Date Location Participants Theme 15th June Council Office President of Atoll Council KO meeting 19th June Atoll Council Office Atoll Council Members ESDD briefing, and feedback of council aspirations for the project 19th June Island Council Secretariat Offices Island Council Members ESDD briefing, and feedback of council aspirations for the project 20th June Waste Management Compound Municipal Services, Southern Utilities Waste management 20th June Harbour Habeeb Ibrahim (senior fisherman) Island fisheries 20th June Office Soc. for Environmental Awareness (NGO) Horticulture projects 21st June Hoadhan'du Mohamed Ahmed (farmer) Island agriculture 21st June Office Abdul Majeed (teacher) Education / environment
21st June Island Council Office Island Council Public Health Unit Health data 21st June Office MoHE & EPA reps Wetland demarcation / zoning and wetland / agriculture issues Hithadhoo Date Location Participants Theme 22nd June (atoll) Council Secretariat Mayor of City Council ESDD briefing and Council feedback 23rd June (atoll) Council Secretariat Director of Health Directorate Health issues 23rd June (atoll) Council Secretariat Mayor of City Council ‘Vision Addu’, etc. 23rd June Island Office, Hithadhoo President, Town Board Environmental issues, wetlands and ecotourism 24th June Harbour Two fishermen and President, Town Board Island fisheries, employment and flooding 25th June Waste Management Centre Southern Utilities Limited waste contractor Waste management
25th June Four farmers Agriculture 27th June Koattey Area Farmer Agriculture / horticulture / protected area Male’ 19th June MRC Resort managers & divers reef monitoring component In addition, as part of the SDD, Household Social Surveys were conducted with 335 households on Fuvahmulah, and 400 households on Hithadhoo. A stakeholder analysis was also conducted on both islands. The outputs of the SDD have contributed to a series of recommendations for the implementation of the Component.
2009 Pension Act (Act No. 8/2009) Mandates upon every employer to enroll all employees on a defined contribution pension scheme. Employment Tribunal The Tribunal was established pursuant to the Employment Act with the objectives of examining and arbitrating matters arising in the work environment between the employer and employee and any matters ascribed to the Employment Tribunal pursuant to the Employment Act or any other Act or regulation or under any agreement, in an expeditious and simple manner. 2010 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) Ratified 1 April 2010 Sexual Harassment Bill [under development] Defining sexual harassment in work place and assigns responsibilities for prevention of different stakeholders of such acts and sets out penalties for the offenders. The President of for Human Resource Development in the Tourism Industry The was established to encourage hoteliers and resort operators to invest and contribute towards training and development of staff in order to demand for qualified staff within the tourism industry. Source: FJS Consulting (2010) World Bank Safeguard Policies The World Bank has a number of Operational Policies (OPs) and Bank Procedures (BPs) concerning environmental and social issues, which together are referred to as the Bank’s ‘Safeguard Policies’. If, during the development of a project, it is considered that it is possible that a proposed project activity could be the subject of one of the safeguard policies, that policy is considered to have been ‘triggered’. In the subsequent development of the project, that activity must be considered in more detail to determine whether it is actually of no concern, or adequate mitigation can be applied to address the concern, or the activity should be removed from the project (or the whole project should be dropped). The sections 4.4.1 to 4.4.4 below address those Safeguard Policies that have been triggered by the project under review, and the actions that have been taken to ensure that the requirements of those policies will be satisfied in the further development of the project.
R&R Benefits for Project Affected Families The resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) benefits shall be extended to all the Project Affected Families (PAF). The details are provided in the entitlement matrix. Entitlement Matrix Type of Impact/Loss Nature of Ownership Unit of Entitlement Probable Entitlements Loss of Land Agricultural / Commercial land Titleholders and customary or usufruct right holders Family Project to replace land acquired. One time cash assistance towards land development charges if land allotted is wasteland or degraded land. One time subsistence allowance to cushion the immediate loss of income Residential Titleholder Family Project to provide alternative land Partial loss of land – Less than 25% of the total holding (Agricultural land) Titleholders and customary or usufruct right holders Family One time subsistence allowance to cushion the immediate loss of income Loss of Structure Residential Titleholder Family Cash compensation at replacement value. One time shifting grant for transportation of building materials and other belongings. Structure to be demolished only after new house has been constructed or at least six months notice to demolish the existing house Commercial Titleholder Family Cash compensation at replacement value. One time shifting for transportation of building materials, etc. Structure to be demolished only after new structure has been constructed or at least six months
Public sector: as depicted in , the largest employer is the public administration sector. Employment is provided within ward council offices, the atoll council office, educational establishments, health facilities and the State Trading Organisation branch in Fuvahmulah. Private sector: private sector employers include the two telecommunication services providers; Dhiraagu and Wataniya, other service providers and retail outlets (shops: ). The retail trade is a major activity on Fuvahmulah, with 258 retail shops located throughout the island. In addition, a diverse range of income earning activities are practised in the island such as making snacks or short-eats, driving, carpentry, boat building (), vehicle repair and maintenance, construction and tailoring. Photo 82 Boat building, Fuvahmulah, June 2011
Photo 86 Land Cleared for Airport, Fuvahmulah, June 2011 Table 5.3 Natural Resource Management Practice, Issues and Recommendations, Fuvahmulah Existing Practice Issues Recommendations Wetlands The island has two wetland systems. Very few households use the wetlands and surrounding for generating a cash income; however, many households have taro fields on the edges of the wetlands, and these are important for domestic food supply. The wetlands are important for recreational purposes, especially swimming (see results of Household Survey at Appendix 9 for details). Waste dumping and firewood extraction continue but appear to be declining. Pollution and invasive species are ongoing risks. The biggest threat is conversion to urban use, including roads and land reclamation, as shown in the approved Land Use Plan. There are no wetland management plans or active management. Declaration as protected will be meaningless unless accompanied by practical management actions based on a feasible management plan. Low to zero opportunities for income generation from wetland tourism on Fuvahmulah. Stop all plans for new roads in the wetlands and initiate an urgent review of the official Land Use Plan, giving appropriate consideration to wetland conservation. Survey, locate and destroy invasive plants such as Nile Cabbage (also as Water Lettuce: Pistia stratiotes). Develop and implement wetland management plan for both wetlands focused on (i) conservation of ecosystem functions, (ii) continuation of current sustainable livelihood uses (taro cultivation), (iii) enhancement of local recreational values (swimming, picnicking), and (iv) education and awareness as part of a wider package of environmental education. Review and improve the solid waste management system. Resources In some locations the shallow freshwater aquifer is contaminated by cess pits, sea water and possibly pesticides Increasing demand for fresh water may cause salt water intrusion. Determine safe groundwater extraction volumes and establish a groundwater abstraction licensing system.
and is not suitable for drinking; it is used for other domestic purposes and for irrigation. Rainwater is collected from roofs and stored in tanks for drinking and cooking; there are 73 community tanks (>3 m3 per tank) and 2,048 recently installed household tanks (2.5 m3 each). Reducing and eventually preventing contamination of the freshwater aquifer by sewage will require a major investment and ongoing cost of piped sewerage; any such system will have its own effluent and sludge disposal issues. Pesticide use is not controlled ( Photo 87); prevention of groundwater contamination by pesticides will require major and ongoing investment in regulations, training and enforcement. Domestic use of untreated rainwater is associated with diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which is widespread. Demand for fresh water is increasing. Implement a centralised sewerage system, subject to thorough environmental, technical and economic sustainability analysis. Work with central government to initiate a system to control pesticides, manage pesticide use, and train operators, as part of a national move towards integrated pest management (IPM) (FAO is assisting government with drafting of a Pesticides Act). Investigate and popularise effective home treatment systems for household rainwater (e.g. filtration, UV light, chlorination tablets, sunlight sterilisation, boiling). Minimise demand increases by demand management techniques including pricing, building codes (e.g. requiring high-efficiency shower heads), and awareness.
immediately around the island). Sand and Mining Sand mining has been banned from the beaches of Fuvahmulah since September 2009 but still continues to some degree. One estimate places use of the island's sand resource (on and as 150,000 m3 out of a total of 200,000 m3 (CDE Consulting, 2010). Lack of access to affordable sources of construction material. Direct contribution to beach erosion and interruption of sand supply to beaches. Work with national government to explore options for affordable alternative sources of construction material. Encourage the use of cement blocks for construction. Photo 87 Pesticides in Use on Fuvahmulah Farm, June 2011 Stakeholder Analysis The main stakeholder categories on Fuvahmulah are listed in and with some comments on features, interests, concerns, influence etc.
Other Dhandimaghi is an important, safe freshwater swimming resource for residents. Improvement of the existing access point would bring many benefits, especially but not only to children learning to swim. Include, as a priority, design and implementation of works to improve the attractiveness and safety of the existing access point to Dhandimaghi Kilhi (e.g. parking area, picnic tables, safe steps into water, hard bottom underwater for, say, 20 m from access point) ().
under a government project. Government is planning the construction of a desalination plant. Pesticide use is not controlled; prevention of groundwater contamination by pesticides will require major and ongoing investment in regulations, training and enforcement. Domestic use of untreated rainwater is associated with diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which is widespread. Demand for water is increasing. (IPM) (FAO is assisting government with drafting of a Pesticides Act). Investigate and popularise effective home treatment systems for household rainwater (e.g. filtration, UV chlorination tablets, sunlight sterilisation, boiling). Minimise demand increases by demand management techniques including pricing, building codes (e.g. requiring high-efficiency shower heads), and awareness. Agriculture Farmers make up less than 1% of the working population in Hithadhoo (20 people in 2006 and 33 in 2011); these official numbers probably exclude farm workers: foreign (Bangladeshi) labourers are resident on some of the farms. are grown commercially on large plots (1 ha or more) allocated to individuals by the Atoll Council. The plots have been allocated recently and are in areas of semi-natural vegetation (now cleared), either in the south of the island south of the new convention centre () or in the north, in the centre of the Koattey protected area (after it was declared). Crops grown are vegetables, for sale In the south, some of the parcels are in areas subject to flooding during intense rains. Farmers lack knowledge of many aspects of crop husbandry. Pesticide use is universal and uncontrolled, with associated health risks to workers and consumers and risks to surface and groundwater. The foreign labour force is socially marginalised with poor working conditions and few rights. Review the allocation of land for agriculture in southern Hithadhoo taking into account and drainage. Work with MoFA to improve farmers' knowledge and skills. Work with central government to initiate a system to control pesticides, and manage pesticide use, as part of a national move towards integrated pest management (IPM) (FAO is assisting government with drafting of a Pesticides Act). Encourage home gardening and food processing to enhance diets and contribute to food security. Work with national government to regularise the working conditions and rights of agricultural labour.
locally; irrigation is from the groundwater; pesticides are used without control or training. Fishing There are 153 fishermen comprising 7% of the workforce. are 27 registered fishing boats. Fishing is predominantly for skipjack tuna near the Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) close to the island using pole and line, but some larger vessels are now fishing for yellowfin tuna. Bait, caught at depth from the reefs, is in short supply and the bait supply is not managed. Fishermen from other atolls are night fishing with 4000W lights. Tsunami aid money resulted in bigger boats being built, but these are more expensive to operate. Catches have been declining since 2006. The larger boats have low profits due to high operating costs; they also waste bait and depress prices. Harbour facilities are inadequate. Sea cucumber collection rules are ignored. Some of the younger fishing crew "spend their money on drugs". is low recruitment into the industry. The are being affected by sediment, overfishing, and physical damage. Explore ways to increase sector profitability, perhaps by limiting boat size or retiring larger fishing vessels, and by adding value to caught fish through processing and improved marketing. Determine sustainable catches for different stocks and work with fishing community to establish, monitor and enforce agreed limits and methods. Review the bait fish issue and work with the fishing sector to establish, monitor and enforce bait fishing regulations. Expand and enforce fishing bans in key locations, such as adjacent to the Koattey area of northern Hithadhoo. Improve harbour facilities for fishing boats. Monitor the house reef for damage by sediment, including determining whether the generation of coral dust on new island roads is a cause of siltation and reef damage. Sand and Coral Mining Although illegal, there is extensive coral mining and sand collection from the western side of the island () and from the outer rim of Eidhigali Kilhi. There is significant sand dredging from designated Creation of weak spots against storm surges on the island's west coast. Increase in the permeability of the seaward barrier of Eidhigali (), allowing increased Place physical barriers at the entrance to the Eidhigali Kilhi beach to prevent vehicle access. Enforce the coral and sand mining ban. Improved education and awareness concerning the
Table 7.5 Stakeholder Analysis, Hithadhoo Stakeholders Main Features / Characteristics Views / Interests Worries / Fears Experience in Wetland Management Power / Influence National level: MoHE EPA Line ministry, major responsibilities Environmental regulator Want to prepare islands for climate change; responsible for land use and housing Preparation of practical project; protection of biodiversity; enforcement of regulations Scale of responsibilities; low capacity especially away from capital; government cutbacks Limited; held by individuals rather than as corporate knowledge Significant influence on official planning; little influence on day-to-day decisions on the ground Island level: City Council Town Board or its replacement Atoll and island-level administrations with both strategic and day-to-day responsibilities Strategic development of the atoll including Hithadhoo; management of services and issues Degradation and/or irreversible loss of natural resources; low technical capacity for planning and management None Significant, especially under new decentralised approach; limited by lack of budgets and low technical capacity residents Relatively affluent; many female-headed households; significant gender division of roles; significant generational differences Want economic development and employment opportunities; want more freedom Social problems due to changing society and expectations; youth disenchantment and unemployment None, except management of taro fields at edge of wetlands Little, but personal actions have high cumulative impacts on the wetlands
Demarcation of wetland areas and mapping of existing resource use in the wetland areas. On Hithadhoo the northernmost, coastal wetland complex was declared a protected area in 2004 and its boundaries were demarcated at that time. It is understood that the EPA is considering enlarging this protected area. Identification of the boundary of the southern wetlands is required on a functional (hydraulic-ecological) basis for geographical comparison with the Land Use Plan: the Plan allocates a large part of the wetlands to urban and institutional development and will require adjustment if the wetlands are to be conserved. Demarcation provides certainty to local residents and users, provided they have full information. Existing resource use is almost entirely (a) recreational, and (b) agricultural (taro): see Section . Ensure that mapping and demarcation are fully co-ordinated with the EPA and the protected area enlargement process. Incorporate a review of the Land Use Plan in the project design as an activity, to adjust it in line with new conservation priorities. Ensure that any future protected area zonation and management plan allows continued use of wetland edges for taro.
(b) Pilot on ecotourism at Hithadhoo "Ecotourism" is defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as "Responsible travel to natural that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". It has a high social content and is not the same as nature-based tourism. may be some potential for off-island nature-based tourism on Hithadhoo, probably as part of a day trip from the high-end resorts elsewhere in the atoll and/or from safari boats. Any fee-generating tourism development on Hithadhoo would be dependent on marketing a specific product, which would have to be significantly different from other tourism options in the in order to attract customers (e.g. 2-hour bicycle tours). Revise this activity to focus on development of a tourism concept for Hithadhoo Protected Area based on a realistic assessment of the domestic and international tourist markets in relation to existing and possible attractions (e.g. birds, flying foxes, semi-natural terrestrial and coastal habitats, land-based snorkelling). of basic infrastructure for eco-tourism (nature trails, observation hides, interpretation centre, visitor convenience services). Disappointment if facilities are built but economic benefits from tourism do not materialise (see comments above). This scenario is considered likely in the absence of an identified tourist market and business plan - and a full clean up of the whole area to remove all solid waste. See comment
drainage after flooding. - Completes & reports upon activities for the population as a whole, to emphasise the importance of the emergency drainage channels for the community. Removal of alien aquatic weeds. Atoll Council confirmation that all evidence of Pistia stratiotes has been removed from the island. Protected Area status for wetland - Mapping and demarcation completed by EPA. - Gazetting completed. Prevent from adversely affecting wetland hydrology Publication of Land Use Plan revised to delete the proposal to build roads within and around the wetlands. Facilitate the continued use of wetland margins for the sustainable cultivation of taro. Protected Area zonation and management plan published, allowing continued use of wetland
margins for taro. Land Use Plan also updated accordingly. Increase opportunities for utilization of wetland resources for leisure / tourism. Design and implementation of proposed minor works to improve the attractiveness and safety of the existing access point to Dhandimaghi Kilhi. Pilot project on eco-tourism for Fuvahmulah. Publication of a realistic assessment of the domestic and international tourist markets in relation to existing and possible attractions on the island. Documentation of Best Practices on Wetland Management Completion of a study tour to other wetland and/or protected area management sites and projects in the for key individuals from Fuvahmulah. Dissemination workshops Publication of an independent, objective, review of the project at least six months
conservation principles. Capacity building for climate change adaptation Delivery of a locally focused training workshop for local council employees using a approach. Application of the Environmental Management Framework All proposed are subjected to the project-level screening process before implementation. Coral Monitoring Awareness Conduct of broad stakeholder workshop at the start of the component, and publication of workshop report. Training Completion of initial environmental training of all divers to be involved in the monitoring component Component Monitoring Publication of mid-term report on the monitoring of diving fieldwork to
Tourist Resorts Tourist Resort Liaison Officer Support to Coordinator and ensure communications with the resorts. Maintain regular contact with resorts, PIU staff and Coral Coordinator. Report any issues as required Coral Coordinator MHE/PMU Energy Coordinator Liaise with Safeguards Coordinator and PIU staff on ESDD issues Review the periodic reports on ESDD implementation and identify joint solutions with the safeguards coordinator for improved implementation. Maintain regular contact with PIU and ESDD coordinator Report any issues as required Safeguards Coordinator