue 15-10-19 Thu 11-06-20 13 Provide construction drawings, 14 days Tue 29-10-19 Tue 12-11-19 Quality assurance 14 Provide detailed in-survey prior 14to commencementdays Tue 29-10-19 of physical Tueworks 12-11-19 15 Dredging and Excavation 34 days Tue 15-10-19 Mon 18-11-19 16 Dredging / Excavation - new 32 days Tue 15-10-19 Sat 16-11-19 harbour basin (-3.5 MSL)

17 Dredging / Excavation - the 2 days Sat 16-11-19 Mon 18-11-19 existing harbour entrance 18 Breakwaters 31 days Sat 18-01-20 Tue 18-02-20 19 Armour rocks laid to the slopes 31 days Sat 18-01-20 Tue 18-02-20 20 Revetments 10 days Tue 18-02-20 Fri 28-02-20 21 Armour rocks laid to slopes with10 backfilled days materialTue 18-02-20 and geotextileFri 28-02-20 22 Beacons, Supply and Installing 7 days Mon 17-02-20 Mon 24-02-20

23 Supply and placing navigation aid7 days Mon 17-02-20 Mon 24-02-20 24 L-Section Quay Wall 117 days Tue 18-02-20 Sun 14-06-20 25 Supply and install precast RC quay49 walldays Tue 18-02-20 Tue 07-04-20 26 Supply and install precast RC anchor27 days blocks andTue fix 14-04-20 anchor rodsMon 11-05-20 27 Cast in-situ concrete coping in quay27 days wall to grades,Mon 18-05-20and levels Sun 14-06-20 28 Supply and fix mooring rings in 5m27 intervalsdays Mon 18-05-20 Sun 14-06-20 29 Supply and placing geotextile material27 days to full lengthMon 18-05-20 Sun 14-06-20 30 Mooring Blocks 28 days Sun 17-05-20 Sun 14-06-20 31 Construction and placing of 28 days Sun 17-05-20 Sun 14-06-20 Mooring Blocks

Page 1 DESIGN AND BUILD OF V. RAKEEDHO HARBOUR

ID Task Task Name Duration Start Finish 2019 2020 Mode M-4 M-3 M-2 M-1 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 32 Harbour Lights and pavement 14 days Sun 14-06-20 Sun 28-06-20 33 Supply and installation of two 5 days Sun 14-06-20 Fri 19-06-20 arm street lights along the 34 Surveying, compacting and levelling5 days the harbourSun area 14-06-20 grounds Fri 19-06-20 35 Supply and placement of 5 days Fri 19-06-20 Wed 24-06-20 interlocking paving blocks to 36 Supply and Lay Kerbs 5 days Tue 23-06-20 Sun 28-06-20 37 Environmental Control 245 days Tue 15-10-19 Tue 16-06-20 38 Implement necessary mitigation200 measures days Fri 29-11-19 Tue 16-06-20 39 Execution of Environment 45 days Tue 15-10-19 Fri 29-11-19 Imppact Assessment 40 Establishment of Permanent 7 days Tue 15-10-19 Tue 22-10-19 Survey Mark 41 Demobilisation 9 days Sun 28-06-20 Tue 07-07-20 42 Provide detailed out-survey upon3 dayscompletion,Sun prior 28-06-20 to hand overWed 01-07-20 43 Handing over 3 days Wed 01-07-20 Sat 04-07-20 44 Demobilisation 3 days Sat 04-07-20 Tue 07-07-20

Page 2 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

26 Annex: Methodologies used

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 99 1 . 1 Introduction

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

1 . 2 General Methodologies of Data Collection

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

1 . 3 Mapping and Location Identification

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

1 . 4 Marine Environment Surveys

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

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

1 . 5 Line Intercept Transects (LIT)

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

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

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

1 . 6 Photo quadrate analysis

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

Figure 1: Typical photo quadrate analysis

1 . 7 Qualitative assessment

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

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

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

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

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

1 . 9 Reef fish Visual Census

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

1 . 1 0 Marine Water Quality

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

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

1 . 1 1 Coastal environment

1 . 1 2 Shoreline and vegetation line mapping

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

1 . 1 2 . 1 Coastal structures mapping

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

1 . 1 2 . 2 Erosion and Accretion areas mapping

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

1 . 1 2 . 3 Beach Profiles

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

1 . 1 2 . 4 Drogues and currents

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

1 . 1 3 Terrestrial environment

1 . 1 3 . 1 Terrestrial floral survey

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

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

1 . 1 3 . 2 Terrestrial faunal survey

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

1 . 1 3 . 3 Ground Water Assessment

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

1 . 1 4 Coastal Environment

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

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

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

1 . 1 6 Aerial photos

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

1 . 1 7 Available long term weather data

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

Annex: Methodology - Page 6 EIA for the Proposed Harbour Construction Project at Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives

27 Annex: EIA submission letter from Atoll Council

Prepared by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd, February 2020 Page 101 3/12/2020 Water Solutions Mail - V. Rakeedhoo Harbor Construction EIA Report

Yumin Naseem

V. Rakeedhoo Harbor Construction EIA Report

Yumin Naseem Thu, Mar 12, 2020 at 10:06 AM To: [email protected] Cc: Ibrahim Faiz

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find the attached EIA report for V. Rakeedhoo Harbor Construction. Please kindly sign the attached receipt and send it back to us as soon as possible.

Best regards,

[Quoted text hidden]

2 attachments 2020-02-27 - EIA for the proposed harbour construction at Rakeedhoo - Council copy.pdf 10018K 2020-03-12 WS-LTR-087 -V Atoll Council EIA Submision - Rakeedhoo Harbour Construction EIA.pdf 543K

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=3f5f371243&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-a%3Ar-1314678386848916322&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-13146783… 1/1