WHAT IS EIA?
EIA or Environmental Impact Assessment is a basic component of all the development projects. In Maldives, any project with a potential to have an impact on the environment is required
to undertake an EIA study prior to the approval of the project. This process is regulated and managed by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ministry of Tourism (MOT) for all tourism related projects. Examples of projects requiring EIA's in Maldives include, resort development, harbour construction, land reclamation, channel deepening and dredging, sea grass removal, construction of over water infrastructures, establishment of process industries like fish processing, establishment of sewerage systems to name a few.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Water Solutions has extensive experience in almost all types of projects requiring EIA. The EIA is undertaken by a group of full time multidisciplinary consultants.
Water Solutions utilizes the latest technology and innovative equipment’s for data collection in all our projects and we are one of the best companies equipped with the latest data collection technology.
In Maldives, the EIA process begins with an application to undertake an EIA. Click the link below to download a flow chart of the EIA process in Maldives to get a better understanding of the process.
Clients responsibilities
Although, the EIA report is prepared by us, there are certain responsibilities of the client. The most common includes:
1. Ensuring that the project has been approved by the relevant government authority and provide documentary proof of this.
2. Provide all relevant information about a project, including any studies, reports, charts or maps that has been prepared.
3. Provide inputs to the consultant when required.
4. Thoroughly review the EIA report before it is submitted.
5. Make sure that the environmental management section of the report (impacts, mitigation and monitoring sections) are well understood and are aware of the monitoring obligations and costs involved during the project implementation stage.
What does an EIA cover?
Undertaking a baseline survey for the project.
Collecting available long term data such as wind, tides, waves, temperature etc. about a particular project.
Describing the project proponent and the project in detail with all the information identified in the TOR.
Undertake a stakeholder consultation to identify stakeholder concerns and views with regard to the project.
Identify the major potential environmental impacts of the project through methods specified in the TOR.
Prepare and provide a realistic project schedule.
Identify mitigation measures and environmentally sound management practices.
Review alternatives to what is proposed in order to evaluate the different options.
Proposing an environmental monitoring programme that will be used to check and monitor the project.
Huraa Mangrove Nature Reserve
Huraa is well known in the Maldivian history as the last royal dynasty to rule over Maldives has its root in the island. The Huraa Mangrove Nature Reserve is located on northern side of the island. According to IUCN, ten different varieties mangroves are found in Huraa Mangrove Nature Reserve. These include true mangrove and other associate varieties of mangrove plants. A unique vegetation for safe resting place for birds.