Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed Shore Protection

Proponent

Blackgold Investments Pvt Limited.

Consultant

I. Contents ...... I II. Figures ...... V III. Tables ...... VII IV. Declaration of the consultants ...... i V. Declaration of the proponent ...... ii VI. ާސާ ލާ ޙު ދާ ސާ ...... iii VII. Non-technical Summary ...... v 1 Introduction ...... 6 1.1 Background and context ...... 6

1.2 Purpose of the EIA ...... 6

1.3 Project proposal ...... 6

1.4 Project Setting ...... 8

1.5 Scope of the EIA ...... 8

1.6 Pattern of the EIA ...... 9

1.7 Justification ...... 10

1.7.1 Project Justification ...... 10

1.8 Project boundary ...... 10

1.9 Study Methodology ...... 10

1.10 Existing conditions ...... 10

1.11 Methodology used in description of the environment ...... 11

1.1.1 Ecology ...... 11

1.1.2 Stakeholder’s consultation ...... 12

1.1.3 Impact prediction ...... 12

2 Stakeholder’s consultation ...... 13 2.1 Scoping meeting ...... 13

2.2 Meeting with the Noonu Atoll council ...... 14

2.3 Meeting with the N Velidhoo council ...... 14

2.4 Meeting with the Ministry of Environment (MEE)...... 15

2.5 Meeting request with Fisheries Marine Resources and Agriculture...... 16

2.6 Meeting request with MMRI ...... 17

3 Policy and legal framework ...... 18 3.1 Introduction ...... 18

3.2 Relevant Environment Legislation ...... 18

3.2.1 Decentralization Act ...... 18

3.2.2 Environment Protection and Preservation Act (Act no. 4/93) ...... 19

3.3 Relevant Regulations and Guidelines ...... 20

3.3.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 ...... 20

3.3.3 Regulation of Dredging and Land Reclamation (2013/R-15),(2014/R-13)...... 21

3.3.4 Law on uninhibited islands (20/98) ...... 23

3.3.5 Fisheries law (14/2019) ...... 23

3.3.6 Regulation on cutting down trees ...... 23

3.3.7 The Environmental Liability regulation (Regulation 2011/R‐9) ...... 25

3.4 Relevant Environmental permits required for the project ...... 25

3.4.1 Environmental impact Assessment ( EIA ) Decision Note ...... 25

1.1.1 Dredging and Reclamation Permit ...... 26

1.2 Responsible Government Institutions ...... 26

3.4.2 Ministry of environment and energy ...... 26

3.4.3 Noonu Atoll council and island councils ...... 26

3.5 Guiding Policies and Documents ...... 26

3.5.1 Policy of waste management ...... 26

3.6 International Conventions ...... 26

3.6.1 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) ...... 26

3.6.2 International Plant protection convention (IPPC) ...... 27

3.7 Construction Site Health and Safety Regulation ( 2019/R-156) ...... 27

3.8 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ...... 28

4 Description of the proposed project ...... 30 4.1 Introduction to the project ...... 30

4.2 The proponent ...... 30

4.3 Project location and boundary ...... 30

4.4 Project outline and objective...... 30

4.5 The main developments of the project ...... 31

4.5.1 Channel Dredging ...... 31

4.5.2 Shoreline restoration ...... 31

4.5.3 Shore protection ...... 32

4.5.4 Floating pontoon setup ...... 34

4.6 Further literature appropriate for Floating pontoons platform cages...... 36

4.6.1 Approved breeds...... 36

4.6.2 Outline of the overall process ...... 36

4.6.3 Overall process ...... 37

4.6.4 Associated diseases in the process ...... 42

4.7 Project Component Justification ...... 44

4.8 Duration of project ...... 50

4.9 Labour requirements and local labour availability ...... 53

4.10 Housing of labour ...... 53

4.11 Emergency plan in case of spills ...... 56

4.11.1 Overall emergency plan ...... 56

4.11.2 Emergency plan for spill response breakdown ...... 57

4.12 Description of safety measures during construction...... 61

4.13 Utilities ...... 61

4.14 Summary of Project Inputs and Outputs ...... 61

4.15 Fill Material ...... 63

4.16 Geo-Tube Filling ...... 64

4.16.1 Work method ...... 64

4.17 Use of dredge material...... 65

4.18 Demobilisation ...... 65

5 Description of the environment ...... 67 5.1 Introduction ...... 67

5.2 Study area and Survey Locations ...... 67

5.3 Methodology ...... 68

5.3.1 Physical Environment ...... 69

5.3.2 Natural and Biological Environment ...... 69

5.3.3 Socio-economic environment ...... 69

5.4 Physical Environment ...... 70

5.4.1 Climate ...... 70

5.4.2 Geology and geomorphology ...... 77

5.4.3 Hydrography/hydrodynamics of the project site ...... 85

5.5 Ecology ...... 92

5.5.1 Area analysis...... 92

5.5.2 Benthic condition ...... 95

5.5.3 Fish spotting ...... 106

5.5.4 Vegetation Survey ...... 107

5.5.5 Sedimentation ...... 108

5.5.6 Noise levels ...... 109

III

5.6.1 Atoll Data ...... 110

5.6.1 Karinmaa Vattaru Data ...... 114

5.7 Hazard vulnerability ...... 117

5.7.1 Tsunamis...... 117

5.7.2 Storms...... 118

5.7.3 Storm tide hazard ...... 120

5.7.4 Earth quake Hazard ...... 121

6 Potential Impacts ...... 122 6.1 Introduction ...... 122

6.2 Impact predication ...... 122

6.3 Limitations of impact prediction...... 123

6.4 Impact zone analysis...... 123

6.5 Impact classification ...... 125

6.6 Impact prediction ...... 126

6.6.1 Impact on the natural environment ...... 126

6.6.2 Impacts on the socio-economic environment ...... 149

7 Mitigation and management of the negative impacts ...... 160 7.1 Impact mitigation ...... 160

7.2 Mitigation measures, Justification and cost ...... 161

8 Alternatives ...... 168 8.1 No project options ...... 168

8.2 Alternative options ...... 168

8.3 Analysis ...... 169

8.4 Preference ...... 171

9 Environmental Monitoring ...... 172 9.1 Monitoring costs ...... 177

9.2 Monitoring report format ...... 177

10 Recommendation and Conclusion ...... 178 11 References ...... 180 12 Team and role ...... 181 13 Appendix ...... 182 13.1 Appendix TOR ...... 183

13.2 Appendix Concept drawings and Technical drawings ...... 189

13.3 Appendix Shoreline assessment ...... 193

13.4 Appendix Profiles ...... 200

13.5 Appendix Bathy output ...... 206

13.6 Appendix ATS Photo and Survey map ...... 213

13.8 Appendix 221219 Aquaculture license ...... 218

13.9 Appendix CVs ...... 219

13.9.1 Mahfooz Abdul Wahhab ...... 219

13.9.2 Hassaan Abdul Muhisn ...... 245

13.9.3 Adam Saaneez ...... 252

13.9.4 Ali Mubeen ...... 256

13.10 Appendix Copy to Atoll council ...... 267

II. Figures Figure 1 Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, and channel dredging and floating pontoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives...... 7 Figure 2 Project boundary as per the current proposal ...... 10 Figure 3Meeting attendance sheet ...... 13 Figure 4 ATS of the wetland 2002 ...... 22 Figure 5 ATS of the wetland 2020 ...... 22 Figure 6 Excavator on a barge, Photo taken Wednesday 2nd October 2019, Ha.Kelaa, Maldives, Harbour works, MTCC...... 31 Figure 7 diagrams showing the proposed layout, and the structure...... 32 Figure 8 Types of placement of breakwater geobags and the location of placement...... 34 Figure 13 Proposed floating pontoon segment ...... 35 Figure 14 Proposed arrangement of the floating pontoons ...... 35 Figure 44 Aquaculture Brood, Egg and Rearing tank units on land...... 38 Figure 45 Aquaculture Rearing tanks, one unit ...... 38 Figure 9Floating cages at laamu atoll without the floating platform, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll...... 42 Figure 10 Similar floating cages in Laamu Atoll, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll. .... 43 Figure 11 Fish at the bottom of the floating cage, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll. .... 43 Figure 12 floating cages with artisanal platforms at Maniyafushi island ( photo reference Avas, 2019) .. 43 Figure 15 Duration for the proposed activities ...... 52 Figure 16 Locations on map ...... 55 Figure 17 Accommodation on land ...... 55 Figure 18 Spill response procedure ...... 59 Figure 19 Sand borrow locations ...... 64 Figure 20 Sand pumping method ...... 65 Figure 21 Sand stockpile site ...... 65 Figure 22 Survey Map reduced ...... 68 Figure 23 Average Max Temperature 2018 ( (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019)) ...... 71 Figure 24 Average Min Temperature 2018( (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019)) ...... 72

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Figure 25 Average Max Temperature 2018( (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019)) ...... 72 Figure 26 Average Min Temperature 2018 ( (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019)) ...... 72 Figure 27 Daily mean temperature 2018 (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019)) ...... 73 Figure 28Daily mean temperature 2019, Jan till May (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019)) ...... 73 Figure 29 Average rainfall throughout 2018 from Hanimaadhoo till Gan, with overall average (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019)) ...... 74 Figure 30 monthly frequencies of wind direction central and south (NASEER, 2003) ...... 75 Figure 31 Comparison of local and long-term wind frequencies (NASEER, 2003) ...... 76 Figure 32 an old image late 1960s ...... 78 Figure 33 showing the shoreline data which shows significant developments on the area...... 79 Figure 34 Shoreline and tree line 2002 ...... 80 Figure 35 Shoreline 2010 ...... 80 Figure 36 Shoreline assessment 2014 ...... 81 Figure 37 Shoreline assessment of 2016 ...... 82 Figure 38 general overlapping of the available shoreline data ...... 83 Figure 39Image sites 1,2 and 3 ...... 84 Figure 40 Drogue path and current speed ...... 87 Figure 41 MWSC report ...... 91 Figure 42 Aerial habitat analysis ...... 92 Figure 43 Roads on site ...... 93 Figure 44 Aquaculture Brood, Egg and Rearing tank units on land...... 93 Figure 45 Aquaculture Rearing tanks, one unit ...... 93 Figure 46 Agriculture unit 1 ...... 93 Figure 47 inside one of the green houses on the island ...... 93 Figure 48Water harvest tanks ...... 94 Figure 49 Pipeline stockpile ...... 94 Figure 50 On site equipment ...... 94 Figure 51 Erosion seen near house ...... 95 Figure 52 Western beach location ...... 95 Figure 53 Southern tip photo ...... 95 Figure 54 Benthic condition Bo1 ...... 96 Figure 55 Benthic condition Bo2 ...... 96 Figure 56 Benthic condition Bo3 ...... 97 Figure 57 Benthic condition Br1 ...... 98 Figure 58 Benthic condition Br2 ...... 99 Figure 59 Benthic condition Br3 ...... 100 Figure 60 Benthic condition Br4 ...... 101 Figure 61 Benthic condition Cont 1 ...... 102 Figure 62 Benthic condition AQ1.1 ...... 103 Figure 63 Benthic condition ALT CH2.0. Cont 2 ...... 104

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Figure 64 Benthic condition Ch2.2 N ...... 105 Figure 65 Benthic condition Ch2.2 S ...... 106 Figure 66 coastal vegetation ...... 107 Figure 67 Inner vegetation...... 108 Figure 68 Farm vegetation...... 108 Figure 69 Atoll population data ...... 110 Figure 70 Atoll population age data ...... 111 Figure 71 Atoll population education data ...... 112 Figure 72 Atoll population home occupancy data ...... 113 Figure 73 Map by (H.C.P. Bell, 1940) ...... 114 Figure 74 Staff population ...... 115 Figure 75 Staff nationality ...... 116 Figure 76 Tsunami hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 118 Figure 77 Cyclone hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 119 Figure 78 Surge hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 120 Figure 79 the seismic hazard zones for Maldives (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)...... 121 Figure 80 Impact zone ( reduced map ) ...... 124 Figure 81 Typical fixed tank at the shallow., ...... 169 III.Tables Table 1 Relevant location on island and coordinates ...... 53 Table 2: Major Project Inputs ...... 62 Table 3: Major Project Outputs ...... 62 Table 4 months and the seasons associated with them ...... 70 Table 5 Tide levels, Maldives ...... 85 Table 6 Sea water and ground water quality of the sites (probe data) ...... 89 Table 7 Fish encountered ...... 107 Table 8 Sedimentation data ...... 108 Table 9 Noise levels ...... 109 Table 10 Tsunami hazard zone and wave height (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 117 Table 11 Cyclone hazard zone in Maldives and the probable maximum wind speed (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 119 Table 12 Hazard zones and specific conditional data (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)...... 120 Table 13 the seismic hazard zones for Maldives (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) ...... 122 Table 14 Evaluation criteria, grading scale ...... 122 Table 15 Significant impacts, mitigation measures and associated costs ...... 161 Table 16 monitoring requirements and costing ...... 172

VII

IV. Declaration of the consultants

This EIA has been prepared in accordance with the EIA regulation 2012. We certify that the statements made in this EIA are true, complete, and correct to the best of our knowledge and abilities.

Mahfooz Abdul Wahhab (EIA P22/2016)

Hassaan Abdul Muhsin (EIA P02/2020)

Adam Saaneez (EIA P03/2020)

ާސާލުޙ ާދާސ .VI ާވިއަގުމަކްތާރަފ ާވިއަފިވެދ ްށައާވުރަވްށަރެއ ެވްނުނެބްނަރުކ ްއެކަތްތަކްއަސަމ ިއަގުރަޓްއަވަމްނިރަކ.ނ ީކަޓޯޕިރިމ .1 .ެވެކެޓޯޕިރ ާވިއަފާދަހ ްނުތަޔްސިއަހ ެގްއެރާޔިދެއްޑެޓިމިލ ްޓެވިއަރްޕ ްޓްނަމުޓްސެވްނިއްޑްލޯގްކެލުބ މި މަސައްކަތުގައި ކުރުންހުށައަޅާފައިވާ މަސައްކަތްތަކަކީ؛ ހ.) ރަށަށް ވަދެނުކުމެވާނެރު މެދުދިޔައިން 3.5މީޓަރަށް ފުންކުރުން ، ށ( ރަށުގެ އުތުރުފަރާތުން ގިރާފައިވާ ސަރަހައްދުގެ ގޮނޑުދޮއް ހެދުން، ނ( ރަށުގެ ގިރަމުންދާ ދިމަދިމާލުން ބޮޑުހިލަޖައްސާ، ވެލިދައުރުވުން ހުއްޓުވުމުގެގޮތުން ފައިކަށިޖެހުން' .ްނުދެހ ްއެކަތިތަފުދނަކ ާރުކާލާއ ްސަމ )ރ ެގުކަތްތަކްއަސަމ ުނުވެންނެދެވްސިއ ީކަދަސްޤަމ ެގުޓޯޕިރ ިމ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތިމ .2 ސަބަބުން ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ކޮށްފާނެ ނޭދެވާ އަސަރުތައް ބަލާ ، ދިރާސާކޮށް، އަދި ނޭދެވޭ އަސަރުތައް ކުޑަކުރުމުގެ ްށަޅޮތައ ިދައ ްށަތާރަފިރެވ ެގުށަރ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުއޫރްޝަމިމ ިދައ .ެވެމުރުކްނާޔަބ ްއަތުޅަވަޔިފ ެނާދިޅެއ ްނުތޮގ ްށަތަކްއަސަމ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުރެނ ްއެއާޖީތަނ ޭވެދެއ ެމްނެއ ްނުތަކްއަސަމިމ ިދައ .ެވެމުރުކްނާޔަބ ްއަތާދިއަފެނާރުކ .ެވެއެނާވ ާފިއަލާވުޅައިލައ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރިމ ްސެވްށަކަތުލަދަބ ެނާދިވެނެގ ިއާދްއަހަރަސ ާވިއަފާމްނިނ ްނަރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ިމ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ .3 ާސާރިދ ްށަތްނުރިދ ެގުދްއަހަރަސ ޭވެރުކާފަލ ްށަމަކ ެނާފްށޮކުރަސައ ޭވެދޭނ ްނުބުބަސ ެގުތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުރުކ ާޒާދްނައ ްއަތްނުލްއެގ ެނާދިބިލ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުތަކްއަސަމިމ ީނުވެރުކާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކ ގޮތުންނެވެ. މި ސަރަހައްދުގައި މައިގަނޑު ގޮތެއްގައި ހުރީ މުރަކައާއި، މޫދުވިނައާއި، އަކިރިއާއި ، ވެއްޔާއި، .ެވެއުއަގ ާވިއަފެވުރަމ ިއަގުމަކްއެމަކެނާވިހަފ ުގަމެގާފީޒަވ ްށަކަޔަބަނިގ ީކައޫރްޝަމިމ ްނުކަތާރަވްޝަމ ުނުވެރުކ ާލިސްނުއަކ ުޅޮތައ .4 .ެވެއިވްއެރުކަގަހާފ ްނުލިސްނުއަކުޅޮތައ 5. ކުރެވުނު ދިރާސާއިން ފާހަގަކުރެވުނު ގޮތުގައި، އިސްވެދެންނެވުނު މަސައްކަތުން އެންމެ ބޮޑު ނޭދެވޭ އަސަރެއް ުޑަސިކ .ެވެންނުޑަސިކ ޭދެފުއ ިއަގުއޫރްސަމ ެގުމުދެހްށޮދުޑނޮގ ިއާމުނޮކުރެނ ީނެވެރުކާފަލ ްށަމަކ ެނާރުކ .ެވެއެނާރުކ ްއަތުރަސައ ާވެދޭނ ްށަކަތްނުރިދ ެގުޑނަކ ާވިއަގުދްއަހަރަސެއ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމުރުކުރުއަދ ުކެއާރާވަޔޮއ .ެވެއެވެނާވ ްނަރުކުރަހ "ްނިއެޓާކ ްޓްލިސ " ިއަގުކަތާމިދ ޭމެދަޔޮއ ްނިރުކެގުމުށެފ ްށަތްތަކްއަސަމިމ ްނުމަކްނެހެއ ިދައ .ެވެންނެގިވެރުކުދްނަބ ްނުކައ"ްޑްނަބ" ުދްއަހަރަސ ާކްއިހ ީނާވްނަރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުމުކްއިހ ްނިބ ިދައ ުދެމ ިއާއ ަޔިދިކިހ ީނާވްނަރުކ ްއަތްތަކްއަސަމ ްށަތޮގާވިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ާރުކްނާޔަބ ުރަވްނިމ ާރޯފުރަސައ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތިމ ދިޔާގައެވެ. އެންމެ ބޮޑު ދިޔަ އާއި އޮޔަ ގަދަ، ބާނި ބޮޑު ދުވަސްތަކުގައި މަސައްކަތްކޮށްގެން ނުވާނެ އެވެ. އަދި މަސައްކަތް ވީއެންމެ އަވަހަކަށް ކޮށް ނިންމަންވާނެއެވެ. މަސައްކަތުގެ މުއްދަތު ދިގުލާގެންދާ ވަރަކަށް ، މަސައްކަތުގެ ާރުކ ްށަޓްއެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުތަކްއަސަމ ިމ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގެވުޑޮބ ުރަސައ ޭވެދޭނ ާރުކްށަޓްށެވާމިތ ްނުބަބަސ ިއަފްށޮކްނާޔަބ ްށޮކުލީސްފަތ ިއަގުޓޯޕިރ ިމ ްއަތުޅަވަޔިފ ޭހެޖްނަޅައ ްށަރުތިއ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުރުކަޑުކ ުރަސައ ޭވެދޭނ .ެވެއެނާވ

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 6. ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ކުރާ އަސަރު ކުޑަކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން، މިހާރުހުށައަޅާފައިވާ ގޮތުގެ ބަދަލުގައި ޕުރޮޖެކުޓަށް ގެނެވިދާނެ ބަދަލުތަކާއި، ޕުރޮޖެކުޓް ހިންގިދާނެ އިތުރު ގޮތްތައްވެސް އަލިއަޅުވާލާފައި ވާނެއެވެ. އަދި ޕުރޮޖެކުޓުގެ ކުރިޔަށް ިއަގުމުލެބިލެބ ްށަމުޔިދްނެގުނ ްށަޔިރުކ ުޢޫރްޝަމ .ެވެއެނާވ ިއަފްށޮކްނާޔަބ ްސެވްއަތްތޮގ ެނާދެވ ަމަނިފްސޮގްނެގުނ ިދައ .ެވެމަރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގުމަކެނޭފިހުނިއަގުތޮގަމަހިރުފެމްނެއ ްނުނޭބެގުށަރިމ ްސޮގްނެގުނ ްށަޔިރުކ ުޢޫރްޝަމ .ެވެމަރުކަގަހާފ ްނަކެނާންނައްއެކަތިތަދ ްސެވްށަކަތީގްއަރަތ ުރުތިއ ާވިއަފާމްނިނ ްނަންނެގ ްށަދްއަހަރަސިމ ްށަށަރ ްނުތަކްއަސަމިމ .ެވެމަރުކަގަހާފ ިއަގުމަކްއެމަކެނާވާދިއަފ ްށަރާޔިދެއ ްނުބަބަސެގުތަކްއަސަމިމ ީކަތަކްއަސަމިމ .7 ެނާވާދިއަފ ްށަޅޮތައ ްނިއޫރްޝަމިމ .ެވެއެނޭވެރުކާޅުފ ްއަތުއޫރްޝަމ ިވެނެގ ީގްއަރަތ ަނިގާވިއަފެވްނުނޭބްނަންނެގ ެގާފީޒަވ ްށަންނުތިޔްއަރެގުޅޮތައ ްށަކަތްތަކްއަސަމ ެގުށަރ ްށަތޮގާވްއަލިދެއ ްލިސްނުއަކުޅޮތައ ީކަތޮގިނަކެއަމަހ ެގްނުތިޔްއަރުޅޮތައ ީނާވްނަދްނެގްށަޔިރުކ ަމަނާވިއަގުމަކާދްނެގްއަޔިރުކ ުއޫރްޝަމަމާމީވ .ެވެމުނިދ ުތަސުރުފ .ެވެއީތާވްށަކަމުދެއ

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. VII. Non-technical Summary 1. The current report is for further development of the agricultural island of N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives under the long-term lease of Blackgold Investments Pvt Limited. The proposed developments for the project are; a) dredging & excavation work comprises of the existing entrance channel to allow access into the island to a depth of -3.5m from MSL. b) restoration of the shoreline on the northern beach to return the toe line of the beach to the recorded toe line of 2010. c) shore protection of exposed and eroding beaches around the island. d) prepare floating pontoons platform cages in the lagoon 2. The purpose of the EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed works and propose solutions to mitigate the impacts on the environment. Also, alternatives are proposed to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project 3. A baseline of existing environment was researched which falls under the proposed development area as it is anticipated to impact negatively on the direct footprint. The proposed project area is a marine area with coral, sea grass, rubble, sand, and isolated massive coral colonies 4. Stakeholder consultation with the atoll council revealed that the council welcomes this development as they see the potential in income generated through the process. 5. Impact of dredging and sand pumping is the most significant negative impact which would arise due to the project if not completed properly Therefore, all mitigation measures prescribed should be carried out including the use of sit screens, silt curtains, bunds etc. It is also important that the work should not be carried out during high tide and the work be completed as soon as possible. 6. The alternatives proposed were analysed and graded. Which shows that not carring out the process will limit the island functioning and further expansion. 7. The proposed development will potentially benefit the proponent and if the proponent considers the request for the atoll council to employ locals in the process, selected few locals. This development paves the way for other developments in the island and for the proponent. If the project is to commence, it should be due to the request of the atoll representatives.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1 Introduction 1.1 Background and context This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) addresses the proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoons platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The consultant is a client to the proponent; Blackgold Investments Pvt Limited. The consultant had prepared this document in accordance with the EIA regulations (2012) and regulation on dredging and reclamation (Regulation 2013/R15) of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The scope of the EIA is limited to harbour additions, reclamation, expansion, and dredging works and provides a focused assessment of the proposed work on the existing environment of the area. Studies conducted for the project include, on site surveys such as assessment of marine habitat, terrestrial environmental conditions, ATS surveys, bathymetric survey and profiles of the beach and stakeholder consultation.

1.2 Purpose of the EIA Given the potential adverse environmental impacts associated with any developments at the marine environment, the proponent wishes the consultant to prepare and submit an EIA to the concerned government authorities to comply with the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) and EIA Regulations 2012. The objectives of the EIA are; To provide an assessment of the potential environmental effects of the proposed development and determine, the activities that are likely to have a significant effect on the environment and to propose ways and means of avoiding, mitigating or compensating the predicted negative effects of the project, To provide the necessary information about the site of development and other factors surrounding the development to EPA, To assess the proposal and how it has been developed to achieve a satisfactory level of environmental performance in line with the EIA regulation. 1.3 Project proposal The scope of the EIA study is limited to the following actions. 1. shore protection, 2. shoreline restoration, 3. channel dredging, and 4. development of floating pontoon platform cages The baseline data, impact predicted, and recommendations are in accordance to the scope;

Figure 1 Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, and channel dredging and floating pontoons platform cages at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1.4 Project Setting Fringing the southern tip of Noonu atoll Karinmaa Vattaru has an estimated land area of 499,722m2. The reef area on which the island is located is 3,986,360m2. The island is leased for agricultural uses to the proponent. Since 2002, the island has gone through numerous shoreline changes which includes; recession of the south eastern beach, sand loss at the south western beach tip, recession of the southern side of the shoreline and accretion into the southern mangrove filling up the area. 1.5 Scope of the EIA The scope of the EIA is based on the consultation held during the scoping meeting at EPA on 1st March 2020. After the meeting the drafted ToR was endorsed by the EPA which defined the scope of the EIA under the following; i. Description of the project ii. Description of the existing environment iii. Study of applicable laws and regulations iv. Potential impacts of the project v. Alternatives of the project vi. Mitigation and management vii. Monitoring plan development viii. Stakeholder’s consultation. A copy of the TOR and the attendance sheet is attached in appendix. The attendance sheet of the scoping meeting is attached to it. The meetings were attended by i. The Proponent from Blackgold Investments Pvt Limited ii. Representatives from Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture iii. Representatives from Environment protection agency (EPA) iv. The consultants.

More details on the meeting are in the Stakeholder’s consultation section

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1.6 Pattern of the EIA The EIA follows the following pattern Introduction •general introduction of EIA the project

Stakeholder Policy and legal consultation framework •Stakeholder outlook •legal outlook wants, dislikes etc, regarding the project

Description of the Description of the project environment •Project management, etc. •existing baseline

Potential impacts Mitigation and •Impact prediction in detail management of negative impacts •Mitigation measures, management, etc

Alternatives Monitoring •alternatives to the •Parameters, Scheduling proposal and cost

Recommendations and conclusion

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1.7 Justification 1.7.1 Project Justification The floating pontoons platform cages plots for the development are justified, as this is an island leased for agriculture and falls under the scope of work and terms of agreement with the government of Maldives. As for shore protection and Shoreline restoration works, it is required as a considerable amount of sediment is either lost or moved which impacts the leased footprint of the island. Therefore, as the leased party by the government it is the proponents’ responsibility to maintain and retain the leased footprint of the island. the entrance channel dredging is necessary as the current entrance channel cleared limits entry of mid to large boats to the island. Therefore, limiting the output of the island. 1.8 Project boundary The project boundary is limited to the area demarked on the map below. The proposed work for this EIA is limited to the area demarked in red.

Figure 2 Project boundary as per the current proposal 1.9 Study Methodology The field studies have been undertaken using methods employed in EIA studies. The sites of marine assessment and water samples areas are provided in the Survey map. 1.10 Existing conditions The existing conditions were described initially by reviewing relevant available literature about the project, next the material was cross-checked on-site images using secondary

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. data. This was followed by setting up a plan for consultation of the stakeholders. The stakeholder consultation was executed on site and in official settings. During the visit interested staff were invited for a survey field visit to further aid in identifying the problems and sharing the local hindrances; in this methodology the interested parties will point out on site, the significant points of interest for them. On site, all hindrances relevant to the project was recorded and photographed and if relevant used in the report. 1.11 Methodology used in description of the environment The physical environment and the climate conditions were described using onsite data, and available data in literature. The climatic conditions were described by using data from the weather stations. The natural and biological environment was surveyed, data collected, analysed, and reported. The socioeconomic data was collected and analysed with the help of the councils and reported. The following are the details of the methodology used. 1.1.1 Ecology 1.1.1.1.1 Overall conditions The overall site conditions were analysed using an ATS image post survey and post stakeholder consultation. This was done using a Phantom Pro drone and Drone deploy application to grid out and stich the images. 1.1.1.1.2 Marine Environment To access the marine benthic conditions, the survey team started off with a visual analysis, followed by the detailed benthic condition analysis of the impact zone, control zones, alternative zones and the footprint. 1.1.1.1.3 Visual analysis The objective of the study was to get a general idea of the benthic condition of a general area of interest. Two surveyors swam side by side timing the phase, parallel to each other recording the findings. In this visual survey the observers looked for natural, and anthropological damages and noted down the general benthic substrate condition. The visual survey is also required to determine if further analysis is necessary. If the area lacks hard coral structures and sea grass. The data from the visual analysis is used which reports general depth, horizontal and vertical visibility, top layer identification, and substratum analysis. 1.1.1.1.4 Benthic condition The objective of the survey is to collect baseline data for later comparison during the phases of monitoring. The locations selected after the timed swim on concerned locations were analysed noting down the benthic substrates namely; hard coral, nutrient indicator algae, rubble, other life-forms, soft coral, sponges, sand, recently killed corals, sea grass, rocks, and silt on a 100m transect belt. Post survey locations were marked using a Garmin 78s handheld GPS unit. 1.1.1.1.5 Fish spotting Fish spotting was carried out on the same locations. On site, the surveyor allowed acclimatization for few minutes, during which the boat crew would stay far. After which fish encountered were recorded.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1.1.1.1.6 Water testing Sea water and ground water testing was carried out on site using a YSI probe, and water samples were collected at around a depth of 3 m using a 500ml bottles. The sample sites were geo referenced. 1.1.1.1.7 Sediment traps Sediment traps were places and collected after 5 days in the selected sites. The removed traps closed off with the PVC tops would be transported back for analysis. After filtering and drying in an oven for one hour at 900C, the samples were weighed using an electronic balance to the nearest gram. The sedimentation rate is calculated as mg of sediment per cm2 per day, using the following Equation 1, Equation 1 The equation used to calculate the sedimentation rate, where sediment weight = weight of collected sediment, number of days = the number of days of sampling, radius = the radius of the trap Equation 2 Sediment calculation equation sediment weight Sedimentation rate = ( number of days )x (πr2) 1.1.1.2 Terrestrial Environment The scope of the terrestrial survey was limited to the tree survey and spotted mega fauna. 1.1.1.2.1 Tree Survey Tree survey was conducted 1 m inwards from the point of survey. The survey conducted noted significant tree species along a footpath on the site of interest. 1.1.2 Stakeholder’s consultation All stakeholder consultation was conducted after an official request for the meeting. The consultation on site in the island with locals and the council were detailed. 1.1.3 Impact prediction Environmental impacts are predicted by using checklists and its significances are evaluated by the use of matrices. Expert judgment and professional opinion as well as review of relevant EIA studies have also been widely used throughout the impact assessment and evaluation process. These methods are described in detail at the relevant section of this EIA Report.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 2 Stakeholder’s consultation The use of the stakeholder’s consultation is to record, analyse and weigh the need of the proponent and understand how much the project fosters for the stakeholder’s need at the moment of the EIA. This also provides the EIA an opportunity to inform and get the feedback of the stakeholder’s regarding the project and the needs of the people to properly identify the alternatives. The following are the details of consultations. 2.1 Scoping meeting The scoping meeting granted on 1st January 2020. The meeting was hosted by EPA Maldives. The attendees are i. Representatives from Blackgold Investments Pvt Limited v. Representatives from Environment protection agency (EPA) vii. Representatives from Ministry of Fisheries and agriculture (MOFA), and viii. The consultants from the consultant

Figure 3Meeting attendance sheet The meeting was opened by the chair from EPA requesting for an introduction of the scope of work. After which, major discussions followed, details below;

Concerns raised Comments The proponent initiated the meeting after the chair, reporting the following

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Loss of shoreline in the recent years on the Shore protection and shoreline northern beach leading to a loss of almost restoration is the mitigation 10m of beach and threatening to destroy identified for erosion. two buildings built long back.

• An interest in to further develop For this they wish to develop aquaculture pontoons platform cages, in the lagoon. • An excess channel is to be provided for the For this the proponent wishes to island as the existing access channel limits go -4 m below MSL at a width of the size of the boats that can enter. 22m. The chair noted that the erosion of the island must be taken seriously, and the process must be completed as soon as possible. The meeting concluded with approval of the TOR. 2.2 Meeting with the Noonu Atoll council The meeting was held on 1st September 2020. With the atoll council head Mr. Ahmed Sujaau, 7552768. The details of the meeting are below Concerns raised Comments The meeting started with a detailed This was a google meet call description of the project and survey findings The first concerned raised by the This concern was raised as the representative was that any work done development involves modification of the should not have any negative impact on shoreline and restoration. the island, the island reef, the beauty of the island and the staff on the island. The second point of discussion was the This concern was raised due to the possibility of employment for the locals in potential for the project to employ locals the atoll during this development. The from the atoll. Specially in the current representative stated that the development economic decline the youth of the atoll are has a lot of potential for employment upon in need of employment. expansion and is much anticipated by the locals of the atoll. The third concern was through the process This is proposed as considerable amount the atoll council wishes, the proponent to of youth have been unemployed in the train and enable the local farmers in atoll due to the decline in the tourism different agricultural processes so as to industry. improve the production of the atoll.

2.3 Meeting with the N Velidhoo council The meeting was held on 1st September 2020. With the atoll council head Mrs. Asma Ahmed, 7979729. The details of the meeting are below

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Concerns raised Comments The meeting started with a detailed This was a google meet call description of the project and survey findings The only concern was that the This is a concern as the current development should not have a negative development proposes marine work. impact on the island. The council also stated that the This concern was raised due to the development is most welcome due to the potential for the project to employ locals current lack of employment in the area. from the island. Specially in the current economic decline the youth of the atoll are in need of employment 2.4 Meeting with the Ministry of Environment (MEE). The meeting was held Via Google meet, the focal point for the meeting was Mr. Ahmed Anvar ([email protected]). The meeting was requested with a detailed handout of the project. In the meeting the following concerns were raised. Concerns raised Comments A representative in the meeting clarified It was noted in the meeting that the weather beach groins are necessary after practice is common in resorts to ensure development of the breakwater. that both the wave action and longshore sediment movement is mitigated in the process. Hence, both is proposed after beach restoration. It was also clarified weather the risk of It was noted that such projects do practice keeping an investment exposed has been placement of floating pontoons platform studied. cages on in choppy waters. However, the proponent will further look into the risks financially before implementation. There was a clarification on the type of They were informed that the fish feed for fish feed used the floating tanks will be trash fish bought locally. The ministry also noted that a The consultant informed that it would take management plan is being drafted by time to implement. However, this will be MEE to manage aquaculture and must be included in the legal section of the project. followed by the proponent aligning the projects by the proponent once they are published.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 2.5 Meeting request with Fisheries Marine Resources and Agriculture A meeting was requested, we have yet to receive a response

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 3 Policy and legal framework 3.1 Introduction The following section addresses the legal, policy, administrative framework for the environmental management and some regulatory guidelines and standards relevant for the proposed project. All the activities during both development and implementation stage of the proposed project will be carried out in accordance with existing plans, policies, guidelines, laws and regulations of Maldives in addition to relevant international conventions to which Maldives is a party to. 3.2 Relevant Environment Legislation 3.2.1 Decentralization Act The Decentralization Act established the The Relevance to the Project: The project local councils as the highest authority in must be formulated based their input. the locality and who shall have executive Their concerns and suggestion must be powers to be exercised in accordance with addressed/ integrated to successfully this Act. The Act establishes Atoll implement the project. councils, island Councils and City councils. The project was formulated after consulting the with atoll Council.

3.2.1.1 Environmental Impact Assessment 2012 and Amendments The EIA Regulation, which came into force in 2007, has been revised and this revised EIA Regulation is currently in force since May 2012. The Regulation sets out the criteria to determine whether a development proposal is likely to significantly affect the environment and is therefore subject to an EIA. Schedule D of the EIA Regulation defines the type of projects that would be subject to EIA. The main purpose of this Regulation is to provide step-by-step guidance for proponents, consultants, government agencies and the general public on how to obtain approval in the from of an Environmental DS. 3.2.1.2 2nd addendum to the Environmental impact Assessment Regulation 2012 With the 2nd addendum to the environmental impact assessment regulation 2012, there were some procedural changes made to the EIA process. The most important was the shifting of tourism related development projects EIAs to the Ministry of Tourism. Other than that slight changes were made to the process such as the finalization of the ToR during the scoping meeting(article 11(b)) and changes in the fees for the review processes under three different categories (article 7(c)). Under article 8(a) the decisions for a screening from is as follows:- 1) Environment Management Plan; • Initial Environmental Examination; • Environmental Impact Assessment; • Approval to go forth with the screened project; and • Approval to go forth with the project according to the mitigation measures proposed by EPA.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Under article 9(b) the decisions for an IEE is as follows:- • Environmental Impact Assessment report if the project is anticipated to have major environmental impacts; • Environment Management Plan; and • Approval to go forth with the project if the project is not anticipated to have major environmental impacts. Under article 10 two reviewers are required to review the Environmental Management plan. The reviewers are to be selected according to article 13(b) of the regulation. 3.2.1.3 3rd addendum to the Environmental Impact Regulation 2012 One of the main modifications to the EIA regulation is that the EIA consultants are classified into 2 categories. To be eligible for a category A consultant, the applicant should hold a minimum of level 7 qualification in an environment related field recognized by the Maldives National Qualification Framework. Likewise, to be eligible for a category B consultant, the applicant should hold a minimum of level 7 qualification in specific fields relevant for the nature of the project recognized by the Maldives National Qualification Framework. As such, this report is prepared by registered category A EIA consultants. 3.2.1.4 4th addendum to the Environmental Impact Regulation 2012 One of the main modifications to the EIA Relevance to the project: Reclamation and regulation is that the exclusive list for development are inclusive in the list that EIAs were changed such that EIAs are not requires EIAs. EIA Regulation; an EIA required for reclaimed lands until three report needs to be submitted to the years from the reclaimed date unless the competent authority before the project involves dangerous chemicals, oil implementation of the project. The EIA storage, incinerators, release of toxic report is this document and will be chemicals to atmosphere, and fiber works. submitted to EPA for approval.

3.2.2 Environment Protection and Preservation Act (Act no. 4/93) This Act set the basic principles and rules for the protection of the environment in the Maldives and whereby the Environmental guidance shall be provided by the authorized government bodies. Under this Act Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) is mandated to be undertaken for all economic development projects that may have an undesirable impact on the environment, addresses the disposal of oil, waste and toxic gas or any substance that may harmful effects on the environment within the Maldivian territory, the penalty for breaching the law and damaging the environment and . The following articles are relevant to during the undertakings of this project: Article 2 states that the instructions for environmental protection will be given from the competent authority and everyone must respectfully follow these instructions Article 3 states that all matters relating to environmental protection and preservation must be handled by the Ministry of Planning, Human Resource and Environment (MPHRE);

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Article 5 states that any projects which pose significant impacts to the environment, an EIA report has to be made and submitted to the MPHRE. The projects which require an EIA and the regulation must be made by MPHRE; Article 6 states that if any project is found to cause significant adverse impacts, MPHRE have the right to stop the project; Article 7 states that any waste, oil or hazardous gas must not be dumped into any part of the Maldives, however, if strictly needs to be disposed it should be disposed of in an area designated by the Government. If such hazardous gas, waste or oil is to be disposed by combustion, it should be done in a way it does not impact human health and environment; Article 9 states that any party who violates this law or any regulation under this law is punishable to no more than MVR 100 million according to the offence. The fine will be applied by the MPHRE. Article 10 states that any offence to this law or any regulation under this law or any action resulting in environmental damage, the compensation for such damages can be taken through judicial processes. 3.2.2.1 1st addendum to Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) law no 12/2014 Article 3 and 11 of the Environmental Relevance to the project: Apply in Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of assessing and addressing the social, Maldives is amended as follows:- economic and environmental aspects of Under article 3, all matters relating to the impacts in the context constructional environmental protection and and operational phase of the project. Any preservation must be handled by the oil, waste or toxic gas generated under the Ministry charged with implementation of project will be managed as per the rules environmental policy. stated in the Act. 3.3 Relevant Regulations and Guidelines 3.3.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 Regulation consultation The decision to go forward with an EIA The EIA report will be reviewed by EPA, will be decided upon screening process. where a decision note will be given which dictates a category and the scope accordingly. After approval the project of the EIA. The proponent and the proponent will be required to follow the proponent’s consultant ( who is a monitoring and implement the mitigation registered consultant ) will meet the EPA measures prescribed in the EIA. and stakeholders in a scoping meeting which will approve the TOR which will set the limits for the EIA. The EIA will start with the baseline studies, impact prediction and finally reporting the findings with impact mitigation and monitoring program. This report follows the procedures for EIA outlined in the EIA regulations.

3.3.2 Regulation on Sand and Coral Mining Regulation consultation This regulation covers sand, coral, and This regulation is of direct relevance to aggregate mining from coastal zones, and the project. A ban on coral mining from uninhibited islands that have been leased. house reef and atoll rim exists since 26 September 1990. This project strictly follows the ban.

3.3.3 Regulation of Dredging and Land Reclamation (2013/R-15),(2014/R-13) Regulation consultation 2013/R-15 Since 2nd April 2013 the This project has a shoreline restoration regulation of Dredging and Land component. Reclamation is in effect with the aim of reducing environmental impacts associated with dredging activities in islands, and reefs across Maldives. It defines the rational acceptable for The restoration if not carried out will dredging only in cases necessary, as lead to loss of infrastructure. those approved for development activities on inhibited islands and economic islands. All dredging and reclamation activities The EIA will be submitted to EPA with must be approved by EPA. the required dredging and reclamation application for review. After review, EPA will inform the proponent. It defines rational for reclamation as The proposed project economic those absolutely necessary for social, advantages and needs to be considered economic or safety purpose. for the project. Shoreline restoration is restricted from This is followed 10m of the registered shoreline in resort islands. • Dreading is restricted in the There is no reclamation however, following areas: channel dredging is involved. o 500 m from the ocean side of the The dredging proposed is a maintenance reef dredging. o 50 m from any island vegetation line Since the project is a land linking, it is unlikely that the distance from the vegetation line can be maintained with appropriate approach road development o An environmentally sensitive site

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. o Land reclamation is restricted within The project range does not have a 200m of a sensitive area recognised sensitive site as of 2019 as the area had been developed in accordance to the approval for the previous EIA

Figure 4 ATS of the wetland 2002 Figure 5 ATS of the wetland 2020 o Land reclamation cannot exceed 30% of the house reef area. 2014/R-13 Since 9th February 2014, Not applicable as of the time of through the amendment 2014/R-15, completion of the EIA. However, clause 13,(ރ) it was declared that the reviewed as the proponent must be made aware of the option to fully assess the cabinet could allow a project if they potential barriers to the development. identify the project to be of social, and economic importance .given that the proponent fulfil the following; • Carry out an extensive baseline study of the protected area • The organisms and the fragile ecosystem of the protected area must be; o Relocated o Acclimatized to site of relocation o Should be monitored according to a management plan

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. o The monitoring plan must be approved • Preparation, and implementation of a management plan for a similar area larger than the site or number of areas as approved by the government. • Identify the impact the proposed change will have on the water table, implement recovery actions, and monitor the changes and report to the authorities. • Identify potential flood episodes due to changes, and develop a flood drainage system on the island. 3.3.4 Law on uninhibited islands (20/98) The law is put forth by the government to regulate the leasing process, to define the leasing procedure, payment, lease turn over, and to safeguard the island ensuring that the leased island is not misused, destroyed or scope modified by the lessee. The project and the proponent follow the law and clauses set forth by the government. 3.3.5 Fisheries law (14/2019) The law defines all legal fishing practices in Maldives stating all procedures from licencing to initiation and export. It also defines the boundaries for the development. Regulation Chapter 8, clause 48 defines all The proponent has a licence ref, Appendix aquaculture projects to attain a licence for 221219 Aquaculture license practice

The proponent will also abide by any other law that is published in the future. 3.3.6 Regulation on cutting down trees Regulation consultation Cutting down trees and relocating trees All measures will be taken to ensure are regulated in the Maldives by law on protection of riparian and protected trees. cutting down, uprooting, digging out and Since the roads are in place, no trees will exporting of trees and palms from one be cut to make any roads for the project. island to another. The law is made in accordance to Law No 4/93. The law states that the law is to educate the citizens and contractors and developers on the importance, and need of management of trees and provide preservation of the existing trees.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The law prohibits the following trees to be removed. • The riparian vegetation growing around the islands extending to about 15m from the vegetation line inland. • All trees and palms growing in mangroves and wetlands, and the vegetation surrounding the area; 15m from the wetland. • All trees in Government protected areas • Trees that are being protected by the Government in order to protect species of animal organisms that use the trees as habitat. • Trees / palms those are unusual, unique, and special in nature. In case off removal, the law states • That prior permission must be obtained for removal or relocation of 10 or more palms. • Un-specified removal and land clearance requires an EIA. • The crown spread of the palms should be at +15 ft from the lowest point to qualify for removal. • The trees to qualify for removal should be more than 8ft from the lowest point of the trunk to the tip of the highest branch. • It also states that all trees removed shall be removed under the supervision of the government authorities that holds jurisdiction.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 3.3.6.1 The amendment to this regulation (regulation no 2014/R) The amendment to this regulation Relevance to the project: The project does (regulation no 2014/R) has specified a set not require cutting down trees or of categories and any tree falling under movement. However, as the possibility these categories is not allowed to be may arise the regulation has been removed unless it is a project of the specified and discussed with the government approved by the parliament. contractor and proponent.

3.3.7 The Environmental Liability regulation (Regulation 2011/R‐9) This regulation is also pursuant to Relevance to the project: Apply with Environment Protection and Preservation respect to the environmentally relevant Act of Maldives (4/93). The regulation is aspects of the construction and operation aimed at maintaining equal standards for phase and contractors shall take all reprimanding and enforcing practical measures to ensure that the environmental liabilities, fines for those mitigation proposed in this EIA is who violate the rules and regulations and followed. give guidance to those who are involved in the implementation process of the regulations pursuant to Preservation Act of Maldives (4/93). Provide the basis for levying fines on environmentally damaging violations to avoid environmental deterioration, extinction of biological resources, environmental degradation and wastage of natural resources. One of the key objectives of the environmental liability regulation is also to practice polluter-pay- principles in the Maldives.

3.4 Relevant Environmental permits required for the project 3.4.1 Environmental impact Assessment ( EIA ) Decision Note The decision note is based on the This EIA will also be subjected to review comments of the EIA reviewer. The note after completion, and will be put into may request further information from the effect after a decision note legally binding proponent or may declare that the EIA the proponent and the contractor to the provides sufficient details to proceed with terms in the EIA. a decision. If the EIA is not rejected, the decision note will administers the scope of the project and strengthens the EIA which binds the proponent, contractor and sub contractors to the monitoring and

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. implementation of the mitigation measures prescribed in the EIA. 1.1.1 Dredging and Reclamation Permit If the project requires dredging and Dredging and reclamation forms will be reclamation, a permit has to be taken from submitted with the EIA. EPA. A specific from published by the EPA has to be completed and submitted for the approval. EIA application will not be accepted if the approval is not given. 1.2 Responsible Government Institutions The main governmental institutes that acts as the main answering bodies are 3.4.2 Ministry of environment and energy The ministry is responsible for the policies while the EPA manages the technical aspects of various projects. screening, scoping, approval of terms of reference, reviewing and requesting for additional information, issuing decision statement and halting a project falls under the EPA. 3.4.3 Noonu Atoll council and island councils The island council can act autonomously on development activities in coordination with the government to meet the needs of the people. 3.5 Guiding Policies and Documents 3.5.1 Policy of waste management The waste management policy which came into effect on 2015 is to ensure that the Maldivians are well aware of the waste management techniques and maintains cleanliness as well as the natural aesthetics and clean air quality of the country is well maintained. Under this policy, all the inhabited islands need to implement a waste management plan and manage all the wastes generated from that island in accordance with that policy. The policy was framed keeping in mind a healthy environment which is solid waste free. Ensuring safe disposal of Solid waste, chemicals and hazardous industrial waste. Encouraging recycling, and reducing of waste generated. It also allows development of guidelines on waste management and disposal and advocate enforcing such guidelines. Relevance to the project: This project will comply with this guideline such that any wastes generated during the construction and operation phases of this project will be dealt with in accordance with the waste management plans of the island under concern.

3.6 International Conventions 3.6.1 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) Maldives is a party to the CBD The The dive sites in the vicinity of project objective of the convention is “the location and the seagrass bed surrounding conservation of biological diversity, the the island is recognized for its ecological sustainable use of its components and the value. fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. resources, including by appropriate access Loss of seagrass habitat for the project is to genetic resources and by appropriate inevitable. However, disturbance and transfer of relevant technologies, taking sedimentation must be minimized to into account all rights over those allow minimum loss of the coral reefs resources and to technologies, and by surrounding the area. Hence, it is appropriate funding”. recommended for the developer to use all mitigation measures including planning a pathway and maintenance of the vehicles to minimize negative impacts.

3.6.2 International Plant protection convention (IPPC) Since 3rd Oct 2006 Maldives follows the IPPC in order to protect the native plant species in the Maldives from the risk of disease from introduced and imported plants. Hence, it is advisable for the proponent to be aware of the requirements of the IPPC and obtain the necessary IPPC certifications if any plant is to be imported later on 3.7 Construction Site Health and Safety Regulation ( 2019/R-156) The regulation was published Relevance to the Project: The project by Ministry of National Planning and must follow regulation to ensure a safe Infrastructure on 30th January 2019 working environment for the workers. as supporting document to National The project will follow all the Construction Act ( 4/2017) . The requirements of the regulation to ensure purposes of the regulation are the Health and Safety of workers and • To define the minimum Health the Public. and Safety precautions that needs to be practiced to ensure the Health and Safety of workers and the public. • To define the fines and actions that will be taken against the parties that do not follow the regulation. Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure will be the implementing authority of the regulation. The regulation defines the responsibilities of the contractor and fines for breaching the regulation. As per the regulation it is mandatory for the contractor to carry out the followings: • To provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to all workers.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • To conduct Health and Safety Inductions sessions for all workers. • All workers must complete the Health and Safety Training when they start work at a company. • All contractors must have Health and Safety Plan and Emergency Plan and workers must be trained to follow the both plans. • Contractor must ensure all the works are carried out as per Health Safety Plan. • Contractor must install Health and Safety Boards at Works site. Warning signs and speed limits should be installed accordingly at the site. • Contractor must ensure the safety of adjacent properties next the work site and take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent damages to nearby properties. • Contractor must provide safe passage for the public when the works are carried out on public places and roads. • All work site must have a Health and Safety Supervisor to assess the Health and safety of site and compile reports. He must record all accidents on site and inform the head office. 3.8 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The National Biodiversity Relevance to the project: Will be applied Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025 with respect to minimizing the threats to (NBSAP 2016-2025) seeks to ensure that terrestrial and marine biodiversity during threats to biodiversity are addressed, construction works, by ensuring that all biodiversity is conserved, sustainably mitigation measures are taken so there is used and benefits arising from them are no harm to endangered species shared equitably. It also encompasses

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 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 in- trinational arena.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4 Description of the proposed project This section details the description of the proponent, project locations and boundary project outline and site plan, main developments of the project and the various engineering aspects of the project. 4.1 Introduction to the project Fringing the southern tip of Noonu atoll Karinmaa Vattaru has an estimated land area of 499,722m2. The reef area on which the island is located is 3,986,360m2. The island is leased for agricultural uses to the proponent. The proponent has developed a farm on the island and in the north which used to be the mangrove area. The products of the island are bananas, cucumbers, watermelons and sea cucumbers. Since 2002, the island has gone through numerous shoreline changes which includes; recession of the south eastern beach, sand loss at the south western beach tip, recession of the southern side of the shoreline and development of the southern mangrove for agriculture The first EIA for the development was carried out by E-CAD ASSOCIATES PVT LTD on 25th September 2008. The current EIA proposes the following works; • Channel dredging, • Shoreline restoration, • Shore protection and • Setup of floating pontoon. 4.2 The proponent The proponent for the project is Blackgold Investments Pvt Ltd a Maldivian company established in 2008 specializing in Agricultural, Aquaculture, Food & Beverage, Recruitment and Marine Services. 4.3 Project location and boundary The location of the development is limited to the island of N Karinmaa Vattaru and its reef. 4.4 Project outline and objective. The project proposed is at N. Karinmaa Vattaru. Upon completion of the project, the proponent wishes to; • ease access to the island, • restore the registered beach limits, • mitigate shoreline recession, and • setup and use floating pontoons platform cages in the lagoon.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.5 The main developments of the project The proposed project has the following major activities as specified in the breakdown; 4.5.1 Channel Dredging 4.5.1.1 Entrance channel to the island Proposed action Sub division Details Channel Dredging Entrance channel to the -3.5 m below island MSL 22m wide Component Dredging & excavation work comprises of the entrance channel dredging to allow access into the island for mid to large boats. The paths proposed are, proposed channel which is the existing channel, and alternative channel. Methodology Dredging will commence once the barge is anchored using the spud poles. Dredging will be carried on the barge. The sand dredged will be taken on the barge to the island. To be stockpiled and be used in shoreline restoration, and sand filling the geo bags. In this project, to ensure safe dredging and sedimentation control mitigation measures specified will be implemented. Supporting method file

Figure 6 Excavator on a barge, Photo taken Wednesday 2nd October 2019, Ha.Kelaa, Maldives, Harbour works, MTCC. Equipment The proposed methodology will utilize one backhoe excavator of capacity 300m3/day. 4.5.2 Shoreline restoration 4.5.2.1 Sand restoration Shoreline On the northern Return the toe line of the beach restoration side of the island to the recorded toe line of 2010, 7993.29m2 Component Sand from the proposed channel will be used for the process. Methodology Sand from the proposed channel will be stockpiled and taken to location of nourishment and dumped on the proposed berm. Once the proposed berm is made, it is spread to the toe using manual labour. Keeping in mind the registered footprint. Equipment The proposed methodology will utilize an excavator and dump lorry.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.5.3 Shore protection 4.5.3.1 Groyne structures Shore protection Groyne structures On the northern face 5 in number. 60m apart 20m long with 2 10 m long extensions facing outwards. In a “Y” shape. Component Simple geotube groynes. Methodolog First a sand bed will be prepared along the line of groynes. Geotubes y will then be moved to location with an excavator and sand will be pumped from the borrow sites.

Steel guide will be fabricated and used to maintain the profile. RTK survey equipment will be used to maintain the levels and lines during the construction. Upon completion of installation the steel frame will be removed. Equipment Machinery & Workforce Equipment Excavator 330 Engineer Excavator 320 Supervisor Sand pump Excavator operator Welding Genset Wheel loader operator Survey Equipment Labourer GV Pipes Technician

Supporting method file

Figure 7 diagrams showing the proposed layout, and the structure. 4.5.3.2 Breakwaters Break waters Geobags 1 m long Type A 3 units, 1m wide, two on the bottom, one on the top, total height 4m high, each section 1m high. Break waters Geobags 3 separate units, 1m wide, total height Type B 1m from the bottom.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Component Sand filled Geobags will be used for the work. Two major placements will be used. type A and B. Methodology Geo bags will be filled from the stockpile and moved to location in bulk Two major placements will be used. Geobag type A and B. A includes units of 3.3m wide , 2m high, and 5m long. Type A will have two units on the bottom and one unit on top, while type B will have single row of geo bags. Equipment Machinery & Workforce Equipment Excavator, Supervisor Dingy Excavator operator Steel frame Labourers Survey Equipment Technician Chain Sewing machine

Figure 8 Types of placement of breakwater geobags and the location of placement. 4.5.4 Floating pontoon setup 4.5.4.1 Overall methodology of setup Floating pontoon Component Floating unit in the lagoon will be further segmented to optimise the number of individuals a section. Details are given below. Each tank will be made of prefabricated floaters with a double layered, stitched mash net inside.

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Methodolog Platform (outdoor nursery and Grow out tanks). Floating pontoons y platform cages will be assembled on site and moved unit wise to location and assembled on site. The main platform will be anchored to seabed with chains giving room for movement from the tides. Sub Pontoon: Sub pontoons will be set up inside the floating pontoon. The sub sections will be the primary holding optimum number of fish

Figure 9 Proposed floating pontoon segment

Figure 10 Proposed arrangement of the floating pontoon platform cages

Equipment Machinery & Workforce Equipment Floating fame Supervisor Chain Labourer Casting setup Technician Mesh netting

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.6 Further literature appropriate for Floating pontoons platform cages. 4.6.1 Approved breeds. The following section contains the appropriate literature regarding the approved species in for the cages. As per the licence attached (Appendix 221219 Aquaculture license), the proponent can farm Rainbow runners, One spot snapper, Sixblotch hind, Bluefin trevally, Green job fish, Red snapper, and Sand fish. The cages being relatively smaller, oceanic species can not be housed. Therefore, only approved adult reef fishes and related orders sorted size wise will be housed in the segments. Hence, only fishes belonging to the family Lutjanidae; one spot snapper, green job fish, and red snapper and , family Serranidae will be housed.

4.6.2 Outline of the overall process The overall process will be of two stages. The indoor stage of breeding and rearing and the outdoor stage of nursing and growing till harvest. The indoor process will have to be carried out in the existing infrastructure while the outdoor process will be carried out in the proposed platforms.

Fish farming

Outdoor Indoor process process

Breeding Rearing Nursing Grow out

Existing Existing Lagoon Lagoon infrastructure infrastructure

36 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.6.3 Overall process The overall process follows the following cycle. The broods will give raise to the eggs, the eggs will be reared in doors and nursed outdoors to full size. And from the brood , eventually reproductive adults will be selected.

Brood Tanks

Grow Egg out tanks tanks

Outdoor Rearing nursery tanks.

37 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.6.3.1 Outline of the indoor process.

Figure 11 Aquaculture Brood, Egg and Rearing tank units on land. Figure 12 Aquaculture Rearing tanks, one unit

The pre cage or harvesting process will be carried out on the infrastructure on land. The island has sufficient brood tanks, egg tanks, and Rearing tanks in the aquaculture section on land. The process is shown in the flow chart below.

38 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

•Tank Inland in the •Tank location: Inland in existing setup. the existing setup •Feed; Micro feed, high •Feed; High protein, bait •Tank; Inland in the protein bait fish, fish.. once every 3 days. existing setup crushed. Twice a day No feed during the •Purpose; To hold the Brood breeding days. Egg eggs till larvae are Rearing •Purpose; House the larva, until they are •Purpose: House and formed large enough to be acclimatise collected moved to youngling brooders from the wild. tanks.

4.6.3.1.1 Brood Will be bought from local farms, the collected brood will be pre checked for diseases genetically recessive undesirable features before purchase. The collected males and females will be allowed to breed in captivity and the eggs will be collected for later processing. The brood will be set up in the existing brood rooms. The broods will be fed high protein trash fish once every 3 days. There will be no hormonal injections of the brood.

4.6.3.1.2 Eggs and larvae. The eggs will be closely monitored until a larvae is formed. Once larvae is formed the larvae for Serranidae will be placed in the existing indoor tanks of the island. This is to allow for the safety of the larvae while, Lutjanidae brood will be in existing outdoor tanks on the island. The larvae types will be fed required food as per the process.

4.6.3.1.3 Rearing. Indoor rearing of the younglings will be carried out in the existing infrastructure. The circular tanks of 100m3 will act as infinity moment tanks for the younglings. The younglings will be fed micro feed, high protein trash fish, crushed. Twice a day. Once the younglings are mature enough, they are sent to the outdoor nursery and grow out tanks.

39 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Further details of the process are presented below.

Tank Location Size Mesh Top Food specification Role Need Duration Waste size cover water Brood Inland in 10m3 No High No feed House and To ready male and female ** Processed, Tanks the cover protein, during the acclimatise of the species of interest for filtered, existing trash breeding collected breeding. Collect eggs few treated setup fish.. days. brooders from hours from spawning. once the wild. every 3 days. Egg Inland in 1m3 <2mm Mesh ** To hold the To provide Collect ** Processed, tanks the cover eggs till larvae safe and hatched filtered, existing are formed aerated larvae and treated setup environment transfer to for the eggs. Rearing tanks. Rearing Inland in 10m3 <2mm Mesh Micro feed, high House the This is to prevent mortality ** Processed, tanks. the cover protein trash fish, larva, until of the larvae until they are filtered, existing crushed. Twice a day they are large large enough to be treated setup enough to be transferred to Nursery. moved to nursery. (Rimmer, 1998) 4.6.3.2 Outline of the indoor process. The outdoor processes contain all the processes that will be carried out in the proposed pontoon platform cages. This includes the nursery and the grow out cages.

40 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.6.3.2.1 Nursery. and Growout tanks.

•Tank location: In lagoon , More than 200m3 Half tank covered. •Tank; In lagoon, more •Feed; High protein, Grow tank 300m3 in size ground to micro trash •High protein diet. Cut Nursery fish feed. Twice a day out trash fish feed. •Purpose: Hold the •Purpose; Hold and age youngling until the size tanks the fish. of the fish becomes sufficent.

Outdoors in the pontoon platform floating cages. ¼ section of the cage will be covered to provide shelter. In both Serranidae and Lutjanidae tanks. The nursery will be fed high protein, ground to micro trash fish feed. Twice a day. Further details are provided below

Tank Location Size Mesh Top cover Food specification Role Need Duration size Outdoor in the >200m3 <2mm Half tank High protein, ground Hold the youngling To prevent predation in Maximum nursery lagoon covered. to micro trash fish until the size of the the tank. And to prevent 12 months feed. Twice a day fish becomes being pray to outside sufficient fishes. Grow In the >300m3 <10cm Half High Cut trash Hold and age the To mature the fish Maximum 6 out lagoon cover protein fish feed. fish. accordingly. years. tanks diet. (Rimmer, 1998)

41 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.6.4 Associated diseases in the process Rare and common diseases are listed below.

Parasite or disease Probability of occurrence Zeylanicobdella arugamensis Can occur in concentrated Unlikely if well maintained Marine leech conditions. Ulceration, red spots with tail Common during the grow-out Likely if tank is not and fin rot stage maintained Mortalities without gross Common during the nursery likely lesions and grow-out stage

Exophthalmia Motilities due to Natural un specified causes. exophthalmia are lesser than others. Ruptured gall bladder The problem is acute and the Natural if undisturbed, can fish do not show any external happen during handling lesions. Sudden mortalities are observed, Fin rot or white fin Due to bacterial or fungal Natural causes are inevitable. outbreak , Poor diet, injury, However, optimum care can concentration, bad weather. be givren to avoid this. (Joselito R. Somga, Sonia S. Somga, & Melba B. Reantaso, 2002)

4.6.5 Common practice in Maldives In Maldives the common practice is to age and accommodate the fish in shallow floating cages held in deep lagoon or sea. The process in often caried out artisanally at local levels.

Figure 13Floating cages at laamu atoll without the floating platform, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll.

42 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 14 Similar floating cages in Laamu Atoll, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll.

Figure 15 Fish at the bottom of the floating cage, Photo source, Bluemarinefoundation, Laamu atoll.

The most common family of fish that can be harvested and aged belong to Serranidae while rarely other families can be seen harvested.

Figure 16 floating cages with artisanal platforms at Maniyafushi island ( photo reference Avas, 2019)

43 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

4.7 Project Component Justification Justification of the components in the proposal are below Proposed action Comments Justification Compone Channel Dredging, and The component is A 22 m wide nt: stockpiling necessary to allow channel will Dredging & excavation work access into the island. be able to comprises of the entrance allow mid to channel dredging to allow large sized access for mid to large boats boats to into the island. The paths move into the proposed are, proposed island which channel, and alternative is necessary channel. to implement -4 m below MSL the 22m wide development; plan of the island with the proposed export of the island.

44 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Methodol Dredging will commence once The component uses The dredging ogy the barge is anchored using the barges and excavators method is spud poles. Dredging will be for the project so as to practiced in carried on the barge. The sand maximise the Maldives dredged will be taken on the efficiency of the unchallenged barge to the island. To be excavator. (Saaneez, stockpiled and be used in Abdul shoreline restoration, and geo Muhsin, & bag filling.. Abdulwahhaa In case of this project, to b, 2019), ensure safe dredging and therefore can sedimentation control be assumed mitigation measures specified that it is will be implemented. accepted. However, the process does have its drawbacks due to the transportation spill and related sedimentatio n impacts. Equipment The proposed methodology **contractors choice The will utilize one backhoe equipment is excavator of capacity generally 300m3/day. available and easily repaired as spare is un specific.. The bucket size is moderate and modifiable.

45 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Componen Shoreline restoration, The northside shows The t On the northern side of the evidence of recession. Shoreline island The erosion exact restoration Return the toe line of the beach cause of erosion is work to the recorded toe line of difficult to pinpoint. provided is 2010, 7993.29m2 Placement loss not a Sand from the proposed erosion (Kench, 2010) solution. channel dredging will be used and utility erosion is However, a for shoreline restoration. likely. proposal to preserve the integrity of the location and unique diversity of the area. Methodolo Sand from the proposed This makes a berm This prevents gy channel will be stockpiled and and feeds the toe of over taken to location of the beach section by extension of nourishment and dumped on section the beach. the proposed berm. Once the This method proposed berm is made, it is of pumping is spread to the toe using manual economic and labour. Keeping in mind the environmenta registered footprint. lly friendly than other available sources. Equipment The proposed methodology All will utilize a small excavator, equipment is and dump lorries and -- available labourers. with the proponent. Compone Shore protection, This will be on the This prevents nt; Groyne structures replenished beach. movement of Simple geotube groynes. sand on the On the northern face,5 in northern number., 60m apart, 20m long beach. with 2 10 m long extensions facing outwards. In a “Y” shape.

46 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Methodolo First a sand bed will be **Standard This method gy prepared along the line of methodology is a standard groynes. Geotubes will then be method used. moved to location with an Seabed excavator and will be pumped preparation sand from the borrow sites. will ensure that the sea Steel guide will be fabricated bed slope is and used to maintain the set at the profile. RTK survey equipment required will be used to maintain the slope. levels and lines during the The guide construction. Upon completion ensures that of installation the steel frame the elevations will be removed. and general shapes are as designed. Equipment Excavator 330 The Excavator 320 equipment Sand pump specified is Welding Genset standard for Survey Equipment these type of GV Pipes work. Componen Shore protection Sewed geo bag geo This is tested t Break waters Geobags Type A, textile. in Maldives. 1 m long , 3 units, 1m wide, Type A and B of the It is known to two on the bottom, one on the same material. withstand top, total height 4m high, each Difference in the high energy section 2m high. stacking arrangement areas and recruit Break waters Geobags Type B, numerous 3 separate units, 1m wide, life-forms total height 2m from the overtime. bottom. This uses the dredged Sand filled Geobags will be material. used for the work. Two major placements will be used. Geobag type A and B.

47 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Methodolo Geo bags will be filled from **Standard Staking units, gy the stockpile and moved to methodology an elongated location in bulk Two major structure can placements will be used. be made that Geobag type A and B. A can withstand includes, units of 3.3m wide high energy and 2m high, 5m long. Type A wave action. will have two units on the The units aid bottom and one unit on top, in breaking while type B will have single down and row of geo bags. dispersing the wave energy. Equipment Excavator, Excavator is Dingy ideal for Steel frame transportation Survey Equipment of the bags -- Chain and Sewing machine maintaining the same path every time. Componen Floating pontoon ** modified concept. The system t pontoon platform cages will be Altered for irregular uses tested set to accommodate adults of currents strengths. platform unit the approved fish breeds. system that is (Reference to licence common in A201807). Maldives. Each floating unit in the lagoon The system is will be further segmented to modified to limit the number of individuals accommodate in the tank. The tanks will be fish. Spare anchored to the bottom and necessary material for fixing is readily available and can be stored on site.

48 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Methodolo Platform. Floaters will be ** modified The main gy assembled on site and moved methodology. system can unit wise to location. The Altered for irregular be modified platform will be anchored to currents strengths. to seabed with chains giving accommodate room for movement from the fish. The sub tides. sections can Sub Pontoon: Pontoon floaters be altered on will be set up inside. The sub need. The sections will be the primary system can holding sections. Each section be made will have its necessary mesh shallow and lining. deep moving the mesh net. Equipment Machinery & Equipment **Standard equipment Readily Floating pontoon available and Chain economic.

49 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.8 Duration of project

Figure 17 Duration for the proposed activities

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.9 Labour requirements and local labour availability The labour requirements and the activities are specified for each activity above. Labour requirement is largely dependent on the contractor and usually companies move specialists and labourer on a need basis. Typical development activity requires specialist operators for the equipment and a team of labourers aiding. Apart from the work labour site specific labourers are required for the management of the work camp/accommodation such as the kitchen, etc…An overall manager and numerous work supervisors are permanently stationed from start to finish. The proponent has a considerable work staff on site. However, they will have to hire staff if the proponent wishes to complete the project without disrupting the daily routine of the island. 4.10 Housing of labour The proponent has sufficient empty accommodation on the island to house the additional staff on the island. the staff will be primarily housed in the quarantine facilities if they arrive from a OCVID 19 hotspot then moved to rooms later. The island locations are presented below with the proposed use. Table 1 Relevant location on island and coordinates location Coordinates Use legend JETTY ROOM 73,38626 5,673639 A Island entry and exit register MAIN STORE 73,38647 5,6736 B Store all equipment Cold store room 73,38649 5,673696 C Food storage Mass storage area 1 73,38658 5,673572 D Store construction material Mass storage area 2 73,38664 5,673724 E Store Vehicles Office block 73,38678 5,673692 F Administrative and planning centre Visitor 73,38684 5,673795 G Quarantine room 1 accommodation Oners’ kitchen and 73,38693 5,673898 H Quarantine staff meals storage Oners’ block 73,38687 5,674088 I Accommodation and food grade 1 Staff block x 4, 1 73,38681 5,673576 J Accommodation grade 2 Staff block x 4, 2 73,38692 5,673614 K No new housing Canteen 73,38693 5,673588 L Canteen grade 2 Entertainment room 73,38699 5,673571 M Recreation room 1 Staff room 73,38707 5,673523 N Recreation room 2 Mosque 73,38722 5,673423 O Mosque Staff block x 2, 1 73,38695 5,673194 P No new housing Staff room 73,38747 5,673145 Q No new housing Work shop 73,38765 5,673083 R

Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Power house 73,388 5,673027 S Hatchery (Sea 73,38963 5,672478 T cucumber) Rain water harvest 73,38968 5,672481 U area Office, lab, accommodation 73,38965 5,672445 V No new housing Storage room 73,3898 5,672387 W Sea cucumber 73,38981 5,672259 X processing room Algae tank 73,38959 5,672235 Y Sea cucumber 73,38994 5,671595 Z processing room Rain water storage 73,38985 5,67152 AA 25000m3 Processing chamber 73,38986 5,671705 BB Green house 73,38728 5,672247 CC Fresh water tank 73,38718 5,671374 DD Medical Quarantine 73,38644 5,673042 EE Quarantine zone for zone COVID suspected staff Waste management 73,3863 5,672621 FF area Parking area 1 73,38752 5,673326 GG Parking area 2 73,38719 5,673365 HH

Figure 19 Accommodation on land

Figure 18 Locations on map

55 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.11 Emergency plan in case of spills The proponent must ensure that the contractor has an emergency plan, an emergency coordinator and the alternative emergency coordinator. 4.11.1 Overall emergency plan The overall emergency plan must be site specific and drafted upon by the contractor and the proponent considering the features of the island and the available facilities of the island. The emergency plan must be understood and followed by all staff. A typical emergency plan must include the following. • The emergency plan should be followed and executed without delay in case of an emergency. • Safety Sign Boards and Safety lights must be installed at the work site. • Fire Extinguishers must be installed at work site. • All staff must learn the basis of the emergency plan. • Assembly points must be decided prior to mobilization • Points of relief must be equipped with medical kits and fire safety kits • Spill kits must be installed near the storage sites and in easily accessible areas. • Alarms must be installed and tested • Informed drills must be carried out at a schedule. • All staff must be informed that they could call in an alarm. • All emergency coordinators should be trained well with the alternative. • In case of an emergency the point of reference must be the coordinator or the alternative. • In case of an emergency, the emergency coordinator or the alternative must be informed primarily • All staff must strictly follow the instructions of the emergency coordinator. • Authorities must be informed by the coordinator or the alternative The contractor is required to take the following measures in order to ensure minimal pollution in case of a spill. • Use serviced machinery to reduce toxic emissions • Service the machines in use during the work process. • Keep spill kits on the island and portable spill kits on the machines • Bund all necessary lubricants and oils stored on site.

56 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4.11.2 Emergency plan for spill response breakdown Emergency plan for spill response Spills on construction sites can have drastic consequences to people and the environment. Specifically on natural, moderate current, diverse, and remote zone such as N Karinmaa Vattaru. After a through analysis of the action in hand, the responsible party is to follow the action plan as specified. However, the best from of action is prevention therefore the following spill prevention measures must be implemented on site Spill Prevention Measures 4.11.2.1 General Precautions The following general precautionary measures shall be applied to all construction works areas to minimize the risk of accidental spillage: 4.11.2.1.1 General Precautions • Maintain good site housekeeping practices and ensure all materials, chemicals and wastes are properly stored and placed in appropriate disposal areas onsite at the end of each day. • Avoid disorder and storage of unnecessary materials in working areas. • Open flames and smoking shall be prohibited within the construction site; smoking may be permitted only at designated smoking areas. • Stacked containers should be secured from falling. • Large / heavy containers should be stored on the floor as far as possible to prevent falling. • Warning signs, fences and locks where appropriate should be deployed for storage place of hazardous materials, chemicals, fuel and oil, etc. 4.11.2.1.2 Construction Materials Unexpected release of large amounts of suspended solids, in case of accidents, human negligence or mechanical failure would result in adverse water quality and marine ecology impacts. Hence, precaution and prevention measures are required to minimize the risk of such accidental spills. The following measures shall be applied to all construction vessels involving transport of materials that may give rise to unexpected release of large amounts of suspended solids: 4.11.2.1.2.1 Construction Materials • Prior to transport of fill materials; o Bottom opening of barges shall be fitted with tight fitting seals to prevent leakage of material. o Vessels shall be regularly inspected to ensure no leakages and any leakages shall be repaired quickly prior to mobilisation of the vessels. o Barges or hoppers shall not be filled to a level which will cause overflow of materials or pollution of water during loading or transportation. o Excess materials shall be cleaned from the decks and exposed fittings of barges and hopper dredgers before the vessels are moved. o Adequate freeboard shall be maintained on barges to reduce the likelihood of decks being washed by wave action.

57 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • During transport; o Vessels shall follow the pre-defined routes and marine traffic arrangements to minimise the risk of collision. o Vessels shall follow the designated entry / exit points into and out of the construction site boundary. o Vessel speeds shall be limited to 10 knots or less within the construction works area and hotspots. o Transits of vessels operating within the construction works areas will be monitored and managed • During filling activities for the land formation works; o Pipes and fittings connecting the barges with the spreaders shall be properly fitted and checked for leakages / loose fittings prior to transferring any fill materials. o Pipes shall be sized according to the required pumping rates and the pumping rates shall not exceed the pressure limits of the pipes / connections. 4.11.2.1.2.2 Chemicals, Oils and Fuels For chemicals, oils and fuels ( if used for the excavators, etc.) required and used onsite, the following measures shall be applied: • For procurement; o Label all chemical storage containers and tanks in accordance with the EPD ‘Code of Practice on the Package, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes’. o An up to date list of chemicals, chemical waste and fuel oil should be maintained. • For storage; o Suitable containers should be used which are resistant to the stored oil fuel, chemical / chemical waste to avoid leakage. o Containers should be checked before use and container lids should be closed tightly to avoid leakage of chemicals and chemical waste. o Chemical waste storage areas should be located in a designated area that is sheltered on at least 3 sides and the top, and is locked and kept clean and free from obstruction. o Incompatible chemicals should be separated. o Chemical, oil and fuel containers should be kept under eye level as far as possible. o Drip trays or bunds should be used for storage containers of chemicals and oil / fuel tanks and should have a capacity equal to 110 % of the storage capacity of the largest tank. o Chemical storage area and drip trays should be inspected daily to ensure the containers are in good condition and there are no openings which oil / chemicals can possibly leak out. Any damage / openings to the storage area and drip trays should be repaired or replaced immediately.

58 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. o Where chemicals are temporarily taken outside the sheltered chemical storage area, the chemicals including the drip trays / bund should be covered by waterproof tarpaulins and kept free of rainwater. • For transfer / transport; o Pumps should be used to transfer large quantities of oil, fuel, chemical / chemical wastes instead of pouring. o Oil, fuel, chemical / chemical wastes should be transferred slowly to prevent spillage or overfilling. o Suitable trolley should be used to transport chemicals / chemical wastes to other location. For use; o Chemical quantities / dosage required during each use shall be carefully calculated / measured to prevent any excess chemicals being generated and released. o Drilling fluid used in drilling activities should be reconditioned and reused as far as possible 4.11.2.2 Spill response Effective spill response comes down to the reediness of the contractor to a potential event. This in effect enables the contractor to respond to any related un identified event as well. Spill response simplified can be shown in as below

locating and containment Clean up Post cleaning Event resonce reproting spill action action activities event

Figure 20 Spill response procedure 4.11.2.2.1 Spill reediness; types of spill and identification of potential spill as per the project In this specific project, three major types of spill involved are listed. Construction Phase Spill Types Land Based Activities Marine based Activities Fuel/ Oli ✓ ✓ Chemicals ✓ ✓ Fill materials ✓ ✓ 4.11.2.2.2 Locating and Reporting In case of machinery operators, a part of their training includes maintenance and ,emergency action, and reporting in case of break, failure, and spill. In addition , all staff must be trained to identify, quantify, contain temporarily, and report a spill. Emergency containment actions must be taken accordingly. Emergency kits available must be used as fit.

59 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Reporting must have the following parameters.

After reporting, the response head must follow directions from the government to the fullest extent..

60 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

4.12 Description of safety measures during construction. The proposed project site is on an uninhibited island. The proponent and the contractor are responsible for the safety of the staff, and visitors; health and safety rules must be followed strictly. • The project site and the work area must be fenced. • Safety signs and boards must be installed at work site. • Fire extinguishers must be installed at site. • The proponent and the contractor will ensure that all the supervisors are trained and qualified to identify, report, response to, and mitigate any health code violation on site. • The proponent, contractor and other supervisory bodies will ensure all the health and safety procedures are followed while in the project site. • All the precautions and steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the employees. Safety gear will be worn all the time. • The proponent must ensure that the contractor provides numerous first aid kits on site. This is of the uttermost importance as the island has a health centre and the closet hospital is at best 40 minutes away in the atoll capital. • The proponent must ensure that the contractor trains enough staffs in basic first aid drills both terrestrial and marine. Hence making these staff available throughout the project work hours while setting the duty roster. • The proponent must ensure that the contractor reports all medical emergencies to the hospitals. • If the use of the equipment requires licenses or special permits, the contractor should ensure the staff are licensed. • All tools and equipment will be handled by competent staff. • All staff must be trained to follow the emergency plan • Health checks and safety checks will be administered before commencement of work. • All project activities will be carried out in the presence of a qualified supervisor. • The staff will be trained in fire extinguishing drills and appropriate fire extinguishing equipment will be placed at easily accessible points. • Flammable material if stored on site, will be stored at site appropriately. • Any tools stored on site will be stored appropriately. • Oils, grease and lubricants will be stored as specified above in section. 4.13 Utilities Due to the location of the project site and the scale of the project all utilities will be provided on site in house. 4.14 Summary of Project Inputs and Outputs The overall material inputs and the overall material outputs of the development are given in the Table 2 and Table 3 respectively.

61 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Table 2: Major Project Inputs Input resources Source/ Type Obtained by Construction worker A mix of local and foreign Proponent’s staff and procured through announcements, etc Construction material Bought and shipped during The Proponent. mobilisation Water supply during A mix of bottled and Purchased from local island construction filtered tap water. shops and by RO plant on site. Machinery Excavator, Dreger, lorry Proponent’s machinery etc only Maintenance material Various maintenance Proponent material, material and tools required imported to the island. for the project activities. Food and accommodation Accommodation in the Proponent or the contractor island, and food through , etc contractor’s staff Firefighting gear Fire extinguishers Proponent’s equipment Fuel All types of fuel Local suppliers from Manadhoo Telecommunication Mobile phones, hand held Proponent’s equipment, radio and internet facilities personal, etc. Food and beverage bottles PET bottles, glass bottles, Proponent’s equipment packaging, waste, plastic bags and various frozen, packaged and fresh food. Table 3: Major Project Outputs

Products and waste Anticipated Method of disposal materials quantities Dredge waste small quantities Reference to use methodology. Construction waster small quantities If plastic, fibre and metal collected and sent to the waste collection site. Waste oil Small quantities Barrelled and sent to the waste collection site. Hazardous waste material Small quantities Barrelled and sent to the waste collection site. Noise Only localised Inevitable noise pollution of the use of heavy missionary Food waste moderate Collected and sent to the waste quantities collection site.

62 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Plastic and packaging small quantities Collected and sent to the waste wastes collection site.

4.15 Fill Material A total volume of 21,016 m3 of fill material is needed for the proposed works which includes 13,588 m3 of fill materials for shoreline restoration ( an area of 7,993.29 m2 will be reclaimed to a height of +1.3 m from the and 5,517 m3 of fill materials to fill the Geo-tubes and geo bags for breakwaters and groynes. Additional 10% is added to account for loss which is 1,911 m3 for fill material. Fill material volume required Details of work (m3) Shoreline Restoration 13,588 Geo-Tube Breakwaters -Type A 2,501 GeoTube Groynes - Y Groynes 1,924 Geo-Bag Breakwaters - Low crest breakwaters 1,092 Total Volume fill material 19,105 Additional 10% to account for loss 1,911 Total fill material required 21,016 Channel Dredge material volume 17,600 Additional fill material from burrow site 3,416 Burrow site Area Dredging depth from seabed (m) 1.4 Dredge area required (m2) 2,440

A volume of 17,600 m3 can be obtained from the dredging of access channel and additional 3,416 m3 of fill material will be obtained from the proposed burrow site. The burrow site will be dredged to a depth of -1.4 from the existing seabed. An area of 2,440 m2 will be dredged to obtain the required volume of sand from the proposed burrow site. Bathymetry survey has shown that the average depth 0f -0.5 m from the Mean Sea Level (MSL) and field survey has revealed that the proposed burrow site has more than sufficient fill material which consists fine sand with a very low amount of coral rubbles.

63 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 21 Sand borrow locations 4.16 Geo-Tube Filling A 10 Inch Heavy duty sand dredging pump with floating pipeline will be used to fill the geo-tubes and geobags by pumping sand from the burrow site. The pump will be mounted on floating pontoon for easy manoeuvring. Pontoon will be anchored using pre-cast concrete blocks delivered to the burrow area. Details of the sand pump is given below; Maximum Head ➢ 150 m Maximum Capacity ➢ 400 L/min Driving Type Motor Impeller Number Single Stage Pump Working Pressure High Pressure Pump Influent Type of impeller Single Suction Pump

4.16.1 Work method 4.16.1.1 Installation of Y-Groynes and Breakwaters ( Geo-tubes) The location of geotubes will be marked with GI pipe pegs by a registered surveyor using GP system. The Geotubes will be then anchored using precast concrete blocks and steel

64 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. pipes. Once, it is properly anchored and in position, sand pipe will be connected to the inlet and sand will be pumped into the geo-tube using the sand pump.

Figure 22 Sand pumping method 4.16.1.2 Low-crest Breakwaters( Geo-bags) The geo-bags ( 0.45x 0.45 x 0.11m) will be filled using a shovel at dredge materials tocks pile areas and will be delivered to site. The location of breakwaters will be marked using GI pipe pegs by a registered surveyor.

4.17 Use of dredge material. The dredge material is proposed to function as the beach restoration material and the material for filling the geo bags as specified under headings 4.5.1.1, 4.5.2.1, and 4.5.3.2 The material is to be stored at location 5.673791° 73.386116° shown in the figure below with specified mitigation in place.

Figure 23 Sand stockpile site

4.18 Demobilisation The actual demobilisation will be negotiated between the contractor and proponent. The consultant advocates for a phased-out demobilisation during the last phase of the project.

65 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

66 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5 Description of the environment 5.1 Introduction This section assembles, evaluates and presents the environmental baseline relevant to the project. The section includes, detailed methodologies of the study with the findings. To describe the existing environment, the report sub divides environment to physical, biological and social. Wherein, the existing physical environment geology and geomorphology, hydrography/hydrodynamics, ecology, socio-economic environment, and hazard vulnerability is further described. 5.2 Study area and Survey Locations Details of the study area and survey locations are given below. After analysing the project area, some survey sites were pre-selected referring to previous EIAs, etc.., while others were selected upon site visit after consulting with the stakeholders and locals.

67 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 24 Survey Map reduced

5.3 Methodology The components of the existing environment were divided to climate, ecology and socio- economic environment. Baseline study was carried out as per the standard scientific methods. Special attention was given to the marine and terrestrial environment of the project area, as these components are likely to have the most significant environmental impacts. A summary of the different methodologies used in assessing the existing environment are given below. For details please see ‘Methodology used in description of the environment’.

68 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.3.1 Physical Environment The physical environment data was collected using the available literature, secondary data and information available and onsite recordings. As for the historical weather data, nearby weather stations were heavily relied for data. 5.3.2 Natural and Biological Environment The geological data and the seasonal geological patterns were collected on site, and using secondary data available. 5.3.3 Socio-economic environment The socioeconomic environment of the island was collected using the available literature, secondary information and interviews.

69 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.4 Physical Environment 5.4.1 Climate 5.4.1.1 General Climate A typical tropical monsoon climate is enjoyed throughout the year in Maldives. The south-west monsoon occurs between mid-May to November and the north-east occurs between January to March. The North-East monsoon is dryer than the South West Monsoon. The transition period of southwest monsoon occurs between March and April while that of northeast monsoon occurs from October to November (Table 4). The temperature ranges from 27 till 31°C daily, where the maximum mean dry temperature is 30.4°C and minimum mean dry temperature is 25.7°C. (Meteorology, 2006). Rainfall patterns in the Maldives is dictated by the Indian ocean Monsoons. The rainfall averages at 2,124 mm annually where the south receives more rain than the north. Table 4 months and the seasons associated with them Season Dhivehi name Month NE-Monsoon Iruvai December NE-Monsoon Iruvai January NE-Monsoon Iruvai February Transition period 1 Hulhangu Halha March Transition period 1 Hulhangu Halha April SW-Monsoon Hulhangu May SW-Monsoon Hulhangu June SW-Monsoon Hulhangu July SW-Monsoon Hulhangu August SW-Monsoon Hulhangu September Transition period 2 Iruvai Halha October Transition period 2 Iruvai Halha November The project area N. Karinmaa Vattaru falls in the general climate as the rest of the Maldives with minute differences which will be discussed in this section. 5.4.1.2 Temperature The general temperature of Maldives does not show large fluctuation when it come to the difference between day, night and seasons; due to the abovementioned monsoon climate and the tropical position of the chain of islands. Furthermore, the flat topography and a lack of high risen earth ensures a consistent temperature throughout.

The average maximum temperature from 1992 till 2017 ranged between 30.54 till 31.94°C. the average minimum temperature from the same timeline ranged from 24.86 till 26.08°C(Figure 25, Figure 26). The general annual temperature ranges approximately around 31°C during daytime to 26.4°C during night time in Maldives. The average maximum recorded temperature for the Maldives on 2018 is 31.2°C. and the average minimum recorded temperature for the Maldives on 2018 was 25.5°C. As always, average maximum and minimum temperature of 2018 shows an increase during the transition period to south west monsoon (Figure 27 and Figure 28). The daily mean temperature 2018 shown in Figure 29 shows the same rise in temperature while ranging

70 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. between 28.13 and 29.69°C. The daily mean temperature from January 2019 till may show the same general pattern with a slight increase ranging between 28.43 till 30.34°C. During the sit visit, the temperature on site were between 28.9 to 32.2°C

Figure 25 Average Max Temperature 2018 ( (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019))

71 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Figure 26 Average Min Temperature 2018( (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019))

Figure 27 Average Max Temperature 2018( (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019))

Figure 28 Average Min Temperature 2018 ( (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019))

72 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 29 Daily mean temperature 2018 (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019))

Figure 30Daily mean temperature 2019, Jan till May (Maldives Meteorological Service, 2019))

5.4.1.3 Rainfall The rain ranges in different parts of the Maldives depending on the monsoonal cycles. The south west monsoon; wet season is from mid-May to November where rapid rain in large quantities are expected.

73 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. As per the National Bureau of Statitics, ( Figure 31) on 2018, Laamu, Gaafu and Seenu had the more rain in comparison to the north. The average total rainfall throughout all the collection points in 2018 ranged between 38.1 to 367.9 mm..

Figure 31 Average rainfall throughout 2018 from Hanimaadhoo till Gan, with overall average (National Bureau of Statitics , 2019)) 5.4.1.4 Wind Located in the equatorial region of the Indian Ocean, Maldives enjoys a generally mild monsoon. However, winds do pick up to storms and line squalls, but the area is generally a cyclone fee area. The monsoon climate is driven by the atmospheric pressure differences that arise as a result of rapid warming or cooling of the Tibetan Plateau relative to the Indian Ocean (Hastenrath, 1991; Fein & P, 1987). As per the observations of NASEER, 2003, the Maldivians monsoon patterns show consistency for the past two decades. His analysis shows that the wind speed is usually higher on the months May till October in central Maldives while the monsoon is significantly stronger in the central and the northern region in comparison to the south.

74 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 32 monthly frequencies of wind direction central and south (NASEER, 2003)

75 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 33 Comparison of local and long-term wind frequencies (NASEER, 2003)

The wind data is borrowed from NASEER, 2003 is shown in Figure 32, Figure 32, and

Figure 33, and respectively.

76 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.4.1.5 Risk of hurricanes and storm surges Like most islands in Maldives, N. Karinmaa Vattaru is a low laying island. At high tide, the north eastern part of the island become marshy. As recorded in the past, the island is vulnerable to storm surges or flooding. The risk is higher during the south western monsoon as weather conditions can get rough. 5.4.2 Geology and geomorphology There are 1200 naturally formed coralline low laying islands in Maldives and cays where in except for the island of Fuvahmulah is a part of a larger atoll. The islands are classified into 25 atolls. The islands are elevated steeply from the surrounding sea floor of 2500- 3000 m deep to the east and 2800 – 4200 m deep to the west. The sea in between the atolls are around 200 m deep (Naseer & Hatcher, 2000). It is hypothesised that Maldives lies on a volcanic basement of depth 2000 m that pore out between Laccadives and Chagos Band and during Cretaceous and early Cenozoic times moved northward to form a submarine ridge. It is believed the islands have been exposed to 27 glacial sea level cycles with eustatic sea level fluctuating by more than 120 m at various times resulting in many “karst-induced” coral reef formations and geomorphological structures. (Rudie & Tim, 2014).

77 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.4.2.1 Island geomorphology The island of N. Karinmaa Vattaru had been subjected to little to none shoreline changes in the past. Our analysis is from the available google earth timeline and using our ATS imagery. After geo referencing, the seasonal changes overtime was compared. The earliest available data is on 1969. The early image shows that the island was heavily logged in the past and as a result mature trees are not in the island. Similarly, the area in the coordinates 5.665976° 73.383069° was a wetland area on the south western tip of the island. Which is impacted by either the movement of the island north westwards or due to erosion. This also shows the small island named Karinmaa has significant greenery in comparison to now.

Figure 34 an old image late 1960s

2002 2010

78 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

2014 2016 Figure 35 showing the shoreline data which shows significant developments on the area.

2019

Shoreline assessment was carried out using the data from 2002, 2010, 2014, and, 2016. The Shoreline data shows that the extreme north and the southern tip of the island receded considerably while the eastern mangrove are shows modification. It also shows that the berm line has receded over the years moving further into the island. There is a considerable data loss between 2002 and the next time line which is 2010, therefore, it is impossible to predict a trend with the current data. There is no record with the proponent that records the damages of the 2004 tsunami. However, the locals of the nearby islands report that the island was devastated. The agricultural work has modified the eastern bay area significantly. However, the southern tip and the northern tip and the north west facing shore remains relatively unchanged and intact.

79 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 36 Shoreline and tree line 2002

Figure 37 Shoreline 2010

80 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 38 Shoreline assessment 2014

81 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 39 Shoreline assessment of 2016

82 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 40 general overlapping of the available shoreline data The general overlapping shows significant changes on the northern southern tip as well as the bay area on the west facing side. The island of Vattaru has been shrunk to just a few rocks and the halophytes on them.

83 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.4.2.2 Profiles The profiles are attached to the appendix.

Figure 41Image sites 1,2 and 3 From the profiles it is evident that the beaches are typical of that of the Maldivian islands except for the north east facing bay area which shows recession of the beach. The locations of extreme erosion under the scope of the EIA include the following Location 1 marked on the map shows recession of the berm where the riparian vegetation is reportedly lost. Derided up remains of the riparian was observed on site.

1 Similar to location 1, vegetation loss can be observed due to recession of the berm. The management reports that the recession is as much as 10m from the existing berm line.

84 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The building on location 3 shows the extent of recession on site and the effort by the management to save the building.

5.4.2.3 Bathymetry The bathymetry is attached to the appendix the bathymetry shows that the average depth of the primary channel area ranges between 2m to 1.3m in depth. The depth profile is more even and the depth increases as we move away from the reef flat. The bathymetry of the alternative reef area shows that the reef flat at location is relatively deeper than the existing channel with more uneven depth profile. On the northern bay the general depth of the area is between 0.71m and 1.69m above mean sea level. This is the area where one set of breakwater is supposed to be installed. The general borrow area are in close vicinity. The average depth of the area is 0.5m above mean sea level. 5.4.3 Hydrography/hydrodynamics of the project site 5.4.3.1 Tides The tides of the Maldives (Table 5) are generally mixed and semi-diurnal. Neap and spring tides are approximately 0.3 m and 1.0 m respectively. In the central Atolls, maximum spring tide range is 1.1 m. A seasonal mean sea level fluctuation in regional mean sea level with an increase of about 0.1 m during February to April and a decrease of 0.1 m during September to November can be seen. Like in many Atolls semidiurnal tides are experienced in the proposed project site. The tides are largely based on the shape, depth and location of the site. Table 5 Tide levels, Maldives Tide level (Referred to MSL) Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) +0.64 Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +0.34 Mean Lower High Water (MLHW) +0.14 Mean Sea Level (MSL) 0.00 Mean Higher Low Water (MHLW) -0.16 Mean Lower Low Water (MHLW) -0.36 Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) -0.56 Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) +0.64 Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +0.34 Mean Lower High Water (MLHW) +0.14 The motion of the moon and the sun is reflected in the astronomical tides with a range of periodicities. 0.64 m is the highest astronomical tide recorded above the MSL and -0.56 m was the lowest astronomical tide recorded below MSL. Maldives has a general variation of 1.2 m from the lowest to the highest tide. At low tide the movement of water is very low and is an ideal time to conduct marine development works in general.

85 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.4.3.2 Currents The systems that affect the sea around the Maldives are, oceanic currents, tidal currents, wind induced, and wave induced currents. the geography, and geology of the Maldives in the Indian ocean ensures a strong constant flow of water through the atolls. Towards the equator in the Arabian sea, the winds become indicative of the ocean surface currents. Thus, during monsoon the wind become a major factor affecting current velocity and direction. Hence, wind induced currents can dominate. From January to March, the westerly flowing currents tend to dominate and from May to November easterly currents tend to dominate. In April and December, the changes in the current flow of patterns occur. The tidal currents are the horizontal water movement associated with the vertical movements of the rise and fall of the tide. The tidal currents are westward in ebb and eastward in flood. Localised to the project site, the wave induced currents from an important factor affecting the current. On site, drogues were released and retrieved to measure the currents of the harbour area.

86 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 42 Drogue path and current speed

87 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 1.2.1.1 Waves Two monsoon periods govern the swell and wind waves experienced in the Maldives. The swells and wind waves experienced by the Maldives are conditioned by the prevailing biannual monsoon wind directions, and are typically strongest during April – July in the southwest monsoon period. During this season, swells generated north of the equator with heights of 2- 3m with periods of 18-20 seconds have been reported in the region. The proposed project site shows minimum wave action as the project site faces the west which is the inner atoll.

5.4.3.3 Water quality Sea water and ground water quality was analysed using probes on site. Parameters that could not be tested on site were tested in the lab at Male’ water and sewerage company (MWSC). The sites analysed are presented in the survey map. The overall conditions are presented in table below. The data shows that turbidity at all 3 sites are below the 5 NTU during the time of the survey. The PH is between 8 to 8.3. And as for all ground water sites the salinity is low.

88 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Table 6 Sea water and ground water quality of the sites (probe data)

GPS GPS Barometer Cond Sp Cond Sal nLFCond TDS ODO ODO ODO (% Sigma- Sigm ODO (% Temp SITE Latitude Longitude (mmHg) (µS/cm) (µS/cm) (psu) (µS/cm) (mg/L) (% Sat) (mg/L) Local) T (s t) a (s) LocalB) (°F) (°) (°) krm 5.66928 ° 73.38594 ° 754.20 2012.60 1858.50 0.93 1841.55 1208.00 97.54 7.42 97.60 -3.44 -3.44 98.30 84.80 gw1 krm 5.66901 ° 73.38809 ° 754.33 18966.70 17119.47 9.99 16912.79 11127.61 97.48 6.90 97.53 2.89 2.89 98.21 87.17 wet krm 5.66613 ° 73.38376 ° 755.70 54043.57 48489.01 31.66 47864.96 31517.86 108.14 6.74 108.19 18.89 18.89 108.76 87.85 sws1 krm 5.66791 ° 73.38669 ° 755.10 60586.54 54853.21 36.16 54212.72 35654.53 102.84 6.32 102.88 22.44 22.44 103.50 86.85 wss2 krm 5.68113 ° 73.38419 ° 753.71 59966.00 55314.17 36.55 54801.80 35954.21 99.93 6.24 99.96 23.10 23.10 100.75 84.92 sws3 krm 5.66870 ° 73.37816 ° 753.96 60008.04 55504.63 36.69 55009.59 36077.96 97.36 6.09 97.40 23.25 23.25 98.14 84.65 sws4 krm 5.66278 ° 73.37750 ° 754.33 29337.93 27063.45 17.14 26812.95 17591.21 98.35 6.88 98.40 8.61 8.61 99.09 84.90 sws ctrl krm 5.67337 ° 73.38718 ° 756.93 18.38 17.55 0.01 17.45 11.00 98.30 7.75 98.35 -3.63 -3.63 98.69 81.68 fws 4

89 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. MWSC report

90 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 43 MWSC report

91 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

5.5 Ecology To provide a better description of the environment, as a part of the literature review governmental databases and local knowledge was reviewed and described. The detail study of the site that followed focused on gathering site specific data and the data for the areas that fall under the footprint of the proposed project location, proposed alternative sites, and surrounding impact zone.

5.5.1 Area analysis. 5.5.1.1 Overall site analysis.

Figure 44 Aerial habitat analysis Areal analysis and site specific data shows that the island has typical features of Maldivian islands with a considerable reef flat, blue hole, and two separate island structures where Karinmaa has the dominant vegetation and Vattaru is slowly loosing its vegetation. As expected the reef flat on the north west facing part of the island close to

92 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. the island does not have much reef structures and marine life. However, on the reef slope of the westward side is typical of other islands. The south eastern side has considerable marine structures typical of Maldives islands. 5.5.1.2 Existing conditions The following section will give an overall view with photos to show the existing conditions on site,. The island has been developed for the use of the proponent. Roads have been made to enable the produce to be easily moved across the island. Therefore, movement will hardly require land clearance.

Figure 45 Roads on site

Figure 46 Aquaculture Brood, Egg Figure 48 Agriculture unit 1 and Rearing tank units on land.

Figure 49 inside one of the green houses Figure 47 Aquaculture Rearing on the island tanks, one unit The island has two major sections, the aqua culture section and the agriculture section Agriculture section and aqua culture section are separated from each other therefore, the incoming work force will be made aware of location upon entry. The aquaculture section is also has a fence/ fences off for security reasons to prevent un authorised entry.

93 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Rainwater harvesting can be seen practiced throughout the island. the island makes and harvests rain water for both utility and consumption.

Figure 50Water harvest tanks the proponent has stockpiled the required construction material on land at different locations. Which shows that the proponent is ready for work.

Figure 51 Pipeline stockpile The proponent also has considerable number of machinery on the island which are maintained by the staff. It is unlikely that the management will have to purchase further equipment for the development

Figure 52 On site equipment

94 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The shoreline of the north facing beach shows extreme recession. This is a point in which the proponent wishes to nourish the beach.

Figure 53 Erosion seen near house Western beach shows no impact as such

Figure 54 Western beach location

Southern beach tip is sandy as well.

Figure 55 Southern tip photo

5.5.2 Benthic condition Site specific benthic condition shows the unique relationship of the biological environment to the geological features. An analysis of the features site specifically is important as a baseline during the monitoring process. The benthic condition was monitored site specifically. The sites analysed were in the footprints, periphery of the footprints of the proposed work area, and the proposed alternatives.

95 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1 Findings 5.5.2.1.1 Bo1

Figure 56 Benthic condition Bo1 Shallow area with a general depth of 1.2m at low tide ( time of survey). Turbid waters with a horizontal visibility of approximately 1m. proposed work footprint is predominantly fine sand with almost no sign of rubble on the surface. Clear top surface depth is not established as it exceeds 15 cm. Bo1 is ideal for the proposed geo tube filling. The area has sufficient sediment that can be used for the purpose of borrowing sand. There are no visible signs of hard coral or rubble during the time of the survey on the surface. 5.5.2.1.2 Bo2

Figure 57 Benthic condition Bo2 Shallow area with a general depth of 2m at mid tide ( time of survey). Turbid waters with a horizontal visibility of approximately 2.5m. Proposed work footprint is predominantly fine sand and sediment with patches of sea grass and accompanying algae. Clear top surface depth is not established as it exceeds 15 cm. Bo2 is an alternative borrow area for the proposed geo tube filling. The area has sufficient sediment that can be used for the purpose of borrowing sand however, it has a patches of Halophilia ovalis on the island. Therefore, it is safe to assume that related diversity will exist in the area.

96 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.3 Bo3

Figure 58 Benthic condition Bo3 Shallow area with a general depth of 1.5m at low tide ( time of survey). Turbid waters with a horizontal visibility of approximately 3m. proposed work footprint is predominantly fine sand with almost no sign of rubble on the surface. Clear top surface depth is not established as it exceeds 15 cm. BO3 is an alternative borrow site for the proposed geo tube filling. The area has sufficient sediment that can be used in the process.

97 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.4 Br1

Figure 59 Benthic condition Br1

Br1 Shows signs of anthropological damage. It also shows a small amount of hard coral on site. The site a location for proposed breakwaters. A 100m transect was taken on site moving north wards, the findings are presented in the above figure. Shallow reef flat area of approximate depth of 2m at high tide. Turbid waters with a horizontal visibility of 1.5m approximately. The benthic composition is sand rubble, rock, algae and hard corals. The hard coral encountered were Porites rus. on rock boulders and other forms with occasional Fungiidae and massive coral. The algae encountered include Schizothrix calcicola. However it must be noted that algae was not recorded on the transect.

98 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.5 Br2

Figure 60 Benthic condition Br2

Initially the zone was a very shallow reef flat area with an approximate depth of 0.5m at high tide. However, as we moved further north east, the depth increased to a maximum depth of 1.5m at the end of the visual survey. Predominantly rubble with considerable growth of an algae representing Schizothrix calcicole. Traces of other forms of algae are also visible. The hard coral encountered were Porites rus. on rock boulders and other forms with occasional Fungiidae and massive coral. Br2 shows signs of natural damage. A small amount of hard coral can be seen. The site a location for proposed breakwaters. A transect 100 m was taken on site, it is presented on the figure above.

99 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.6 Br3

Figure 61 Benthic condition Br3

The zone showed a constant depth of approximately 1m at high tide. The depth remains constant throughout. Predominantly rubble with considerable growth of an algae representing Schizothrix calcicole. Traces of other forms of algae are also visible. The hard coral encountered were Porites rus. on rock boulders. Halophilia ovalis was observed close to shoreline. Br3 shows signs of natural damage. A small amount of hard coral can be seen. The site is a location for proposed breakwaters. A transect 100m was taken on site, on the figure above.

100 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.7 Br4

Figure 62 Benthic condition Br4

The zone gets deeper towards the south. The zone being the tip of the island deepens in a shallow slope. The estimated depth of the area ranges from 0.5m to 1.5m. No significant coral forms were observed on site. Much of the location was rubble, and over the sand patches of Halophilia ovalis was observed. Br4 does not have identifiable damages to the benthic area as seen in the previous sites. The site had sufficient sea grass and associated marine life. The site is a location for proposed breakwaters. A transect 100m was taken on site, it is presented on figure above.

101 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.8 Cont 1

Figure 63 Benthic condition Cont 1

Cont 1 is one of the selected reference sites. There is no work proposed for the site. The closest site of work from this zone is Br4 where breakwater is proposed. The site is shallow approximately 1.3m deep. The site is predominantly sand with coral colonies on site. the exact colony on site was difficult to determine. However, the Porites rus. on rock boulders was evident. The site can be used in monitoring for comparison prior to and after the construction. A transect 100m was taken on site, the observations are presented in the above figure.

102 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.9 AQ1.1

Figure 64 Benthic condition AQ1.1

The AQ1.1 is the site for floating pontoon. The site surveyed was approximately 3 to 4 m at high tide. The benthic composition is predominantly sand silt and seagrass. The sea grass encountered was Halophilia ovalis. The site is a deeper lagoon area surrounded by the reef flat of relatively shallow depth. The location of survey was turbid and visibility was low at the bottom. The benthic composition was a mixture of sand (SD) and sediment (SI) dominated the area. However, the top layer shows predominantly fine sand and sediment.

103 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.10 ALT CH2.0. Cont 2

Figure 65 Benthic condition ALT CH2.0. Cont 2

The location for the alternative channel is a sloping reef opening up to the inner atoll. The area is diverse with numerous coral forms. This included various massive corals, Pocilliopora spp., Acroporidae spp., and Porites rus. The area also had numerous Fungiidae spp. In the area Tydemania expeditions or pom pom algae.

104 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The site is the location for the alternative channel. The location was proposed due to the location being a safe area for entry in comparison to the other locations proposed. The area is also the second control site as the location has numerous coral forms. 5.5.2.1.11 Channel 5.5.2.1.11.1 Ch2.2 North side

Figure 66 Benthic condition Ch2.2 N

The location is north of the proposed channel. The area is sandy with numerous Merulinidae species in massive and encrusting forms, Fungiidae species scattered throughout, Poritidae species, Acroporidae species and pocilloporidae species. The approximate depth is 2 to 3m at mid tide on the reef flat.

105 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.2.1.11.2 Ch Southern side

Figure 67 Benthic condition Ch2.2 S The location is south of the proposed channel. The area is sandy with various massive corals. The approximate depth varies from 1.5 to 2m at mid tide. The sites are from the north side and the south side of the existing channel. The area is sandy with numerous Merulinidae species in massive and encrusting forms, and Fungiidae species scattered throughout. The approximate depth is 2 to 3m at mid tide on the reef flat. 5.5.3 Fish spotting The presence of fish in an aquatic environment is a complicated feature which depends on time, tide, anthropological impact, availability of food, weather, breeding season, habitat etc. The data acquired in the study must be considered as a snapshot of the conditions that are present.

106 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.5.3.1 Findings

Table 7 Fish encountered

Name

Bo1 Bo2 Bo3 Br1 Br2 Br3 Br4 1 Cont AQ1.1 ALT CH2.0.C Channel ont2 2.2 Ch North Ch Side Southern Side Titan Trigger fish    Squirrelfishes   Sweetlips     Moorish Idol  Jacks and  Trevallies Butterfly fishes     Blue steak Cleaner  Wrasse Anemonefishes  Pomacentridae        Grouper  Blue surgeon  Puffer fish    Eel 

5.5.4 Vegetation Survey Vegetation survey was conducted on 26th July 2020 showed that the coastal vegetation consist of sea lettuce, octopus bush and patches of iron wood.

Figure 68 coastal vegetation

Inner area of the island has some coconut palms, Indian almond trees and funa trees. There are no significant old trees on the island. There newly planted breadfruit trees and water apple trees.

107 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 69 Inner vegetation Commonly farmed vegetables includes, watermelons, bitter-gourd, brinjal, lettuce, banana (3 species), Dragon fruit, Water apple, Coconut, Sweet melon, and Chilli

Figure 70 Farm vegetation 5.5.5 Sedimentation The following are the rate of sedimentation on the test sites. The sedimentation is set against the daily sedimentation of 15 mg/cm2/day. Table 8 Sedimentation data Location Rate of sedimentation Ch merge 0,127273 Br3 0,159091 Bo1 0,076364

108 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

5.5.6 Noise levels It must be noted that the noise levels fluctuate greatly with time. Table 9 Noise levels

JETTY ROOM Noise levels in dB MAIN STORE 81 Cold store room 79 Mass storage area 1 70 Mass storage area 2 82 Office block 83 Visitor accommodation 81 Oners’ kitchen and storage 71 Oners’ block 72 Staff block x 4, 1 83 Staff block x 4, 2 79 Canteen 79 Entertainment room 79 Staff room 78 Mosque 78 Staff block x 2, 1 81 Staff room 81 Work shop 84 Power house 86 Hatchery (Sea cucumber) 71 Medical Quarantine zone 46 Waste management area 86 Parking area 1 51 Parking area 2 54

109 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.6 Socio-economic environment The island of N Karinmaa Vattaru, is located at the south east facing ridge of the atoll. The south eastern side of the island is surrounded by the open ocean as it fringes the atoll. On the north western face of the island faces the inner atoll. The closest local islands to the island are Manadhoo, Velidhoo and Magoodhoo. Where the locals of Manadhoo are directly dependent on the island for vegetables.

5.6.1 Atoll Data The atoll data was sourced from the published data from the Atoll council website. 5.6.1.1 Population Figure 71 Atoll population data

Among the islands, the highest populated islands in the atoll are Velidhoo, Holhudhoo and Manadhoo respectively. Manadhoo being the closest island to site, the main products are sent to the island. The graph showing the age group distribution below shows that the

110 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. resident populations of the islands are mostly above 18 years of age for most of the islands. Figure 72 Atoll population age data

5.6.1.1 Education The centralised model of population distribution in Maldives has lead to an uneven population in the schools as well. Noonu atoll is not an exception in this regard as can be seen from the figure below. It must be noted that at Holhudhoo, the island has a branch of MI collage which is reflected in the data.

111 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 73 Atoll population education data

Education

Lohi 57 79 28

Kendhi kulhudhoo 88 169 174

Maafaru 68 122 80

Kudafari 59 64 52

Landhoo 57 91 47

Velidhoo 106 212 114

Miladhoo 63 151 81

Hemboodhoo 39 98 42

Magoodhoo 21 30

Holhudhoo 90 220 64 31

Maalhendhoo 46 98 55

Fohdhoo 21 21

Manadhoo 136 298

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Preschool Primary and Secondary Highschool University

5.6.1.1 House hold distribution The average household distribution in the atoll shows that the average occupied households except for Fohdhoo and Magoodhoo are in there hundreds However, this shows a high congestion on all islands.

112 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 74 Atoll population home occupancy data

113 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

5.6.1 Karinmaa Vattaru Data 5.6.1.1 History The recalled history of the island shows that the island has always been an uninhibited which has been used for agriculture and other uses. The oldest record that is available and published shows that the island always was recognised as an unnamed significant geographical feature of the atoll.

Figure 75 Map by (H.C.P. Bell, 1940) According to some the island had few families on the island in the past. However, they lack the information of the date, status as either employees or locals, and number of families and the eventual fate of the settlers.

114 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. It was reported from Manadhoo that the island’s agricultural practices during this time and in the years to come was not in anyway remarkable and only produced firewood throughout as far as they remember. 5.6.1.2 Other details On site the island houses 33 staff for numerous works. The staff details are presented below. Where the majority of the staff on island are for the agricultural activities. The staff are from different nationalities where, the majority of the staff are Filipino.

Figure 76 Staff population

115 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Figure 77 Staff nationality

As per the program manager on island, the staff on site are sufficient for the daily activities. However, for additional activities staff has to be brought in. 5.6.1.3 Health The island has its own health and first aid section. However, the island is predominantly dependent on the administrative capital of Manadhoo for serious cases. Manadhoo hospital has the capacity to aid in COVID 19 response and any other necessary medical needs. The island is further aided by the management of Cheval Blanc, Randheli resort for emergency response and transportation. 5.6.1.4 Electricity, Water and Sewage The island does not have a government electric, water, or sewage system like the rest of the islands in the atoll. The island depends on four tanks of 18 cubic meters, 9 cubic meters, 9 cubic meters, and 13 cubic meters respectively. The septic tanks are managed and cleaned as scheduled since establishment. The island has 4 power generators of two 80 KVa, 30Kva and 20Kva respectively. Which works together or one at time depending on the islands occupancy. The island also has a 45KW solar panel system, Peaking at 70KW on the island complete with a 96KW battery.

The water supply of the island is from the Reverse osmosis plant established in the island. The plant has an output of 40 L per minute and the water is stored in 20,000 L and 1000 L tank. The island also has rainwater harvesting established on the island. 5.6.1.5 Transportation The island is dependent there own 65ft and 45 ft supply dhonies for transportation / supply and occasionally on local boats for small supplies 5.6.1.6 Main output of the island The main output of the island so far includes, watermelons, bittergourd, brinjal, lettuce, banana (3 species), Dragon fruit, Water apple, Coconut, Sweet melon, greenhouse cucumber, papaya, hydroponics salad leaves, and Chilli.

116 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5.7 Hazard vulnerability The hazard risk assessment of the area was derived from the hazard profile published in the Base Line Study Report, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005). 5.7.1 Tsunamis. Tsunami hazard is mostly from the east. Understandably this is due to the active state of the tectonic plates at the east. Historically, Maldives has been affected by three earthquake sources in the Indian Ocean. Of the total 85 tsunamis generated since 1816, 67 originated from the Sumatra subduction zone in east and the remaining 13 from the Makran coast zone in north and Carlsburg Transform fault zone in south. Hence, islands along the eastern fringe of the atolls faces a grater hazard than the western. N Karinmaa Vattaru opens up to the east along with the other islands on the eastern fringe, are in the highest hazard zones. The island is in hazard zone 5, where the probable wave height is 320-450cm (Table 10) Table 10 Tsunami hazard zone and wave height (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) Hazard Zone Range of probable maximum wave height 1 <30 cm 2 30-80 cm 3 80-250 cm 4 250-320 cm 5 320-450 cm

117 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 78 Tsunami hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)

5.7.2 Storms. The cyclone hazard zone for Maldives is highest in the north. Historical records indicate that during 1877 to 2004, eleven cyclones crossed Maldives. Where the frequency reduces as we move towards the south. Hence, the northern atolls are at a higher hazard from cyclonic winds and storm surge (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)

118 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 79 Cyclone hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)

Table 11 Cyclone hazard zone in Maldives and the probable maximum wind speed (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) Hazard Zone Probable Maximum Wind Saffir Simpson Speed Scale 1 0.0 0 2 55.9 0 3 69.6 1 4 84.2 2 5 96.8 3

119 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The island is in region 4 of the hazard zone where the maximum probable wind speed is medium . 5.7.3 Storm tide hazard Local storms are high in the Maldives. Usually accompanied by rainfall and high waves. In general he southern parts of the islands are mostly affected during April and December, which is the interim period between northeast and southwest monsoon season. (Figure 80), (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005).

Figure 80 Surge hazard zones, (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)

Table 12 Hazard zones and specific conditional data (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005). Hazard Zone Pressure drop Storm Surge Average Tide Storm tide (M) hPa Height height (m) 1 - - - - 2 15 0.45 0.93 1.38 3 15 0.60 0.93 1.53 4 30 0.99 0.98 1.97

120 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 5 30 1.32 0.98 2.30

The island is exposed to the eastern fringe due to the its eastern location. The surge hazard data shows that the island falls under the surge hazard zone 5. 5.7.4 Earth quake Hazard The islands in Seenu, Gavini, and Gaafu are at the hazard zone of a seismic activity. Otherwise the entire country is in the low seismic hazard zones. (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005)

Figure 81 the seismic hazard zones for Maldives (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005).

The island falls under the seismic hazard zone 1 hence has a MMI value range for 475 year return period of less than 4.5.

121 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Table 13 the seismic hazard zones for Maldives (UNISDR-ADRRN, 2005) Seismic hazard zones MMI value range for 475 years return period 1 Less than 4.5 2 4.5 to 5 3 5.0 to 5.5 4 5.5 to 7.0 5 7.0 to 8.0

6 Potential Impacts 6.1 Introduction In this section the objective is to investigate the potential impacts of the proposed project on the existing environment. The identification of an impact does not ensure the occurrence of the impact and it does not mean that it cannot be mitigated. However, it informs the authorities that the proponent is made aware of the impacts and the contractor is informed of the expected mitigation measures for the proposed project prior to awarding of the work. 6.2 Impact predication Various methods of impact assessment are available. The assessor must understand and consider the proposed method, the baseline natural environment and the socioeconomic environment of the project while assessing the impacts.

The principle of Leopold matrix (Leopold, Clarke, Hanshaw, & Baisiey, 1971) has been used to classify the magnitude and importance of the possible impacts which may arise during the various stages of the proposed project. The dimensions of the matrix refer to the possible / foreseeable / probable impacts of the proposed work/project/activity) on the existing environmental conditions at the proposed work area. Leopold matrix lists numerous actions which cause impacts and environmental conditions. The current matrix is modified for the specific project. The actions are evaluated in terms of magnitude of impact on the environment, significance of impact on the environment and the probability of impact as described in the paper by Josimović & Petric, 2014. Table 14 Evaluation criteria, grading scale Evaluated criteria Designation Scale Impact probability M impact is possible (probability of less than 50%); V impact is probable (probability of over 50%); I impact is certain (100% probability). Impact magnitude 0 No observable effect 1 Low effect 2 Tolerable effect 3 Medium high effect

122 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 4 High effect 5 Very high effect Impact significance L Limited impact on location O impact of importance for municipality; R impact of regional character; N impact of national character; M Impact of cross-border character. Impact duration P Occasional/Temporary D Long term/ Permanent

The proposed project is straight forward and has few potential impacts due to dredging during the construction phase. The operation phase has fewer potential impacts. 6.3 Limitations of impact prediction The limitations of the impact prediction are. Due to time constrains and scheduling, long term data necessary for impact prediction is unavailable. Thus, acting as a major limitation. Long term data is necessary to understand the complex systems of the project area A limited understanding of these unique features and how these features change over time and the impact the locals have on these features due to their activities and a lack of documented historical data is another limitation. The possible bias in the available historical data, stakeholder’s consultation and the proponent’s information is also considered. Impact prediction is carried out using the available data during site visit. Hence, is another major limitation. 6.4 Impact zone analysis. The impact zone is presented in the following chart. The zone covers a considerable marine area and a considerable terrestrial area.

123 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Figure 82 Impact zone ( reduced map )

124 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 6.5 Impact classification Impact classification is as per the following criteria • General overall mobilisation • Impact of Dredging & excavation work • Impact of Shoreline restoration • Impact of Shore protection; groynes • Impact of Shore protection; breakwater Component: • Impact of Component:, o Floating pontoons platform cages. • All of which will be assessed on the social, and environmental components.

General General overall mobilisation & Dredging excavation work Shoreline restoration Shore protection; groynes Shore protection; breakwater Component: Floating pontoon platform cages

cages

structures

Mobilisation, off Construction camp work Dredging Stockpiling Borrowing Alternative sites borrow pumping Sand t Alternative use excavator groyne Proposed structures to Alternative groyne proposed geobags rock alternative option boulder Proposed pontoon floating alternative

125 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 6.6 Impact prediction 6.6.1 Impact on the natural environment 6.6.1.1 Changes in flow velocities/directions, resulting in changes in erosion/sedimentation patterns, which may impact shore zone configuration/coastal morphology; Change of flow velocity Impact on beach dynamics Impact on coastal morphology General category Activity Impact identified Impact summarised Monitoring Mitigation proposed prescribed General overall Mobilisation, ** major mobilisation is not mobilisation scheduled Construction **no specific work camp is to of work be built. camp Influx of Addition of construction construction workers are not likely to have workers an impact on the coastal morphology. Vehicle Vehicle movement is likely to Footprint Mo7. Regular Mi7 Identify a path movement cause changes on the beach. destruction beach monitoring as on to the beach and Destruction of the beach rock rock, and rubble on specified to check follow. is likely. site.. changes in the path. Dredging & excavation Dredging Proposed dredging will have Altering currents Mo1. Periodic Mi1 If currents work an impact on the flow velocity monitoring to see change significantly in the area. The channel is changes in currents to show active likely to have a higher flow at destruction of the

126 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. shallower zones. However, in the excavation reef substratum given the current depth of the zone. widening the proposed area, it is unlikely excavation, halt that a significant change in work and report to flow can be noticed. authorities. Change in coastal Mo2. Regular Mi2 If the coast Merging of levelling point of sediment monitoring to using shows drastic the channel is proposed 15m distribution ATS images check changes in the from the existing walkway, a the changes in sediment slight chance of recession of coastal morphology. distribution, stop the toe is expected overtime work, report, and with erosion due to the inner apply shore channel proposed. protection. Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are The dredging practice may monitoring as changes in the in trigger a sudden change in the specified to check the beach profiles, coastal morphology. changes in the showing recession, breach profile report. Stockpiling Stockpiling is proposed Stockpile feed the Mo4 Check to see Mi4, Erect a barrier inwards, therefore, is unlikely beach sediment the integrity of the between the to have any impact on the barrier. stockpile and beach flow velocity. front.

If the stockpile is on the berm line or nearby, it might feed into the toe. This will feed into

127 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. the beach sediment changing the beach dynamics.

Shore protection; groynes Proposed The proposed groyne structure Changes in beach Mo5 regular Mi5, monitor groyne is designed to bring about morphology monitoring to check seasonal changes, structures changes in the shoreline. the extent of sand identify trend. Use The structures are to retain the and change in as baseline to model sand added to the beach. volume retained further between the development. Proposed borrow sites are groynes. likely to cause recession of the Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are on the north western beach monitoring as changes in the in front and tip. specified to check the beach profiles, changes in the showing recession Proposed borrow site; and breach profile Sand sand pumping, has a slight Altering currents on Mo4. Periodic Mi3.1, If currents pumping chance of changing the the beach borrow monitoring to see change significantly currents of the existing area. the changes in to show active environment. currents in the recession of the borrow area. berm, halt work and report to authorities. Alternative Alternative rock bolder option Irregular beach Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are rock bolder for shore protection is more movement. monitoring as changes in the in option permeable and absorbs energy specified to check the beach profiles, showing recession

128 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. more than the smooth changes in the geotubes. breach profile Shoreline restoration Sand One of the objectives of the Undesirable change Mo6 Check to see if Link to Mi5 Dumping proposed dumping action is in the beach the sand moves Mi6 reduce the aimed at feeding the berm so morphology; over the groyne volume of sand fed as to from a more natural accretion of sand in structures and over to the beach berm looking beach. either extremes the north eastern or by removing from Another objective is to ensure after tip. feed berm stockpile. sediment movement between the groynes to absorb wave energy.

Manual labour is proposed to minimise damage to the beach rock existing on site rubble that will be key in retaining the structure of the breach.

The proposed method is unlikely to cause major damages to the beach structure. It is likely to change the beach morphology. Alternative The objective of sand Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are Sand pumping similar to the monitoring as changes in the in pumping to objectives stated above. specified to check

129 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. nourish Sand pumping is unlikely to changes in the the beach profiles, beach cause structural damages to breach profile showing recession the beach. Alternative Here too the objective of the Damage to beach Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are excavator use work done remains the same. rock integrity. monitoring as changes in the in to disperse Damage to the beach structure specified to check the beach profiles, sand is likely. Therefore, if the changes in the showing recession exiting beach rock is damaged breach profile during the development, it is likely that it will cause further changes in the beach morphology. Shore breakwater proposed The proposed bags are likely protection; geobags to disperse the incoming wave Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are energy laterally therefore, is monitoring as changes in the in designed to prevent wave specified to check the beach profiles, impact on the beach. changes in the showing recession, breach profile report. Altering currents Mo4.1. Periodic Mi4.1 If currents monitoring to see change significantly changes in currents to show active in the area destruction of the beach, report Alternative Alternative rock boulder Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are rock boulder option is more permeable. monitoring as changes in the in option specified to check

130 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. This may result in undesirable changes in the the beach profiles, changes in beach morphology. breach profile showing recession Component: Floating Proposed Floating pontoon platform Beach accretion ** ** pontoon floating cages are unlikely to cause pontoon any impact on the coastal morphology

The currents may change, however, the change may cause changes in the beach profile. Alternative Fixed cages are likely to block Sediment build up ** ** cages the flow. This may also cause sediment build-up.

131 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 6.6.1.2 Loss of marine bottom habitat, both in the borrow area as well as due to enlargement of the islands, resulting in (temporary) loss of bottom life, which may impact fish stocks and species diversity and density of crabs, shellfish etc.; Impact on footprint, of the dredging area. Impact on fish stocks and species Sedimentation impacts, due to transportation Impact on the terrestrial plants and animals General category Activity Impact identified Impact summarised Monitoring Mitigation proposed prescribed General overall Mobilisation, ** major mobilisation is not mobilisation scheduled Construction **no specific work camp is to of work be built. camp Influx of Addition of construction Impact on the Mo18, regular Mi18, Age of construction workers are not likely to have diversity of species monitoring of employment of all workers an impact on the biota of the on the island. baseline benthic staff should be 18 island and the reef diversity. conditions years and above, so as to ensure The staff are not to utilise, accountability of disrupt, destroy, or use any of actions. the resources on or close to the island. Mi18.1, Inform the The contractor is mandated to staff of the inform the staff of the following; consequence of a breach of sand mining act, any law applicable. Environment

132 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. protection and The staff may have an impact preservation act, on the marine life and Regulation on sand surrounding flora and fauna, and coral mining, specifically sea grass bed and Regulation on associated marine life such as dredging and land turtles, rays, etc. reclamation, and Regulation on Hunting and catching of cutting down trees marine animals associated with the reef will have an impact on the habitat. Vehicle Vehicle movement will have Footprint Mo7. Regular Mi7 Identify a path movement an impact on the numerous destruction beach monitoring as on to the beach and biota on the beach. rock, and rubble on specified to check follow. Beach movement and footpath site. changes in the path. movement is likely to cause Sediment kick up Mo8. Regular Mi8, Halt sediment kick up. monitoring for construction if The path is unlikely to cause sedimentation and sedimentation any harm to terrestrial life- increased turbidity. reaches forms. 15mg/cm2/day.

133 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Dredging & excavation Dredging The impact of the footprint Sedimentation Mo8. Regular Mi8, Halt work due to the dredging activity is impacts monitoring for construction if inevitable. It must be noted sedimentation and sedimentation that in locations where increased turbidity. reaches dredging is required, the 15mg/cm2/day. bottom is predominantly sandy. Impact on the footprint is inevitable. Sedimentation due to dredging, and transportation is likely to move fauna away. Stockpiling The stockpile area has little to ** ** ** no impact on the footprint as the area of stockpile assigned is predominantly primary beach flora Shore protection; groynes Proposed The structures are proposed on Sedimentation Mi9, sediment groyne areas which has predominantly impacts control measures on structures sand. site. It is unlikely that the footprint Fixed sediment will fall on any significant life- control measures. forms. ** M10, Work on low Sand pumping proposed is and mid tide, never likely to cause significant on the receding impact on the borrow footprint. tide.

134 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Both sand pumping and filling Mo8. Regular Mi8, Halt is likely to cause monitoring for construction if sedimentation. sedimentation and sedimentation increased turbidity. reaches 15mg/cm2/day. Sand Beach erosion. Mo3. Regular Mi3 If there are pumping monitoring as changes in the in specified to check the beach profiles, changes in the showing recession, breach profile report and act as advised. Alternative The alternative rock bolder ** ** ** rock bolder option will have the same option impact on the footprint as the previous one. However, it is likely that over time, the rock boulders will be colonised by various life-forms. Shoreline restoration Sand Sand dumping, nourishment, Sedimentation Mi9, sediment Dumping and mechanised sediment impacts control measures on Alternative movement for nourishment is site. Sand likely to cause sedimentation. Fixed sediment pumping to on the shoreline. The relative control measures. nourish area is sandy and will not have beach a significant impact on the

135 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Alternative region. However, if un excavator use mitigated, it can do harm to to disperse the benthic life-forms in reach sand of the currents. Shore breakwater proposed The proposed geo bags will ** ** ** protection; geobags have an impact on the footprint. The geo bags are likely to cause numerous lifeforms to colonise overtime. Alternative The alternative rock bolder ** ** ** rock boulder option will have the same option impact on the footprint as the previous one. However, it is likely that over time, the rock boulders will be colonised by various life-forms. Component:, Floating Proposed The proposed floating pontoon pontoon floating platform cages are likely to pontoon collect benthic life on to the bottom of the nets.

6.6.1.3 Sediment dispersal in water column (turbidity at the dredging site (overflow) and related to shore protection activities), possibly resulting in changes in visibility, smothering of coral reefs and benthic communities and affecting fish and shellfish etc.; Impact of sedimentation Spread of sedimentation Impact of sedimentation on the ground water column

136 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. General category Activity Impact identified Impact Monitoring Mitigation proposed summarised prescribed General overall Mobilisation, ** major mobilisation is mobilisation not scheduled Construction of **no specific work camp work camp is to be built. Influx of Addition of construction construction workers are not likely to workers have an impact on sedimentation. Vehicle Vehicle movement on the Sedimentation and Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low and movement shoreline, and lagoon is turbidity impacts monitoring for mid tide, never on the likely to kick up sediment and spread of sedimentation and receding tide. The sediment can likely sediment increased turbidity. smother benthic life- forms, stress corals and scare away fauna. Dredging & excavation Dredging Spread of sediment plume Mi8, Halt construction if work due to receding tides can sedimentation reaches be problematic and may 15mg/cm2/day. kill off stressed corals. Coral bleaching Mo11, At Mi11, if signs of monitoring points bleaching can be seen observe for halt work, and report bleaching Mi12, Prior to dredging, regularly. consult MMRC to prepare for work and

137 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. check NOAA’s updates on the level of stress.

Stockpiling Stockpiling is unlikely to Spill of sand M013, monitor Mi4 Erect a barrier cause sedimentation, it is feeding the beach fence regularly. between the stockpile likely to cause occasional sediment and beach front. nourishment of the beach on site. Shore protection; Proposed Placement will kick up Sedimentation MO15, Monitor Mi9, sediment control groynes groyne sand, however is unlikely impacts. integrity of the measures on site. structures to cause major sediment placed silt curtain, Fix mount silt barriers plume. and sediment during work. barrier. ** Slit barriers followed The sediment can likely by silt curtains. smother benthic life- Fixed sediment control forms, stress corals and measures scare away fauna. Sand pumping Filling is likely to cause Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low and sedimentation in the monitoring for mid tide, never on the lagoon. sedimentation and receding tide. increased turbidity. Mi8, Halt construction if sedimentation reaches Alternative rock Placement of boulders on 15mg/cm2/day. bolder option site is also likely to case sedimentation. Shoreline restoration Sand Dumping

138 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Alternative Sedimentation is likely Sand pumping due to sand dumping, to nourish regardless of the beach methodology used. Alternative excavator use to disperse sand Shore breakwater proposed Filling is from stockpile ** ** ** protection; geobags and is unlikely to cause sedimentation Placement is manual and ** ** ** is unlikely to cause sedimentation. Alternative rock Alternative rock bolder Footprint M07.1, Monitor Mi7.1, Determine and boulder option placement is likely to destruction footprint path and enforce, footprint path cause sedimentation destruction nearby. for all vehicles involved. during preparation and placement. However, the sedimentation rate is less. Component:, Floating Proposed During placement pontoon floating sedimentation may occur, pontoon however, given the isolated location and * * * distance from coral colonies, impact may be negligible.

139 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Alternative Fixing may stir up cages sediment. However, given the isolated location and * * * distance from coral colonies, impact may be negligible.

6.6.1.4 Impacts of noise, vibration and disturbance; Impact of noise Impact of vibration General category Activity Impact identified Impact Monitoring Mitigation summarised prescribed proposed General overall Mobilisation, ** major mobilisation is not scheduled mobilisation Construction of **no specific work camp is to be built. work camp Influx of Addition of construction workers will have construction an impact on the overall noise levels of the workers island. However, unlikely to reach unbearable levels. Vehicle movement Noise pollution is inevitable. The movement Noise Mo15, Mi15, assign ear of vehicles in the project will lead to noise pollution monitor noise mufflers for the pollution. This will cause an increased levels help and ambient noise from the baseline of 53dB operators. inland.

140 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Dredging & Dredging Noise pollution is inevitable. Dredging and excavation work excavation and stockpiling will lead to noise pollution. This will cause an increased Stockpiling ambient noise from the baseline of 81dB on location. Dredging & Alternative rock Noise pollution is inevitable. Dredging and excavation work bolder option excavation and stockpiling will lead to noise pollution. This will cause an increased ambient noise from the baseline of 73dB on location. Shoreline Alternative Noise pollution is inevitable. The movement restoration excavator use to of vehicles in the project will lead to noise Shore protection; disperse sand pollution. This will cause an increased groynes ambient noise from the baseline of 81dB inland. Shore protection; Alternative rock Noise pollution is inevitable. The movement breakwater boulder option of vehicles in the project will lead to noise pollution. Adding to this, rock boulder movement can also lead to further noise pollution Shore protection; Proposed groyne Assemblage of the structure may not have a ** ** ** groynes structures significant noise pollution. Shore protection; Proposed groyne Assemblage of the structure may not have a groynes structures significant noise pollution. Sand pumping Sand pumping may not have a significant noise pollution.

141 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Shoreline Sand Dumping Sand pumping may not have a significant restoration Alternative Sand noise pollution. Shore protection; pumping to groynes nourish beach Shore protection; proposed geobags Proposed geobags may not have a significant breakwater noise pollution. Component:, Proposed floating Proposed assemblage may not have a Floating pontoon pontoon significant noise pollution Alternative cages

6.6.1.5 Impacts on ground water table and quality as a result of reclamation areas (leaching of salts in the deposited sediments and change in ground water quantity); ** refer to General category Activity Impact identified Impact Monitoring Mitigation summarised proposed proposed Dredging & Stockpiling Stockpiling is not likely to have a major Leaching and Mo16, Check Mi17, Use geo excavation work impact on the ground water table water flow to the monitoring; textile as basin proposed beach location. ground water. baseline ground before water. stockpiling. Shore protection; Sand pumping Sand pumping, dumping is directed on to ** ** ** groynes the beach. Therefore, a major impact on Sand Dumping the ground water table is not likely.

142 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Shoreline Alternative Further inland, changes in the ground restoration Sand pumping water concentration is not expected. to nourish beach Alternative excavator use to disperse sand

6.6.1.6 Impacts on unique or threatened habitats or species (coral reefs, sea turtles etc.), and The island has coral reefs surrounding the island with unique species spotted on land. This includes; white terns, White-tailed Tropicbirds, Turtles and numerous rays on the reef flat. General category Activity Impact identified Impact summarised Monitoring Mitigation proposed proposed General overall Mobilisation, ** major mobilisation mobilisation is not scheduled Construction of **no specific work work camp camp is to be built. Influx of Addition of Impact of influx of Mo19, during Mi18, Age of construction construction workers on; turtles, monitoring, check employment of all workers workers may have sea birds, crabs and for unlawful staff should be 18 an impact on the coral reefs. practices such as; years and above, so unique species bird traps, trapped as to ensure spotted on land. birds, shark remains, accountability of turtle remains, sea actions. bird and turtle eggs

143 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. for sold and Mi18.1, Inform the discarded cercus. staff of the following; sand mining act, Environment protection and preservation act, Regulation on sand and coral mining, Regulation on dredging and land reclamation, and Regulation on cutting down trees Dredging & excavation Dredging Dredging of the Impact of dredging Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low work channel will have an on on; turtles, and monitoring for and mid tide, never impact on the coral reefs. sedimentation and on the receding tide. diversity of biota in increased turbidity. the surrounding Mo11, At Mi8, Halt areas. monitoring points construction if The existing observe for sedimentation entrance channel has bleaching regularly. reaches varying patches of 15mg/cm2/day. reefs. The reefs Mi11, if signs of harbour varying life- bleaching can be

144 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. forms that can be seen halt work, and impacted due to report dredging. Mi12, Prior to dredging, consult MMRC to prepare for work and check NOAA’s updates on the level of stress. Stockpiling Stockpiling location is primarily identified as a non nesting site. therefore, negative impact of stockpiling is not anticipated. Shoreline restoration Borrowing Borrowing is likely Impact on sting rays Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low Alternative borrow to impact the patch Impact on sea turtles monitoring for and mid tide, never sites sea grass habitat of sedimentation and on the receding tide. the surrounding increased turbidity. areas. This will have an impact on the coral reefs, where the sediment kicked up and not sucked up will spread into

145 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. the lagoon. This will also have an impact on the grazers and mega fauna on site that will lose habitat. Sand pumping On the restoration Impact on the coral MO15, Monitor Mi9, sediment Alternative site, sedimentation reefs and associated integrity of the control measures on excavator use is the key issue of species. placed silt curtain, site. concern as it can and sediment Fix mount silt easily form a plume barrier. barriers during regardless of the work. method of ** Slit barriers restoration. followed by silt This can impact the curtains. isolated patch reefs Fixed sediment around the island control measures impacting the associated species. Shore protection; groynes Proposed groyne The groyne structures structures are Alternative to unlikely to have a ** groyne structures negative impact on any habitat, given the placement location and lack of

146 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. fauna and flora in the area. Shore breakwater proposed geotubes Breakwater Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low protection; alternative rock placement will have monitoring for and mid tide, never boulder option. an impact on the sedimentation and on the receding tide. footprint. increased turbidity. It will to a certain extent, have sedimentation impact on the patch reefs on the area. The main objective post placement is to encourage sediment deposition. Deposition will have a positive impact on the nesting bird and turtle behaviour observed during the survey. Component:, Floating Proposed floating Proposed floating ** pontoon pontoon pontoon anchor alternative cages placement is likely to cause sediment kick up.

147 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

6.6.1.7 Impacts of Floating pontoon 6.6.1.7.1 Impact to fish Disease outbreaks in the systems is a major possibility. The likelihood of this scenario is high if a section population exceeds the maximum capacity leading to a concentration in the pontoon platform cages. It is important to monitor for Parasites such as Zeylanicobdella arugamensis or marine leeches to prevent an infestation and to maintain the heath of the fish . if an outbreak occurs it will be extremely difficult to get rid of parasites. Similarly, Fungal outbreaks must be considered as well. These outbreaks can lead to uncontrolled mortality of the fishes.

During handling, the fish must be transferred gently to avoid stress and related conditions such as ruptured gall bladder and air bladder. In which if harmed, can cause extreme stress to the animal leading to other complications and sometimes making these complications fatal.

6.6.1.7.2 Impact of fish The proponent will only use approved species in the process. However, in case of damages to the cage the dispersing of the fishes to the environment can cause an impact to the fish population of the reef due to increased predation.

6.6.1.7.3 Impact of platform The platform structure, and the concentration of the fish in the area will have an impact on the water quality as this can increase the nutrient in the vicinity. Therefore, the proponent must plan movement of the fish in segments to move the fish to the empty segment to clean periodically.

6.6.1.8 Impacts on landscape integrity/scenery. 6.6.1.8.1 Impact on terrestrial scenery During construction phase, in all activities are likely to have an impact on the landscape and scenery. The proposed work objective is aimed at changing the terrestrial scenery of the shoreline. Construction work will negatively impact the terrestrial landscape with movement of vehicles and stockpiles. Movement of vehicles will leave track marks on the road which will form depressions and if not taken care of eventual computation of the area. Stockpiles, if taken in excess, can lead to eventual spread and uneven distribution of sediment on the shore, leading to flooding and water retention in roads leading to the stockpile. Both cases are undesirable and considered as a negative impact on the landscape.

148 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. After completion of shore protection work, the activity is to positively impact the landscape and scenery as it is designed to change the overall look of the target locations. 6.6.1.8.2 Impact on marine scenery During construction phase, the work will negatively impact the marine scenery. The activities cause sedimentation and eventual footprint destruction. This would negative impact the marine biota if unmitigated. Post completion, it is expected for the marine conditions to improve overtime. 6.6.1.8.3 Waste management on site The island has an established waste stockpile area much like K.Thilafushi. The waste management practices are not ideal on the island and there is a lot of external waste that floats onto beaches from nearby islands. The proponent takes the issue of waste very seriously and transports a lot of their waste to Male’ to dispose and have had discussions with well known recycling companies such as Parley to try and improve plastics recycling. However, covid pandemic has halted progress on the work. Addition of extra staff and further construction will increase the waste input in the area. 6.6.2 Impacts on the socio-economic environment The island has had a diverse island community of workers since initiation of the project. Therefore, identifying the population’s importance, with the importance of the local islands nearby, the following chapter has been compiled. 6.6.2.1 Social destabilization of the island community and Impacts of the dredging and construction works on the public, stakeholders and tourism ventures (nearby resorts and dive sites); General category Activity Impact identified Impact Monitoring Mitigation proposed summarised prescribed General overall Influx of During the survey, strict company Spread of Mo20, ensure Mi20, quarantine mobilisation construction safety rules and HPA guidelines to COVID 19 and that quarantine incoming non workers maintain distance due to COVID other contagious facilities are symptomatic and 19 were implemented and diseases. functioning. symptomatic work effective. This is feasible for a force for the short-term deployment like that of prescribed duration 14 ours. to 21 days.

149 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Post quarantine exposure can be Mi21, if a respiratory implemented for the incoming symptom spreads in work force on the island, as the facility, inform infrastructure exists on land for the HPA and act as services. However, in case of an advised. emergency replacement of an essential personal, exposure is inevitable if the work is to proceed as planned. There are heavily guarded trade Social unrest Mo21, ensure M21, set up and secrets in the agricultural and within the that the set inform the workforce aquaculture practices in the company; barriers and of areas to enter, and company. The proponent and the island. checks are keep away staff wish to keep these Theft and petty present on the Mi22, Set up warning undisclosed. Influx of construction crimes. island. bords, if need be workers may lead to exposure of barriers, and security the practices. This may lead to checks to prevent non unnecessary unrest between the authorised entry. three major groups involved; the Mi23, in case of a management (the proponent), the crime, unrest, etc. staff, and the construction inform the regional workers. authorities and act as This applies to the mass-produced advised. produce of the island and safety of the existing community as well. A sudden influx of people may cause

150 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. an increase in theft. This may lead to further social unrest. Note The proponent also reports of locals coming in boats during the day time and night and steal from the aquaculture farms resulting in dangerous and violent arguments with the staff protecting the produce.

Dredging & excavation Dredging All marine works will be a Sedimentation Mo8. Regular Mi10, Work on low work concern for the central and local and related monitoring for and mid tide, never on authorities and other stakeholders. impact sedimentation the receding tide. If proper mitigation is and increased Mi8, Halt construction implemented, it is unlikely that the turbidity. if sedimentation activities will have any impact on Mo11, At reaches the notable dive sites nearby. monitoring points 15mg/cm2/day. The dive site identified is the north observe for Mi11, if signs of eastern dive site of Vattaru kuda bleaching bleaching can be seen kandu or Kuday Kan'du. Any regularly. halt work, and report Stockpiling potential destruction to the site is a Mi12, Prior to major concern for the local dredging, consult authorities and the dive operators. MMRC to prepare for work and check

151 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. NOAA’s updates on the level of stress. Shore protection; Proposed Construction safety is a major Construction Mo23, Monitor Mi27, ensure proper groynes groyne concern. Every activity listed accidents the first aid placement of first aid structures requires manual labour. Accidents Noise pollution capacity of the kits handy at two are a likely possibility at every island. different locations Sand situation. The proximity of the Mo24, monitor Mi24, train capable pumping island to the closest local islands the safety staff on the first aid and resort further increases the equipment of the drills. risk of hazard. construction staff Mi25, Provide staff with hard hats, Alternative floating jackets, rock bolder marine shoes, field option shoes and reflector Shoreline restoration Sand jackets with boiler Dumping suits as fit. Alternative Sand pumping to nourish beach Alternative excavator use to disperse sand Shore breakwater proposed protection; geobags

152 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. , Alternative rock boulder option Component:, Floating Proposed pontoon floating pontoon Alternative cages

6.6.2.2 Impacts on employment and income, potential for local people to have (temporary) job opportunities (and what kind) in the execution of the works; Employment for locals Income for locals General category Activity Impact identified Impact summarised Monitoring Mitigation proposed prescribed General overall Construction of The staff has a Employment and Mi26 it is likely to mobilisation work camp functioning economic benefit. employ the staff for Mobilisation specialised crew fit short term, except Dredging & excavation Dredging for the proposed for the specialised work Stockpiling work. It is likely that staff. Have contracts Shoreline restoration Borrowing the management will and are aware of the Alternative borrow have to employ term of sites some specialised employment. Sand pumping crew from the local Alternative island. It is also excavator use likely that the

153 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Shore protection; groynes Proposed groyne management will structures have to employ Alternative to unskilled labourers groyne structures from the local Shore breakwater proposed geotubes islands. If this is the protection; alternative rock case, the project will boulder option. have a moderate Upon completion it impact on the local is likely to cause islands nearby. Component: Floating Proposed floating If the proponent pontoon pontoon wishes to employ alternative cages expatriates, the income will be an indirect economic benefit to the locals.

154 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 6.6.2.3 Level of protection against hazards like sea level rise, storm surges, etc. General category Activity Impact identified Impact summarised Monitoring Mitigation proposed prescribed Dredging & excavation Dredging The shore protection Proper sediment Mo27, monitor the Mi3 If there are work Stockpiling component of the movement and sediment movement changes in the in the Shoreline restoration Borrowing project is targeted at retention of the through ATS beach profiles, Alternative borrow mitigating erosion beach sediment. survey. showing recession, sites and sediment report and act as Sand pumping movement, which Mo3. Regular advised. Alternative has lead to toss of monitoring as excavator use components of land. specified to check Shore protection; groynes Proposed groyne Completion of the changes in the structures shore protection breach profile Alternative to component is to groyne structures protect the land and Shore breakwater proposed geotubes the employees from protection; alternative rock further hazard. boulder option. Upon completion it is likely to cause Component:, Floating Proposed floating pontoon pontoon alternative cages

155 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon

platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

protection; Shore

Floatingpontoon

General overall mobilisation General & excavation work Dredging replenishment Beach groynes protection; Shore breakwater Component:

Construction Construction work off camp Dredging Stockpiling Borrowing Alternative sites borrow Sand pumpingt Alternative use excavator Proposed groyne structures to Alternative groyne structures proposed geotubes alternative boulder rock option Proposed floating pontoon alternative cages Mobilisation, Changes in flow velocities/directions, resulting in changes in erosion/sedimentation patterns, which may impact shore zone configuration/coastal morphology; Impact probability (M,V,I) V V V V I I I I I V V Impact significance (LORN) O O O O R R R R R O O Impact duration (PD) D D D P D D D D D D D Magnitude of impact 2 2 2 1 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 Loss of marine bottom habitat, both in the borrow area as well as due to enlargement of the islands, resulting in (temporary) loss of bottom life, which may impact fish stocks and species diversity and density of crabs, shellfish etc.; Impact probability (M,V,I) I V I I I V V V V V V

156 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Impact significance (LORN) R O R R R O O O O O O Impact duration (PD) D D D D D D D D D D D Magnitude of impact 5 2 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 Sediment dispersal in water column (turbidity at the dredging site (overflow) and related to shore protection activities), possibly resulting in changes in visibility, smothering of coral reefs and benthic communities and affecting fish and shellfish etc.; Impact probability (M,V,I) I I I I I Impact significance (LORN) R R R R R Impact duration (PD) D D D D D Magnitude of impact 4 4 3 3 3 Impacts of noise, vibration and disturbance; Impact probability (M,V,I) I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Impact significance (LORN) R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Impact duration (PD) P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Magnitude of impact 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 5 4 4 4 5 2 2 Impacts on ground water table and quality as a result of reclamation areas (leaching of salts in the deposited sediments and change in ground water quantity); Impact probability (M,V,I) I I Impact significance (LORN) R R Impact duration (PD) P P Magnitude of impact 1 3 Impacts on unique or threatened habitats or species (coral reefs, sea turtles etc.), and Impact probability (M,V,I) I I I I I I I Impact significance (LORN) R R R R R R R Impact duration (PD) P P P P D P P Magnitude of impact 2 2 3 2 5 5 5

157 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Impacts on landscape integrity/scenery. Impact probability (M,V,I) V V V V V V V V V V V V V V Impact significance (LORN) O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Impact duration (PD) D D P P P D D D D D D D D D Magnitude of impact 2 2 1 1 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Impacts on the socio-economic environment Impact probability (M,V,I) V Impact significance (LORN) O Impact duration (PD) P Magnitude of impact 5 Impacts of the dredging and construction works on the public, stakeholders and tourism ventures (nearby resorts and dive sites); Impact probability (M,V,I) V Impact significance (LORN) O Impact duration (PD) D Magnitude of impact 4 Impacts on employment and income, potential for local people to have (temporary) job opportunities (and what kind) in the execution of the works; Impact probability (M,V,I) Impact significance (LORN) Impact duration (PD) Magnitude of impact Level of protection against hazards like sea level rise, storm surges, etc. Impact probability (M,V,I) V V V V V V V Impact significance (LORN) O O O O O O O Impact duration (PD) P P P P P D D

158 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

Magnitude of impact 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 Social destabilization of the island community Impact probability (M,V,I) V Impact significance (LORN) O Impact duration (PD) P Magnitude of impact 5

159 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives.

7 Mitigation and management of the negative impacts Impact of the environment from various activities have been identified in the respective chapter. The mitigation measures for the possible impacts with the estimated cost of the measure have been suggested in this section. 7.1 Impact mitigation Table 15 further details the potential impacts identified and details the corresponding mitigation. The mitigation suggested should demand. • Mi1 If currents change significantly to show active destruction of the reef substratum widening the excavation, halt work and report to authorities. • Mi2 If the coast shows drastic changes in the sediment distribution, stop work, report, and apply shore protection. • Mi3 If there are changes in the in the beach profiles, showing recession, report. • Mi4 Erect a barrier between the stockpile and beach front. • Mi17, Use geo textile as basin before stockpiling. • Mi5, monitor seasonal changes, identify trend. Use as baseline to model further development. • Mi6 reduce the volume of sand fed to the beach berm by removing from feed berm stockpile. • Mi7 Identify a path on to the beach and follow. • Mi7.1, Determine and enforce, footprint path for all vehicles involved. • Mi8, Halt construction if sedimentation reaches 15mg/cm2/day. • Mi9, sediment control measures on site. Fix mount silt barriers during work.** Slit barriers followed by silt curtains. Fixed sediment control measures. • Mi10, Work on low and mid tide, never on the receding tide. • Mi11, if signs of bleaching can be seen halt work, and report • Mi12, Prior to dredging, consult MMRC to prepare for work and check NOAA’s updates on the level of stress. • Mi18, Age of employment of all staff should be 18 years and above, so as to ensure accountability of actions. • Mi18.1, Inform the staff of the following; sand mining act, Environment protection and preservation act, Regulation on sand and coral mining, Regulation on dredging and land reclamation, and Regulation on cutting down trees • Mi20, quarantine incoming non symptomatic and symptomatic work force for the prescribed duration 14 to 21 days. • Mi21, if a respiratory symptom spreads in the facility, lock down the island and inform HPA and act as advised. • M21, set up and inform the workforce of areas to enter, and keep away • Mi22, Set up warning bords, if need be barriers, and security checks to prevent non authorised entry. • Mi23, in case of a crime, unrest, etc. inform the regional authorities and act as advised.

160 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Mi24, train capable staff on the first aid drills. • Mi27, ensure proper placement of first aid • Mi25, Provide staff with hard hats, floating jackets, marine shoes, field shoes and reflector jackets with boiler suits as fit. • Mi26 it is likely to employ the staff for short term, except for the specialised staff. Have contracts and are aware of the term of employment. • Mi28 ensure establishment of proper waste management on the island • Mi29, ensure that the bottom of the floating tanks has not changed • Mi30, dive , catch and observe for diseases. • Mi31, monitor the sections for breaches. • Mi32, manage, maintain, and fix damages 7.2 Mitigation measures, Justification and cost The mitigation measure associated with the project and linked activities are discussed in the following table. Table 15 Significant impacts, mitigation measures and associated costs Activity Impact Mitigation Justification Cost in MVR • Dredging • Altering Mi1 If currents This ensures ** no added currents change informing of charge significantly to authorities, show active where upon destruction of informing the the reef contractor substratum will be widening the informed of excavation, measures to halt work and take in case of report to emergencies. authorities. • Change in Mi2 If the coastal coast shows sediment drastic changes distribution in the sediment distribution, stop work, report, and apply shore protection. • Beach Mi3 If there erosion. are changes in • Irregular the in the beach beach profiles, movement. showing

161 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Damage to recession, beach rock report. integrity. • Stockpiling • Stockpile feed Mi4 Erect a This ensures 3000.00 the beach barrier between no excess Cost of Terr sediment the stockpile sand aboard and beach dispersion on front. the beach. The sand removed has a role and this ensures that all goes according to plan. • Leaching and Mi17, Use geo To minimise water flow to textile as basin impact of the ground before dredging to water. stockpiling. the fresh water column. • Proposed • Changes in Mi5, monitor This ensures 10000.00 groyne beach seasonal monitoring of Cost of structures morphology changes, the seasonal monitoring. identify trend. changes so as and Use as baseline to further processing. to model understand further the sediment development. shift and identify the pattern of movement. This also predicts potential changes and lets the management respond to abnormal changes accordingly. • Sand • Undesirable Link to Mi5 This reduces ** no added Dumping change in the the volume of charge

162 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. beach Mi6 reduce the sand on the morphology; volume of sand feed berms, accretion of fed to the reducing the sand in either beach berm by volume of extremes after removing from sand being feed berm shifted across stockpile. the stockpile. • Vehicle • Footprint Mi7 Identify a Minimises 15000.00 movement destruction path on to the destruction of Fuel charge • Alternative beach rock, beach and the footpath rock boulder and rubble on follow. option site. Mi7.1, Determine and enforce, footprint path for all vehicles involved. • Vehicle • Sediment kick Mi8, Halt Minimises 10000.00 movement up construction if sediment extension • Dredging • Sedimentation sedimentation impact to cost • Sand impacts reaches benthic life; pumping / 15mg/cm2/day. corals. borrowing Mi9, sediment Minimises 250000.00 • Sand control spread of Silt curtain dumping measures on sediment and gv pipe • Proposed site. ste. groyne Fix mount silt structures barriers during • Alternative work. excavator ** Slit barriers use followed by silt curtains. Fixed sediment control measures. Mi10, Work on Minimises 10000.00 low and mid sediment extension • Impact on the tide, never on spread due to cost coral reefs the receding tide. and tide. associated species.

163 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Coral Mi11, if signs Minimises 10000.00 bleaching due of bleaching stress extension to work can be seen preventing cost halt work, and further report damage. Mi12, Prior to To prevent 5000.00 dredging, working on planning cost. consult high stress MMRC to season prepare for work and check NOAA’s updates on the level of stress. Floating • Change in the Mi29, Ensure To ensure ** no added pontoon bottom that the bottom drastic charge habitat and of the floating changes do water quality tanks has not not take of the base changed place. • Disease Mi30, dive , The ensure 20000 Expert outbreak catch and that there are charges. observe for no diseases in diseases and the units fungal outbreaks Mi 33, clean tanks regularly

• Escape of Mi31, monitor To ensure no ** no added products the sections for escape of charge breaches. products. Mi32, Manage, To prevent 50000 maintain, and breaks material price fix damages Influx of • Impact on the Mi18, Age of To ensure that ** no added construction diversity of employment of all staff are charge workers species on the all staff should answerable to island. be 18 years and the law. above, so as to ensure accountability of actions.

164 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Mi18.1, Inform To ensure that 100000.00 the staff of the all staff are Legal and HR following; informed of staff charges sand mining the law and act, the legal Environment implications protection and of unlawful preservation actions. act, Regulation on sand and coral mining, Regulation on dredging and land reclamation, and Regulation on cutting down trees • Spread of Mi20, This is to 150000.00 COVID 19 quarantine ensure that Quarantine and other incoming non the island facility cost. contagious symptomatic does not diseases. and become a symptomatic cluster work force for the prescribed duration 14 to 21 days. • Mi21, if a To ensure that respiratory spread of the symptom disease is spreads in the halted at the facility, lock island level. down the island and inform HPA and act as advised.

165 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Social unrest M21, set up This ensures 5000.00 within the and inform the that the work Print outs and company; workforce of force do not orientation island. areas to enter, interfere with and keep away the island’s routine activities. Mi22, Set up This prevents 100000.00 warning bords, unauthorised fencing and if need be entry and other changes barriers, and petty crimes to security checks from the farm infrastructure. to prevent non lands. authorised entry. Mi23, in case To ensure that ** no added of a crime, all such charge unrest, etc. behaviour is inform the dealt with regional authorities and act as advised. • Construction Mi24, train To minimise 100000.00 accidents capable staff the chances of Training and • Noise on the first aid further harm gear cost. pollution drills. in an accident due to lack of response. Mi27, ensure To keep first proper aid handy. placement of first aid Mi25, Provide To minimise 10000.00 staff with hard work related Gear cost. hats, floating harm due to jackets, marine lack of shoes, field equipment. shoes and reflector jackets with boiler suits as fit.

166 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. • Employment Mi26 it is To minimise ** no added and economic likely to dependency charge benefit. employ the on staff for short employment, term, except and to ensure for the that the specialised employees do staff. Have not make contracts and drastic life are aware of decisions the term of based on the employment. employment, also to ensure that the staff are aware of the contract period. Overall work • Impact on Mi28 ensure To 16000.00 landscape and establishment accommodate Clean up and integrity due of proper waste for the added expansion to waste management demand due cost collection on the island to contrition

167 Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 8 Alternatives After consulting the proponent, and the stakeholders the following alternatives are proposed. 8.1 No project options The no development option takes into account, • No shore protection, • No shoreline restoration, • No channel dredging, and • No floating pontoon.

Action Advantages Disadvantages No development options • ND1,No shore No advantage to identify • Loss of beach if no shore protection, protection is in place. • Loss of beach if shoreline is restored. • ND2,No • Loss of powerhouse shoreline (legend item - S) restoration, • loss of owner’s block (legend item - I) • ND3,No Retention of the • Difficulty in accessing channel environmental condition on the island dredging, and site Therefore no • Size limitation • ND4,No environmental loss • No added disadvantage. Floating • No economic growth and pontoon. expansion to Floating pontoon

The no development option for NDo3 and ND4 are sound options that has advantages such as retention of the existing environmental conditions. The attached disadvantage is difficulty of entrance to the island and limitation of size of the vehicle that enters. As for the no development option of ND1 and ND2, there is no specific advantage of not carrying out the options. However, loss of beach and loss of infrastructure must be accounted for. 8.2 Alternative options The following section shows the alternatives proposed. A1,Alternative Sand pumping to nourish beach Alternative sand pumping is an alternative for the shoreline restoration option. Proposes to nourish the beach directly in order to cut the cost of sand movement within the island. However, this proposes to use Bo1, Bo2 and Bo3. A3, Alternative rock boulder option The alternative rock bolder option is an alternative proposed to prevent use of borrow sand and geo tubes on the beach.

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. A4, Alternative cages The fixed holding cages are standing cages which attaches to the sea bed keeping the cages closed.

Figure 83 Typical fixed tank at the shallow., A5,Shoreline restoration, alternative borrow sites, This alternative option is presented by the survey team after a thorough survey of sand availability and bathymetry. The alternative locations are given in the survey map as Bo2 (73.3832627368003, 5.67555055917684), and BO 3 (73.384002, 5.677548) The alternative locations are further discussed in the table below. A6, Shoreline restoration, alternative excavator use, In shoreline restoration use of an excavator to spread the sand is proposed as an alternative to the manual movement of sand. A7, Alternative Channel area The alternative channel area is proposed against the proposed channel. 8.3 Analysis Analysis was carried out giving a grade to each alternative on the basis of the technical, economic, and environmental. All scores were considered giving importance to the existing environment. Since the project is in isolation the local aspect is not considered as the only stakeholder in this regard is the proponent. The following table further discusses the alternatives. Alternative Technical Economic Environmental outlook proposed feasibility feasibility A1,Alternative This alternative The cost of Sand pumping requires Sand pumping is technically development may sand and water being to nourish possible. The be higher as this pumped to the location of beach pipeline on the requires running a shoreline restoration. island can be dredger with Thus increasing the extended to manual labour for overall concentration of reach the settling the sediment in comparison location in pumped sand. to the proposed method of question. However, is not a using dried sand. significant increase in cost.

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. A3, Alternative Technically the The required The alternative rock rock boulder option is feasible. material for the bolder option prevents option The facility has proposed sand pumping and use of the required development is on geo tubes on the beach. equipment and site. Changing This also promotes habitat man power over to the for some life. required for the alternative, work. requires the developer to purchase rock boulder, which is an expense. A4, Alternative Technically the Fixing cages The fixed cages have the cages option has requires a footpad potential to release more numerous with elevation substances such as rust in limitations, scaffolding or GV comparison to the floating starting from pipes. This will be plastic pontoon platform placement This an added cost and cages. It is therefore more also puts the maintenance of environmentally cages in the the overall system detrimental in collision zone of is more. comparison. traffic for a Therefore, an uninformed added expense. vehicle if in the shallows. The option is not feasible. A5,Shoreline The alternative There is no added There is no added restoration, borrow sites are economic benefit environmental benefit in alternative proposed in the due to the comparison to the borrow sites, same region in alternative. proposed sites in the close proximity proposed alternative. to each other. There is the disadvantage Technically of loosing the sea grass moving the sand patches at Bo2 which pump is possible. contains Halophilia ovalis and related species. A6, Shoreline Use of excavator The project has The relative restoration, is in line with the added cost of environmental destruction alternative A5, where this is petrol. of the practice to the site excavator use, an alternative to structure will be the proposed significant in comparison

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. manual shoreline to the proposed method restoration. and A5. However, this Thus, this is does not cause a technically significant sediment feasible. plume as dry sand is proposed to be dumped A7, Alternative Technically The method used The alternative channel channel dredging another and the distance of has more hard coral on location channel using the work is relatively the footprint of the same method is the same. development in feasible. Therefore the comparison to the main difference in the channel. Therefore cost is development requires insignificant. removal and relocation. Given the current conditions in the proposed channel which is sandy and cleared as it is the channel in use, is unnecessary.

8.4 Preference The alternative A1, is not a preferred alternative as it has a significant impact on the environment. Sediment impact due to sand pumping although mitigated using proposed Mi9, and Mi8 the wave action and tide factored in will result in sediment impact. The alternative A3, rock boulder option is a preferred if the proponent is willing to invest in the added cost. This allows the proponent to avoid sand pumping for filling geo bags and creates habitat for the life-forms that will recruit the area. This alternative A4, is not a preferred option as the cages require constant maintenance and if ignored may impact the product. The alternative A5 is preferred for the development, if the proponent does not go for A3 and go ahead with the proposed geo tubes however the order of preference isBO3 and Bo2 respectively. A6 is not a preferred alternative due to the added cost and the potential destruction of the beach rock and integrity. The alternative channel location A7 is not a preferred option. As the section proposed has a considerable reef area and the proposed channel area is sandy and is the current channel in use.

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 9 Environmental Monitoring The monitoring process is essential to any development project. The monitoring process will determine the level of change during the proposed work, and after the work is done. This also allows the proponent to make adjustments to the methodology depending on the changes observed. The parameters that are required to be monitored for the project activities are included in the monitoring plan. The objective of the monitoring plan is to monitor and control the environmental effects of the proposed project Therefore, it is highly recommended that the contractor carries out the monitoring plan and present the report to EPA. The major monitoring requirements are A monitoring one month after the work commences. Followed by a monitoring every three months through out the construction phase. And a monitoring every 6 months after completion. For one year. The details are in below Table 16 monitoring requirements and costing Monitoring Parameter Baseline Method / Frequency Estimate requirement technique d cost Mo1. Currents Survey Regular Every other 1500.00 Periodic drogue data drogue month monitoring and local during to see knowledge construction changes in Every three currents in months the after excavation construction zone. up to one year Once an year for five years. Mo2. Coastal Study ATS image Every three 90000.00 Regular Morphology baseline and months monitoring beach secondary after to using ATS patterns data on set construction images check and up to one the changes construction year in coastal phase work Once an morphology. data year for five Mo6 Check years to see if the sand moves over the groyne structures

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. and over the north eastern or tip. Mo5 regular Coastal Construction monitoring Morphology phase work to check the and beach data extent of profiles sand and change in volume retained between the groynes. Mo3. Beach Survey ATS survey Regular profiles over profiles and Profiles on monitoring the seasons construction set. as specified phase work to check profiles. changes in the breach profile Mo4 Check Structural Post Photos in Every other 1000.00 to see the integrity of construction the month integrity of the setup. monitoring during the barrier. monitoring report construction M013, requirement . (as long as monitor the fence stockpile regularly. exists) Mo7. Foot path Post ATS Every other 5000.00 Regular impact construction images month monitoring monitoring And on site during as specified imagery construction to check Every three changes in months the path. after construction up to one year Once an year for five years.

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. Mo8. Sedimentatio Baseline Sediment Every other 20000.00 Regular n and sedimentatio traps month monitoring turbidity n Water during for And turbidity samples construction sedimentatio data . n and increased turbidity. MO15, Initial setup ATS Photos Every other 5000.00 Monitor month integrity of during the placed construction silt curtain, . (as long as and sediment the silt barrier. curtains are set) Mo18, Benthic Baseline data Reef check Every other 15000.00 regular conditions CPCE data month monitoring during of baseline construction benthic Every three conditions months Mo11, At Bleaching Baseline data after monitoring details and construction points construction up to one observe for phase work year bleaching data Once an regularly. year for five Mo16, Ground water Baseline data MWSC years. Check table tests and monitoring; probe baseline ground water. Mo19, Breach of set ** Visual Every other 15000.00 during environmenta observation month monitoring, l legal s during check for limitations Walk construction unlawful abouts Every three practices interviews months such as; bird after traps, construction trapped

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. birds, shark up to one remains, year turtle Once an remains, sea year for five bird and years turtle eggs for sold and discarded cercus. Mo20, Health and Existing Visual Every other ensure that safety check quarantine observation month quarantine facility s during facilities are construction functioning. phase Mo23, Existing first Visual Monitor the aid system observation first aid s capacity of Walk the island. abouts interviews Mo24, Safety gear Visual monitor the on set observation safety s equipment of Walk the abouts construction interviews staff Mo21, Safety of the ** Visual ensure that existing observation the set property in s barriers and the island Walk checks are abouts present on interviews the island. Mo28, Waste ** Visual Every other ensure that management observation month proper waste s during management Walk construction practices are abouts Every three present on interviews months site after construction

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. up to one year Once an year for five years Mo29, Benthic Baseline data Reef check Every three 1000.00 ensure that conditions CPCE data months the bottom of after the floating construction tanks is up to one monitored year for changes Once an year for five years. Mo30, Fish Literature As ** ensure that conditions presented frequently the cages do under as possible not have Associated during disease diseases in the operation outbreaks process

Mo31, Area ** As ** monitor for conditions frequently breaches as possible during operation Mi 33, clean Tank ** tanks condition regularly

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9.1 Monitoring costs The proponent shall bear the cost of the monitoring. The proponent is to employ competent monitors, to complete the monitoring procedure as per the schedule. The estimated costs are not a fixed value and should be considered as a reference to the monitoring party. 9.2 Monitoring report format The following is the monitoring report format expected for this project. The report will include details of the site, data collection and analysis methodologies, sampling frequency, and analysis. All data collected in the monitoring period shall be presented in the monitoring without bias. Introduction Aims and Objectives Existing conditions Terrestrial Environment (vegetation, groundwater) Coastal Environment (shoreline, currents, bathymetry) Marine Environment (coral reef heath) Comparison with EIA Baseline Data Impact Monitoring Ground water and seawater Quality Sediment Deposition Impacts on nearby habitats Compliance Monitoring Water Quality monitoring Waste monitoring Overall condition of developments Conclusion and Recommendations

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 10 Recommendation and Conclusion N Karinmaa Vattaru is a long term lease for the proponent. The island is at a southernmost edge of the atoll and is exposed to the southern currents and winds. The work is proposed; as a means to mitigate the impact of erosion, and as a means to foster for functional expansion and growth. The survey shows that the management is ready for the development and they are awaiting the approval of the development. Since the island is an agricultural island and significant investment is at stake during the development period the following measures are recommended. • R1, Prior to mobilisation, it is recommended that the proponent check the paperwork of the workers as they will have to be above 18 for employment. • R5, It is recommended for the management to set up and inform the workforce of areas to enter, and keep away to ensures that the work force do not interfere with the island’s routine activities. • R6, It is recommended to set up warning bords, if need be barriers, and security checks to prevent non authorised entry to prevent unauthorised entry and petty crimes from the farm lands • R7, It is recommended for the management to inform the regional authorities and act as advised in case of a crime or unrest on the island. Due to the current state of public health the management has to measure certain preparations and mitigation is in place as specified below. • R2, Prior to mobilisation it is an obligation for the management to ensure that the staff are screened for COVID 19. • R3, During the preparations, it is an requirement for the management to ensure that facilities are ready for staff to be quarantined upon arrival. • R4, It is a must for the management to report any spread of respiratory illness or flue at any time. Occupational safety is a major priority therefore, the following is recommended. • R8, It is recommended for the management to train capable staff for first aid drills after placement of first aid on accessible locations. Impact to the natural environment must be mitigated All the specified mitigation measures are recommended. The following are the recommendations that must be highlighted on the matter. • R9, Prior to commencement of work on the channel, beach restoration and shore protection, it is recommended for the management to MMRC to prepare for work and check it is NOAA’s updates on the level of stress. • R10, It is recommended for the proponent to ensure that all construction mitigation to be put in place prior to initiation. Monitoring must be carried out as a means of tracking the changes the development is bringing about to the existing conditions, therefore the following is recommended. • R11, It is recommended for the contractor to follow the monitoring program and monitor the development as identified in the monitoring program specially for the floating pontoons platform cages in the lagoon

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. The alternatives are proposed and if opted the following are recommended. • R12, It is recommended for the proponent to follow the preferred alternative A3, rock boulder option if the proponent is willing to invest in the added cost. This allows the proponent to avoid sand pumping for filling geo bags and creates habitat for the life-forms that will recruit the area. • R13, It is recommended for the proponent to follow the preferred alternative A5, if the proponent does not go for A3 and go ahead with the proposed geo tubes. However, the order of recommended order of borrow areas are BO3 and Bo2 respectively. • R14,It is not recommended for the proponent to use excavators on site as specified in A6 due to the added cost and the potential destruction of the beach rock and integrity. • R15, It is not recommended to pump sand directly to the beach as specified in A1 as it has a significant impact on the environment. Sediment impact due to sand pumping although mitigated using proposed Mi9, and Mi8 the wave action and tide factored in will result in sediment impact. • R16, it is not recommended to go for the alternative channel location A7. As the section proposed has a considerable reef area and the proposed channel area is sandy and is the current channel in use. The phasing of work is important specially if the proponent is the main stakeholder and if the management is not answerable to a local population. Therefore the following are recommended. • R17, it is recommended to space out the works proposed if finances and duration is not an issue as the impact of each work can be observed and mitigated accordingly. All waste management must be carried out as per the recommendations of the government. Therefore the following is recommended. • R18, It is recommended for the management to follow all waste management laws and further manage the existing waste management area. To conclude, the development will bring about benefits to the proponent, and if the proponent involves the locals of the atoll, the atoll as well.

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11 References H.C.P. Bell, C. (1940). The Maldive islands. Monograph and the History, Archeology, and Epigraphy. Colombo: Celon Govermnent Press.

Kench, P. (2010). Costal monitoring, Reef Island Shoreline Dynamics and Management Implications. Male, Maldives: Minidtry of Environemnt, Maldives.

Leopold, L. B., Clarke, F. E., Hanshaw, B. B., & Baisiey, J. R. (1971). A procedure for evaluvating environmental impacts. Washington: US Geological Survey.

Lieske, E., & Myers, R. (1994). Collins Pocket Guide. Coral reef fishes. Indo-Pacific & Caribbean including the Red Sea. Haper Collins Publishers.

Maldives Meteorological Service. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.meteorology.gov.mv/

NASEER, A. (2003). The integrated growth response of coral reefs to environmental forcing: morphometric analysis of coral reefs of the Maldives. PhD,. Dalhousie University.

Naseer, A., & Hatcher, B. (2000). Assessing the integrated growth response of coral reefs to monsoon forcing using morphometric analysis of reefs in the Maldives. Proceedings 9th (pp. 23-27). Bali, Indonesia: International Coral Reef Symposium.

National Bureau of Statitics . (2019). National Bureau of Statitics . Retrieved from Stastical Yearbook of Maldives : http://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/yearbook/2019/#

Rudie, K. H., & Tim, G. (2014). Fishies of the Maldives. Cairns, Australia: Atoll Editions.

Saaneez, A., Abdul Muhsin, H., & Abdulwahhaab, M. (2019). Second Addendum to the EIA lot the Prcposed Hdbour Re- Development Proiect at Kelaa, Haa Atoll. Male, Maldives: Ministry of environment, Maldives.

UNISDR-ADRRN. (2005). Building Resilience to Tsunamis in the Indian Ocean Base Line Study Report, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives. UNDP.

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Environmental Impact Assessment: for the Proposed shore protection, shoreline restoration, channel dredging and development of floating pontoon platform cages in the lagoon at N Karinmaa Vattaru, Maldives. 12 Team and role Name EPA Categor Contact Role registratio y n Number Mahfooz (EIA A 9994467 Supervisin Abdul P22/2016) [email protected] g author Wahhab m and, internal reviewer Hassaan EIA A 7901665 Author, Abdul P02/2020 [email protected] and Muhsin surveyor Adam EIA B 7890381 Author, Saaneez P03/2020 [email protected] and surveyor Ali BP 02306 LS 7790709 Surveyor Mubeen [email protected] Suhaa ** ** 9998383 Data Mohame [email protected] analyst. d

All CVs attached.

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13.8 Appendix 221219 Aquaculture license

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13.9 Appendix CVs 13.9.1 Mahfooz Abdul Wahhab

Personal Details

I was born in Ha. Baarah but had to move to Male’ for higher education and since then have been living in Male’ City.

Full Name Mahfooz Abdul Wahhab

Date of Birth 10th December 1992

Mailing Address 21012, Gaamaa, Malikuruvaamaa Goalhi, 317, K. Villimale,

Maldives

Residential Address Gaamaa, Malikuruvaamaa Goalhi, 317, K. Villimale, Maldives

Permanent Address Sindbaad, HA. Baarah, Maldives

Mobile telephone number +960 9994467

Email Adress [email protected]

Work Experience

Currently I am not working in any company as an employee, rather I am giving freelance EIA consulting service to three companies and individual clients.

Freelance Consultancy Company 1

Name Contractors and Consulting Company (CNC)

Period of work September 2019 - ongoing

Major responsibilities Conducting EIA surveys and reporting

Freelance Consultancy Company 2

Name of current employer 2 INSA Pvt Ltd

Period of work February 2019 - ongoing

Major responsibilities Reviewing EIAs

Freelance Consultancy Company 3

Name FENAKA Corporation Limited

Period of work May 2019 - ongoing

Major responsibilities Reviewing EIAs

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Previous employer 1

Name INSA Pvt Ltd

Position held EIA Consultant

Period of work 11th July 2016 – 22nd January 2019

Major responsibilities 1. EIA process

Preparing the EIA reports in accordance with the

approved ToR from EPA. This involves carrying out the

necessary surveys, stakeholder consultations, data analysis

and compilations. Furthermore, carrying out

environmental monitoring according to monitoring schedules of approved EIAs.

Surveying

Topographic surveying with GNSS and drones.

Previous employer 2

Name FENAKA Corporation Limited

Position held Deputy Manager

Period of work 24th November 2015 to 31st March 2017

Major responsibilities 1. EIA process

Preparing the EIA reports in accordance with the

approved ToR from EPA. This involves carrying out the

necessary surveys, stakeholder consultations, data

analysis and compilations.

2. Environmental Compliance

Acquiring the operating licenses for newly handed over

water and sewer systems. This involved getting the

necessary documentations from relevant authorities and

getting the Operating license from the EPA.

Furthermore, environmental monitoring and reporting

according to the operating license.

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3. Operations

As the head of water section, there were 29 desalination

plants under my responsibility. Any defects to these

systems get directly reported to me and I was

responsible for the timely rectifications. From 17th

January 2017 onwards I was the temporary acting head

for the water and sewer department, which meant I was

responsible for 32 sewer systems as well.

4. Technical evaluations

I was a member of the technical committee at

FENAKA, which is responsible for the technical

evaluations of bids submitted to the company as well as

all technical proposals and provide technical advice on

proposals submitted to the company.

5. Project management

Management of water and sewer projects undertaken by

FENAKA. This involved communicating with

contractors to meet targets and rectify issues that arise

during the implementation. Furthermore, I was actively

involved in projects run by MEE and Donor funded projects as a focal point for FENAKA.

6. Preparation of technical proposals

Preparation of bid documents, ToRs to hire consultants and proposals for various water and sewer projects.

Previous employer 3

Name Seamarc Pvt Ltd

Position held Marine Research Officer

Period of work 01st June 2014 to 23rd November 2015

Major responsibilities 1. EIA process

Preparing the EIA reports in accordance with the

approved ToR from EPA. This involves carrying out

the necessary surveys, stakeholder consultations, data

analysis and compilations.

2. Programme Management

There are three major programmes run by the company;

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reefscapers, marinesavers, and eco-volunteer’s

internship programme. I was the programme manager

for reefscapers and eco-volunteer’s project. I provided

technical assistance from time to time for marinesavers

programme.

3. Company management

I was responsible for maintaining the necessary permits

and approvals for the operation of the company.

Previous employer 4

Name Local Government Authority

Position held Administrative Officer

Period of work 1st November 2011 – 1st January 2012

Previous employer 5

Name Maldives National University

Position held Assistant Librarian

Period of work 1st March 2011 – 1st July 2011

Previous employer 6

Name Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(MNCCI)

Position held Sales Executive (Boat show Organizing Committee)

Period of work 1st August 2010 – 18th October 2010

Previous employer 7

Name M-7 Print

Position held Sales Executive

Period of work 1st February 2009 – 1st June 2009

Academic Record

Primary education was completed in Ha. Baarah. Secondary education in Dharumavantha school and A’levels in CHSE. I completed my degree in Environment Management under a scholarship from Maldives Environment Management Project (MEMP). Currently I am doing Master of Marine Science, which is joint course by MNU and BICOCCA University.

Name and address of Degree obtained Study Medium of

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institution period instruction

from - to

University of Milano-Bicocca Master of Marine Science 2017- English

Piazza Della Scienza 2, 2126 ongoing

Milan and

Maldives National University

Rahdhebai Higun,

Machangolhi, Male’ 20-04,

Maldives

Maldives National University Bachelor of Environment 2012-2014 English

Rahdhebai Higun, Management

Machangolhi, Male’ 20-04,

Maldives

Centre for Higher Secondary GCE A’level 2008-2010 English

Education, Male’, Maldives

Dharumavantha School, Malé, GCE O’level 2005-2007 English

Maldives

Other qualification which I have obtained includes;

PADI Advance Open Water Diver

Certificate II in Information Technology

Permanent EIA consultant

Certificate III in draftsman with autoCAD

Awards which I have obtained include;

3rd Place in A’level national top ten awards

Details of Major Projects involved in

I have been in involved in projects from coral reef restoration to water and sanitation. I have also been involved in various coastal development, infrastructure, airport development, agriculture, resort development and renovation, and powerhouse development projects but only in the environmental management of these projects.

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Guest house and City Hotel Development Projects

Project 1 EIA for City Hotel Development in HA. Utheemu

Client Hamid Afeef

Duration March 2017

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 2 EIA for the proposed City Hotel development at Ha. Vashafaru

Client Thalhath Rasheedh

Duration August 2016

Responsibilities I prepared the additional information for the EIA report.

Buildings

Project 1 EIA for development of 10 Storey Building at G. Ottaru

Client Fariz Nizar

Duration November 2019

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 2 EIA for development of 11 Storey Building at H. Hithigasdhoshuge

Client INSA Pvt Ltd

Duration 01st August 2018 to 30th December 2018

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 3 EIA for development of sports complex in K. Hulhumale’

Client Hunan Ruin Trading Ltd

Duration January 2018

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Responsibilities Lead consultant

Water and Sewer

Project 1 EIA for the Proposed Water and Sewerage Facility at Kan’duhulhudhoo,

Gaafu Alif Atoll

Client Static Pvt Ltd

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA survey

Project 2 EIA for the Proposed Water and Sewerage Facility at Kinbidhoo, Thaa

Atoll

Client Static Pvt Ltd

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA survey and reporting

Project 3 EIA for Sewerage Facility at Ga. Villingili

Client Mohamed Musthafa

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA survey and data analysis

Project 4 EIA for the Proposed Water and Sewerage Facility at Uligamu, Haa Alif

Atoll

Client Static Pvt Ltd

Duration September 2019

Responsibilities EIA survey and reporting

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Project 5 EIA for Development of Sewerage network at F.Bilehdhoo, R.

Innamaadhoo, Sh. Feevaku and GDh. Madelavi

Client MEE

Duration 1st February 2017 to 30th January 2018

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 6 EIA for establishment of sewerage network in Aa. Ukulhas

Client Static Pvt Ltd

Duration January 2018

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 7 EMP for Establishing bottling plant in H.Dh Kulhudhuffushi

Client Island Beverages Maldives Pvt. Ltd

Duration March 2017

Responsibilities Lead consultant

Project 8 EIA for establishment of water network in B. Dharavandhoo

Client MEE

Duration December 2016-March 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 9 EIA for construction of 300m3/day desalination plant at G.Dh Thinadhoo

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Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration 1st January 2016 to 31st March 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 10 Construction of water and sewerage system to 120 housing units in G.DH

Thinadhoo

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st May 2016

Responsibilities I was involved in monitoring and reporting of the project progress to

Managers (and other relevant stakeholders) and resolving of any issues.

Project 11 Repairing of the Sewerage system in the new-settlement area of H.DH

Maavaidhoo, Kunburudhoo and Faridhoo people in H.DH Nolhivaranfaru

Client MEE

Duration 1st May 2016 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the initial inspection of the sewerage system and drafted

the upgrade works to pump station according to the engineer. Further I am

involved in monitoring and reporting of the project progress to Managers

(and other relevant stakeholders) and resolving of any issues.

Project 12 Design and construction of sewerage system in L. Maamendhoo

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st May 2016

Responsibilities I was involved in monitoring and reporting of the project progress to

Managers (and other relevant stakeholders) and resolving of any issues.

Project 13 Completion of water supply network, household connections and allied

works of Adducity

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st May 2016

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Responsibilities I was involved in monitoring and reporting of the project progress to

Managers (and other relevant stakeholders) and resolving of any issues.

Further I was involved in the coordination of the water meter changing

phase of the project.

Project 14 Establishment of Adducity Hithadhoo central area sewer system

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st May 2016

Responsibilities I was involved in monitoring and reporting of the project progress to

Managers (and other relevant stakeholders) and resolving of any issues.

Furthermore I prepared the BoQs for the connection of gravity lines

component.

Project 15 Survey of Sewer System in R. Ungoofaaru

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st May 2016

Responsibilities I led the inspection team for the inspection of the sewer system in

Ungoofaaru which involved the inspection of Interface Units, Vacuum

station, panel boards etc. I compiled the report for this inspection.

Project 15 Survey of Sewer System in H.Dh Nolhivaranfaru

Client MEE

Duration 1st November 2015 to 31st December 2015

Responsibilities I was involved in the inspection of the sewer system in Nolhivaranfaru

which involved the inspection of manholes, pump station, panel boards etc.

I compiled the report for this inspection.

Coastal Projects

Project 1 EIA for Harbour and swimming area development in Ga. Maamendhoo

Client MNPI

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Duration December 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 2 EIA for Slipway construction in Lh. Hinnavaru

Client Ali Shareef

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA survey and data analysis

Project 3 EIA for Ha. Kelaa Harbour redevelopment

Client MNPI

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 4 EIA for Sh. Noomara Harbour redevelopment

Client MNPI

Duration September 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 5 EIA for the proposed access channel in the Agricultural island of

Fenfuraaveli, Meemu Atoll

Client INSA Pvt Ltd

Duration August 2019

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Responsibilities EIA review

Project 6 1st Addendum to EIA for Sheet Piling in Hawks Land, Thilafushi, Male’

Atoll

Client The Hawks Pvt Ltd

Duration March 2019

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 7 Reclamation of Emboodhoo Lagoon for Tourism Development

Client SAS Construction Pvt Ltd

Duration 11th July 2017 to January 2019

Responsibilities Environmental monitoring of the project

Project 8 EIA for Installation of Oil Storage Tanks at K. Thilafushi Hawks Plot

Client The Hawks Pvt Ltd

Duration March- July 2018

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 9 EIA for sheet piling in Hawks land at K. Thilafushi

Client The Hawks Pvt Ltd

Duration November 2017

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 10 EIA for Deepening the entrance channel to the service jetty at Sun Island

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Resort and Spa, South Ari Atoll

Client Sun Island Resort and Spa

Duration December 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and report of existing environment section

Project 11 EIA for Development of Jetty in V. Fulidhoo

Client MHI

Duration July 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey

Project 12 EIA for Slipway construction in Gulhifalhu MWSC complex

Client MWSC

Duration April 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and report of existing environment section

Project 13 EIA for Submarine Platform Development

Client Tourist Submarine Maldives Pvt Ltd

Duration 1st January 2016 to 31st March 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Road development

Project 1 EIA for 2nd addendum to Hulhule-Hulhumale link road development

project

Client Hunan No.6 Engineering Co. Ltd

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Duration January 2018 to ongoing

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 2 EIA for Road development in Male’ Izzudheen magu

Client MHI

Duration March-April 2017

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Agricultural projects

Project 1 EIA for Agricultural project in GA. Funadhoo

Client Maritech Management Pvt Ltd

Duration August 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and writing existing environment section

Project 2 EIA for Poultry Farm Development in M. Gaakureli

Client Aishath Arsha

Duration March-June 2017

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 3 EIA for Poultry Farm Development at G.DH Havodigala

Client Ahmed Gais

Duration 1st March 2016 to 31st May 2016

Responsibilities I was involved in the survey and the formulation of the EIA report to

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assess the environmental impacts arising from the project. The

development proposal was rejected from EPA at scoping stage as

Havodigala is a very environmentally sensitive island.

Project 4 EIA for Poultry Farm Development at M. Maahura

Client Aishath Arsha

Duration 1st March 2016 to 31st April 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Airport development

Project 1 EIA for airport development in G.Dh Maavarulu

Client Regional Airports

Duration March-May 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and writing existing environment section

Project 2 EIA for Development of airport in G.Dh Faresmaathodaa

Client Regional Airports

Duration March-June 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and writing existing environment section

Project 3 EIA for Development of airport in F. Nilandhoo

Client Regional Airports

Duration March-June 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and writing existing environment section

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Resort development and renovation

Project 1 EIA for Partial renovation and upgrading project at Sonevaafushi resort,

Kunfunadhoo, Baa Atoll

Client Foresight Surveyors

Duration October 2017

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 2 EIA for additional Spa Pavilion and Coastal Protection measures of B.

Voavah

Client Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Duration August 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 3 EIA for the partial renovation and upgrade works of SRL Kanuhuraa

Client SRL Kanuhuraa

Duration 1st March 2016 to 31st May 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 4 EIA for the partial renovation and upgrade works of Six Senses Laamu

Client Six Senses Laamu

Duration 1st August 2015 to 31st October 2015

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 5 EIA for the partial renovation and upgrade works of Four Seasons Kuda

Huraa

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Client Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Duration 1st June 2015 to 31st August 2015

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 6 EIA for the development of B.Voavah as a Luxury Tourist

Client Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Duration 1st May 2015 to 31st July 2015

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Powerhouse development

Project 1 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at Sh. Narudhoo, N. Lhohi, R.

Hulhudhuffaaru and R. Fainu

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration December 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 2 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at M.Veyvah, M.Naalaafushi, F.Bileiydhoo

and L.Maamendhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 3 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at N. Maalhendhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration November 2019

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Responsibilities EIA review

Project 4 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at N. Henbadhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration December 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 5 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at Ga. Villingili

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration December 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 6 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at B.Dhonfanu and B.Hithaadhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration October 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 7 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at N. Magoodhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration July 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

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Project 8 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at Th. Omadhoo, SH. Lhaimagu, Dh.

Hulhudheli, R. Rasmaadhoo, HA. Maarandhoo, HA. Uligamu, and SH.

Bileffahi EIA for Development of Sewerage network at F.Bilehdhoo, R.

Innamaadhoo, Sh. Feevaku and GDh. Madelavi

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration 1st March 2016 to 31st December 2016

Responsibilities Lead Consultant

Project 9 EIA for Powerhouse relocation at G.Dh Thinadhoo

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration 1st March 2016 to 31st April 2016

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Coral reef restoration

Project 1 Coral Frame Project at Cocoa Island, South Male’ Atoll.

Client Cocoa Island

Duration 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the periodic monitoring of the coral frames.

Project 2 Coral Frame Project at Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll

Client Maalifushi by Como

Duration 1st September 2015 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I led the team that conducted the initial transplantation of corals in the

resort and trained the resident marine biologist. I am also involved in the

periodic monitoring of the coral frames

Project 3 Coral Frame Project at Club Med Kani, Kaafu Atoll

Client Club Med Kani

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Duration 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the periodic monitoring of the coral frames.

Project 4 Coral Frame Project at Kuda Huraa, Male’ Atoll

Client Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Duration 1st March 2015 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the periodic monitoring of the coral frames.

Project 5 Coral Frame Project at Kanuhuraa, Lhaviyani Atoll

Client SRL Kanuhuraa

Duration 1st August 2014 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the launching of the project in August 2014. This

involved transplantation of corals to the frames and its consecutive

deployment in Kanuhuraa reef. In addition, the initial monitoring of the

frames after transplantation. I am also involved in the periodic monitoring

of the coral frames.

Project 6 Coral Frame Project at Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll

Client Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Duration 1st August 2014 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities I was involved in the periodic monitoring of the coral frames.

Project 7 NOAH Eco-Volunteers Field experience

Client Seamarc Pvt Ltd

Duration 1st August 2015 to 31st September 2015

Responsibilities The field experience involved getting the diving certificate for the

volunteers and how to rehabilitate coral reefs by coral transplantation. I

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coordinated the entire trip and conducted the coral transplantation training

for the volunteers.

Project 8 EIA for Coral Frame Project at Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll

Client Como Hotels

Duration 1st June 2015 to 31st August 2015

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Project 9 EIA for Coral Frame Project at Kanuhuraa, Lhaviyani Atoll

Client SRL Kanuhuraa

Duration 1st August 2014 to 31st October 2014

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Other

Project 1 EIA for the development of a football ground, access road and water sports

area at Mulah, Meemu Atoll

Client M. Mulah Council

Duration September 2019

Responsibilities EIA review

Project 2 EIA for the expansion of existing football ground in B. Kudarikilu

Client Kudarikilu Council

Duration March-May 2017

Responsibilities EIA survey and writing exiting environment section

Project 3 EIA for the relocation of Trees from B.Kihaadhoo to B.Voavah

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Client Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Duration 1st June 2015 to 31st August 2015

Responsibilities EIA survey and report writing

Details of Research Experience

Programme 1 Environmental monitoring of sewerage systems

Client FENAKA Corporation Limited

Duration 1st December 2015 to 30th March 2017

Responsibilities The EPA’s operating license for water and sewer systems dictates to

monitor the environmental consequences of water and sewer systems and

hence this is not actually a project but a compulsory requirement. However

I was compiling the environmental data and analyzing them to understand

the impacts of raw sewerage and brine discharged into marine

environment.

Programme 2 Reefscapers coral frame programme

Client Seamarc Pvt Ltd

Duration 02nd June 2014 to 31st March 2017

Responsibilities This programme involves rehabilitation of coral reefs by transplanting

corals in reefs on coral frames made from metal coated with sand. In this

project the growth rates of different types of corals species were researched

by taking periodic photos. Further how the artificially transplanted corals

grow to form a reef as part of the ecosystem. Under this programme, coral

frame projects were undertaken at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Four

Seasons Kuda Huraa, SRL Kanuhuraa, Maalifushi by Como, and

Innafushi.

Programme 3 Marinesavers programme

Client Seamarc Pvt Ltd

Duration 02nd June 2014 to 23rd November 2015

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Responsibilities Under this programme there are two initiatives; firstly, the turtle

rehabilitation, which involves rehabilitation of injured turtles and returning

them to sea once they are properly treated. Secondly the turtle ID program,

which involves understanding migratory patterns of turtles by using

trackers and photo tagging using the scutes

Programme 4 Coastal protection works at six senses Laamu

Client Six senses Laamu

Duration 1st November 2014 to 01st March 2015

Responsibilities This project involved the use of geo tubes to prevent erosion in a resort.

The idea was to understand how the geo tubes prevent erosion by taking

periodic photos.

Workshops and Seminars attended

Workshop 1 Finite Element Modelling and Modelling with Firedrake and Thetis

Conductor Jointly by Imperial College London and MNU

Duration 15th July – 18th July 2019

Workshop 2 Urban Solid Waste Management under Singapore Cooperation programme

Conductor Singapore Environment Institue – National Environment Agency

Duration 13th to 17th February 2017.

Workshop 3 Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Training

Conductor Lectures by Dr. Mushtaque Ahmed. Training arranged jointly by UNOPS,

USAID and MEE

Duration 19th to 21st June 2016

Workshop 4 IUCN Public Seminar on Environment Economics

Conductor Jointly by IUCN and Maldives National University

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Duration 1st August 2015

Workshop 5 IUCN Coral Bleaching monitoring protocol

Conductor Jointly by IUCN and Maldives National University

Duration 25th June 2015

Workshop 6 Climate Change Adaption Investment Forum

Conductor Ministry of Tourism

Duration April 2015

Details of Networks and Memberships

Membership 1 Permanent EIA Consultant

Description In accordance with the 4th Amendment to the EIA regulation 2012

(No.2017/R-7), the EPA maintains a list of EIA consultants that are eligible to

carryout EIAs in the Maldives. I am a registered permanent category A EIA

consultant under this list.

Membership 2 Volunteer and member of Maldives Red Crescent

Description The Maldivian Crescent has a Branch in Villimale’ who are involved in

community awareness programs. I am a member as well as a volunteers to

Villimale’ branch providing advice on how to address environmental issues in

the community.

Membership 3 Volunteer at Save the Beach Maldives

Description Save the Beach Maldives is an NGO based in Villimale’ who are involved in

community awareness programs. I am a volunteers providing advice on how

to address environmental issues in the community.

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Membership 4 PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

Description The PADI group of divers are the number one diver’s association group. In

order to be a member of the group once must have a PADI diving license. I

have an advanced open water diving license.

References

Academic Referee 1

Name Mrs. Aminath Shazly

Designation Lecturer

University Maldives National University

Location Malé, Republic of Maldives

Telephone (960) 7555373

Email Address [email protected]

Academic Referee 2

Name Dr. Paolo Galli

Designation Professor

University University of Milano-Biccoca

Location Milan, Italy

Telephone (+39) 3497885788

Email Address [email protected]

Work Supervisor Referee 1

Name Dr. Mohamed Shareef

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Designation Managing Director

Company INSA Pvt Ltd

Location Malé, Republic of Maldives

Telephone (960) 7775640

Email Address [email protected]

Work Supervisor Referee 2

Name Mr. Hussain Hameez

Designation Former Chief Technical Officer

Company FENAKA Corporation Limited

Location Malé, Republic of Maldives

Telephone (960) 7774602

Email Address [email protected]

Work Supervisor Referee 3

Name Mr. Thomas Le Berre

Designation Managing Director

Company Seamarc Pvt Ltd

Location Malé, Republic of Maldives

Telephone (960) 7787642

Email Address [email protected]

244

13.9.2 Hassaan Abdul Muhisn 1. Name: Hassaan Abdul Muhisn 2. Date of Birth: 22nd April 1989 3. Nationality: Maldivian 4. Contact: 7901665

5. Education:

2016 – 2018 M.Se In Environmental Science

Chiang Mai University,

Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2012 – 2012 University of Mysore B.Ed

University of Mysore

St.Joseph’s College Of Education,

Mysore, India

2008 - 2011 BSc (BTCZ) Programme in Bio-technology, Chemistry and Zoology

University of Mysore

St. Philomena’s College,

Mysore, India

2006 - 2008 Centre for Higher Secondary Education

Male’, Maldives

Edexcel GCE A/L (Biology, Chemistry, Physics),

HSC (Dhivehi, Islam)

2003 - 2005 Majeediyya School

Male’, Maldives

Cambridge IGCSE (English, Maths), Cambridge GCE O/L (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Studies),

SSC (Dhivehi, Islam)

1996 - 2002 Kalaafaanu School

Male’, Maldives

Primary Schooling

6. Languages Dhivehi 1 1. speaking, good 2. reading, good 3. writing, good

English

1 1. speaking, good 2. reading, good 3. writing, good

7. Experience/ Employment Record Date of employment Employer Details

Since July 2020 Majeediyya School, Maldives Position: Teacher, Key stage 3

245

Primary role:

Teaching

a) Grade 7

b) Grade 8

March 2018 to June INSA.PVT.LTD Positions held: Environmental researcher, analyst., licenced consultant 2020 2018

Aug 2015 to Aug MMPRC Positions held: Assistant Director 2016

Feb 2013 to Aug 2015 Majeediyya School, Maldives Positions held: Teacher

Primary role:

1 Teaching .

a) Grade 9 and 10 (CIE)

b) Grade 11 (IGCSE)

Sub tasks assigned:

2 Internal verifier .

a)B-tech sports

b)B-tech arts

3 Lead invigilator .

a) IGCSE exams

March 2012 to St.Joseph’s Convent School, Positions held: Intern Teacher

December 2012 Mysuru, Karnataka 570012, India 1.Biology teacher, for 3rd year high school (Grade 10) (Unpaid,

due to student visa status)

March 2012 to St.Joseph’s Convent School, Positions held: Intern Laboratory Teacher

December 2012 Mysuru, Karnataka 570012, India 1.Laboratory teacher, for 2nd year pre-university (Grade 12)

(Unpaid, due to student visa status)

Aug 2011, To Dec Seamarc.pvt.ltd Positions held: Environment Analyst

2011 Summary of Projects Undertaken:

1. Setting out, Landaa Giraivaru

a) Sea wall near the main pool

Role: Setting out survey

2. Setting out , Cheval Blanc Randheli

a) the water villas

b) reclaimed islands

c) arrival jetties

Role: Setting out survey

3 Cheval Blanc Randheli .

a) the coral propagation component

246

Role: Setting out survey

Dec 2005 - March Sunset restaurant Paradise Island 1.Positions held: Billing Clark 2006

Resort, Maldives Sunset Restaurant

Paradise Island Resort,

Maldives

Qualifications, and trainings

17 September 2011 PADI Open water

Sea explores dive school

Bodufungandu magu

Male’, Maldives

6 March 2014 In service training

Professional development

Curriculum Application and Change

1 – 3 April 2014 Invigilator’s Training

Department of Public Examinations

Male’, Maldives

12 February 2015 In service training

Professional development

Specific learning difficulties and Mentoring

Male’, Maldives

31 March 2015 BTEC Internal Verification and Standardisations

23 April 2015 In service training

Professional development

Multiple Intelligence & Activity based learning.

Male’, Maldives

26 May 2015 PADI Speciality Diver Dive against Debris

Villa College Maldives

Bodutakurufaanu magu

Male’, Maldives

26 May 2015 PADI Reef Check Eco Diver

Villa College Maldives

Bodutakurufaanu magu

Male’, Maldives

05 July 2020 Environment consultant licence (Permanent)

EIA P02/2020

Category A

Environmental Protection Agency 247

8. Publications

H.Abdul Mushin, I. Patawang, C. Phalaraksh, (2018) Chromosomal Aberrations Observed in two Fejervarya spp. living in Artisanal Mining Farms in Pichit Province, Thailand. Proceeding of ISER-107th International Conference on Environment and Natural Science (ICENS). February 10th 2018, Phuket, Thailand ( Awaiting publication in JMES, Journal of Materials and Environmental Science (ISSN: 2028-2508) )

11 Publications Worked

Bio-diversity Survey

Ongoing Conserving Kelaa’s Kandoofa – a Biodiversity Mapping and Food Security

Approach, for Ha Kelaa under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants

Program OP6.

EIA Supervisor Proponent/ Contractor / main contact

April 2020 Environmental Impact Assessment Mohamed Zuhair (EIA Gulf Craft Maldives Pvt for a tourist resort and factory island P01/2015) Ltd (Co- authored) development at Gulf lagoon, completed, (4°16'40.06"N, 73°2l '7.27"E), Kaaf 7776800 Aiminath Thauma Atoll, Maldives. [email protected] (aiminath.thauma@gulfcra ft.com)

Conbizz.Pvt Ltd

Ali Akram

([email protected])

March 2020 Environmental Impact Assessment: Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab Maldives Transport and Proposed Harbour re-development at (EIA P22/2016) contracting Agency ( (Co- authored) Bilehfahi, Shaviyani Atoll MTCC) completed, in internal 9994467 review with proponent) Mamdhooh Ali mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com 7853929

Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure

(MNPI)

Shimya Moosa

(7784150)

March 2020 Environmental Impact Assessment: Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab Maldives Transport and for the Proposed Harbour expansion (EIA P22/2016) contracting Agency ( (Co- authored) Projects at Hulhumeedhoo and MTCC) completed, Hulhudhoo, Seenu Atoll 9994467 Mamdhooh Ali mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com 7853929

Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure

(MNPI)

Shimya Moosa

(7784150)

February 2020 EIA for the development of a senior Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab SASe Pvt Ltd football ground, and a picnic area at (EIA P22/2016) (Co- authored) Mulah, M. Atoll, Maldives. Saudulla Ahmed completed 9994467

248

mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma 7771682 il.com

November 2019 Environmental impact assessment Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab SASe Pvt Ltd for the proposed harbour re- (EIA P22/2016) (Co- authored) development and swimming area Saudulla Ahmed completed development project at 9994467 Maamendhoo, Gaaf Atoll, Maldives 7771682 mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com

October 2019 The second addendum to Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab Maldives Transport and Environmental Impact Assessment: (EIA P22/2016) contracting Agency ( (Co- authored) Proposed Harbour Re-development MTCC) completed Project at Kelaa, Haa Alif Atoll, 9994467 Mamdhooh Ali mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com 7853929

Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure

(MNPI)

Shimya Moosa

(7784150)

August 2019, Environmental impact assessment Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab SASe Pvt Ltd for the proposed harbour re- (EIA P22/2016) (Co- authored) development project at Noomara, Saudulla Ahmed completed Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives 9994467 7771682 mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure

(MNPI)

Shimya Moosa

(7784150)

July 2019, Environmental impact assessment Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab Bion PVT LTD for the Proposed Access Channel in (EIA P22/2016) (Co- authored) the Agricultural Island of Mohamed Aslam completed Fenfuraaveli. Meemu Atoll, 9994467 Maldives 9997112 mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com

April 2018, Environmental impact assessment Mahfooz Abdull Wahhab Housing Development for second addendum to: Hulhule- (EIA P22/2016) Cooperation (HDC) (assisted in) completed Hulhumale connecting link road development project,North Male’, 9994467 atoll, Maldives mahfoozabdullwahhab@gma il.com

Monitoring Proponent

April 2018 Environmental monitoring report - Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd Development, south male’ atoll report 6 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

June 2018 Environmental monitoring report - Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd Development, south male’ atoll report 7 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

July 2018 Environmental monitoring report - Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd Development, south male’ atoll report 8 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

August 2018 Environmental monitoring report - Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd Development, south male’ atoll report 9

249

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

September 2018 Environmental monitoring report - Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd Development, south male’ atoll report 10 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 27st Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd September 2018 to 20th Development, south male’ atoll, Report 1 October 2018 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 20th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd October 2018 to 22nd Development, south male’ atoll, Report No: 02 November 2018 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 22nd Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd November 2018 to 10th Development, south male’ atoll, Report 3 December 2018 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 15th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd December 2018 to 15th Development, south male’ atoll Report 4 January 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd 15thJanuary 2019 – Development, south male’ atoll Report 5 02ndFebruary 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd 02ndFebruary 2019 – Development, south male’ atoll Report 6 12thFebruary 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 12th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd February 2019 to 3rd Development, south male’ atoll Report 7 March 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 3rd Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd March 2019 to 20th Development, south male’ atoll Report 8 March 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 20th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd March 2019 to 20th April Development, south male’ atoll Report 9 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 20th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd March 2019 to 20th April Development, south male’ atoll Report 10 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

Monitoring Period: 20th Environmental monitoring report Emboodhoo lagoon SASe Pvt Ltd May 2019 to 20th June Development, south male’ atoll Report 11 2019 Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

4th March 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 1 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

20th March 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 2 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

20th April 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 3 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

20th May 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 4 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

20th June 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 5 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

25th July 2019 Blue beach construction monitoring work report 6 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

7 March 2020 Baglioni environment monitoring report 1 Ali Mubeen

779079

250

1 April 2020 Kahssan Faru Construction Monitoring report 1 SASe Pvt Ltd

Saudulla,Ahmed,7771682

9. Academic referees

Referee Contact Address

Dr Chitchol Phalaraksh 0817160209 Chiang Mai University | CMU · Department of Biology

PhD Environmental Chiang Mai

Toxicology Thailand.

Prof. Marcel.C. Enos 08212511992 St Joseph College of Education

Jayalakshmipuram

Mysore

Karnataka

India

Dr. Ruth Shantha Kumari T. 9449086598 St Philomena’s Degree College,

M.Sc, Ph.D, M.Sc in 821- 4240930 Bannimantap, Mysuru 570 015

Counselling & Phone 0821-4240900 / 4240912 / 4240918

Psychotheraphy [email protected] Fax 0821-4240950

10. Work references

Referee Post during interaction Contact

Dr. Mohamed Shareef Managing Director, INSA Pvt Ltd 7775640, [email protected]

Haris Mohamed Managing Director, MMPRC 7761516

Mohamed Hamzeel Chief Operations Officer, MMPRC 7903010

Aminath Sheeza Assistant Principal, Majeediyya 7784658 School

Aiminath Shahadha Assistant Principal, Majeediyya [email protected] School

Anthirious Georgemary Biology HOD, Majeediyya School 9144842, [email protected]

Thomas Le Berre Managing Director, Seamarc Pvt Ltd 960 7787642, [email protected]

251

13.9.3 Adam Saaneez

Home Address: Fazaa, HA.Kela, Email: [email protected]

Maldives. Tel: +9607890384

Present Address : M.Rihimaa, Male’ Nationality: Maldivian

Maldives.

PROFILE

As a confident outgoing Civil and Structural Engineering graduate with onsite experience I have enthusiasm for life and have endeavoured to gain valuable experience during my gap year and whilst at university. I am committed to developing a career in sustainable environmental engineering and water engineering.

EDUCATION

2010 -2014 University of Sheffield – MEng Civil and Structural Engineering 2.1

Main subjects: Structural Analysis, Water Engineering, Water and Wastewater, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Sustainable Engineering Design, Geotechnical Engineering Design, Earthquake Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, Contract law and Management, Concrete, Timber and Steel Design.

Awarded the International Students Engineering Scholarship at University of Sheffield in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by University of Sheffield.

Dissertation: Permeability of Concrete Incorporating Cement Replacing Materials (industrial by –products) such fly ash, silica fumes, Ground granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBBS) to make durable low carbon concrete. A lab based experiment using real concrete samples including testing of chloride permeability of concrete, cube strength, ultra-sonic properties, oxygen permeability of concrete etc.

2006-2008 Centre for Higher Secondary Education – ‘A’ Levels

A Levels - Physics (A); Biology (A); Chemistry (A); Dhivehi (A); Islam

(A)

GCSEs – 8 GCSEs at grades (7) A and (1) C

WORK EXPERIENCE

Jan 2018– Present: INSA Consultancy Pvt Ltd, Environmental Engineer

Project Management and Consultancy for Environmental Monitoring works for Coastal Protection Works.

Dream Island Development Project – Emboodhoo Lagoon

Rah Falhu Huraa Resort Development Project

252

Project Management and Consultancy for land Reclamation Projects.

Blue Beach Resort Development Project.

Dream Island Development Project -Island H

Marine and land Survey Works.

Rah Falhu Huraa Resort Development Project- Costal Structures

July 2015 – Dec 2017: ArchEng Studio, Civil and Structural Engineer

Project Management and Consultancy for Civil works of Ministry of Education. (2015-2017).

Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings for retrofitting.

Project Management and Consultancy for residential Buildings in

Greater Male’ Region.

Structural Design of Residential Buildings.

Oct 2014 - July 2015: Gedor Consulting Pvt Ltd, Graduate Civil and Structural Engineer

Project Management and Consultancy for residential Buildings in

Greater Male’ Region.

Structural Design of Residential Buildings.

July – Sep 2013: MT Højgaard Maldives, Student Engineer

Worked on construction of R. Vandhoo Waste Management Facility Construction works.

July – Sep 2011: Contech Maldives, Student Engineer

Dealt skillfully with foreign labour on a local housing project. Managed logistics of supplies and supervised construction and workmanship.

2008 – 2009: Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment, Project officer Trainee

Dealt with complains from local people about delays in construction of Tsunami Recovery Housing Project. 253

SKILLS

Communication

Improved negotiation skills by explaining the ideas proposed by local labour to engineers and insisting to consider their ideas.

Enhanced verbal and written communication skills through undertaking assignments and group projects on my degree course. In addition, successfully completed a 20,000-word dissertation.

Problem Solving

Developed onsite problem solving techniques such relocating labour to most important sites to deliver the project on time.

Solved complaints from the public regarding delays in projects by explaining the situation to them while working as a Project Officer Trainee.

Project Management

Management and consultancy of World Bank School Projects (Enhancing Education Development Projects (EEDP)) in the Maldives.

Management and consultancy works of MNU campus development project in GDh. Thinadhooo and S. Hithahdooo.

Project Management and consultancy of ALIA Tower. ( 10 Storey building with basement).

Project management and Consultancy of Kuda Bandos Resort.

Project management and consultancy of M. Kaneeru Villa ( 10 Storey Building).

Project management and consultancy of H. Delrio. ( 10 Story building with basement).

Other Qualifications and Skills

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.

Qualified Dive Against Debris Diver and Eco-Diver.

Qualified Reef Checker.

Vice President of Island Development and Environment Awareness Society (IDEAS)- A Local Environmental NGO, creating awareness about conservation and sustainable development).

Active Volunteer of Olive Ridley Project. (International NGO, creating awareness about the impact of ghost nest on turtles). 254

REFERNCES

Ibrahim Naufal

Mr Jon Carr

Ministry of Environment and Energy

Department of Civil and structural

Ameenee Magu, Maafannu

Engineering

Male’,20392

University of Sheffield

Maldives

Sheffield, S2 1BB

Tel +9607653688

Tel +44 (0) 114 222 0251 Email : [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

255

13.9.4 Ali Mubeen

Date of Birth: 15 th September 1982

Contact Address: G. Half Sea

Koyamalaa Higunn

Male’

Maldives

E-mail: [email protected]

Nationality: Maldivian

Contact no: +960 7790709

(Registered Land and Hydrographic Surveyor)

NBPR-Registration No: BP02306

EMPLOYMENT

2014 to 2018 Senior Land Surveyor

Beach Rock investments pvt.ltd

2014 to 2018 Director for projects and surveying

Evo Sun Sdn Bnd

2011 to 2014 Planning officer and Land surveyor

Maldives land survey authority

Ministry of Housing and Environment

Republic of Maldives

2012 to 2013 Senior Land Surveyor

Foresight Surveyor

2010 to 2012 Senior Land Surveyor

Beach Rock investments pvt.ltd

2004 to 2011 Information Officer

Spatial Section

Ministry of Planning and National Development

Republic of Maldives

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LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS EXPERIENCES

2017: Director for Projects and Surveying - K.Maniyafaru 7.5 hac land Reclamation

Project ( Island 2) - Completed

2017: Director for Projects and Surveying - K.Maniyafaru 3.5 hac land Reclamation

Project ( Island 1) - Completed

2014 - 2017: Director for Projects and Surveying - M.Muli 40 hac land Reclamation Project -

Completed

SURVEYING EXPERIENCE

Project 2018

2019 Setting out survey of R.Uthurumaafaru for Resort costal protection

2019 Setting out survey of AA.Bathala for Resort construction

2019 Setting out survey of R.Fasmendhoo for Resort costal protection

2019 Setting out survey of Adh.Huruvalhi for Resort costal protection

2019 Setting out survey of K.Kudavilligili for Resort construction

2019 Boundary and bathymetric survey and Setting out survey of Ha.Manafaru

for Resort costal protection

2019 Boundary and bathymetric survey and Setting out survey of

Dh.Sarakafushi for Picnic Island project

2019 Boundary and bathymetric survey and Setting out survey of

Dh.Borikifinolhu for Picnic Island project

2019 As Built and LRS survey of Dh.Aluvifushi for Picnic Island project

Project 2018

2018 Boundary and bathymetric survey and Setting out survey of Ha.Manafaru

for Resort costal protection

257

2018 Boundary survey and Setting out survey of AA.Bathala for Resort

construction

2018 Bathymetric survey of Adh.Dhangethi for guest house construction

2018 Setting out survey of V.Fulidhoo for guest house construction

2018 Setting out survey of R.Uthurumaafaru for Resort construction

2018 Boundary survey of Ga.Mathidhoo for Picnic Island

2018 Boundary survey of B.Keyodhoo for Picnic Island

2018 Static survey of B.Vovah for privet resort

2018 LRS survey and Bathymetric survey of Dh.Maagau for Resort

construction

2018 Boundary survey, setting out survey, topographic, bathymetric and

volumetric survey of K.Kudavilligili for Resort

Project 2017

2017 Setting out survey of K.Hulhumale’ for Housing units construction

2017 Setting out survey of K.Hulhule’ for Airport development

2017 Setting out survey of K.Male’ for Housing construction

2017 Setting out survey of K.Aanugandu falhu’ for Resort construction

2017 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of

K.Akirifushi for Resort

2017 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of AA.Lonu

Hura for Resort

2017 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey, bathymetric

survey and volumetric survey of K.Maniyafaru for Resort construction

and land reclamation

2016 Boundary survey of R.Filaidhoo for Resort construction

2016 LRS survey and Bathymetric survey of Th.Ruhthibi for Resort

construction

2017 Boundary survey of N.Lofaru for Resort construction

2017 Boundary survey and Bathymetric survey of Lux Maldives for Resort

construction

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2017 Boundary survey and Setting out survey of N.Kuredhivaru for Resort

construction

2017 Boundary survey and Setting out survey of K.Kuda bandos for Resort

construction

2017 Boundary survey and Setting out survey of Lh.Fushifaru for Resort

construction

2017 Boundary survey of M.Gasveli for Resort construction

2017 Setting Out survey of M.Uthuru boduveliveli

2017 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of

Lh.Oocolhufinolhu for Resort construction

2017 As built survey, boundary survey, setting out survey and bathymetric survey of

K.kohdhiparu

2017 Volumetric survey, bathymetric survey and setting out survey of M.Muli for

40 hector land reclamation project

Project 2016

2016 LRS survey of Lh.Innahura for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey and bathymetric survey of K.Aanugandu falhu’ for

Resort construction

2016 Bathymetric survey of K.Thulhagiri falhu’ for Resort construction

2016 LRS survey of Lh.Dheruhfinolhu for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey and topographic survey of LH.Maabinhuraa for Resort

construction

2016 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey, bathymetric

survey and volumetric survey of Adh.Bodufinolhu for Resort construction

and land reclamation

2016 Boundary survey of R.Filaidhoo for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey and setting out survey of B.Milaidhoo for Resort

construction

2016 Boundary survey of M.Kekuraalhuveli for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey of M.Gasveli for Resort construction

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2016 Boundary survey of M.Dhekunu Boduveli for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey of M.Kudausfushi for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey of Lh.Huruvalhi for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey of Lh.Kudadhoo for Resort construction

2016 Setting Out survey of M.Uthuru boduveliveli

2016 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of

Lh.Oocolhufinolhu for Resort construction

2016 Boundary survey, setting out survey of R.Aarah for Resort construction

2016 As built survey, boundary survey, setting out survey and bathymetric survey of

K.kohdhiparu

2016 Volumetric survey, bathymetric survey and setting out survey of M.Muli for

40 hector land reclamation project

Project 2015

2015 Boundary survey of Dh.Maafushi for Resort construction

2015 Boundary survey of Dh.Kendhigandu for Resort construction

2015 As built survey and setting survey of Lh.Kanuhura for Resort

construction

2015 Boundary survey and setting out survey of F.Maagau for Resort

construction

2015 LRS survey of K.Gasfinolhu for Resort construction

2015 LRS survey of K.Mirihi for Resort construction

2015 LRS survey of K.Velasaru for Resort construction

2015 Boundary survey of Lh.Huruvalhi for Resort construction

2015 Boundary survey of Lh.Kudadhoo for Resort construction

2015 LUP survey of Adh.dhidhoo for local tourism development

2015 LRS survey of R.Kohtafaru for Resort construction

2015 LRS survey of R.Kudafushi for Resort construction

2015 As built survey of an area of K.Ananthara Dhigu

2015 Topographic and As built survey of K.Ananthara veli

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2015 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of

LH.Oocolhufinolhu for Resort construction

2015 LRS survey of Island Hideaway for Resort registration

2015 LRS survey of Lh.Maslehgihura and Lh.Jehunuhura for Resort

construction

2015 Boundary survey, setting out survey and topographic survey of R.Aarah

for Resort construction

2015 LRS survey setting, out survey and bathymetric survey of R.Filaidhoo for

Resort construction

2015 As built survey, boundary survey, setting out survey and bathymetric survey of

K.kohdhiparu

2015 Volumetric survey, bathymetric survey and setting out survey of M.Muli for

40 hector land reclamation project

Project 2014

2014 LRS survey of M.hurasveli, M.gasveli and M.Uthurubodduveli

2014 Volumetric survey of M.Muli for 40 hector land reclamation project

2014 LRS survey of V.Fulidhoo and Land use plane

2014 LRS survey of Ga.Kolamaafushi and Land use plane

2014 LRS survey of L.isdhoo kalaidhoo for land area registration and

boundary separation

2014 LRS survey of Hdh.Dhidhoo for reclamation

2014 As built survey for existing habour of S.Maradhoo feydhoo and the bathymetry.

2014 LRS survey of M.Muli and the bathymetry for reclamation

2014 LRS survey of M.Raimandhoo and the bathymetry for Jetty construction

2014 LRS survey of Ga.Kolamaafushi and the topographic survey to design the

water network for 5 flats (Anni hiyaa)

Project 2013

2013 Cadastral, Building and Boundary Survey K.Gulhifalhu

2013 Topographic survey and Tree Survey Ha.Dhapparu

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2013 Lot verification survey in Addu city

2013 As built survey for existing habour of Ha.Hoarafushi

Project 2012

2012 K.Male’ boundary survey

2012 LRS survey of Hdh.Vaikaradhoo and the bathymetry for proposed habour

construction and as built survey for existing habour

2012 LRS survey and as built survey for existing habour of Hdh. Kumundhoo

and the bathymetry.

2012 LRS survey and boundary of K. Gulheefalhu, K.Eriyadhoo, N.Fushivellavaru,

AA.Ehlidhoo, M.Hakuraahuraa, K.Dhonvelli, K.Velassaru and

K.Thulaagiri to the Surveying and Land Registration Standards for Tourist

Properties of the Maldives -2011

2012 LRS survey and boundary of Th.Guraidhoo and the bathymetry for land

reclamation.

2012 Bathymetry of the lagoon in between L.Gaadhoo and L.Fonadhoo for

causeway construction.

2012 As built survey and bathymetry of L.Gaadhoo ,Ha.Utheemu ,

Ha.Vashafaru , Ha.Vashafaru, Th.Manadhoo and L.kunahandhoo for

land reclamation.

2012 As built survey of L.Maabaidhoo , L.Dhambidhoo and Ha.Hourafushi

harbour area.

Project 2005 to 2011

2011 Initial survey and setout survey of Gdh.dhigelaabadhooo and B.Vahkaru

2011 Set out survey of B.Thulhaidhoo housing units (nine blocks- 126 housing

units).

2011 As built survey and bathymetry of Gdh.Thinadhoo, K.Kaashidhoo ,

B.Dharavandhoo harbour area.

2011 As built survey and Tree Survey one & only reethi rah.

2010 Assist in Set out survey for Annanthara resort.

2009 Assist in Lot allocation survey for island aviation. S.Gan

2007 EIA Assist in the ground and reef surveying and photography

Scope: To do the survey on the area of Dh. Hulhudheli

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2005 & 2006: Harbour survey in the island of AA.Rasdhoo, Maalhose , Dhigurah Feridhoo &

F.Feeali

MONITORING AND EVALUATION EXPERIANCE

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2010 to 2014: Updating, Digitizing, verification and compiling works of the Dhivehi and

English version of The Official Atlas of Maldives by using the latest Satellite

images.-Maldives land survey authority

2006 to 2007: Digitizing and compiling The Official Atlas of Maldives which was released in

2008 from Ministry of Planning and National Development.

2005: As the Ministry’s Counterpart to three day study trip to selective islands with

the Japan International Cooperation Association (JICA) specialists in all the

island of Laamu Atoll and Thaa Atoll

2005: Gn.Fuvahmulah Five Star Hotel. Assisted in the ground surveying for Areal

photography.

2005: Tsunami Affected Areas Arial Photography, in R.Alifushi Assisted in the

ground surveying and arranging logistics. Scope: To assess the damage caused

by tsunami to the geography of Maldives.

2004: Maldives Mapping and National G.I.S Development Project Phase 3worked as a

assistant in the ground Surveying and Logistics. Scope: To establish a National

Geographical Information System.

2004 As the Ministry’s Counterpart to Survey trip to M.Kolhufushi with a civil

engineer Mr.Petter a member of the south African global relief team to assess

the damages caused by tsunami disaster.

2004: Damagers and Food survey: Assisted in the ground surveying and photography.

Scope: To assess the damage caused by tsunami in Dhaalu, Lhaviyani , Laamu

and Kaafu Atoll

2004: As the Ministry’s Counterpart to six study trip to selective islands with the

Associate Professor Dr. Ahmet Yelciner Cervidet, a tsunami Scientist in

Seenu, Gaviyani, Kaafu, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Meemu Atoll to

check the harbour status and to understand the current flow in the Maldives.

WORKSHOP ATTENDED

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2013: Training Workshop on Geographic Information System (GIS)

Maldives Land Survey Authority

Male’, Maldives

2006: Project Implementation and Administration Seminar

Organized by ADB

Male’, Maldives

2006: Workshop on Project Management and Implementation

Organized by Ministry of Planning and National Development

Male’, Maldives

2006: Workshop on capacity building in ecosystem- Based management

approaches for coastal areas and coral reefs in the Maldives

Organized by the ADB

Male’, Maldives

2005: Workshop on Disaster Management

Organized by UNDP

Lectured by Philippines Former secretary of defence Dr. Oley

Paradise Island Resort, Maldives

2004: Training Workshop on Macroeconomic Forecasting

Organized by Ministry of Planning and National Development with assistance

from the Commonwealth Secretariat. Lectured by Dr. Das

Male’, Maldives

OTHER EXPERIENCES

2007: Worked as resource person on the workshop held give information of Public

sector investment program Organized by Ministry of Planning and National

Development

2006: Tilde Wave 2007, Worked as an official to collect data and monitoring

special areas GDh Atoll.

2006: Census 2006, Worked as a Special area official to collect census data and

monitoring special areas (prisons and other government buildings).

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REFERENCES

Hamdhoon Hameed

Maldivian Ambassador for Japan

Former Minister of Planning and National Development/ Former Parliament Member +960 777 2333

Ibrahim Shakir (Shark)

CEO

Beach Rock Ventures Pvt Ltd

Registered Land and Hydrographic Surveyor

+960 775 9695

Mohamed Rasheed

Executive Director Administration and Finance

CDE,

Former Executive Director Administration and Finance

Of Ministry of Planning and National Development

+960 777 5153

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