NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/... · 6. Assessment of fture climate pattems under scenarios of global warming and assessment of relative

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN

M^INIS;TRY OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTMae'

Republic of Maldives.

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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN

MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT.

Male'Republic of Maldives.

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD - 5

BACKGROUND .7

PRINCIPAL AIM AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES 8

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CAPABMLTM 12

TRAINING 13

AREAS FOR PRIORITY ACTION IN 1990-1991 14

WORK PROGRAMME 17

WVORK PLAN 21

PROJECTS 25

FOREWORD

The growing importance for protecting the environment cannot be over-emphasezed. This

particularly applies to small island countries like the Maldives, where daily life is almost entirely

govemed by the environmernL Fishing for instance, is -e lagest industry, and tourism next, with thehighest foreign currency earner. Environmental management is therefore the key to sustain these twovery important sectors. With limited natural resources in the country, the future generations has alsc

to depend on them.

In a place, like the Maldives, where life is so intertwined with the complex but delicate ecosystems.the need to protect the environment is utnostThe vulnerability of the Maldives environment

ic further increased by the threat of global warming and its consequences, in particular that of sealevel rise. Sound environmental management to-day, is the key to a safe and sustainable future.

Unless action is initiated urgently, it may have disastrous consequences on the country.

It is my firm belief that this Action Plan will work towards laying the necessary foundation to builc

and strengthen the environmental planning and management caoability in the country. taking

particular note of the immediate areas and the medium to long term activities.

I take great pleasure in extending a word of gratitude tD the United Nations Environment

Programme and the United Nations Development Programme, for their kind assistance. and to D7.

John Pemetta in particular, who has contributed significantly in putting this Action Plan together.

FATHULLA JAME=E

Minister of State for Planning and Environmen:.

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BACKGROUND

The Maldives forms a chain of coral atolls on the Laccadive- Chagos submarine ridge rising fromthe deep Indian Ocean. Sequential growth of coral has built up the chain of islands. The 1190 oddislands make up less than 2% of the total area of the country. On an average the elevation of theislands are about 1.6m above mean sea levei. The surrounding reefs of the islands protect themagainst the swells, currents and waves of the Indian Oceami.

This fragile nature of the islands, the biological diversity of the marine resources together w;th theimportant terrestrial ecosystems and their vital importance to the health and well-being of thepeople - both present and future generations -have resulted in a demonstrated need for betterenvironmenta management and planning in the country. The traditional lifestyle of the people hadalmost negligible impact on the environment but recent socio economic developments have ledto marked deterioration of the environment. The potential impacts of the predicted gicbal climaticchange including the threat of a rise in sea level, threatens the environment of the country morethan ever before.

To minimize the adverse effects of environmental degradabon, a number of activities were initiated byvarious sectoral agencies of the govemrnent. However, the need for an integrated environmentalmanagement plan was felt more, to ailow for coordination and implementation of such activities.Realising this need, the government sought the assistance of the United Nations, in particular theUnited Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Development Programme to draw upa management strategy.As a result, with assistance from UNDP, UNEP commissioned a study inDecember 1988, to identify areas most vulnerable to the natural and anthropogenic changes.The findings and the recommendations were placed before a national workshop held from 28-31 October 1989. This workshop, drew up the National Action Plan, a document aimed atenvironmental management and planning in the Maldives. The National Environment Council, laterapproved the activities to be undertaken by the action plan. The wise management of theenvironment, in order to achieve sustainable development, underlies the rationale for implementingthis action plan.

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PRINCIPAL AIM AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

The principal aim of the Action Plan is to help the Govemment of the Republic of Maldives to maintainand improve the environment of the country, including the marine and ocean area contained withinthe Exclusive Economic Zone, and to manage the resources contained therein for the collectivebenefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The directive principles of the Action Plan are:

-The continuous assessment of the state of the environment within the country, including theimpacts of man's activities on land, in freshwater, in lagoons, reefs and ocean and of the effectsof these activities on the quality of the human environment.

-The development and implementation of management methods suited to the natural andsocial environment of the countay, which will maintain or enhance environmental quality, while atthe same time utilizing resources an a sustainable basis.

-The preparation and implementation of comprehensive national environmental legislationand participation in intemational agreements to provide for responsible and-effective managementof the environment

-The strengthening of national capabilities, institutional arrangements and financial supportwhich wJl enable the Action Plan to be implemented in an efficient and economic manner.

In executing individual activities developed to implement the Action Plan, conside.ation willbe given to the potential impacts of global environmental change in particular, the climatic changeand its predicted consequences.

FRAME WORK FOR ACTION

In order to achieve the principal aim and in accordance with the directive principles of the actionplan, specific work programmes will be developed aimed at achieving the .following:

(o Assessment of the current state of the environment;(ii) Assessment of the impact of marine and land-based activities on the quality of the

environment;(iii) Assessment of the environmental implications of demographic pattems in the country;(iv) Management of marine and land-based development activities which have an impact on

environmental quality;(v) Management of land and marine resources on a sustainable basis;

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lvi) Development of suitable coordinating mechanisms for the successful implementation of theAction Plan;

(vii) Development of suitable training and educational programmes to enable the Government toeffeRvely implement all aspects of the Action Plan.

(viii} Development of education and environmental awareness programmes for the populationat large.

All components of the Action Plan are interdependent and provide a framework forcomprehensive action which should contribute to both the protection of the environment and thecontinued development of the country. Thus, no component may be seen as an end to itself.

The work programmes arising from the Action Plan should contribute not only to the resolutionof environmental problems within the country, but also should seek to strengthen cooperativeprogrammes with neighbouring states, with other small island states in the Pacific andCaribbean regions; and with overseas institutions and agencies (including the various UN bodies)having an interest in environmental matters relating to the wider Indian Ocean region in generaland the Maldives in particular.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

One of the major constraints confronting the Maldives in making -wise use of resources in thedevelopment process, is the paucity of environmental and resource information, so neccessary forrational decision making. This lack of information is particularly critical in that it relates to issuesof fundamental importance such as:

(i) The future potential of under-utilised resources;(in) The fragility of the islands;(iii) The ability of over-utilised or degraded resources to recover or sustain yields:(iv) The presence of many islands with limited resources but large human populations.

The environmental assessment work programme is to be initiated through a coordinatedresource inventory and environmental monitoring programme based on existing national.regional and intemational activities in this field.

The specific areas for environmental assessment under the Action Plan are as follows:

1. Assessment of the health of the Maldivian coral reefs including assessment cf impactsresulting from crown of thoms predation; coral bleaching; coral mining and sanddegrading; coral, and coral reef growth rates; impacts of tourism; and sand production innatural svstems.

2- Assessment of the nature and volumes of marine pcllution including but not limited tohydrocarbons, solid waste and sewage around Male' and other selected population centres.

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3. Assessment of the status of marine fisheries stocks and of the aquaculture potential ofappropriate indigenous species of algae, fish and shellfish for local consumption and/orexport

4. Assessmenit of the status of the aquifer resources outside Male'.

5. Assessment of the current level of coastal erosion problems throughout the country.

6. Assessment of fture climate pattems under scenarios of global warming and assessmentof relative sea level changes in the Maldives.

7. Assessment of wind and tidally generated current pattems.

8. Environmental Impact Assessment for planned major developments.

9. Assessment of terrestial resources including soils, vegetation, fuelwood and agriculturalproduction.

10. Assessment of energy consumption patterns and evaluation of non-conventional energysources and their potential for utilization.

11. National assessment of the vulnerability of human settlements to episodic events such aslong distance storm swell induced flooding.

12. Assessment of the availability and suitability of altemative building materials, andalternaive building designs which are energy efficient.

13. Assessment of the environmental implications of inter-island transport development.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The key to environmentally sound development is the management of resources on asustainable basis. Environmental management should therefore take into account the carryingcapacity of the environment; the goals of development as defined by the Govemment; and theeconomic feasibility of implementing management proposals. Continuing socio-economicdevelopment in the country can only be achieved on a sustainable basis if environmentalconsiderations are incorporated into the design of developments. Improved knowledge ofenvironmental systems and processes may now enable some environmenta; errors of the past tobe corrected and avoided in the future.

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Th activites undertaken within the framework of the environmental management componentof the Action Plan will be implemented in such a way as to ensure that environmentalassessments are effectively caried out and that the results are incorporated into sectoralmanagement programmes. Environmental management activities will be undertaken to deviseappropriate ways of using natural resources in a balanced manner taking into consideration theneeds of the present population and the needs of future generations.

Specific areas which are regarded as of immediate priority in the country as a whole are:

1. The development of an environmentally sound, national population management policy toassist in achieving sustainable development

2. To review, actively promote and implement the existing policy of decentralization by thecweation of centres of attraction containing necessary services and a sound economicbase.

3. To develop a programme of fuelwood management based on the capacity for renewableuse of the resource, together wiZh consideration of altemative fuel sources, and theireconomic and environmental costs.

4. The management of the land/lagoon/reef ecosystem to maintain its health and condition,including the development of coastal zone management schemes for individual islandsand atolls.

5. The development of guidelines for the construction and location of coastal structures suchas seawalls, groynes, harbours, jetties, piers, gabions and causeways.

6. The development of a national databank of environmental information, and establishment of

suitable management procedures to ensure the accessibility of data to all sections ofGovernment concemed with the collection and application of such information.

7. The development of standards and control mechanisms for the regulation of land basedsources of pollution.

8. The development of a national programme to control litter problems, giving primaryconsideration to recycling, re-use and exports of recoverable materials.

9. The auditing of the effectiveness of previous environmental management decisions.

10. The development of na.Lonal policy guidelines conceming the wise use of aquifer resources.

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11. The development and implementation of appropriate guidelines, technologies andpractices for waste disposal with particular attention being directed to recycling, andenergy generation.

12. Promotion of polices and practices in the field of human settlement which give specialattention to the ecological problems of urban and rural developments on small islands.

13. The development and application of suitable guidelines for the implementation ofenvironmental impact assessments for all maior developments in the country.

14. The development of an efficient inter-island transport system which will minimize adverseenvironmental impacts.

DEVELOP'AENT OF NATIONAL CAPABIUTIES

The Action Plan envisagesan intensive training and technical assistance effort, especially inthe early stages of implementataon of the work programmes. The activities undertaken inenvironmental assessment and management will include built-in training components which willemphasize the action oriented nature of the plan and the indispensable link betweenenvironmental assessment, management and training in the country.

Recognizing the importance of environrnental awareness and the need for the entire population toprovide adequate care for their shared environment, the Action Plan will emphasize environmentaleducation in schools. The production of public awareness materials and the rmounting ofpublic awareness campaigns conceming sensitive aspects of the natural environment will be anintegral component of all activities undertaken in implementing the Action Plan.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS:

For effective imnplementation of the Action Plan, the Environment Council is responsible for reviewingbiennially, the content of the Action Plan; reviewing the substantive progress of activities and workprogrammes initiated under it; and for deciding upon the nature and mechanisms forimplementation of the various activities. These mechanisms will be instituted by the Govemment toensure timely and efficient decision making in implementing the Action Plan.

The Individual Ministries and Departments of the Govemment will be responsible for the collectionof environmental information relating to their sectoraf responsibilities, and are responsible forensuring that such information is shared between all Departments involved in executing theAction Plan. Departmental Focal Points will be designated in each Government Departmentparticipating in the work of the Action Plan to coordinate the day-to-day inputs of theirDepartments into the Action Plan and to maintain links with the Environment Section of the Ministryof Planning and Environment. In principle. each of the activities agreed upon as part of the work

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progranmes undertaken under the Action Plan will be carried out through collaboration betweenseveral Govemment Deparbmn jointly.

The Environment Section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment is responsible forcoordinating the impementation of the work programmes by members of its own staff and staff fromother Govemment Ministries as appropriate. The Environment Section is also responsible for thecoordination uf environmental information and ensuring that environmental considerations areincorporated into the planning process and ensuring the compliance with requirements forEnvironmental Impact Assessmernts of all actives affecting the environment.

The actties arising from this Action Plan will be financed by the Govemment, and by internationalagencies,such as the United Nations agencies, the Commonwealth, and other intemationalorganisations and through bilateral agreements with donor states.

TRAINING:

The lack of adequate man-power and resource-personnel is a major constraint confronting theMaldives as a whole, with respect to developing the specific, professional and research areas- Thisis more pertinent in the environment field since this is a fairly new development, even in most othercountries. What distinguishes the Maldives is the lack of trained personnel in other disciplines too,who could perhaps, with further training, take on a component of the environmental management.

The required tnaining, therefore, has to be initiated from the veyr basic levels. This requires time,however, if the Maldives is to develop even a very basic environmental management cadre, a multidisciplinary team has to be trained urgently, to handle the evergrowing need for sound environmentalplanning and management capabilities in the country. The multi-faceted nature of the environment,particulary in an island ecosystem, like the Maldives, makes it even more difficult to specify thetraining requirements, as most formal training do not necessarily reflect the in-house situation. Thishas to be developed through experience and on the job training.

'As an initial step,the areas for short term training include, training in;

* The production of awareness and education materials,

* Categorization and compilation of basic environmental data,

* Surveying and sampling skills for basic survey works,

* Assessment and quantification of basic environmental impacts and quality change,

* Basic data processing and programming,

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Records lkeping and documentation.

Terly level training required include, training in;

' Earh scinces, life sdences and social sciences.ln addition Computer Science orProgrammn is necessary to build the data-base for the country.

Although most of the environmental parameters are quite distinct in their subject matter, a holistic ora well - integrated approach is essential to effectively coordinate the environmental planning andmanagement in the country.

AREAS FOR PRIORITY ACTION IN 1990-1991

The follwing environmental problems lsted in priority order have been designated for immediateconsideraion In implmenting the 1990-1992 work programme:

1- Marine environmerntal probwems:coral miningsewage contamiation of coastal-waterSea level risesolid waste managementdredging

2- TerrestrialLHuman environm-ental Droblems:Freshwater managementMigration to Male'Population growthSolid waste disposalSewage contamination of groundwatersFuelwood supplies and deforestation

Although a number of these problems are under active examination by Govemment Departmentsat the present time, it is expected that a full report on work relevant to the above problem areasbe submitted to the National Environment Council in the immediate future.

Recognizing the limitations of immediate action, in addressing long-term management problemsit is recofrmmended that certain ameriorative actions could be taken immediately to addresspressing environmental problems. To help in the process, a public awareness campaign is tobemounted knmediately, designed to inform the public of the fragility of the aquifer system and theneed for appropriate actions at an individual, household and community level, to address thispriority issue.

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Individual and community actions to be undertaken for immediate implementation to conservefreshwater in Male' include:

* directing all rainfall from roofs, not being directly utilized, into the aquifer;

* designating certain roads as pedestrian areas only, and to reduce compaction, heavyvehicles are to be restricted to certain routes;

* developing methods to ensure that standing water be directed to aquifer recharge andthis to be implemented as soon as possible;

* investigating the possibility of supplying piped water to the reclaimed area of Male'.andthe use of this piped water be monitored and charge for excessive use of water.

Recognising that there are no immediate actions which can be taken to ameliorate the problems ofmigration to Male' and of population growth, an environmentally sound , national populationmariagement policy will be developed to assist in achieving sustainable development This is to bedone while reviewing, actively promoting and implementing the existing policy of decentralisation bythe creation of centres of attraction containing necessary services and a sound economic base.

In formulating policies with respect to migration to Malee, the full reasons for migration pattems to beinvestigated in order that the existing policy of decentralization is made more effective.

Actions to immediately address for the mitigation of mnawne environmental problems, are;

* discouraging the use of corai and coral aggregates for building purposes;

* adopting a policy of waiving duty on imported aggregate for construction materials thatmay have a direct impact in mitigating environmental stress on marine resources inparticular such as coral and sand.

* the Govemment providing a lead in this regard by not using coral in the construction of

public buildings; and

* taking immediate step to ensure the continued survival of threatened marine species.

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ft iS recognised that the problems of cmaic changeand sea levelrise need to be addressed throughcombination of intemational and national actions. National actions which can be taken are:

* initialing programmes to measure the relative changes in sea level rise in the Maldives;

* idenfying and implementing appropriate mitigation measures for anticipated potentialclimatic and sea level impacts;

* considering the consequences of global climatic change in the planning process; and

* actively participating in relevant global programmes concerned with addressing this issue.

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WORK PROGRAMME

For establishing the medium term environmental planning capability, the following work programmeis to be implemented in 1990-1991

ACT77T TITLE NA4TUREOF DEPARTMEAffNQ3:- THEACT7MTWY

1. Establishment of an Training of environment staff. MPE.environmental management Coordination & implementation NEC.and planning capability in th. of the work programme. MAA.Ministry of Planning andEnvironment.

2. Establishment of a Training and monitring of the MPWLHydrographic Unit capable of ocean environment. MPE.monitoring sea level, tidal and MAA.wave pattems MM_

3. Extension of weather Planning and Assessment for DM.monitoring in the Republic of future monitoring. MPE.Maldives and assessrnenr of MPWLMeteorological/Climatological MAA.pattems under conditions ofglobal warming.

4. Assessment of groundwater Training and assessment MPE.resources outside Male' through aquifer surveys of MAAM

selected islands MHW/MWSA.

S. Marine ecosystems and coral Training and assessment of MFAIMRS.reef surveys marine environments around MPE-

selected islands.

6. Coastal geomorphology and Assessment and training in MPWL.Sedimentology coastal erosion & hydrography. MPE.

7. Terrestrial resource surveys of Training and assessment in MPE.selected islands physical, soil and vegetation MAA.

surveys MFA.OPPDO

8. Economic implications of Planning for sustainable MPE.climatic change and sea level developmentrise.

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ACTIWY 77LlE MATURE OF THE DEPT.NOH ACTA0J7Y

9. Sociological factors affecting Planning for sustainable MPE.sustainable development in the development. MAA.Maldives.

10. Solid waste management for Planning assessment and MPE.urban centres and tourist control MT.resorts in the Maldives. MM.

MWSA.MPWL

11. Assessment of sewage Planning and evaluation of MPE.disposal altematives in the disposal altematives. MHW/MWSA-Maldives. MPWL

12. Analysis of demographic Planning and evaluation of MPE.trends in the Maldives. migration and demographic

trends.

13. Environment impact Planning and training through MPE.assessment of the Villingilli imp:ementation of major EIA's. SIDU.resettlement scheme. MPWL

MWSA.

14. Preparation of public Preparation and distribution of MPE.awareness and non-formal newsletters & popular booklets. ME.education materials. TVMNOM.

15. Resource inventory for Provision of base-line data of MPE.selected islands islands selected for MPWL

development. MWSA.SIDU.

16. Feasibility study for.a National Planning and evaluation MFA/MRS.Institute for Natural Resources MPE.ResearchL NEC.

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ACV71Y NAATURE OF 77*ENO: T7ILE ACTMVITY DEPARMENTS

17. Establishment of anEnviron- Provide a centralised environ- MPE.mental data Database. mental inforrnation system for NCPE_

use by all Govemment Depart-ments.

18- Natoinal Workshop for Midterrn Training in preparation and MPE.review of the work programrne presentation of scientific NCPE.

reports; review of work pro-gramme progress and implem-entation.

19. Terminal seminar and work- Review of progress and prepa- MPE.shop, to review the 1990191 ration of 1992/93 work pro- NCPE.work programme implementa- grarnme.tion.

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PROGRAMME AREA AC1VlWIY NO.Planring: 1,2,3.8,9.10.12.15.16,17,19.Asses ment 2,3,4.5.6.7.10.15.Management 1.3,10,11,13,14,17,18.19.Training: 1.2.3,4,5.6,7.10,13,14.17,18.

fLead Departments are the first listed and those in which the activity is centred. col-laborating departments are also indicated.

OM = Department of Meteorology;MAA - Ministry of Atols Administration;ME = Ministry of Education;MFA = Ministry of FLsheries & Agriculture;MH = Ministry of Health;MPE z Ministry of Planning and Environment;MPWL = Ministry of Public Works and Labour,MRS : Marine Reserch Section of the MFA;MM = Male Municipality;MWSA = Maldkes Water and Sanitation Authority;NCPE = National Commission for the Protection of the Environment;SIOU = Selected Island Development Unit;OPPO = Office of Physical Planning and Design;VOM - Voice of Maldives;TMM =Television Maldives;

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WORKPLAN

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WORK PROGRAME 1990/91 FORTIHE IlMPLEMENTATION OFTHENAMONAL ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN

1. INMRODUCI7N

1.1 The following list of activities has been compiled on the basis of priorities determined duringthe UNDPAJNEP/Govemment sponsored workshop which drafted the National Environment Action Plan;prioritizeo areas of environmental concern in the country; and discussed ways in which these issuescould be addressed in the immediate future.

1.2 The National Commission for the Protection of the Environment approved the list of activitiesin outline at its meeting on November Z 1989.

1.3 These activties comprise an integrated work programme for implementation in the -i990/91.bienniunm In line with the principal aimoftheAction Plan and its directive principles all activities shouldbe viewed as being interdependent in contributing to the establishment of sustainable developmentin the Republic.

2. NATURE OFACTM TIES

2.1 The first activity is designed to strengthen the environmental management and planningcaPability wMhin the Enimnmenc Sedisn of the WPE and to piovide scientific guidance in the executionof the various activities containedwithin the programme. Togetherwith activities 18 & 19 (the midtermand terminal review workshops) and activity 17, the establishment of an environmental data base.this comprises the programme management component.

2..2 Actvities 2,4,5,6 and 7 will be executed via a multi disciplinary team approach. centered onislandswhich have been selected fordevelopment. Activity 13, the environmental impactassessmentof theVillingili resettlementscheme; and activity 15 the resource inventoryforselected islands will resultfrom the assessment activities and are included as separate items in the work programme to clearly iindicate theway in which these activities will address priority areas of concem to the Govemment.

2..3 Activity 2 has the added objective of establishing a hydrographic capability which is currentlylacking within the existing Govemment Departments and which is already the subject of an existingproposal from the Ministry of Public Works and Labour.

2..4 Activity 3,8.9 and 12 address longer term planning issues including the effects of potential cli-matic change and sea level rise on the environment of the Maldives-

2..5 Activities 10 (solid waste management) and 11 (sewage disposal) address priority areasfor action identified by the workshop, their execution would strengthen the management/ planningcapabilities of the MPE in these areas.

2..6 Activity 14, public awareness, addresses the concem raised in the workshop of the need for thepublic to be made more aware of the sensitivity of their environment and the need for shared respon-sibility in maintaining environmental quality.

2..7 Activity 16 is included since the establishment of a research institute has been frequentlyrecommended byvisiting experts and is an activity approved by Government for inclusion in the 1988-1990 National Development Plan.

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2-J In Es with the NoJani Attion Plan the individual activiies envisage an intensivetrainingprogramme for juniorand counterpartnstaff in the application of various methodologies in environmentalassessment. management and planning.

3 PROGRAMMME ANAEMANT

3.1 Under the Action Plan the National Commission for the Protection of the Environment isenvisaged as the overall coordinating body responsible forthe implementation of the Action Plan whilstthe Environment Section of the Ministryof Planning and Environment is seen as the principal agencyresponsible for the co-ordination and management of the work programme.

3.2 It is suggested that the Commission establish a small executive committee composedaf four to five pricVa departments involved in the activlies lised in the programme to aid the ProgrammeCoordinator in implementing the activities under the work programme.

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1.ESTAW8SHMENT OF AN ElNVIONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNINGCAPABILllY IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT.

BACKGROUND:

This acivitV forms the core of the 1990/91 work programme addressing directly the principal aimof the Action Plan by seeking to strengthen the planning and management capabilities of the Ministyuf Planning and Environment and to articulate these activities closely with the relevant activitiesof other Govemment Oepartments.

The Government has accepted the need for national manpower training in the field of environmentalmanagement by inclusion of the project "Training in Environmental Management" (ID 21P) in the 1988-1990 National Development Plan, for which funding was not obtained.

AIMS:

a) Implement the 1990191 work programme established under the Action Plan;

b) Estabish a unfied approach to development planning and enrvironmental management in the Republicof the Maldives through inter-departmental planning and execution of work programme activities;

C) Establish an in-country capability for managing environmental impact assessment for major devel-opment projects;

d) Establish the nucleus of an environmental database in the Ministry of Planning and Environment.

e) Enhance the existng capabiraties of the Environment Section of the Ministry of Planning and Envirornient;

f) Review and revise existing environmental legislation and guidelines where appropriate;

g) Provide practical training through the implementation of activities in various environmentai fields.

METHODOLOGY AND WORK PLAN

It is proposed that a scientific advisor be appointed to the Environment Section of the Ministry ofPlanning and Environment initially for 2 years. to provide in-house training in environmental man-agementand planning and to assist in the co-ordination of the work of intemational and national expertsconducting the activities implemented under the 1990/91 work programme. A regular programmeof training seminars will be run by the scientific advisor for staff involved in the implementation ofactivities under the work programme.

Activities concemed with resourceassessmentwill be linked. through theinitiation ofresource surveysofthe islandsalreadyselected for development by the govemment. Such resource surveys will involvenational personnel from various govemment departments operating as a team to inventory groundwater, marine ecosystems, vegetation and physical aspects of the environment of the selected islands.

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T-s iuiatiofl expe,t appoinsd as scintific advisor to mte Ministry of Planning and Environment,from January 1990 will;

a) advise the environment section on the imnplementation of the work programme establishedunder the National Environment Action Plan;

b) co-ordinate, guide, supervise. and participate in tbe wok of individual technical expertsimplementing various aspects of the work programme, including the preparation of sectoralreports arising from each activity;

c) participate in the preparation of montly progress epoets on the work prOgrrmme to the NaionalCommission for the Protection and Preservation of the Environment and for sponsoring agen-cies;

d) Assist the environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment in general andthe National Coordinator in particular in the preparaton of the mid-erm and consoidated reportsof the different activities;

e) Supervise and foster the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge and expertise fromthe intemational experts to their Maldivian counterparts;

t) co-ordinae and paricipate in a regular programme of inhouse taiing for Madvian staff involvedin the implementation of work programme activities.

g) Collect. colale and analse al sciertiic and technical repots relvant to the wodc programreand ensure their appropriate interpolation in the mid-term and terminal reports of the workprogramme;

h) participate in the mid-term and terminal review meetings associated with the project

i) advise the Ministry of Planning and Environment on the possible implementation of recom-mendations arising from the various activities initiated under the work programme;

j) Assist in the planning offuture workprogrammes arising from activities initiated in 1990 underthe first Work Programme;

k) co-ordinate. guide. supervise and participate in the implementation of an environmentalimpact assessment for the proposed Villingili urban development and initiate environmentalimpact assessments of other selected islands and developments.

I) assist the environment staff in the preparation and production of environmental awarenessmaterials for schools and the general public.

m) co-ordinate, guide, supervise and participate in the implementation of field surveys ofselected islands and atolls.

n) prepare, in consultationwiththe National Coordinator aconsolidated reportonthepotentialimpacts otclimatic change and sea level rise on the Republic of Maldives including adviceforfuture policy and planning altematives.

The Environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment will:

a) appoint a national coordinator who will:

i) co-ordinate, guide. supervise and participate in the implementationof the work programme adopted under the National Environment Action Plan.

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ii} fame wlh Gownment DepOment inolved in inplementing various actities underthe Action Plan.

iii) provide guidance and supervision in the preparation of the sectoral reports arisingfrm the acivities undertaken in implementing the Action Plan;

iv) prepare monthly progress reports for the National Commission for the Protectionof the Environment and sponsoring agencies:

v) prepare the consolidateo report of the work programme;

vi) guide, supervise and participate in the work carried out by the technical experts;

vii) organise and supervise the printing of reports;

viii) liaise with the relevant sections of Govemment on all financial matters relevantto the project

ix) arrange forappropriate administrati:e and supportstaff to be assigned to the variousactiviies.

b) define the responsibilities of existing officers in the environment section in terms of:publicity/public awareness materialcreating an environmental databaseenvironmental impact assessmentresource inventoriespollution surveys and assessment

c) prepare in the first quarterof 1990a detailed manpower plan and training programme forthestaff of the Environment Section of the Ministry.

dI appoint one full-time clerk-typist.

e) appoint three new full-time officers by January 19 90.

prepare a comprehensive and consolidated report on the state of the environment of the Maldivesby August 1991. for discussion at the terminal review meeting (Activity 19) in October.

The National Commission for the Protection of the Environment shall:

a) Establish a415 memberexecutive committee to assist the co-ordinator in the execution of hisresponsibilities.

b) Review the progress of implementing the work programme or. a regular basis.

iNSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

Lead agency: Ministry of Planning and EnvironmentCollaborating agencies: All member departments of the national Commission for the EnvironmenL

28

Qu7II:

1) trained national expert in the management of the Environmental Impact Assessment;

2) a number of national environment officers trained in resource survey techniques;

3) the nucleus of an environmerital database;

4) a consolidated report on the state of the environment of the Maldives, together with an evaluationof the effectiveness of the initial work programme.

5) publicawareness material including a regular environmental newsletterand booklets in English andDhivehi;

6) a consolidated report on the potential impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on the Republicof the Maldives including advice for future policy and planning altematives.

7) a recmmrended ftre wodc programme (1992-93) for iiemertenii underthe National EnvaonrnentAction Plan.

8) a series of site surveys and resource inventories of selected atolls and islands.

BUDGET:

1990 1991 totalCost to exeWmal agency (in cash):Equipment

2 IBM PC's plus software 6.000Laser printer, fast printer 4,000Map cabinet 4.000 2.000

Materials & SuppliesBoat fuel & field survey costs 10.000 10,000Computer stationary. diskettes 2.000 2,000

PersonnelIntemational advisor 80,000 80,000

TravelIntemal Travel 5,000 5.000Intemational travel (advisor) 8,0O 8,000Intemational. travel (coordinator) X.L30 8.000

Reporting costs 1.000 2.000Sub-total 128.000 11t7000 245,000

Cost to Govemment of the Maldives(in cash & kind):

Boat 15,000Office space and logistic support 12.000 12,000Counterpart staff 4,500 4,500New staff 3,000 3,000Materials & supplies 2,000 2,000Sub-total 36,500 21.500 5fl000

Total 164.500 138.500 303,000

29

.Z SABLHET F AIDROGRAPHC UNIT CAPABLE OF MONITRING SEA LEVELTIDAL AND WA-VE PAi TERNS.

BACKGROUND:

The loading ewents of 1957 and 1988 demornstated clearlythe need for an in-country capability in measuringvarious hydrographic and oceanographic parameters to provide base-line information for incorporationintothe panning ocoastal developments. Interim arrangerments in the Ministry of Public Works and Labourneed to be replaced bV a more self-sufficient capability.

The 1988-90 National Development Plan included project IDI OP "Development of National Surveyingcapability" covering both land and lagoon surveying under the Male Municipality. The Ministry of PublicWorks and Labourcurrently has a UN volunteer hydrographic surveyor but the unit is understaffed andlacks much basic equipment.

AIMS:

a) Establish an in-country capability for monitoring sea level, tidal and wave patterns in the Ministryof Public Works and Labour.

b). Establish the basis for an oceanographic and hydrographic database in the country.

c) Provide training in simple oceanographic and lagoon hydrographic investigations.

METHODOLOGY AND WORK PLAN:

Fol'cwing a preliminary visit in 1989 an international expert will be appointed to install the necessaryequipment and provide training in its use. Through retrospective analysis of data sources such assateilite imagery the expert will produce a review of the major oceanographic and hydrographic conditionsinthe Indian Ocean. Theexpertwill participate in site surveys and design a programme of ongoingworkfor the national traih.ees which will be integrated with othersite surveys and supervised in the absenceof the intemational expert by the scientific advisor to the Ministry of Planning and Environment

The Intemational expert will visit the Maldives for a period of one week in 1989 to:

a. assess and review the existing in-country capabilities in the field of oceanography andhydrography and the work currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works and Labourin association with Lanka F!ydraulics:

b. advise on the selection of a suitable equipment package for measuring oceanographic.hydrographic and meteorological parameters for immediate purchase:

c. recommend an appropriate system for data collection, processing and managementthat is compatible with leading intemational agencies: and

d. recommend ways in which the dataprocessing functions may be integrated into the presentorganisational structures of the Ministry of Public Works and Labour and into the Ministry ofPlanning and environment.

30

Tim internato expert wil subsequently:

a; assemble pubiished data concerning tiie oceanographis cori:i,i;ns -ft^e Ind;. . Oceanin general and the Maldives area in particular,

b) visit the Maldives For 1O weeks in 1990 to install the equipment;

c) initiate training of nationai experts in the collection. storage and analysis of tidal andother oceanographic information;

d) prepare and undertake a programme of field obsevadions and measurements around selectedislands to examine the wave and current patterns in the vicinity of modiFied and unmodifiedislands;

e) prepare a comprehensive trairing and manpower development programme and programrmeof future development For the unit over the next five years; and

)visit the Maldives for four weeks in 1991 to participate in surveys of selected islands and reviewand assist in analysing data collected during 1990.

9) participate in the final review meeting of the programme.

The Ministry of Public Works and labour will:

i provide office space and consumables to the unit;

ii. provide a secretary, initially on a half time basis;

iii. provide two full-tirne trainees with suitable academic background;

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWQRK

Lead agency: Ministry of Public Works and Labour.Collaborating agency: Ministry of Planning and EnvironmenL

Ministry of Atolls Administration.Male Municipality

OUTPUTS

1. Establishment of an in-country hydrographic capability.

ZTrained national experts in the co!!ection, storage andarnalysis of tidaldataand enhanced monitoringcapability on the part of the Ministry of Public Works and Labour.

3. A five year deveropment plan for ocean monitoring in the Maldives.

4. A review of current knowledge conceming oceanographic conditions in the Maldives area.

5. A sectoral report on the possible impacts of climatic change and sea level rise and oceanographicconditions around the Maldives.

6. Data relevant to suitable design suitable wave heights for coastal structures.

7. Detailed site reports on the hydrography of selected atolls and islands.

31

To external agency(in cash):

1990 1991 TOTALSEquipment

IBM PC AT. co-processor& software 8,000Tide Gauging equipment 10.000Wave rider buoys,current meters & other iterns 10,000

Materials & Supplies 1,500 1.000Personnel

Intemational expert 10,000 4,000Travel & per diemNational trainees 10,000International Expert 10,000 5,000

Reporting costs 500 1.000Sub-total 60.000 11.000 71,000

1990 1991 totals

Cost to the Govemment of Maldives (in cash and kind):

Office space & logistic support 12.000 12,000Secretarial salary 300 600Materia's & supplies 400 400Counterpart salaries 2,000 2.000

Sub-total 14.700 00 29.700

TOTAL 74.70 26.00 100.70

32

3. !XINSWN TF WEATHER MONITORNG IN T*E fiEPJLUC OF THE MALDVES ANDASSESSMENT OF MJETEOROLOGICALICUMATOLOGICAL PATrERNS UNDER CONDmONS OF

GLOBAL WARMING.

BACKGROUND:

Weather patterns are an extremely importantcomponent of the physical environment involving wind,rain. temperature and humidity phenomena some of which vary in different parts of the Maldivianarchipelago. Increased frequency of air transport in the Maldives and construction of new airstripsemphasizesthe needforadequateweathermonitoring. In addition an analysisof the climato;ogical andmeteorological features of the wider Indian Ocean are required to provide an understanding of therelationship between oceanographic /dimatological pattems and episodic events such as the recentflooding events.

AIMS:

a) provide a development plan for the Department of Meteorology;

b) Provide a review of current knowledge conceming the climatology and meteorology of the IndianOcean and an assessment of likely changes which might be expected as a consequence of predictedGlimatic change under the influence of global warming.

METHODOLOGY & WORK PLAN:

An international expert wiln be appointed fortwo months who will collaborate closely with national expertsin the production of a national developmnent plan for the weather service. The experts visit to the Maldivesvil be timed to averlap with the 1990 visit ofthe expert in Oceanography in orderto facilitate the exchangeof ideas and information.

The Intemational Expert will:

a) assemble published information relevant to the meteorology and climatology of the IndianOcean;

b) analyse existing data with a view to detecting evidence for climatic change ( if any);

c) in consultation with the oceanographic expert and with the Department of Meteorologyanalyse the causes, nature and frequency of episodic events such as extreme flooding,tropical stormns and drought periods;

d) prepare, in consultation with the Department of Meteorology and other relevant GovemmentDepartments an evaluation of the needs of the Republic in the area of collection of weatherdata in thecountry.This evaluation should include: an analysis of trained manpowerneeds;mecommendations on the siting o future weather stations (if any): recommendations on suitabletraining programmes for staff of the Department; a programme of the phased acquisition ofnecessary monitoring equipment and a fully costed budget and.

e) participate in the final review meeting of the programme.

33

I S ONALFRAMEWORK:

Lead Agency. Department of Meteorology.Collaborating Agencies Ministry. of Planning & Environment.

Ministiy. of Pubric Wofks & Labour.Ministry. of Atolls Administration.

QUTPUTS:

1. Areviewof currentknowledge conceming the climate of the Indian Ocean and the Maldives, includingepisodic events and their causes;

2. A sectora report on the possible impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on future climatesin the Maldives, and an assessment of impacts on human comfort

3. A development plan for future meteorological monitoring in the Maldives.

Cost to External Agency (in cash); 1990 1991 Totals

PersonnelIntemational Expert 8,000Travel & per diem 8,000Reporting costs 500

Sub-total 16,500 16.500

Cost to Govemment of Maldives(in cash & kind)

Office space & logistic support 2.000Counterpart salry 500

Sub-total 2.500 2 750

TOTAL 19000 19000

34

4. ASSES N OF GROUND WATER R CSOURCES OF SELECTED ISLANDS

BACKGROUND:

Whilst several surveys of the Male aquifer have been conducted since the early 1970's and monitoringof this Iens is currently in hand , few surveys have been conducted to establish the extent of groundwater resources on other isns. t is clear that a need exists to establish the baseline condition of aquiferresources on islands scheduled for developruenL

Project HS09P, "Geology and groundwater assessment" in the 19 8890 National Development Plancalls for a comprehensive review of current capabilities and existing dt-a and the formulation ofdevelopment plans including the design of a water control laboratory. This project was iXitially sched-uledfor twoyears and the presentactivityenvisages an extension of the baseline survey and strength-ening of existing capabilities in the field of ground water assessment -

AIMS:

a) Initiate a national programme to survey the ground water resources of the country and enhancethe capability of the Water and Sanitation Authority in this regard.

b) Establish the basis for a ground water database in the country.

c) Provide training in water resource assessment and management.


Aspartof integrated resources assessmentof selected islands a ground watersuneywillbe conductedby bores and measurements of water quality and volume taken. The costs of establishing bores arehigh, estimated costs for a single island survey varies between twenty and thirty thousand USD thusfull surveys will only be conducted on two islands to establish perrnanent monitoring points.

An intemational expeft will visit the Maldives for 10 weeks in 1990 and 4 weeks again in 1991 to liaisewith other members of the resource assessment team and will:

a) assemble the published data pertaining to ground water resources of the Maldives;

b) design and undertake a programme of ground water assessment in selected atolls andislands;

c) provide basic training to Maldivian :.-.perts in water resource assessment and management;

d) model ground water flows and volumes for selected islands, and on the basis of studiedaquifers provide preliminary projections of likely ground water resources for unstudied islands.


35

iNsITTImmNAL FFaMEWORK:

Lead Agency: Ministry. of Planning & Environment.Collaborating Agencies: Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority.Ministry of Atolls Administration.

OU,TPUS:

1. A review of current knowledge conceming the ground water resources of the Maldives;

2. A sectoral report on the possible impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on the ground waterresources of the Maldives.

3. Trained national experts in water resources assessment and management.

4. Detailed site reports on the ground water resources of selected islands.

BUDGET:1990 1991 TOTALS

Cost to extemal agency (in cash):

EquipmentEstablishment of bores 30,000 20.000Materials ana supplies 8.000 8.000Personnel

International Expert 10.000 4.000Travel & per diem 10.000 -5.000

ServicesCompuller models 10.000Reporting costs 500 1.500

Sub-total 68.500 38.500 107,000

Cost to Government of Maldives(in cash & kind):

Office space & logistic support 6.000 6.000Counterpart salaries 1.500 1.500

Sub-total 7.500 7,500 15,000

TOTAL 76.000 46.000 122.000

36

S.IIARINEE OSYT1 AND :ORAL cE>F SURVEYS

BACKGROUND:

The Marine Research Section (MRS) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture is currently operatinga programme of coral reef studies centered in North Male' Atoll. As part of the resource inventoriesof selected islands itis intendedthat assessment of their reefs should be undertaken, thus extendingthe geographic coverage ofthework oftheMRS.Aconsiderable body of information has beencollectedduring previous suveys and some assistance with the analysis and compiltion of these data will beprovided. The present activity also seeks to initiate a programrnme of retrospective analysis of coral growthto provde semi quantitative, baseline information cn sea level changes during the recent past.

AIMSJ:

a) Expand the current activities of Marine Research Section into the field of coral growth studies.

b) Extend the coverage of the present survey programme to other islands and atolls.

C) Assistance in collating and analysing existing coral reef data.

d) Provide preliminary estimates of recent sea level changes.


An intemational expert will be appointed to visit the Maldives for a period of ten weeks in 1990 and afurther 4 weeks in 1991 to work in close co-operation with the staff of the Environment Section andthe Marine Research Section, including expertsworking underthe proposed ICOD jointprogrammeOf cooperatio Given the present manpowerconstraints in the Manne Research Secion the Governmentshould appoint an addional national staff member to act as conerpatd during the vist of the Intemationalexpert and to continue aspects of the programme under the joint supervision of the Marine ResearchSection and the Environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment.

he intemational expert will:

a) assemble published information relating to the coral reefs. and marine resources of theMaldives;

b) prepare and undertake a programme of field observations and measurements at selectedislands and atolls designed to characterize the biological communities in relation to thephysical environment and anthropogenic influences and provide field training to nationalofficers in such survey techniques;

c) initiate in cooperation with the Marine Research Section a programme of measurement ofcoral growth rates, past and present;

d) prepare in collaboration with national experts of the Marine Research Section a sectoralreport on the potential impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on the marine resourcesand ecosystems of the Maldives;


37

INSTnTUT7ONAL FRAMEOPRK:

Lead Agency: Marine Research Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.Collaborating Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.

OUTPyS

1. A review of current knowledge concerning the marine ecosystems of the Maldives.

2. A sectoral report on the possible impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on the marine eco-systems of the Maldives.

3. Trained national experts in coral growth assessmenL

4. Detailed site reports on the marine communities of selected atolls and islands.

BUDGET:1990 1991 Totals

Cost to Extemal Agency (in cash):

PersonnelIntemational Expert 10,000 4.000Materials & supplies 5.000 5.000(resins, diamond saw blades)Travel & per diem 10,000 5.000Reporting Costs 500 1,500

iSub-total 25.500 15.500 41.000

Cost to the Govenmment of Maldives(in cash and kind):

Office space and logistic support 12.000 12.000Counterpart salary 1,000 1.000

Sub-total 73.000 13.000 26000

TOTAL 38,500 28500 660G0

38

i6. COASTAL AND SEDIMENTOLOGY.

BACKGROUND:

An issue of fundamental concem to the Maldives is coastal erosion of the small islands which makeup this archipelagic state. There exists a need to not only establish the causes and extent of presenterosionalpmcesseswithinthe country but toassessthe suitabilityand availabilityof lagoonal sedimentsforuse inthe construction industry. Information on sand resources and the stability of islands is urgentlyrequired in a number of planning sectors.

AIMS:

a) Establish acapabilityfortherapid assessment of coastal processes intheMinistry of PublicWorksand Labour.

b) Establish an in-country capability for the rapid survey of lagoonal sediments;

C) Provide training in simple procedures for assessing sediment distributions. type and movements.

MEUHODOLOGY AND WORK PLAN:

As partofthe integrated resourceassessmentofselected islands a sedimentand coastal erosion surveywill be conducted to assess the extent of erosion and the origin and movements of sediments aroundthe coastal and lagoonal areas of selected islands.

An intemational expertwilivisit the Maldivesfor 10 weeks in 1990 and4weeks in 1991 to liaise with othermembers of the resource assessment team and will

a) assemble the published data pertaining to lagoon sediment genesis, distribution andmovements in Male' and other atoll lagoons;

b) design and undertake a program of sediment surveys in selected atolls and islands;

c) provide basic training to maldivian experts in sediment survey and analysis;

d) participate in the final review meeting of the programme.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

Lead Agency Ministry of Public Works & Labour.Collaborating Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.

39

I. A feviwofcurentknowedgeconcemingthe sediments and sedimentary processes in Maldivianlagoons, icluding an assessment of the possible impacts of climatic change and sea level rise ansedimentsy processes in Maldivian lagoons;

2. Trained national experts in sediment surveys and coastal process assessment;

3. Detailed site reports on the sedimentary characteristics of selected atolls, and islands.

LALDGE:

1990 1991 TOTALSCost to Exteemal Agency (in cash):

Equipment, (grabs, sediment, taps. sieves) 10,000Personnel

Intweational Expert 10,000 4,000Travel & per diem 10,000 5,000Reporting costs 500 1,500

Sub-totl 30.500 10.500 41.000

Cost to Govemment of Maldives(in cash and kind)

Office space and logistic support 12,000 12,000Counterpart salary 1,500 1,500

Sub-total 13 500 1350 27,000

TOTAL 44.000 24.W0 68,000

40

7. kt uMO `SUlRVEY OF SELECTED ISLANDS

BACKGROUND:

As with other resources of the Republic little information is available conceming terrestrial resourceabundance or availability. Such data are needed both as a nucleus for a natcnal database andfor planning future developments.Pwiec A}l 9P? "Land use plhg and mapping of islands" sougt to facilits lthe mapping of al inhabitedislands in order to plan future land use and prepare proper maps. This activity would therefore meetin part the requirements of this project.

AIMS:

a) establish a capability forthe rapid assessment of terrestrial resources including soils and vegetationin the Environment Section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment.

b) establish an in-country capability for the rapid survey and mapping of small islands;

c) provide training in simp:e survey and mapping procedures and enhance the existing capabilitiesof the Ministry of Public Works and Labour in this regard.


As part of the integrated resource assessmer" of selected islands a topographic, soil and vegetationsurveywilibe conducted tomap soil andvegetationtypesandpresent land use pattems of the selectedislands.

An intemational expert will visit the Maldives for 10 weeks in 1990 and 4 weeks in 1991 to liaise withother members of the resource assessment team and will:

a) assemble the intemationally published data pertaining to the terrestrial environment of theMaldives and other similar atoll states and islands;

b) design and undertake a programme of soil. vegetation. land use and phys cal surveys inselected atolls and islands;

c) provide basic rain.ing to Maldivian experts in survey techniques;

d) participate in the final review meeting of the programme.


Lead agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agency. Agriculture Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.

Office for Physical Planning and Design.Ministry of Atolls Administration.

41

ourus

1. A rview of current knowledge conceming the terrestrial environment of atoll islands in generaland of the Maldives in particular; an assessment of the possible impacts of clirmatic change and sealevel rise on tenestrial ecosystems;

2. Trained national experts in soil, vegetation and physical surveys;

3. Detailed site reports including maps of the soils, vegetation and land use on islands of selected atolls.

BUDGETh:1990 1991 totals

Cost to External Agency (in cash)

EquipmentSurveying Equipment 10,000Materials and supplies 5,000 3,000

PersonnelInemational Expert 10.000- 4.000Travel & per diem 10.000 5.000

Reporting costs 500 1.500

Sub-total 35.500 13,500

Cost to Govemment of Maldives(in cash & kind):

Office space & logistic support 12.000 12.000Counterpart salary 1.500 7.500

Sub-total I35C - 13,500 27 000

TOTAL 49.000 27,000 76.0W

42

8 ECONOUIC c cPCATIONS OF CUMATIC CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RlISE.

BACKGROUND:

Considelable concern has been expressed world wide about the possible economic impacts of climaticchange and sea level rise on developing countries and in particular on small island states. To date fewstudies of the economic implications of such changes have been made. UNEP sponsored studies inthe Pacific highlightedthe atoll islandstates asbeingthe mostvulnerable to globalchange and placedpriority on providing detailed planning and policy altematives for such states. There is thereforea demonstrated global need to provide economic planning and policy altematives to Govemment forcoping with the potential impacts of climatic change.

AIMS:

a) Review the likely consequences of dimatic change and sea level rise on the economy of the Maldives.

b) Advise the Govemment of the Maldives on policy issues which should be taken into considerationin planning future activities to achieve sustainable development.


Following the reviews of other experts on the resources and physical environment of the Maldivesand their assessment of the likely impacds of global dimatic change an intemational expert will be appointedto work closeiy with national experts in analysing the policy and planning altematives available to theRepublic of Maldives in defining their development strategies.

The Intemational expert will:

a) assemble published information relevant to the economy of the country.

b) examine the past. present and future developmaent plans. both sectoral and national and providean evaluation of the current state of the economy and its possible future development.

c) examine, in close co-operation with the Ministry of Planning and Environment, theprospects of the present and planned development activities from the standpoint ofsustainable development.

d) evaluate in close co-operation with the expert on sociology anr with relevant nationalexperts, the socio economic trends and impacts of present and plannej development.

e) prepare in consultation with the national expert a sectoral report on the potential impactsof dcimatic change and sea level rise on the economy of the Maldives. including recommendationsfor future planning and policy decisions by the Govemment of the Republic which may avoidormiligatzthe potential impacts of climatic changes on thefuture economic developmentof the country.

f) participate in the final review meeting of the prograrnme.

43

INSTMITMALUFRAMEWORK-

Lead Agency. Ministry of Planning and EnvironmenLCollaborating Agency.

OUIEUPIS

1. An ovenriew ofthecurrentstateof the economy and itspossible future developmentincludinga review of the past. present and proposed development activities. in the light of the possible impactsof climatic change on the economy of the Maldives.

BUDGE1990 1991 TOTALS

Cost to External Agency (in cash):

PersonnelInternational Expert 12,000Travei & per diem 12.000

Reoorting costs 1,000sub-total 25.000 25.000

Cost to Govemment. of Maldives(in cash and kind)

Office space & logistic support 4,000Counterpart salary 500

sub-totaW 4.500 4-500TOTAL 29. 500 29.500

x SOCOLOGICAL fACTORS AFECTiNG SUSTAINABLE DtEVELOPMENT IN THEMALDIVES.

BACKGROUND:.

Considerable concem has been expressed world wide about the possible social and cultural impactsof climatic change and sea level rise on developing small island states.To date a few studies of thesocial and cdtumal inplications ofsuch changes have been made.The!m is demonstated need to proidesocial planning and polICy alternatives to Govemment for coping with the potential impacts of dimaticchange.

AIMS:.

a) review the past and current social trends in the Maldives and their possible future development inthe light of climatic change and present development strategies.

METHODOLOGY & WORK PLAN:

Following the reviews of other experts on the resources and physical environment of the Maldives andtheir assessment of the likely impacts of climatic change. an intemational expert will visit the Maldivesfor 10 weeks in 1991 to work dosely with national experts in analysing the policy and planningaltematives available to the Republic of Maldives in defining their development strategies.

The intemational expert will:

a) assemble published information relevant to the sociology of the Maldives;

b) examine the past, and current social trends in the Maldives and their possible future developmenL

c) examineincloseco-operationwiththeprojectteam. r-sentand future social trendsfromthe standpoint of sustainable development as well aa the socio-economic impacts of thepreseat and planned development activities in the Maldives.

d) prepare in consultation with the national expert a sectoral report on the potential impactsof climatic change and sea level rise on the social and cultural environment of the Maldives,including recommendations for future planning and policy decisions by the Govemmentwhich may avoid or mitigate the potential impacts of climatic changes.



Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaberating: Ministry of Home Affairs and Sports.

Ministry of Atolls Administration.

45

1. A overview of the current social and cultural environment of the Maldives and its possible futuredevelopment in the light of proposed development activities and the possible impacts of climaticchange on the social and cultural environment of the Maldives.

BUDG:r-1990 1991 TOTAL

Cost to External Agency (in cash)

PersonnelIntemational Expert 10.000Travel & per diem 9.000Report preparation, printing 1,000

Sub-total 20.000 20.000

Cost to the Govemment of Maldives- (in cash & kind)

Office space & logistic support 4.000Materials & supplies 250Counterpart salary 350

Sub-total 4.6C0 4.600

TOTAL 24,600 24.500

46

10. SOLID WASTE 1aANAGMENT FOR RURAL ISLANDS, RESORTS AND FUTUREURBAN CENTRES IN THE MALDIVES.

BACKGROUND:

The problems of solidwaste disposal in Male' are currentlycritical whilstthe extentofsimilarproblemselsewhere in the country is unoocumented. Various proposals for disposal of soiid wastes in Male' haveincludeddumping, incineration and others. Nosubstarrtial databaseexists on the situation outside Male'on which to base a rational choice of available altematives for overall national planning. The prac-ticality has not yet been adequately evaluated of alternative disposal methods which may be moreappropriate for the Maldives than those proposed to date.

The "Male' sewage and solid waste treatment and disposal study" being undertaken as a consultancyby GfTECH aims to evaluate sewage impacts in the marine environment; evaluate the present fresh-water supply and demand; and assess the nature of solid wastes and evaluate altemative disposalmechanisms for the capital The proposed activity aims to extend this evaluation to other islands.

AIMS:

a) To review current solid waste management problems countrywide;

b) To extend the present capability of relevant Govemment Departments to monitor and enforceappropriate waste disposal standards; and.

c) To recommend waste disposal methods for implementation resorts, rural communities and futureurban settlements.


This activwty will be initiated by means of an extensive review of current problems, and practices, anda critical examination of altemative methods of disposal which might be adopted in rural communities.resort islands and future urban settlements. In addit;on the volumes and nature of wastes producedin rural and resort islands are inadequately documented at the present time and the Environment Sectionshould initiate actMities designed to produce a semi-quantitative database for future planning purposes.

initially an expert would be appointed for a ten week period in the second half of 1990 tc work in closeco-operation with the Ministry of Planning and Environment. the Water and Sanitation Authority. TheMale Municipality, and the Ministry of Tourism to:

a) review existing information conceming solid waste problems in the Maldives.

b) evaluate on behalf of the Govemment of the Maldives the findings and recommendationsproduced by GITECH concemina solid waste disposal altematives for Male';

c) assess in consultation with the relevant Govemment authorities the volume and natureof solid wastes being generated in selected resort and rural islands.

d) in consultation with the environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment.review existing legislabon controling disposal of solid wastes and assist in drafting amendmentsor new legislation as appropriate-

47

*Ieiew ctment vste disposal puaices -nd recommnend the adoption of appropriatehandling and disposal systems paying particular attention to the possibilities of recycling andenergy generation where appropriate.

f) provide preliminary cost-benefit analyses for the various altemative methods of disposalconsidered in d) above.

g) establish a programme to be operated by the Ministry of Planning and Environrment tocollect and evaluate data on the nature and volumes of solid waste generated overtwo years.and provide training to the national officers responsible for implementing the survey.

The Envirunment Section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment will:

a) initiate early in 1990 a detailed survey of solid wastes in selected resort and rural islands.

b) Prepare a dossier of relevant legislation, guidelines and standards currently in operation.


Lead Agency. Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agencies: Water and Sanitation Authority.

Ministry of Public Works and Labour.Male' MuniLipdlity.Ministry of Tourism.Ministry of Atolls Administration.

OUTPUTS:

1. A comprehensive review of solid waste disposal problems and potential solutions.

2. Recommendations conceming soiid waste disposal alternatives and appropriate draft legislation.

3. An evaluation of the GITECH assessment and recommendations relating to solid waste disposalproblems in Male'

BUDGETS:

Cost to Extemal Agency in cash: 1990 1991 TOTALS

PersonnelInternational Expert 10.000Travel and per diem 9.000

Reporting costs 10.00Sub-total 20,000 20.000

Cost to the Government of Maldives:'in cash and kind)

Office space and logistic support 4.000Counterpart salary 1.500 1. 500

Sub-total 5.5_G 1.500 7.000

TOTAL 25 50 1.500 27.000

48

11. ASSESSAENT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES IN THE MALDIVES.

BACKGROUND:

The extent of polential problems resulting from sewage cortamination of the coastal zone. particularlyis currently unknown, although the GITECH study referred to above is designed to investigate thesein the vicinity of Male. Contamination of near shore waters by human pathogens, induding faecal coliformsand problems resulting from nutrient enrichment in shallow water lagoon areas needs to be assessedparticularly in relation to rural communities and resort islands. In addition the applicability of recentdevelopments in sewage treatment to produce biogas and fertilizer should be evaluated for use infuture urban developments in the Maldives.

AIMS:

a) to review current problems;

b) to evaluate on behalf of the Govemment of the Maldives the findings of GITECH relating to sewagepollution problems in the vicinity of Male;

cJ to produce a fully costed proposal for the establishment of a sewage pollution monitoring capabilityin the Water and Sanitation Authority:

dI to investigate the feasibility of attemate methods of sewage treatment and disposal for adoption inrural and resort islands and future urijan developments.


This activity will be initiated by means of an extensive review of current problems. and practices, andacriticalexamination of altemative methods of disposalwhich mightbe adopted in rural areas and futureurban developments. In addition the capability for monitoring marine and coastal pollution problems arisingfrom the present method of untreated sewage disposal are inadequate and need to be upgraded.

Initially an expert would be appointed for a two months period to work in close cooperation with theMinistry of Planning and Environme; it. and the Water and Sanitation Authority to:

a) review existing information conceming sewage disposal problems in the Maldives:

by recommend a programme of coastal water monitoring and assessment to ascertain thescale of pollution problems arising form the discharge of untreated sewage wastes. Therecomnmended programme to include a realistic programme for the acquisition of equipment.facilities and man power phased over a period of three years;

c) review current disposal practices and recommend the adoption of appropriate treatmentand disposal systems for rural islands and future urban settlements. paying particular attentionto the possibilities of biogas and / or energy generation:

d) provide preliminary cost-benefit analysis for the vr.rious alternative methods ol disposalconsidered in c) above-

49

INSTMUT1ONAL FRAMEWORK:

Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agency: Ministry of Health and Welfare.

MaldivesWater and Sanitation Authority.Ministry of Public Works and Labour.

OUTPUTS:

1. Comprehensive review of sewage disposal problems and potential solutions.

2. A phased plan for the development of a monitoring capability in country to assess the human healthand eutrophication risks of present sewage disposal practices.

BUDGET:

1990 1991 TOTALS

Cost to extemal agency (in cash)

PersonnelIntemational Expert 8.000Travel and per diem 8,000

Reporting costs 5.00Sub-total 16.500 16.500

Cost to the Govemment of Maldives(in cash and kind)

Office space and logistic support 1.000Materials and supplies 1.50Counterpart salaries 3. 50

Sub-total 1.500 500TOTAL 18.00 18 Otl

50

12. ANALYSS OF DEMIOGRAPIIC1RENDS INIHE REPUBUC OFIHEMAILDES

BACKGROUND:

Considerable concem has been expressed world wide about the possible social and cultural impactsof dimatic change and sea level rise on small island states. One major characteristic of demographicpatterns in atoll and other small island states is the tendency for migration of the population within thecountry in responseto perceived benefits including access to health and education. To date fewstudieshave been made to evaluate the underlying causes of such movements in the Maldives. There is ademonstrated need to evaluate demographictrends in order to establish island carrying capacitiesand povide parwing and policy altemativesto Govermnert which may assist in coping with the additionalstrains which might be imposed as consequence of the potential impacts of climatic change.

AIMS:

a) review the past and current demographic trends in terms of population growth and migration inthe Maldives and their possible future development;

b) review the possible implications of current development plans for future demographic trends;

c) recommend a substantive programme of population management to achieve sustainable develop-ment for implementation by the Govemment.


Following the completion of the national census in 1990 an intemational expert in demography wouldbe appointed for a period of ten weeks to work in close collaboration with a national demographerin the Ministry of Planning and Environment. and with the sociologist in analysing present demographictrends and pattems.

T he intemational expert will:

a) assemble published information relevant to the demography of the Maldives;

b) examine the past, and current demographic trends in the Maldives and their possiblefuture development:

c) examine, in close cooperation with the sociologist. present and future demographic trendsfrom the standpoints of.

i) sustainable development;ii) the potential impacts of present and planned development activities in the Maldives:and,iii) the potential impacts of climatic change and sea level rise on the present social.cultural and demographic patterns of the country; and,

d) recommend future courses of action for adoption by the Govemment which may avoidor mitigate demographic problems hindering sustainable development.


51

Th,e natioaw counterprt wilt

a) assemble relevant unpublished or locally available information.

b) actively participate in the collection, analysis and synthesis of the available information.

c) participate in the preparation of and take joint responsibility for the production of thefinal sectoral reporL


Lead Agencyt Ministry of Planning and Environ.mentCollaborating agency-

OUTPUTS

1. An overview of thecurrent demographic patterms in the Maldives and their possible future developmentin the light of proposed development activities and the possible impacts of climatic change.

2. A recommended programme for implementation by the Govmment of courses of action which mayavoid or mitigate against demographic prc' .ems hindering sustainable development.

BUDGEr:

1990 1991 TOTALSCost to Extemal agency (in cash):

PersonnelIntemational Expert 10.000Travel and per diem 9.000

Reporting costs 1.000Sub-total 20,000 20.000

Cost to the Government of Maldives(in cash and kind):

Office space & logistic support 2.000Counterpart salary 350

Materials & supplies(photocopies & office supplies) 150

Sub-total 2500 2 500

TOTAL 22.500 22,500

52

13ENRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSES1SMENT OFIlHE VILUNG1U RESETTIEMENTSCHEME

BACKGROUND:

In the light of theGovemmentdecisionto proceed with theVillingili resettlementscheme. the SelectedIsland Development Unit (SIDU) has initiated planning for the implementation of this project. SIDU hasapproached the Environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment to seek assistancein the design and implementation ol an environmental impact assessment of this project.

AIMS:

a) to provide the Government and the Selected Island Development Unit with a comprehensive evalu-ation of altemative development scenarios covering the Villingiii Resettlement scheme.

b) To provide training to the staff of the environment section in aspects of environmental impact assessment.


ViDingili will be the first island for irmplementation of a comprehensive resource survey and the activitiesof aNl intemational experts will be directed in the first instance to conducting surveys of this island.The scientificadvisor tothe Ministryof Planning and Environmentwill. in collaboration with the NationalCoordinator of the work programme. guide. supervise and participate in all aspects of the assessment.Initially the scientific advisor will be responsible for developing. in consultation with SIDU andthe National Work Programme Coordinator a detailed work plan and framework for the execution ofthe EIA. and will jointly with the staff or the Environment Section produce quarterly progress reportson the activities undertaken and the implications of the results for planning the development By includ-ing this island as one to be examined in the framework of other activities the bulk of the costs will bemet through-the budgets for these activities. An extemal expert will be brought in to evaluate the progressand recommend on any modifications to the programme in early 1991.

INSTITUTiONAL FRAMEWORK:

Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agency: Selected Islands Development Unit.

Maldives Water & Sanitation Aulhority.Ministry of Public Works and Labour.

OUTPUTS:

1) Ouarterly progress rerorts on the execution of the various resource assessments.

2) A consolidated report on the environmental impacts of development alternatives by mid-1991.

53

1990 1991 TotalsCost to External agency fin cash);

Personnellntemational Expert 5.000

Travel & perdiem 5.000

Materials and supplies 5,000 1.000

Reporting costs 300 1,000

Sub-total 50 12,000 17.300Cost to the Government of Maldives

(in cash and kind):

Office space & logistic support 2.000 2.000

Counterpart salary 1,500 1,500

Materials &supplies(photocopies & ofrice supplies) 500 200

Sub-total 4.000 3.700

TOTAL 9.300 15,700 25.000

54

14. PREPARA71ON OF 4PUBLC AWARENESS AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATIONMATERIALS

BACKGROUND:

Whilst the level of environmental awareness is generally high amongst educated Maldivians there isa lack of material available in Dhivehi for circulation and use in the atolls. The Ministry of Fisheries andAgriculture produces regular newsletters on fisheries matters and distributes them widely throughoutthe country. In addition thoy have produced and are producing short video taped documentaries onvarious environmental issues such as the crown of thorns starfish. The need for a more broadly basedset of materials relating to current issues of environmental concem in the Maldives is apparent. TheEnvironment Section of the MPE will collaborate with TV Maldives and the Voice of Maldives in produc-ing radio and television programmes relevant to the activities undertaken under the work programme.and on general environmental issues as appropriate.

a) To produce 1.000 copies of an eight sided quartedy enuronment newsletter in Dhivehi for distributionto schools and atoll administrative centres.

b) To produce 1,000 copies 16 pages each of 6 ?opular booklets in Dhivehi and English on importantenvironmental issues for distribution to schools throughout the country.

c) To produce relevant radio and television programmes on environmental issues in the country.


Expertise currently exists within the environment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environmentto produce such materials. It is proposed therefore that the scientiric advisorto the Ministry of Planningand Environment collaborate with the Environment staff in the selection of items and topics and thatthe Ministry staff are responsible for the production o. the Dhivehi texts. The substantive results ofactivities within the work programme will be incorporated into these materials. Distribution will bevia NGO's .nd the offices of the Ministry of Atolls Administration.

iNSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agency: Ministry of Education.

Non Governmental Organizations.Ministry of Atolls Administration.Television Maldives.Voice of Maldives.

OUTPUTS:

1. Eight issues of an environment newsletter.

2. Six popular booklets covering: Climatic change and sea level rise impacts in the Maldives. Coral reefsof the Maldives. Coral mining and sand dredging. Terrestrial environments of the Maldives. Coastalerosion and deforestation problems in the Maidives.

3. Ad hoc radio and television programmes as appropriate.

55

B5UDGE- .g1990 1991 TUOALSCost to extemal agencyin cash

Printing costsNewsletter 8 at 1 75Jissue 700 700booklets 6 at 250/booklet 750 750

Materials and supplies 1,000 1,000Sub-total 2.450 2.450 4.900

Cost to the Govemment of Maldives.in cash and kind

PersonnelAuthors time 1.000 1.000Translators time 700 700Art work and layout 500 500Typists time 300 300

Materials and supplies 500 500Sub-total 3.000 3,000 6.000

TOTAL 5,450 5,450 10.900

56

15. REDSJRE VENTORY FOR SEI.ECTED ISLANDS.

BACKGROUND:

In the light of the Govemment selection of nine islands as future centres of development it is proposedto proceed with the resource inventory of these islands to provide baseline data on the state of theenvironment and resources prior to developments taking place .

AIMS:

a.) To provide the govemment and the Selected Island Development Unit with an evaluation of t'.iecurrent state of the environment and their resources for the nine islands selected for future devel-opment.


Comprehensive resource surveys are made to be under various activities within the current workprogramme. These surveys wil be directed in the first instance to the following islands:Kelaa. Hanimaadhoo, Maafilaafushi, Meerufenfushi, lsdhoo, Gan, Hithadhoo and Thoddoo.Priorities will be determined in consultation with SIDU and on the basis of logistic and financialconsiderations. Whenever practical additional islands within the same atolls will also be surveved duringthe course of each field work period.

A scientific advisor to the Ministry of Planning and Environment will. in collaboration with the NationalCoordinator of the Work Programme. guide. supervise and participate in all the aspects of the assess-ments. Initially the scientiric advisor will be responsible for developing, in consultation with SIDUand the National Work Programme Co-ordinator. a detailed work plan and the time table for the implem-entation of these resources inventories and will jointly with the staff of the environment section produceconsolidated reports for each island or atoll. which will include a sumrnary of implications of the hndingsfor the development of the island. By targeting these islands as sites for the various assessment activitiesthe bulk of the costs will be met through the budget for these activities.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAME WORK:

Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning ano Environment.Collaborating Agency: Selected Islands development Unit.

Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority.Ministry of Public Works and Labour.

OUTPUTS:

1. Resource inventories and reports in the state of theenvironmentforeachselectedisland. togetherwith an assessment of the implications for development.

2. Consolidated reports covering all islands surveyed.

57

BUDGET:1990 1991 TOTALS

Cost to extemal agency(in cash):

Reporting costs 1.000Sub- total I.0 .0


Boat operation and field costs 10,000 10.000Sub- total t 0 000 10.000 20.000

TOTAL to1.IO0 21.000

58

16 FEASIBUTYSTUDYFORESTABLLSHMENTOFANATIONAL INSTfIUTEFORNATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH.

BACKGROUND:

A numberof experts have recommended the fornation of different kinds of institutes to foster researchinto the natural resources of the Republic. The Govemment ;.Licluded an evaluation study for theestablishment of a Marine Research Institute in the 1 989 - 1990 National Development Plan. In thelight of these developments and recommendations it is suggested that the brief for the initial evalu-ation study be broadened to include consideration of all aspects of research into the physical andbiological environment of the Maldives.

AIMS:

a). To evaluate the practicality of establishing an institute for research into the natural resources of theMaldives.


An international expert in the operation of research stations on small isolated islands will be invited tovisit the Maldives and conduct a feasibility study of establishing some form of research institute in thecountry.The dcientificadvisor will activelyparticipateinthis feasibility studyandthe views of all memberdepartments of the Commission for the Protection and Preservation of the Environment will besoughtconceming the location; scope of work and methods of financing such an institute.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Lead Agency. Marine Research Section. Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.Collaborating Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment

All members departments of the National Commission for theProtection of the Environment.

OUTPUTS:

1. Consolidated report on thefeasibility of establishing anatural resources research institute including:

i. Recommendations conceming the possible scope of work of such an institute:.ii. An analysis of altemative sites and recommendations concerning their suitatility:iii. An initial budgetary assessment of the capital and recurrent costs of establishing andrunning such an institute over a five year period.iv. A cost benefit analysis including possible cost recovery mechanisms for the recurrentbudget; andv. An assessment of possible intemational resear.her. use of such an institute.

59

1990 1991 TOTALS

Cast to exte_gl agency (in cash):

PersonnelkIernational Exei 8aooTravel wd per diem 8.000

Repoitng cost 1,0OCSub4ttal 17.000 17.000

Cost to the Gav6rrmmeni cf Maldives(an cash and kifd!

Internal travl 5,000Counkpat ssaty 500

Subtotal 550 5.50

TOTAL 22.500 22.500

60

17..ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ATABASE.

BACKGROUND:.

Numerous reports have stressed the need forthe establishment of an environmental database in theenvironment section of the Ministry of Planning and Environment. Few such recommendations havedistinguished between primary and secondary data sources. There exists a substantial amount ofpublished information conceming the natural environment of the Maldives which is currently notavailable within the country. Unpublished data sources such as aerial photographs, satellite imageryand maps, charts and navigational data are also available elsewhere. Published and unpublishedinformation within the country is also not readily accessed since it is held in a variety of departmentsand no centralised system exists to record what is and what is not available.

AIM:

a). To establish the nucleus of an environmental data base in the environment section of the Ministryo' PIan.-..g and Environme..,


Each intemational expert will be required to conduct computerized literature searches prior tovisiting the Maldiwes, to acquire where possitle hard copies of relvant artides and data sets not currentlyheld in country and to transportthem on visiting the Maldives. The environment section of the Ministryof Planning and Environment will prepare a computerized listing of all materials both published andunpublished currently held in different Govemment Departments and will enteradditional items as theyare received from the international experts. Periodically MPE will issue for memberdepartments of theNational Commission for the Protection and Preservation of the Environment a listing of all the environmental materials held in the country. Individual Departments will be held responsible for assistingin updating these lists as appropriate.


Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating Agencies: All member depantments of the National Commission for the Protection

of the EnvironmenL

CUTPUTS:

1. Initial listing of secondary sources of environmental data and their location in-country.

61

BJuDGErs:-

Cost to External Agency (in cash): 1990 1991 TOTALS

Materials and supplies(hard Copies computer stationary) 5,000 5.000 10,000

Sub-total 5A0 .000 10.000,


Office space and logistic support 6.000 6,000Personnel

saary 1,500 1,500Sub-total 7500 7500 15.000

TOTAL 12.500 12.500 25.500

62

1&. NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR MID TERM REVIEW OFfTHE PROGRAMME

BACKGROUND:

At the end of October 1990 a training workshop will be held during which the results of the studiesundertaken up to that point will be presented by the national e:perts participating in the activities, andthe details of the work plan for the subsequent year will be formulated for approval by the NationalCommission for the Protection of the Environment. At this time a budgetary reviewwill also beundertaken in order to revise financial schedules in the light cf the previous ten months cash flow situ-ation.

AIMS:

a) To consolidate and review the substantive outputs of the various activities

b) To review and finalise the Work plan for 1991.


Each national expert will be expected to make a fomial presentation or the results of the workundertaken up to that point for critical peer review. The wcrkshop and its preparation will involve in-house training in scientific report writing and presentation.


Lead Agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.

Collaborating Agency: All member Departments otf the National Comrmission for the Protectionof the Environment.

OUTPUTS:

a) Consolidated mid term report of the Work Programme for consideration and approval by the NationalCommission for the Protection of the Environment and sponsoring agencies.

b) Revised budget and work plan for 1991.

c) Recommendations for additional items for inclusion in the 1991 work programme in the light ofrecommendations from the sectoral reports.

d) Recommendations for action by the National Commission for Protection of the Environment inimplementing the concrete recommendations of the sectoral reports.

63

BUDGET:

Cost to extemal agency (in cash) 1990 1991 TOTALS

Materials and supplies 1,000Sub-total .000 IM


materials and supplies 1.000participans time 2.000

sub-total 3 030TOTAL 4.000 4.000

64

19. TERIINAL SEINAR AND WORKSHO TO REVEW THE 1990/91 WORKPROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND ACHIEVEMENT

BACKGROUNID:

In October 1991 aworkshop and seminarwill be held at which the national and intemational experts willpresent and discuss theirfindings. Tne conclusions of the workshop will be presented to the NationalCommission for the Protection of the Environment in the final terminal report of the project.

AIMS:

a) to review the substantive findings of the various activities.

b) to evaluate the success or otherwise of the programme

c) to formulate the work programme for the implementation in 1992- 1993.

d) to recommend on the mechanisms for the management and implementation of future workprogrammes.

8) to recommend if necessary, amendments to the National Environment Action Plan.


The activitywill bedivided intotwo oneweeksections. Duringthe first week presentations of the resultsof the various activities will be made by the national and intemational experts in the form of seminarpresentations open to the public. During the second week a working meeting will discuss the detailsof the management and nature of future activities and draft the necessary documents and recom-mendations for consideration by the National Comnmission for the Protection of the Envir6nmenL Nationaland intemational experts who participated in the implementafion of the initial work programme will attendthis meeting as scientific advisors. Sessions will be open to other interested individuals as ooservers.


Lead agency: Ministry of Planning and Environment.Collaborating agency: All member Departments of the National Commission for the

Protection of the environment.

OUTPUTS:

a) Final consolidated report of the 1990-1991 work programme.

b) Work shop report including recommendationsi) on the mechanisms for management and implementation of future work programmes.ii) amendments (if necessary) to the National Environment Action Plan.

c) an evaluation of the successes and failures of the programme elements.

d) The wor.k programme for implementation in 1992- 1993.

65

BUDGiET

Cost to external agencies (in cash): 1990 1991 Totals

Material and supplies 5.000

Travei and per diem ( 8 intemational experts): 28.000sub- total 33W000 33.000

Cost to the Govemrment of Maldi /es(in cash and kind)

Materials and supplies 5.000

Participants time B.000sub- total 13.000 13.000

TOTAL 46.000 46.000

CHAPTER 21

ENVIRONMENT

I. PERFORMANCE

Until comparatively recentiy, the life-styles of Maldivians tiad little direct impact on the envirnrnent.

The main impacts were those of deforestation, brought about by the need for fuelwood, and, in the

absence of other building matenals. coral depletion and sand mining. Rapid socio-economic development,

combined with a fast increasing population, has accelerated the process of environmental degradation.

with the natural environment becoming no longer something that can be taken for granted, but a valuable

asset in need of both preservation and conservation-

Govemment environmental policies and programmes have been greatly hampered by the severe lack

of information about, and expenence with, environmental management. Various studies have been

undertaken to help rectify this situation. In 1984. a study identified important environmental problems,

and proposed guidelmes which could serve as a basis for improved environmental management Another

study was commissioned at the samne time to examine the effects of coral mining, particularly. in Male'

AtolL Its findings were alarming, suggesting that, at the then prevailing rates of depletion, the coral

reefs of Male' Atoll would all but disappear by the year 2015. Legislation has since been introduced

to regulate coral mining in the atoll. Other studies that have been undertaken include identifying (a)

possible causes of the cracks that have appeared in the sub-structure of the Male' coral reef system,

(b) causes of reef degradation, and (c) measures to combat recent outbreaks of crown of thoms starfish.

These studies and measures were combined with efforts to develop the institutions required for effective

environmental management. An Environmental Section was established in the Ministry of Home Affairs

and. in 1984, the Council for the Protection of The Maldives Environment was created to advise the

Govemment on environmental matters. This was later changed to the National Council tor the Protection

of the Environment (NCPE).

The Govemment has also introduced vanous regulations designed to improve environmental conditions.

l* It has introduced a 'Sanitation Code". aimed at regulating sewage disposal, water quality and refuse

disposal in tourist resorts. Incinerators and compactors were made mandatory from November 1987.

Legislative measures have included prohibition on the catching of under-sized turtles. tonoises and

jIt lobsters. In 1987, a 'Housing Code' was introduced. aimed at ensuring proper sanitary and hygienic

.onditions for the general well-being of the population of Male'. The Government has also introduced

a code to prevent the felling of coconut palms. as well as initiated several tree planting programmes.

Particularly significant was the Govemment's decision of June 1988 to make mnandatory environmental

impact assessmnents for all development projects.

The Govemment recognizes that small island ecosystems are armong the most vulnerable to mnan-

induced disruption and pollution. It also recognizes that the natural environment may not always be

benign. Three days of tidal swells in April 1987. with waves of up to 2.5 metres. battered Male', washing

away or submerging a large part of land which had been reclaimed between 1979 and 1986. and

badly damaging infrastructure at the intemational airport. New tidal surges in June and September.

1988. inundated cultivated fields in some southern atolls. and caused extensive darage to causeways

that linking islands, with several islands actually tom in two by the force of the wave action. Feared

as a harbinger of predicted sea-level mse. the damage sustained was a clear reminder of the vulnerability

NaMionaW Oeveloprnent Plan 1991-1993 Vol. I 1r_-

|hwr Tw on e. Enironmnt Iof the island nation. The Government has taken the threats posed by climatic change very senously.and has introduced various initiatives aimed at bnnging tne potential threat of sea-level rose to theanention of the intemational community.

The most recent evidence of this vulnerability was piovided by severe storms that swept the countryat the end of May 1991. These storms uprooTed or camagea more than 190.000 trees. many of themcoconut palms and fruit trees. The storms also destroyed or damaged around 3.300 dwellings and250 public buildings, such as schools, mosques and island offices, as well as more than 20 boatyards. Particularly badly affected was Addu Atoll in the south. This atoll experienced the wotst storm in livingmemory, with wind speeds that exceeded 150 kph. The mnost important banana producing area of thecountry, the storm uprooted or badly damaged around 60.000 banana trees - more than halt the atoll'stosal - as well as several thousand fruit trees. thereby depriving many inhabitants in Addu Atol of animportant source of inconwe. Surprisingly, no deaths were recorded. The storm that battered Addu occurredat low tide. Had its maximum intensity occurred at high tide. the damage sustained. already veryconsiderable. could have approached the scale of a human tragedy. providing a further reminder ofthe vulnerability of low-lying coral atolls. and of the multifaceted relationships that exist between landand sea in a small island arcthipelago.

Studies conducted in recent years have not only highlighted the vulnerability of Maldives to cuinticchange and sea-level rise, but also the extent and severity of environmental problems. These in'lude:

(i) coral mining for construction and road surfacing;

(ii) the negative impacts of land reclamation on coral reef systems:

(iii) coastal erosion. caused by improperly designed and badly located piers, harbours. wharfs,groynes. jetties and gabions;

(iv) freshwater aquifer depletion and saline intrusion;

(v) deforestation for fuelwood. construction and boatbuilding: and

(vi) inadequate systems of waste management and disposal.

The Government is seeking to address these probJems through a comprehensive rather than piecemealapproach. In 1988, it renamed the Ministry of Planning and Development as the Mintstry of Planningand Environment In 1989. a draft National Environment Acoon Plan and Work Programme were developed.with the assistance of UNDP anrJ UNEP. and presented to a national workshop at wNich they werereviewed and amended. The rational workshop. which included representatives of the private sectoras well of NGOs. recommended the approval of the Plan and Work Programme to NCPE. They wereformally approved by the Govemment in July 1990.

The National Environment Plan seeks to establish a strategic framework for activities designed to addressenvironmefftal problemns. strengthen environmental management and planning capabilities. and ensurethat environmental concerns are taken fully into account in planning future development. The workprogramme contains 19 projects and activities. many of which are concerned with both the analysisof different environmental problems and the creation of a data bast. Many of these projects, whichtogether cost USS 1 3 million, have already been funded. and have e :ner recently started or are plannedto start soon.

* N e1XSZ ~~~~~~~~~~~~Nationaevelopment Plan 1997-1993 Vo 7

:. _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twergy, O Environrnent

l~ t An Environmental Research Unit was established in the Mintstry of Planning and Environment in 1990

* t which has main responsibility for these prolects. With the creation of the Unit. the number of staff inMPE concerned with environmental matters was increased to 14.

11. SECTOR CONSTRAINTS

Progress in addressing environmental issues is constrained by problems familiar in srmall island developing

countnes. These include a lack o1 qualified manpower. inadequate and incomplete environrmental legislation.

and weak capacities to enforce environmental protection legislaton. Constraints also include a deficient

and incomplete data base required 1or the preparation ot protection and conservation measures andplans. There are also limitations imposed by the sectoral division of planning responsibilities, whichI results in the compartmentalization of skills knowledge and data. and inhibits thie formulation andimplementation of integrated approaches demanoed by the environment.

Moreover, public perception of environmental problerms is still low. This is being addressed through

awareness and information campaigns. via radio and television. the activities of NGOs and the teaching

of environmental science as part of the school curnculum.

III. MAJOR OBJECTIVES

-Environmental management and conservation is regarded by the Government as a key ingredient ofits strategies to build sustainable social and economic development. High prionty is accordingly afforded

to environmental objectives. which are to:

(i) ensure to the best possible extent that all development programmes and projects are fullyf consistent with the sound and prudent management and conservation of the environment

and natural resources;

(ii) develop the information, skills and institutions required for the preparation. implementation

and monitoring of environmental management and conservation plans and programmes;

* (iii) develop the legislation and legal instruments required wor the effective preservatton and

conservation of both the terrestrial and marine environment;

(iv) promote awareness amor.g all Maldivians of the importance of the environment for the

future development of Maldives. and the well-being of future populations:

(v) strengthen capacities for the preparation of environmental impact assessments. with the

aim of ensunng that ElAs are prepared for all major capital investment projects in both

the public and private sector: and.

i. (vi) monitor carefully global warming and impenditng sea-level rise, and assess their possible

implications for Maldives.

NarionalrDevelopment Plan 1991-1993 Val 1 163

Ciautr Twenry One Environment

IV. STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

The Govemment will continue to seek to adopt a comprehensive ana integrated approach to theenvironment. as embodied in the National Environment Action Plan. Emphasis dunng the third planperiod wvil be given to the development of capacities for sound environmental planning and management.the expansion of the winormation base required lor planning and management. the developmnent ofappropriate institutions and the implementation of awareness campaigns. The National Environment ActionPlan should be seen as a first step towards the preparation of a Natijnal Envwronmental ManagementPlan, which will be a priority in the inext plan period.

Particular prioty will be accorded to establishing procedures required for the full and effectiveimplementation o1 the decision to prepare ElAs for capital development projects. and trainingofficials,especially within the Environnmental Ptannmng Unit, in methods and techniques of assessment.

The Govemrnment also hopes to be in a position to prepare its first 'State of the Environment' reportbefore the end of the Plan period.

While the Govemrnen winl continue to stress the importance of an integrated and comprehensive approach.it does not believe that the environrent can or should be treated as a traditional sector. Rather,

environmental awareness must be buift into the policies, programmes and projects of line and sectoralagencies. Accordingly, sectoral policies and programmes. as elaborated in other chapters of this Plan.will be used to achieve environmental objectives and prionties.

Examples of environmentally relevant prolects can be found in many sector plans. They are particularlyevident in the strategy for fisheries. where five projects are planned in the area of coral reef management,while other project5 are concerned with stock assessment and the developmnent of management plansfor specific fishenes. Projects for atoll development, particularly the 7 IADPs. necessarily contain clear

environmental components. In agriculure. one ot the objectives set for the sector is to promotereatloresation, with several new projects planned, while a guiding pnnciple for future tounsm developmen:is the need to respect environmental values.

Similarly, strategy for the health sector, especially for water supply and sanitation. is regarded as animportant instrument for the attainment of environmental objectrves. many of which impact positvely

and directly with health objectives. In educav:on and trasning, environmental oblectives will continue toform an integral part of strategy.

Since congestion and overcrowding on thF. nation's capital island pose many environmental threats.

programmes for the further improvement of Male' necessanly embody environmental pnorities. Thisapplies particularly to prolects which improve water supplies and sanitation. the latter including theconstruction of a sewage treatment plant, to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage at outfalls

beyond the ree.. and improvement in the collection and disposal of solid wastes. Similarly. the projectto continue the paving of roads on Male' is guided by the need to replenish the capital island's much-

depleted freshwater lens. Every effort will also be made to ensure that the development of Villingilias a sateliite of Male' incorporates the highest environmental standards.

Ir6ll- Nxnorial Developmnent Plan 1991-1993 Vol. I

Chapter Twenty One Environment

V. MAJOR PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

1. National Environment Action Plan

This program aims at establishing policy al the local and national level for environmental protection.In order to do so the project will formulate a programme ot action

2. Environmental Impact Assessments

* This project will prowide technical assistance and on tre job ard overseas training necessary to carryout EiAs of all development projects.

3. Promotion of Environmental Awareness

This project will provide technical assistance and on the job and overseas training to increaseenvironmental awareness amongst children and adult population.

4. Environmental Support

This is a technical assistance project to provide support for improved planning and monitonng ofenvironmental issues.

National Developnent PFlan 1991-1993 Vod 1 165

9!_**awE0to

_~~~~~~~~~ I

w

I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

TABLE 16.1 ENVIRONML...I - TOTAL COSTS (US$ '000)

GBefore Plan Alter ProjectProject 1991 1991 1992 1993 Period 1993 Toat!

rechnical Assistance for environnienlalplimnirig, Ph I 00 330 41.5 0.0 74.5 00 74.5Technical assislance for environmental planning. Ph 2 0.0 9 3 40.3 0.0 49.6 0.0 49.6Env;ronmenlal managemenl & planning 164.5 138 5 0 0 0.0 138.5 0 0 303 0Environmental monitoring 0.0 947 25.0 00 119.7 00 119.7Environmental action plan review 4.0 46.0 0.0 0.0 46.0 0.0 50.0Prevention of environmenlal degredation in Addii Aloll 0.0 0 0 2,220.7 317.6 2.538.3 0 0 2,538.3Environmenlal awareness . 5.5 5.4 0.0 0 0 5.4 0.0 10.9Improvementoflmeleorologicalservices 0.0 00 1,000.0 200.0 1,200.0 2000 1,4000Capacity enhancement in env. planning & managemenl 30.3 243 8 365.2 296 2 905.3 30 0 965 6Resources surveys for environmental planning 0.0 157 b 84.0 0.0 241.5 U.0 241.5Coastal geomorphology & sedimentology 0.0 44 0 24.0 0.0 68.0 0.0 68.0Suppon for Environment Research Unit 0.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.GMarine environmcnl assessmenl 38.5 58 0 0.0 0.0 58.0 0 0 96 5Asseissmentofsewagedisposalalternatives 0.0 18.0 0.0 0.0 18.0 0.0 18.0

rolal 242.8 848.2 4,300.7 813.9 5,962.8 230.0 6,435.6

453

k.w V_Mb

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1991-1993 VOLUME. 2

TABLE 16.2 ENVIRONMENT FOREIGN COSTS (USt '000)

Requirements _ Ansislence Committed - Resource GapBefore Plan After Beforfr Plan After Plan After

Projecd 1991 1991 1992 1993 Perlod 1993 1991 Period 1993 Total Perod 1993 Total

Technical Assisiance for environmental planmfng, Ph I 00 20.0 30 0 0 0 50,0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Techllicalassistanceforenvwonmenmalplanning, Ph2 0.0 53 320 00 373 00 00 00 00 0 0 373 00 373Etivironmntal rnanagemenl A planning 128.0 117 0 0 0 0 0 117 0 0 0 128 0 117 0 0 0 245 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Fnvironmaenal moniioting 00 77.5 100 00 875 00 00 875 00 575 00 00 00Envhionmental acion pian eview 1.0 33 0 00 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 34.0PieventonofenvifonmenlaldegredationinAdduAtoll 00 00 22207 3176 25383 00 00 00 00 0 0 2,5353 00 25383Eiiviionmenlal awafeness 2 5 2 4 0 0 0 a 2.4 00 2 5 2 4 0 0 4 9 0 0 0 0 0 0liipruvemeni olmet,orologicaliservices 0 0 0 0. 1.000 0 200 0 1,200 0 2000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I,2fl0 0 200 0 1.400 0Capacity enhancementin env planningAmanagemeni 30.3 2015 2805 2115 693.5 30 0 303 6935 300 1535 00 00 00ResouicessuiveysfrenvifonrnenIafplanning 00 1210 53.0 00 1740 00 00 00 00 00 1140 00 1740Coasal geomrophology & sedimentology 0 0 30 5 10 5 0 0 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 0 0 0 41.0Suppoil for Envkonment Research Unit 00 0 0 500 0 0 0 500 0 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 0 500 0 0 0 500 0Maiine environmeni assessnment 25 5 40 5 0 0 0 0 40 5 0 0 2 55 40 5 0 0 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Assessmeniolsewagedisposalalleinalives 00 165 00 00 165 00 00 00 0o0 0 165 00 165

Total 187.3 66;2 4,1367 729.1 55310 230.0 186.3 990.9 30.0 1207.2 4540.1 200.0 4,741.1

J.'. h.| 4 ltIrl Ai.i I

<|48!~~~~~~~~ .! Ip. ! { j i * j @ W tr

_ S_X_ , ............................ , ... .-*, ... 1 z .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

^- ~ ~ ~ ___________________ _____ -- -- - -

TABLE 16.3 ENVIRONMENT- DOMESTIC COSTS (US$ '000)

Before Plan After ProjectProlect ______ 1991 1991 1992 1993 Period 1993 Total

Techiical Assistance or environnienlal plriifiiig. Ph I 00 130 11.5 00 24 5 00 24 5Trechnical assislance for environmental planring. Ph 2 00 40 8.3 0.0 123 00 123Environmental management & planning 36 5 215 0.0 0 0 21 5 0 0 58.0Environmental monitoring 0 0 17 2 15.0 0 0 32 2 0 0 32 2Environmental aclion plan review 3.0 130 0.0 00 130 (0.0 160Prevention of environmental degred.tliorn in Adihlu Atoll 0.0 00 0.0 0.0 0o0 0o0 00 Environmental awareness 3.0 3 0 0.0 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 0Improvement of meteorological sorvices 00 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0CapaciN enhancementinenv.planning&rimanagemnent 00 42.3 84.7 84.7 2118 0.0 .211.8Resources surveys for environmental pldnrillng 0.0 36 5 31.0 0.0 67.5 0 0 67 5Coastal geomorphology & sedimentology 00 13.5 13.5 0.0 27.0 00 27 0Suppon for Environment Research Unit 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0Marine environmenl assessmenl 130 17.5 0.0 00 17 5 00 30.5Assessment of sewage disposal alternalives 0 0 1.5 A n 0.0 1.5 C 0 1.5

Total 55.5 183.0 164.0 84.7 431.8 0.0 487.3

455

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1991-1993 VO_vME 2

Co-Je Projecl Time

ET 01: t81 Technical Assistance or Envrronmenta Planning - Phase I

Programme: Sector: Developmentma Area:

Enrwonmental planring Envwonment Envronment

lmpiemnentng Agency: Status

Ministy of Planning and Environment | Ongoing

Funoang. D uration 2 Yrs mms

Ci"naaa I Crorr 190 * Ig9

GeogrLpnic Coverage: Target Groups:

Obecves: review the current solid waste management problems and improve tie capability for monnonng and enforcing- appopnate waste disposal standards

recommend waste disposal metnods for resorts. rural communites and future urban communitis. review tne past and awreit demoaraphc trends

review Ihe possbtl implecatlons of current development plans for future demographic trendsrecofrlund a sobstutve piogramnw of population managenientestabbsh Ihe nudezs of an enrornmental database mn the UPE

Components: solid waste management- consullancy

. analyss ol demographic trends- consuflancy

. establnhment of an envrmonmental database- equwnent

Benefits:

Envronmnenal Impicatrions: nd ,

Pnvate Sector lnvolvement nil |

Implicatons for Women m Development nd

Risks: nil

456

- I

ENVIRONMENT

TA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING PH 1

Plan Penod: 1991-1993Total

Before Plan After Project. j ~~~~~~~~~~~~1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

_ l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(a) (b) lc) (d) (e) (fl (9J

1. PROJECT COSTS (USS '000)

.A. Exlemal requirements:

Civil works & constructon 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0Equipment & vehicles 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 10.0

- 1 Overseas Training 0C0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

. i Local Training a.O 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Consullantsftech. staff,etc Q.O 19.0 19.0 0.0 38.0 0.0 38.0

Other costs 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 2.0

Subtota (External requirements) 0.0 20.0 30.0 0.0 50.0 0.0 50.0

a. Domestic contribution 0.0 13.0 11.5 0.0 24.5 0.0 24.5

C. Total 0.0 33.0 41.5 0.0 74.5 0.0 74.5

D. Exterr assistance comrited Q0 20.0 30.0 0.0 50.0 0.0 50.0

; _ { E. Resource gap 0.0 0.0 O O00 0.0 Q0

2. MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

1991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 0 0 0Expatriate 0 0 0Total 0 C 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 0Expatiate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

- I

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1991-1993 VOLUME 2

Codw. ProecThl.e:

ET 021182 Tedulmc Asssmce for Environmental Planning -Phase il

Programm.: Sector Developmental Area:

EnviwonmeW pbnnrg Environment Enwronmenm

lttpuntrMpg Agenc: Status:

Minisrl, of Planning and Environment Droposea

Funitng: Duration 2 Yrs mmsRequwred

From 1990 to 1991Geographic Cowerage: Target Groups:

Objectives: review he past and acrrentsoca trends in te Maidmes and their possible fulure development in tie light ofchnutc dange and present development strategiescomprehensvem evaluabon at atleranave development scenarios covenng the Vuilngl reseleremnt scherneprovide train to the staff a the enviroment secton in aspects of emnronnenma impact assessment

Components: socaologcal lactors amlecing sustainable development-Corisultancy

eniffonrnentJ impact assessnnem- equipment- consultancy

Benefits:

Envfronmental Implicatons: nd

Prvate Sector Involvement nil

Impcations for Women in Development nd

Risks: nd

458

ENVIRONMENT

TA iOR ENVIRONMENTAL LANNIlNG PH 2

Plan Penoo * 991-1=3Total

Before Plan After Project1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

.~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~ ig_la! -

1. PROJECT COSTS (USS 000)

A. Extemal requirements:

Civil works & construction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 G.0Equipment & venicles 0 0 5.G 1 0 0.0 6.0 0 0 6.0

Overseas Trairung 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 0.0Local Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 D.0 0a0 0.0

ConsultantsAech. staff. etc 0.0 0.0 29.0 0.0 29.0 (.UU 29.0Other costs 0.0 0.3 2.0 0.0 2.3 U u 2 3

Subtotal (External reauiremen'.s) 0.0 5 3 32.0 00 37 3 0.0 37.3

B.Domesticcontribution 0.0 40 63 00 12.3 0.0 :2.3

i C. Total 0.0 9.3 40.3 0.0 49.6 0.0 49.6

D. External assistance commitec 0 20 2 0 o 0 0 0 0.0 0°0i I

E. Resource gap 0.0 5.3 32.0 0.0 3 3 00 37.3

2. MANPOWER RECUIREMENTS

I . i1991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 0 0 0

Expatnate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0Expatriate 0 3 0

-_ 'atal '-

459


C4X*- Pftecl rile:

ET03/11 Ennrornenia Managenent ano Planrug Xt

Pa_qUINIM: Sectrf: Deviopmentna Area:

Eitvirnfd planng Environment Envronment

l Ibpfg Ageu:y Status:

Mminy df Planning and Envronmnent Orgoing

Funding: Duration 2 Yrs mm,ADB

From 1990 to 1991Ggrwq Coveage: Target Groups:

Otecmies: implement ne 1990.S1 enmwoment acen plan. esblish a unied approadl to envirnmental pwanning and mangement. esash capabikty or enrmrnmental npact assenment lor mWor deelopnent protets. estbish nie nudeus of an envonmenal dalabase in ne MPE. rew and revue exstng envonnrenta legslalvon and gudelmes wtiere approprae. pme paa tnng

Co mpxnens establshenem of envirnnenla marageme-t and planning capacity-equpment-consuhancy

Benefits: enhanced caparibhies of the Enironnrent Secton ot ihe MPE

Enmonmental Jmpcaons: Nil

Prnvate Sector Involvement nil

Impkrcaons for Women sn Development nil

Risks: nil

460

-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r ~~~~~~~ENVIRONM4ENT

FROIZENTALMANAGEMENT& PLANNING

Ply' Petiod: 1991-1993Total

Beble Plan After Project1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

(a) lb) Cc) (d) (e) (1) (9)

PROJECT COSTS OMSS '00O

yExlna murenm:

Civl works &consuucion 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Equipment & vehide 26.0 14.0 0.0 0.0 14.0 0O. 40.0

Overseas Training 00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Local Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Consdiantsle staff, etc 101.0 101.0 0.0 0O. 10t.0 0.0 202.0Olhwcsts 1.0 ZO 0. 0.0 2.0 0.0 ao

SubtotIl {Ejernal requrermens) 128.0 117.0 0.0 0. 117.0 0.0 245.0

B. Domestic conlribufion 36.5 21.5 0.0 0.0 21.5 0D0 58.0

C. Total 164.5 135 0.0 0.0 138.5 0.° 303.0

0. Exlemal assistance conmitted 128.0 117.0 0.0 0.0 117.0 0.0 245.0

EL Resource gap 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2. MANPOWER RE5UIREMENTS

I991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 000Expatnale 0 0 0Total 0 0 D

G NumbersLocal 0 0 0Expatnate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

461


:ot ProFct Tine:

ET0O 1184 Environmentl MIJonorge

P rgamn: S.ctor: DevelopmneW Area:

MUonlolg uo management |Emironment Environment

Ipmiti t A.afy Status:

Mlisyo d Pubic Wots and LabowlMinrsty of Planning and Environment Ongoig

Furdimg: Duration 2 Yrs rmilscFTc

Fror 1990 to 1991Geograpic Coverage: Tuarget Groups:

. Oujeclives: es. r lish an uu-wumy capabity tr moffio ng sea level. ide and wave patterns m tVe Mitstry of Pubic Worksand Laborestablish the Mamcis n oceainogrpiic ard hydrographic datb

* provide auaug n simple oceanogrpl and hagois .h invStgatins. provide a develpm.Wtn for Vie Depulnseof Meteoroogy

provde a revew d cmai knowlede conceming me dumalogy and mneleorougy of Vhe Endian Ocean and anassesment t iely dges which might be expeced as a consequence of predictd dOknalic change uier.he ifienca of glbal amimng

Conponenis esbkshlunen of a hydrogrpnic unit-equwpment

- consuancy. eaterusion otwealtiermnitnnmg

- consultancy

Benefit:

Ewrinmuenra lImplicaions: nil

Private Sectar involvment nd

lmpficaaons for Womnen in Development nil

Risks: ni

462j

ENVIRONMENT

RONObMENTAL MONITORIN(;


Before Plan After Project

1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

.3) -. e' aI1

* PROJECT COSTS (USS '000)

A Extemal requirements:

Civil works & constucton 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0

Equipmenl & vehides 0.0 30.5 0.0 G C 30.5 0 0 30.5

Overseas Trainng 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 1]0 0.0

LocalTraning 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 100 00 10.0

Corsultants/lech. staff. etc 0.0 36.0 9.0 0.0 45.0 0.0 45.0

Othercosts 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 20 00 20

* Subtotal (Exlernal requirements) 0.0 77.5 10.0 0.0 97.5 0.0 87.5

B. Domestic contribution 0.0 .7.2 15.0 0.0 32.2 00 32.2

C. Total 0.0 94.7 25.0 0.0 119.7 0.0 119.7

D. Enternal assistance committed 0.0 77.5 10.0 0.0 87.5 00 57-5

E Resource gap 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

I


1991 1992 1993

F. Man months

Local 0 0 0

Expatriate 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0

G. Numbers

Local 0 0 0

Expatriate 0 0 0

5 Toiai 3 3 (

463


Code: ProeLd Tile:

ET 05 I i5 Environmrnet Achon Plan Reviewr

Prograrnre: Sector: Deveiopmenal Area

r" " .- mxnsnt ~~~~~~~~Envlrornent Environment

!mPlrnenting Agency: Status:

Ministy oi Planmng and Envionnen! Ongong

Furnbng: Duration. 2 Yrs rnthsADB

Frorn 1990 *.o 1991 1Geogqaphc lboverage: Target Groups:

L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ob;e1tves: consolidate and review the subst ve outputs of me varous acwivesitereview anrd fnaise te workpian I

. evaluate tie sucess or otieise of Om programmerecorurend an twe m ianmr for te magrk emmnt and rmplemeno l a] tuture vork progr--nes

. recommend d r yr. & -.ca-. I Arntnl Acon Plan

Conponenis: workshop lor mid term review

- eqwpment

terminal semmnar ancd workshop to review Ihe 199V91 work programme-eqwput * ~~~~~~~~~~~I 1

jBeneftts:

EmnonmenbJ nlprcations. mi

Piate Seior Involvement: nil

lmIncaUns for Wrrenm Developmr nt m

fRisks:

464

ENVIRONMENT

BElMRONMENT ACTION PLAN REVIEW

,P_.Pcid: 1_.1 .- 993Total

Before Plan After Prolect1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

s 1 {~~~~~~~~~~~~~a) ib) :0 id) tel to (9)

.--1. PROJECTCOSTS (uss '000)

A. Extena reqimet:

Civil works & construcbon 0.0 0.0 0.0 0°0 00 0.0 0.0

_ -EqwprmLtaTvetaiies 01.0 0.0 G0 0.0 5.0 0.0 6.0Overseas Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Eq en &Local Training O.D 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

,insuInIsBl. staff. etc 0.0 28.0 0.0 0.0 28.0 0.0 23.0j § Ofter costs 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jl *Subtotal (External requiremernen) 1.0 33.0 0.0 0.0 33.0 0.0 34.0

S E. Domestic contribution 3a0 13.0 0.0 0 0 13.0 0.0 16.0

C. Total 4.0 480 0.0 0.0 46.0 0.0 50.0

D. Exlernal assistance commintted C0 0Q0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

f E Resoure gap 0 33.0 00 0.0 33.0 0.0 34.0


.991 1992 :993P. Man months

Local Q 0 0Expatriate 0 0 0

Twal 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 1

0 .EKpatnlate ,} ..

ToWal 0 0 J

465


Code: Prqect Tite:

hB 061111 Prevetion of Enwronrnerni Degredaton n Addu AItII

Programe: Ser2or: Developmental Area:

Moio ad iarlnagement Envionrient Envionmnent

Imlpbenintrg AgenW. Status

Minist of Atols Admumstraton Proposed

Fundng: Duration 1 Yrs 1C mlhsReqared

From 1992 !o 1993

Geographc Coverage: Target Groups:

Adldu Atodl Atoll population

Obpecbes: . reestabish orgnal erosion and atretion panen ot the Iskandreduce pollton of tie atoD reefsimrove inter- isnd transportan

I~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ IComponentS. reMove easting causeways which are damaging the reet

buId two new causeways

monitor impact of new causeways

Benefits: iprwve possibilitaes for develoent in the atoll

Ervonmel Inmpications: inprove local environment

Prvwe Sectr Imm nr i l

Implications for Women in Development: nil

Risks: nil

466 j

_ r ENVIRONMENT

O OF ENV. DEGRADATION~~ J I ADDU ATOUL-

Ptn Pewiod: 1991-1993Total

Beforc -- Plan After Project1991 1991 1992 1g93 Cost 1993 Cost

ala (b) (C) (d) (e) jI) (9)

PROJECT COSTS (USS '0OO)

A External requirements:

ivil works & construcion 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 °°-°-- Equipnent&vehicles 0.0 0. 1.90.1 0.0 1.903.1 0.0 1.9031

Overse-s Trainmng 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 Local Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

CoruutantsAech. staff, etc 0.0 0.0 113.0 113.0 226.0 0.0 226.0Other csts 0.0 0.0 204.6 204.6 409.2 0.0 4092

Subtotal (Ektenal requirements) 0.0 0.0 2,220.7 317.6 2,538.3 0.0 2.538.3

B. Domestic contribution 0.0 C0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

C. Total 0.0 0.0 2,220.7 317.6 2,538.3 0.0 2Z5383

r G D. External assistance committed 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

ES Resource gap 0.0 0.0 2.220.7 317.6 2.538.3 0.0 2.538.3

j


1991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 0 0Expatriate 0 12 12

. Total 0 12 12

G. Numbersocal 0 0 0

Expatriate 0 1 1Total 0 1 1

457

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1991-1993 VOLUME Z

Cone Project Tide:

ET 07! 1187 Envwironmental Awareness

Programrrme Sector Devetopmrental Area

Monnonrng and mnargemnent Enveonment Envronmenie

Implementing Agency Status

Mrnusty of Plannnn =-1 Environment Ongohg

Futnmg: Duration: 2 YrsUNEP

From 1990 to 1991

Geographc Coverage Target Groups

JObectimes pxduc a quaerfl enwronment rnews r fo disribuon t scnoots ana atoll admristratirve centresproduce bookles n Dhtvehu and English in imporant environmental Lssues for diStnbuton to schools mroug1 oul

produce*evant rabdo and television programnmes on enwromental issues in vie country

Coxmponens: Preparaon of public awareness and non-formal educaDon rmate;als-equipmfent

Benerts: inmcreased enveomnental awareness

Envwonmental IrmplicaDons: nl

Prnate Sector Ir:volvernernt nt!

Implcatons for Women in Development nil

Risks: nl

468

*

if!

ENVIRONMENT I

ENV1RONMENTAL AWARENESS



ta) .' :19)

1. PROJECT COSTS (USS WDO)

A. Extemal icquirements:

Civil works & construction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Equipment & venicles 2.5 2.4 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 4.9Overseas Training aoU U.u - -. -- fl 1 fll 'OverseasTrammJ .U u.u u.u u.u u.u aou Gn

Lccal Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Consilantsnech. staff, etc 0.0 0.U v.0 0.0 u u.G 0.0 0Q0Other ccsts 0.0 0.0 0.0 0-0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Subtotal (External requlements) 2.5 2.4 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 4.9

B. Domestic contibution 3.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 6.0

C. Total 5.5 5.4 0.0 0.0 5.4 0.0 10.9

D. External ssistance committed 2 5 2 4 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 4.9

E. Resource gap 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 0.0 0.0

2. MANPOWER REOUIREMENTS

1991 1992 1993

F. Man months

Local 0 0 0Expariate 0 0

Total 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 o

Expatnate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

.469

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1991-1993 VOLJME

Code: |iolec Tite:

r ~~~~ET OBI 19| IMPmprmenl ofMelemolocecal Services 1-

Ptogranuw 1OSecor Deveiornental Area

MonUs MO m2tnagetnent Environment zEnvironment

Impkementrq Agency:

Depaimtent of Meteorology = ccosea

Funding: Durawon V,s

i:rom '992 to 1994

Geographic Coverage: Taroet Groups-

L:at ;zpuiation.

>i,,,,el of rnmteo!oIoennI" Pen,.s infrastructure

mornitmoring for chbate cnange gtoDat warmtng

Comnponents. irainngequipment and sparerarts

Benefits7 :ncreaseo mefeorolooal3I a_:a:rTlPrvea oecnr.icai ano tec1lc:ocicai caazau.

Environmienial Implications: nil

Private Sector Involvement nil

Implications for Wornen in Development: nil

Risks: nil

470

ENVIRONMENT

-1 EPROVEMENT OF MET SERV1CES

Plan Period: 1991-19931 ;rTotal


j.al %Di c; le) g)


A. Extenal requirements:

Civil wurk struction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0_ Z Equipmen: & vehicles 0.0 0.0 725.0 0.0 725.0 0.0 725.0

Overseas Trairing 0.0 0.0 200.0 200.0 400.0 200.0 600.0d Local Training 0 C 0 0 o.D 0.0 0.0 0.0 o.0' .onsuntnTsnecn. siaji. eTc 0.0 0.0 0O 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Other cost; 0.0 0.0 75.0 0.0 5 0.0 75.0

Subtotal (Exlemal requrements) 0.0 0.0 1,000.0 200.0 1.200.0 200.0 1.400.0

S. Dome-tic contribution 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Q0 0.0 0.0

C. Total 0.0 0.0 1,000.0 200.0 1,200.0 200.0 1.400.0

V1' D. External assistar;ce committei 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0

E. Resource gap 0.0 0.0 1.000.0 200.0 1.2000 200.0 1 400.0


1991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 0 0 0' Expamtate o0 0

Total 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 LExpatniale 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

471

|! r2~~~~~~tATIONAL OEVELOPPvlENT PLAN 1991-1993 'VOLUME2

r ~~~~Code- jPrqecl Title.

ET 0°89! | Ca.ar Em;ancement in Environmentai Planning and Martagement

Codigrme. Piec TileSector Deieioprmenlai Area

Monnonng ano managnement. | nmionment I- nvironment

:mplementng Agency d Etres

Mlints2y ct P1a3nning and Er.ircrr.em t^K

. ~~~Funding 3'_- "hstn

i ~~~~UNDP. Ausuaia. Canaaa ;fm IGM o 19

.1 Geograpnic Coverage 'arget 3rouris

t: |Obec2lves: provde a sound Catabase for sustainabte oevelooment bv srergtnemnig nawonai cZwactry tcr ei.- rcn-nentalbl I plannnng and management ana imttiang implemenudiuon of envronmenila!Vy souiid tectinologies

El I

I 'Componens consultancy

- nnmid term evaiua!on

trainingti euuipment

development ct ERU

BenefhB: readity a-vanaole access environmnetaim inc_rrenon anc tala

Envnonmentiw Implications n,

Private Sec0t Invoivement: nil

lmplicatns for Women in Develooment nil

Risks:

472

ENVIRONMENT

ACITY ENHANCEMENT INENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

Plan Penaa- 1991-1993Total


al -- _; Z _;


A. Eternal requirements:

Civil works & construc:on 0.0 0.0 2'.0 2e.6 53 B 0 0 53.6

Equipment&vetides 5.8 53.5 40.0 2.5 96-0 0.0 101.8Overseas Training 7.0 73.0 :10.0 235-0 78E.0 - 300 225 0

L ; iaillifj 2. 4.J.V laG ' 3n nnlf -

Conslanisflecstaff. etc 13.9 3650 52.0 4i 0 129.0 0.0 142.9Othercosts 36 36.5 3900 214 96.9 0.0 100.5

Sublotal (External requirements) 30.3 201.5 2B0.5 211.5 693.5 30.0 753.B

B. Domestic contribution a 0 42.3 84 7 a4l 2- 1.8 0.0 211.8

C. Total 30.3 243.8 365.2 296.2 905.3 30.0 965.6I..

D. Extemal assistance commitea -0 3 201 5 280a5 2 *5 30 0 .53 8

E. Resource cap .;.i' 0.0 0.0

i 2. MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

7

I F. Man montLhs 1991 992j Local 0 0 ^

Expatnate !0 25 9

Total 10 25 19

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 0Expatnate 4 4

II 73 _ 4_ . 4 _ ~~~~~~~~~473


Coae: ProectT'ige: RE

ET 09/190 Resources Survey fr Environmental Planning

Programrm: Sector. Deveiopmen!al Area

Assessment and research Environment ~-irronfmentInplementug Agency Satus

Min Isay of Planengr ana EnvtronmTeni :-o3roseo

Funomg :fc <-tn

RequLrer

t Fronm 199; to .992Geographuc Caerage. Target Groups-

A-

ObfeCbves: astute a naronal proqrat1me to surwy the ground water resources of tVe country ana enhance Dhe capacity of the MWSA

estabish the basis for a ground water database rn the countyestaish a capabdty or tVe rapid assessment at terrestim resources incluing soai ana vegetatton In the Envfronment

SectDon of the MPE

establitsh an n-coutntry capabdty for the rapid survey and inrpilng oa small islands

prowvide GoivL anrd SIDU with an evaluation of mne Currentt state at tVe envwoonment ar !telr rersoUFces for mhe nuen&widsr fture denwopTett

ealuate the pracality of establshing an Inostte for research into Me naural resources of the Maldrves

training

B.Comoonents assessment ol grounowater resourcs

- equipment

- consulancy

terrestnal resources survey

. - equipment I- consultancvy

resources inventory E.feasabatiy stuay for estabisthment ot a national institute for natural resources researcn

- consuitancy

Benefits:

2

Environmerial Implications niF

Pnvate Sector Involvement. nd

c

Imphcations for Women in Deveiopment: nil

Risks: nil

L

ENViRONMENT

_|!;OURCES SURVEYS

,ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING

Plan Penon 1991.1993Total


a3) IC) I 91

ROJECT COSTS (USj 00O°

xternal requirements:

Civilworks &conslruction 0.0 a. . 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Equipment & vehcles 0.0 53.0 31.0 0.0 84.0 0 0 84-0

Overseas Tramning 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0Local T.airg 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 00 0.0

Consultar.isnech. staff. etc 0.0 66.0 18.0 0.0 84.0 0 0 64.0OQmer costs 0.0 2.0 4.0 0.0 6.0 0 0 6.0

Subtotal (External requnrements) 0.0 121-0 53.0 0.0 174.0 00 0 74.0

B. Domestic corntribution 0.0 36.5 31.0 00 675 00 67.5

l C. Total 0.0 157.5 84.0 0.0 241.5 0.0 241.5

D. Extemal assistance ommitted 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

E. |EResource gap 0.0 121.0 S3.0 0-0 l,-4 0 0-0 174.0


!1991 1992 1993

F. Man months

00 0LExptnate 0 0 0| Total 0 ,0 0

G (. NumbersS '_oca 0 0 0

Expainaie 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

475

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1-y9-1i993 VOLUME 2

Code: Propqt Tile:

ET 101 191 Coastal Geomophoaagy and Sednenmtogy

Progr ne: Sectot: Deveioprnenta Area.

Assessment and research Environment Environiment

ImiPmennmg Agencv: Status.

Minisey of Public Wo.ks ana LabouftMinmirv of Planning ano Environment Proposed

Fundmg: Durawn 2 YrS

RxpredFrom 1990 la 1991

Geographlc Coverage: ]Target Groups:

Ob,epves: estatlish a capabdty tor ihe rapid assessment ol coastal processRS In the Ministy 01 Public Works and Labourestablish an -country capaliy bor gm rapid survey l lagoonal sodients

. pmvide tang in simnple pocedures for assessng semen disr:buaons. type and movefienit

Components: coastal aeomorphdoy and sedierntologyequipment*cor!sullancy

Benefis: deadled site reports. natn expertse

Enironmeneal i.mplimatons: nil

Private Sector Involvement ndt

Implications tar Women in Veveopmrent nil

Risks: gl

476

ENVIRONMENT

TAL EOMORPItOLOGY

Plan Penoa. 1991-1993Total

Before P!an After Prnject

1991 1g91 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

la}~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~; '° ej ,;

PROJECT COSTS (USS '°°°I


Civil works & construction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0-0 0°0 0°0 0°0

Equipment&vehides 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 100Overseas Trairnng 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Local Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 Cornsuliantsjech. staff. etc 00 20.0 9.0 0.0 29.0 0.0 29.0

Oter nmi- 0-0 0.5 1.5 0.0 2.0 0.0 2.0

Subtotal (Ex-emar reqirernen!5) 0.0 30.5 1 0.5 0.0 41.0 0.0 41.0

S .Domestic contribution 0.0 13.5 13.5 0 0 27 0 30 . 27.0

C. Total 0j% 44.0 24.0 0.0 68.0 0.0 68.0

D. External assistance committed 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

E. Resource gap 0.0 30.5 10.5 0.0 41.0 0.0 41 0


1991 1 992 1993

F. Mcen monthsLocal 0 0 0

||| B.oiExpat rinate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

C.. NumubersLocal 0 0 0Expatrnate 0 0 0Total 0 0

477


Coda: Prqect P ae: T1:

£T 11I1!92 Suppoat fEnvromnenul Resewch Und

PMrgrmNu: Sector: Deveopfental Area:

A _seismmnt and research Environment Environment

lampemntmg Agaey: Status.

Mens"y ol Planmrag anr Enuronment Ongoing

_- Funding: Duralon Yrs mmsUNDP

From 1992 to 1992Geographc Coverage: |Target Gratips:

Staff of the Environment Secton

iecaves: . strengthen the soentri, ieQtmchn and managerial cpatAtes of tie Enwonmerit Sectionbloaden tVe scenscd and tbcfmcal capabdites of ERU

Component: developmentof ERUequipment

Benefaits: enhance the work of mhe smata of ERU

Envgonmenw IFipulcaaons: nil

Priate SecDr Involvement nml

Implcons for Women in Development nil

Risks: nil

478

SWPO$IT FOR ENViRONMENT RESEARCH

=ian Penod: 1991.1993

TotalBdore Plan After Proect

1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost

m a, -m ,;1 .s) el (9)


A. External requirements:

. Civml woriks & conlrumon 3.0 .0 0.0 0.0 0 ).O 0.0_ . Equpment & vehides 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 00 0.0

Overseas Trairnng 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 0 G 0.0 0.0Local Traning no 0.0 0.0 00 0°0 0.0 0.0

. Consufiantsjtecf. staff. etc 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0* Other costs aO 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0 C.0 500.0

Subtotal (Extemal requirements) 0.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0

B. Domestic contribution 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0° 0.0

C. Total 0.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0

D. Extemal assistance committe 0 0 0.0 0.0 0a0 0 0 0.0 0.0

; | E. Resource gap 0 0 0.0 500.0 0.0 500.0 0 0 500.0

2. AANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

_991 1992 1993F. Man months

Local 0 0 0Expatriate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0Expatriate 0 0 0Total 0 ° 0

27479


Code: Proqec Tide

ET 121193 Marine Enrnment Assessment

Programme: Sector: Developmenai Area. -.

Assessent. and researcnh Envronnt z:vffonmelnt

InmplenentingAgency: Status

Mmissry of Planning and Environmenl _nzo.r.9

Funding: TDuratln Yrs aimsADB

From 1990 to 1991Geograpic Coverage: Target Groups:

0bjectves expand she current actvies of MRS into She ield of coral growI studiesextend the coverage of the present survey progranne to oiler outer atollsassit in cortcng and analsing exisug coal reef dataprovide prelfmary estinateS o recent sea level changesreview ie likely consegueces of cfmuak change and sea leiel rise on me economy of the Maiadvesadvise sne Goe on pobcv issues which should be raten into consideration in ptanrnin fusure activitbes to achievesustaNe deveopment

ComponentS: Manine ecosystem aria coral reef survey- equipment-consutancy

econonuc implcatons of cnmasc change and sea level nse-consultancy

Benefits:

Envirornmenta Impbcations: nil

Pria Sector lnvolvement nil

Implicatins for Women in Development nil

Risks: nil

480

i:

Z ~~~~~~~ENVIRONMENT

- _W~NE ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT

_ * anPenoa 1991-1993Total

Before Plan After Project

1991 1991 1992 1993 Cost 1993 Cost


A. Eternal requirements:

Civil works & ccnsruction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 00 00

Equipment & vehicles 5.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 10.0

Overseas Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Local Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Consutanistlech. slaff. etc 20.0 33.0 0.0 0.0 33.0 0.0 53.0

Other costs O.S 2.5 0.0 0.0 25 0.0 3-0

Subtotal (External requiremerts) 25.5 40.5 0.0 0.0 40.5 0.0 66.0

B. Domestic contribution 13.0 17.5 00 0.0 17 5 00 30.5

C t:. Total 38.5 58.0 0.0 0.0 58.0 0.0 96.5

ID- External assistance committed 25.5 40.5 0.0 0.0 40.5 0.0 66.0

E. Resource gap 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0

2. MANPOWER REOUIREMENTS

1991 1-92 1993

a F. Man months

t Local 0 0 0Expa1nate 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 0Expatmale 0 0 0

T otal 0 0 0

481

' -!-

NATIONAL DE'!ELCPMENT PLAN 1991-;97 *.e_ _|

Code: Proac Tolle:

ET 13:194 Assessmemn ci Sewage Cis;zsail ;ernatri,s

Sector. eev uoenai ea

Assessnim andim researc Enonmem r.;rn_-ir.e.

.Inmpemniig Agencyq -tarus

Ministy of Planeing and Ennnonment | :cGsed

Fodi_g. 1LUvKf ~ imFundng: uaxn *sn5 _

Geogfaphi Coverage: Target Groups -

0becjves: review cirent sewage disposal proflerns evaluae on behaa of the Government of Maldives me bnaings at GITECi relaatir; : sevage poduicn oroolemsinl the vMnty al MaWe

. produce a hully cosed proposal for the estaDwsnment of a newage polution qrontating capaDility in tme WateranO onMMAuhontynvesvgate th feasidity of aterfnale etos of sewage veatxnenl ano iisoosr for 3aaown sn rurai 3no res2n. aics ain imte utban oeveopmnens

Conporents: assessmern of sewage cisposal alternatnves-consultncy

Benefis:

Environnmenml lmpdzcatons: nl

Pvrive Sector In iement nil

Implicaons for Women in Development .il

Risks: rull

482

ENVIRONMENT

ASSESSMENT OF SEWAGE DISPOSALALTERNATIVES

Plan Period: 1991-1993Total


'a) .C)) 19)



Ciil works & consiruction 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Equipment & vehicles 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Overseas Training 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Local Trairung . 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Consutsnech. staff. etc 0.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 16.0 0.0 16.0Ofter costs 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0Q5 0.0 0.5

Subtotal (External requlremerts) 0.0 16.5 0.0 0.0 16.5 0.0 16.5

B. Domesticcontribution 0.0 1.5 0.0 Go0 5 0 * 5

r C. Total 0.0 18.0 0.0 0.0 18.0 0.0 18.0

~ D. External assistance committed 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0o. 0.0

. E.Resoureegap 0.0 16.5 0.0 0.0 16.5 0.0 16.5W,

. F

! z2. MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

1991 1 992 1993F. Man months

* Local 0 0 Expatnate 0 0 0+ Toala 0 0 0

G. NumbersLocal 0 0 0Expatnate 0 0 0Total 0 0 0

I 483

National Report

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

MALDIVES

Muzistry of Pfanrnug and EnvironmenfRepublic of Maldives

Maldaves Nanal Report to UNCED

CONTENTS

A. Executive Summary 3

Stauisucal Summary 4

B. Development Trends & Environment Impacts 7

Development Trends 7

Enviroment & Resources 17

Key Environmental and Resources Issues 24

Constraints to Sustainable Development 26

C- Response to Environment / Development Issues 29

Recent Developments 29

D. Procedures folowed in preparing the Report 37

E. Anticipated Results of the Conference 38

Annex I

Environment Action Plan 40

Annex 11

Male' Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise 58

Ma/dies Nabonal Report to UNCED 2

A. Executive Summary

The problems of environment and development in small, archipelagicstates such as the Republic of the Maldives differ considerably from thoseof land locked or coastal states with large land areas. Marine resourcesundeipin both the traditional lifestyle and the development of the casheconomy. The modern economy has a narrow base dependent upon thedirect exploitation of marine resources for export and indirectly as thebasis for the tourist industry.

The Maldives consists of 1,190 islands strctching in a chain 820 km inlength through an Exclusive Economic Zone of 90,000 km2. Problems oftransport and communication hamper the development and the provisionof services, resulting in centralisation and inward migration such that onequarter of the population now inhabit the 1.8 km2 capital island Male'.The need for decentralisation of development activity is a key feature ofGovernment policies designed to encourage development in the atolls.

Aggregatica of the population compounds problems of freshwater supply,solidwaste disposal and sewage contarnination of the marine environment.The impressive annual economic growth rate of the Maldives (10 % perannum over the last decade) has been achieved at some expense toenvironmental quality in some islands. Environmental degradationcombined with recent extreme flooding events have highlighted the needfor sound environmental management to achieve sustainable development.Given that 80 % of the land area is less than 1 metre above sea level theGovernment is understandably concerned about the potential impacts ofclimatic change and sea level rise, which will accentuate current coastalzone management problem. s.

Current Government initiatives are designed to place future developmenton a mnore sustainable basis but problems of information access and thenature of overseas aid and development assistance distort the range ofpossible alternative modes of development and technological optionsavailable to the country. Recent international efforts by the Governmentof Maldives have included the organisation of the Ministerial level, Meetingof Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise in 1989 which resulted inthe Male' Declaration. This Declaration calls for greater intemationalrecognition of the unique and fragile nature of island environments andimproved assistance from the United Nations system. Without such extemalassistance sustainable development may remain little more than anunattainable ideal for such states.

Malves Natonal Report to UNCED 3

Republic of MavesStatisical Summary

Development Indicators 1977 MRE

HiM DeVdepeat lad iU

ife expectancy at birth (yrs) 465 64

Population with access to health servicesTotal 39.8 61.1Urban 100.0 100.0Rural 24.2 47.6

PopuWation with access to safe water 6.9 63.6

Daily calorie supply(as % of requirements) 79 91

Aduit iizeracy rate X1.b 95.4

GDP per capita (Rf) 1927 4360

Population (OOOs) 142.8 213.2Male' 295 55.1Atolls 113.3 158.1Projected population year 2000 300

Population density (p p sq kin) -479 719Male' 34,400Atolls 533

Percentage of population in Male' 20.6 25.8

Area of cultivable land per capita (sq m) 194 130

Annual average growth of population (1980485) 3.2 (85-90) 3.4

4 Maofidives National Repot to UNCED

Ec mvmictadkrs

GDP (Rf million) 236 934Annual averag growth of GDP (1977-87) 10.6 (1988-89) 9.3

Compositon of GDP (Rfm)Primary 103.6 243.2Secondary 19.7 131.7Tertiary 112.8 558.9Employment and Labour ForceTotal labour force (15 yrs and over) 60,903 55,544Male 38,254 44,569Female 22,649 10,975Labour force Male' 10,939 17,184Labour fotrce atolls 49,964 38,360No. university graduates 56 219

* Me'cMuizeTrade (US$m)Value of exports (fob) 3.4 52:2

of which fish/fish products 3.4 37.1Value of imports (cif) 11.1 138.3

of which consumer goods 7.3 73.9of which intermediate goods - 42.6

An. average growth of exports (1977-87) *8.8 (1988-89) 14.0An. average growth of imports (1977-87) 11.1 (1988-89) 21.0

Balance of Payments (US$m)Trade balance -5.1 -54S5Current account balance -0.4 8.2Overall balance 0.1 -3.9

Investment and Consumption (Rfm)Private consumption - 663.8Goverment consumptinn - 155.7Private investment - 209.7Govenment investment - 137.2Consumption as % of GDP - 97.2Investment as % of GDP - 41.1

Govemnment Finance (Rfm)Govemment revenues 48.9 430.6Tax revenues 20.7 266.2Non-tax revenues 19.8 164.4Grant and loans 8.4 165.7

AMa1Au Nanad Report to UINCED 5

Goverment expenditure 38.4 624.4Currct expenditure 9.3 279.6Capital expenditure 29.1 344.8

Ex&erl Debt (USSm)Total debt outstanding, inc. undisbursed - 113.4Total debt outstanding and disbursed - 65.3Public long-term debt - 55.5Public short-term debt - 1.2Debt outstanding and disbursed as % of GDP - 49ADSR as % of exports of goods and services - 4.6

Towf i*ndictos

Tourist arrivals (OOOs) 18.7 195.2Number of resorts 11 64Number of beds (OOOs) 1.0 7621Occupancy rate - 65.8Tourism earnings (Rfm) - 141.7

Sacie ld cark"

NutritionDaily per capita calorie intake(as % of requirements) 79 91Daily per capita protein supply (%) 73 81

HealthCrude birth rate (per 000) 44 43Crude death rate (per 000) 17 7Infant mortality rate (per 000) 120 34Population per physician (000) 15.9 6.5Population per nursing person (000) 20.4 2.0Population per hospital bed (000) 3.5 1.5

EwonPrimary school enrolment(as % of 5-14 age group) 26.9 90.0Secondary school enrolment(as % of age group) 2.3 21.0

MRE = most recent estimate refers to 1989-90 unless otherwise indicated.

6 Maldives Natonal Report to UNCED

B. Development Trends & Environment Impacts

1. Development frends

Economiic Growth

The Republic of Maldives, with a per capita Gross Domestic Product in1990 equivalent to US S641.16 (at 1985 constant exchange rate USS 1.00= Rf 7.40) recognised as one of the least developed countries (LDCs)within the United Nations.

Until the 1970s the Republic was rather isolated and its economy wasdominated by the subsistance sector with international trade based onfishing, shipping and coconut products. The situation changed with theadvent of tourism and investments in mechanising of the fisheries fleet inthe early seventies which stimulated new activities and initiated a periodof accelerated economic growth.

The national cash economy is now based on two principal activities:fishing and tourism, both of which are subject to external economic andother forces. Although there is a desire on the part of Govemment tobroaden the rather limited economic base of the country the lack of naturalresources and skilled manpower has proved a constraint to suchdevelopment.

Following the election of his Excellency President Maumoon AbdulGayoom in 1978, the economy of the Maldives has registered an impressiveannual growth rate, averaging around 10% per annum between 1977 and1990, due largely to an increase in receipts from tourism and fishing aswell as the Govermment push for infrastructure development. GrossDomestic Product quadrupled between 1977 and 1990 rising from around236 million Ruflya (US S 128 per capita) to 970.32 million Rufiya.

Government expenditure in 1989 totailed 783.1 million Rufiya(approximately US$ 82 million ,1990 exchange rate USS 1.00 = Rf95094), with just over half being capital expenditure. Recurrent expenditurewas divided between; general public service (44%); social services,including health and education (27%6); economic services (20%); and debtservicing and loan repayments (9%). The 1990 deficit in the Governmentbudget was around 111.2. million Rufiya much of which was offset bygrants in aid.

The balance of trade was USS -6.3 miilion in 1977 rising to USS -55.2million in 1990. Exports in 1977 totalled USS 4.8 million rising in 1990

MAIt-s Narianl Report to UNCtED 7

to USS 58.1 million of which (28 9o) came from the export of apparel andclothingaccessories, the remainder, marine products; largely frozen skdpjack(26 %) and canned fish (25 9o). 1977 imports totalled US $11.1 millionrising to USS 138.3 million in 1990 of which consumer goods, largelyfood comprised (53 %); petroleum products (16 %); and intennediate andcapital goods (31o). Major trading partners in 1990 are USA (249o)UK(19%55) Thailand (18%76) Sri Lanka (13%) Japan (8%) West Germany(6%) and Singapore (5%).

Extemally generated problems have always had an impact on the economy.In the early 80s tourism stagnated because of ethnic violence inneighbouring Sri Lanka. The recent Gulf War also saw a substantialdown-turn in tourist arrivals during January and February 1991 and theclosure of some resorts.

Human resouwces

The population is large (213,251) relative to the land area and thepopulation growth rate is high (3.4 To) such that tne population is expectedto reach 286,350 by the year 2000. Modem culture is Islamic with thepeople belonging to the Sunni sect. Society is liberal with women enjoyingconsiderable freedom and traditionally playing an important role in islandcommunities where c:-n spent long periods at sea. The society is stratifiedbut socially mobile, with respect and status being determined by politicalconnections, wealt; ar.d ceducation.

Due to the high growth rate, the majority of the population of the Maldivesis below working age. At the time of the 1985 census 45 % of -thepopulation was under fifteen years of age. This proportion has increased,and in 1990 had reached 49%. The median age of the population is 16years.

Of the total population aged 15 years or older in 1985, more than half(57,430) were not economically active, mainly home makers (32,286) andstudents (16,781). Of the total 40,555 (71%) were women. 1990 censusGigures indicate that 71,996 individuals 12 years and over were noteconomically active of whom 39,482 were home makers and 22,901 werestudents. Of this total 51,156 were women.

A substantial number (nearly 9,000 by early 1991) of expatriate workersare employed in both the Government and private sectors and includelabourers and unskilled orsemi-skilled workers reflecting the demographicpattern of the Maldives. The tourism and public works sectors, and thegarment industry are the major employers of the expatriate work force.

8 Maldives Nabona Report to UNCED

Tlie reEatively small population and the restricted number of opportunitiesfor higher level technical and professional skill training in the country meansthat reliance on imported expatriate labour will continue for quite some time.

The geographic distribution of the population is unequal, with only 200islands of the total 1,190 being inhabited; of these 90 have fewer than 500people, 72 have between 500 and 1,000 inhabitants, 38 have between 1,000and 5,000 and only 3 have more than 5,000 inhabitants.

The capital island Male', presently houses 26% of the Maldivian population.The bulk of development activities have centered on North and South Male'Atoll as a consequence of the locations of the capital, the internationalairport, the Port of Male' and the tourist resort islands.

Migration to Male' averaged around 4 % per annum between 1977 and 1985contributing to the strain on existing services and the need to develop thenearby island of Villingili as a "dormitory" suburb of the capital. As aconsequence of in-migration, the capital city has an annual growth rate ofaround 7 % having increased from around 12,500 in 1961 to the present levelof 56,060. Reasons for in-migration include employment (60%o), medicaltreatment (22 9o), education (7 I%) and other purposes (12 %).

-Ainerals and Energy

Geologically the islands lack mineral wealth although surveys for oil weremade by Esso and Elf Aquitaine in the 70s, and sonar testing by Shell is tobe followed in 1991 by drilling of a single test -well.

Coral and sand are mined from the lagoons for land reclamation andconstruction materials. The bulk of this activity is operated through thepublic sector for land reclamation, harbour dredging and infrastructuredevelopment.

Living corals are mined to provide coral construction blocks and for thepreparation of coral aggregate. Coral mining is undertaken by small groupsof entrepreneurs who sell materials to both the private and public sectors.Between 1980 and 1985, the use of coral in Male' alone rose to in excess of1,000 rn3 per annum, with resort construction consuming a further 1,000 -2,000 ni3 . Estimated extraction of coral blocks in North Male' Atoll totals200,000 m

3 and it is further estimated that supplies in North Male' Atoll willbe exhausted within 30 years.

In 1982, two thirds of the total energy needs of the country were met bywoodfuel (72,000 tones), which is largely consumed in the domestic sector

Ma-dives NabWonal Report to uNCED 9

where it is used for cooking. Imported petroleum products including kerosene,aviation gas, diesel oil, lubricants and gasoline which formed 7.5 % of totalimports (by value) in 1989 provide the sole additional energy sources.

In 1974 imported petroleum products totalled 1.8% of the import bill growingto 17% by 1980 as a consequence of the increased mechanisation of thefishing fleet and growth of the tourist sector. By 1982 aviation consumed 30%, fisheries 35 o, and tourist resorts 18.5 % of all imported energy, while 58% of all imported diesel was used for marine engincs, 42 % in electricitygeneration.

By 1989 diesel represented 75 % of imported petroleum products with 1.2million gallons being used by the Maldives Electricity Board (MEB) forgenerating electricity in 1989. 79% of this production is in Male', 12 % inHulule (for the Intemational Airport) and 7 %, 0.5 %, 0.7 % & 0.6 % at Gan.Thulusdhoo, Thinadhoo and Kulhudhuffushi respectively. Figures for theconsiderable energy consumption in the resorts are not available but mayequal that of Male'. Electrical consumption in mile' almost doubled between1985 and 1989. These patterns are reflected in the distribution of MEBgenerator capacity with 88% of the total capacity (4,951 kw) being located inMale'. Individual generator capacity outside Male' is small with the averagesize being 6.8 kw.

Tzansporftaion.

Traditionally the major mode of inter-atoll transportation was by sailingdhonis which have been largely replaced over the last two decades bymechanised caft of various types. Of the total 3,517 non fishing vesselsregistered in the Republic, 1,118 are registered in Male' Atoll and theseinclude launches, mechanised yacht dhonis largely used in the tourist industrytogether with a variety of vessels used for inter-island trade and commerce.

Intemal air transport is limited, based on Male' Intemational Airport atHulule in Male' Atoll and domestic airports at Hanimadhoo in the NorthKhadhdhu and Gan in dt' Souih. Tnis latter airport is currently undergoingupgrading and extension and the possibility of international flights to thisairfield is being investigated. Domestic schedules connect Hulule withKhadhdhu, Hanimadhoo and Gan. A helicopter service has commencedopration, largely to service the tourist resorts. Domestic passenger movemcnttotalled 2,630, with 938 kg of freight handled in 1989.

At present international flights land at Male' International Airport whichhandled 1,476 flights and 178,712 arrivals in 1989 a substantial increasefrom 114,554 arrivals in 1985 reflecting continued growth of the tourist

10 Maides Nafonal Report to UNCED

industry. International inward freight handled during 1989 totalled4,360,880 kg.

Between 1985 and 1989, the number of vehicles registered rose from 14,871to 28,550. This figure includes some 23,953 bicycles, 2,388 motorcycles and934 hand-carts. The number of cars, lorries/trucks, and pickups have risenfrom 336 to 509; 135 to 368; and 158 to 332 respectively between 1985 and1989. A high proportion of these vehicles are located in Male' contributingto significant compaction of the road surfaces and consequently reducedrainwater recharge of the underlying aquifer.

Housang & infrstructim

Land reclamation, is based either on the use of, untreated solid wastes orsand from harbour dredging and construction. Dredged or pumped sand isdumped directly on to the reef surface, or used to fill endosed lagoons andlow lying inland swamp areas. Reclamation on Male' commenced in theearly 1980s and 48% of the present surface area of the island is based onreclaimed land, which now extends to the limits of the underlying reef itself.

Infrastructure development on the atolls has concentrated on the constructionof ports and harbours for local fishing fleets and public buildings such asschools and health centres. In addition development of electricity supply andother infrastructure for industrial zone have also taken place in selectedareas.

In the capital, Male', construction of houses, public buildings, schools andcommercial premises has grown rapidly over the last two decades as thepopulation has increased from 29,522 in 1977 to 56,060 in 1990. This has ledto a critical shortage of building space and materials and during 1991, thenearby island of Villingili is to be developed as an urban centre to relieve thepressure on space.

The present resort-islands upon which the tourist industry depends representa considerable capital investment in buildings and infrastructure which ishighly vulnerable to increased relative sea level and episodic events. Resortdevelopment has centered on muninhabited" islands usually of only a fewhectares in area, which are tumed over for sole use by the tourist resort.

Industil development

Industrial activity, including the processing of natural resources is still in itsinfancy. The main contributors to industrial output include the fish cannery,

Ahkives- Nabton Report to UNCED 11

factories producing garments for export, soft drink manufacture, boatconstruction and fibreglass vessel construction. The manufacturing secto:accounted for an estimated 6% of GDP in 1990.

The garment industry on Gan utilises the old Royal Air Force buildings,and is dependent upon both imported materials and labour, and the finishedproducts are exported to the USA. Two further garment factories havebeen established on Gan, Laamu Atoll and Thulusdhoo. Small enterpriseson Male produce soft drinks, PVC pipes, toilet soap, cement blocks,furniture and a number of food products.

Traditional manufacturing activities have included a variety of handicrafts,and boat-building. Boat-building has been expanded and incorporatestraditional skills and mechanical fabrication. Various development activitiesin tuie field of traditional handicrafts are designed to improve productivityand distribution networks enabling producers to reach the potential touristmarkets of the resort islands.

The fishing industry includes a fish cannery and a number of fish collectingand processing centers for the collection of dried products traditionallyproduced on a cottage industry scale. The contribution to exports issignificant since dried and salted exports amounted to USS 3.7 million in1989. Plans are in hand to extend the fishing industry through theconstruction of an additional fish cannery or a fish freezer plant.

Health and social services

Per capita government expenditure on health amounts to around USS 16.9and 5.8% of the national budget in 1990. Population per hospital bed is1,277, with 1.9 doctors. 2.0 community health workers and 8.0 familyhealth workers per 10.000 population.

Hospital and specialised medical services are centralised with 94 of thetotal 167 hospital beds; all 18 specialist doctors; 19 of the 22 general dutydoctors; 74 of 137 nurses; and 14 of 24 paramedical personnel beinglocated in Male'. In contrast, 916 of the 952 community health personnelare located outside Male'. Tlere are four regional hospitals located in theatolls.

Major diseases include tuberculosis, acute respiratory ciiseases andgastrointestinal infections. Infant mortality, largely a consequence ofgastroenteritis has declined significantly since 1980 to a level of 34 perthousand live births in 1990. This may be attributed to the increase from1,617 to 8,742 households having access to safe water in 1977 and 1985

12 MaldA'es Natonal Report to UNCED

respectively, and in part to improved health education and availability ofproper treatment. In 1977 the estimated number of people with access tosafe water was around 39.8% of the population, a proportion which hadincreased in 1990 to 61.1%.

Over the period 1977 to 1990, life expectancy has increased from 46.5 to64 years, Malaria has been eradicated and filiariasis and leprosy are beingreduced through active health programmes. Daily per capita calorie andprotein intakes as a percentage of requirements have risen from 79% and73% to 91% and 81% respectively.

Education

The education sector accounts for 13% of Govemment expenditure althoughthe total number of educational institutions has only grown from 256 in1985 to 261 in 1989.The Maldives has a high literacy rate with less than 3% (4,458) of adultsbeing classed as illiterate in 1990. Although most people receive someprimary school education, fewer go on to middle primary, secondary andhigher secondary education. In 1990 only 1,013 individuals out of thetotal 149,947 aged 6 years and over had received no education at primarylevel or above. In 1977 only 26.9 % of the 5-14 age group were enrolledin primary schools but by 1990 this had risen to 90 %.

By 1986 some 50,055 students were registered in govemment and privateschools, the number rising to nearly 63,370 by 1990. In 1986, 72 % of thetotal school age population was enrolled at prithary level, 11 % at secondaryand only 1 % (53 individuals) at higher secondary (matriculation level).By 1990 a total of 6,903 students had completed middle school; 1,596secondary school level, and 617 had reached matriculation level.

A few Maldivians (219) have received overseas degree level training butthe number of people with higher degrees is extremely limited. Mostindividuals receive tertiary level training through release from Governmentemployment to take up overseas scholarships provided through bilateraland multilateral arrangements.

At present few opportunities for technical training exist within the countryalthough the development of the School of Hotel and Catering Services,various teacher training programmes, and the promotion of other sectoraltraining protrammes by UNDP represent recent developments in thisfield.

Afdvs Nalonal Repcn to UNCED 13

Envuonment

The increased rate of domestic growth and development has been achieve,at the expense of environmental quality in certain areas, with deterioratingfreshwater resources, increased rates of coastal erosion throughout thecountry, and waste disposal problems of varying scales in all inhabitedislands The scale of these problems in Male' exceeds those of any otherisland.

Until recently the environment has received little attention as a definedsector within the framework of development planning. Recent extremeevents, combined with the declining quality of the environment in someareas of the country have resulted in a change in govemment perspectivewhich recognises the need to maintain environmental quality as a necessarypre-requisite to sustainable development.

The uneven distribution of the population results in an imbalance inenvironmental pressure, with uninhabited islands retaining in many casesa pristine condition and environmental degradation being centered aroundislands of high population density.

Towism

Economically the tourism sector is important, providing between 1985and i390 an average of 27% of central Govemment revenue. Governmentexpenditure in the tourism sector amounts to around just over one per centof total annual expenditure and estimated tourism earnings in 1990amounted to 141.7 million Rufiyaa.

The number of tourist arrivals each year is approximately equivalent tothe total indigenous population (195,156 in 1990). The 64 islands onwhich the industry is based represent critical areas for environmentalmanagement during construction acd for waste disposal during operation.

Tourism has grown substantially over the last two decades and is now amajor contributor to the national economy. Commencing in the earlyseventies, tourist arrivals increased neady ten-fold between 1977(18,700)and 1990 to a total of 195,200. Most resorts have increased their bedcapacity over this period and the total bed capacity has grown from 1,000in 1977 to 7,621 in 1990. Bed utilization rates are generally high, 56.8%overall, around 80 percent at the height of the season dropping to around30% during the off-season.

14 MakIlves Ataonal Repot to UNCED

The tourist industry is dependent upon the maintenance ofenvironmental quality since most tourist visits involve scuba divingin the coral reef environments, and visitors expect a high level of fresh-water quality.

Fisheyies

Marine resources underpin the economy of the country, providing exportincome directly from sale of fish and marine products, and indirect incomethrough tourism. Direct Government revenue from fisheries amounted toaround 2.8% of total revenue in 1990 but this figure masks the importanceof this sector to the economy of the country as a whole. Domesticconsumption of fish amounts to around 15,900 metric tones annually andaround a quarter of all Maldivians in employment are engaged in thefisheries sector.

Fisheries have grown following mechanisation of the local fishing fleetand exports totalled 56,700 metric tones in 1990 rising from 31,100 tonesin 1985. The total 1988 catch was 71,500 metric tones largely composedof skipjack tuna 58,546 metric tones; yellow fin tuna 6,535 metric tones;other tuna 2,970 metric tones and other marine fish 3,432 metric tones.Much of the increase in fish catch since the early 80s has resulted fromincreased catch of yellowfin tuna which has risen from around 20,000tones in the period 1980-1983 to around 60,000 tones in 1988/89. Thetotal value of exports of marine products in 1989 was around US $38millicn.

The tuna fishery is based on trolling and pole and line fishing frommechanised dhonis, thus producing a "dolphin friendly" product. Fishingis widespread throughout the archipelago although concentrated mostlyaround good 'fishing grounds'. Less than 10% of the total fishing fleet ofaround 1,500 vessels supplies the Male' market.

Reef fisheries resources are generally under-,xploited since tuna form thestaple protein of the local diet and are preferred to reef fish. The majorsubsistence use of reef resources in the Maldives at the present timeinvolves mining living coral for construction, and dredging coral sand forroad surfacing and construction purposes.

Use of coral reef and shallow water resources includes the manufacture ofjewellery from black corals and turtle shell for local sale via the touristtrade, export of tropical aquarium fish, beche de mer, cowries, and organpipe coral.

Lasves Ntonal Report to UNCED 15

Agricukure

Total cultivable land is stated to be 28 km2 (130 M2 per capita) of whichmost is used for subsistence production. In 1984 agricultural productionaccounted for less than 10% of the country's labour and around 11% ofGross Domestic Product (this figure does not include fuelwood production),a share which despite the increase in GDP overall has remained static overthe last six years. By 1989 the total rumber of people employed in theagricultural sector was a mere 2,690, representing less than 5% of theemployed population.

Crops include coconut, fruits, vegetables, tubers, coarse cereals, bananasand chillies. Citrus and coconut production have been adversely affectedby pests and diseases and coconut production declined significantly in theearly seventics. Production remained stagnant through the late seventiesand carly 80s before increasing again in the late eighties as a consequenceof better pest and disease controls.

The country is not self-sufficient in dietary energy and has depended ontrade and exchange of marine resources, particularly 'Maldive fish" forstaples such as nice for several hundred years. Coarse cereal, yam, casavaand taro production have declined as the import and distribution of cheaprice and wheat flour has increased. Taro production over the period 1978-1982 averaged around !0,00 metric tones per annum dec!ining to aroundhalf that by 1986.

Foresty

Forestry is not important in the country due in part to the shortage of landand in part to poor soils. Traditional uses of natural timber included boatbuilding, construction and for fuel, with some trees such as coconut andmango providing fruit for local consumption and export.

Fuelwood shortages are now apparent in many areas and constructiontimbers for boat building are now largely imported due to depletion of the15 species traditionally used for dhoni construction.

16 Maldimws Nabionaf Repoit to UNCED

2. Environment & Resources

Land & Land use

The Republic of Maldives consists of a chain of coral atolls, 80-120 kmwide stretching for around 820 kIn from latitude 760 6'30"N- 0° 41' 48"S,and lying between 72 32'30"E and 730 45'54"E. There are 20 majoratolls and although the maritime area of the Exclusive Economic Zoneunder the jurisdiction of the state amounts to more than 90,000 squarekilometers divided between 1,190 islands and a large proportion of sea.

The atolls vary in shape from circular, oval and elliptical to pear-shapedand lagoon waters vary in depth from 40 to 60 m. Lagoons may containmicro-atolls, faros, patch reefs and knolls. Most are open to the IndianOcean although a few are almost closed, and channels through the atollmargin are in some cases as deep as the lagoon itself. The main channelseparating the eastem and westem chain of islands is generally between250 and 300 m deep.

The islands are built of bioclasticsediments which are generally unsuitablefor use as building materials. Compared to volcanic islands, atoll islandsare an unstable and highly dynamic base on which to build majorengineering structures.

Islands vary in shape! and size from small sand banks to elongated stripislands and many have storm ridges at the seaward edges with swampydepressions in the centre. Islands vary in size from 0.5 to several squarekilometers. No detailed topographic surveys of any island except Male'have been made to date; maximum height above sea level within theRepublic is around 3 m although in excess of 80 % of the land area is lessthan 1 m above mean high tide level.

From a land use perspective islands are divided into those used forhabitation, those assigned tc tourism development and those classed asuninhabited". In the case of many of the smaller inhabited islands the

entire land surface is effectively utilised for habitation. Resort islands arepermitted to use up to 20% of the land area for buildings although ingeneral no more than 10% tends to be used for buildings. -Uninhabited'islands may be used for coconut production or agriculture and may betemporarily occupied. Many of the smaller islands lack freshwater resourcesand are therefore generally unsuitable for agricultural activity or habitation.

Soils are generally young and thin, being no more than 20 cm deep andcontaining substantial quantities of parent material, coral rock and sand.In wetter depressions a thick clay layer is present at around 10 to 15 cm

Makives Nalional Report to UNCED 17

depth. Soils are highly alkaline with a pH of between 8.0 and 8.8, anaverage of those tested being around 8.5.

Soil fertility is generally poor and quantitative chemical analyses, althoughfew in number have indicated that soils are deficient in nitrogen both inthe form of ammonia and nitrate; low in potash, but fairly rich inphosphorus, magnesium and calcium; manganese and aluminium arelaccing but there is no deficiency of iron. Excess calcium interferes withuptake of potash by plants and turns iron into insoluble forms which arenot available to certain species particularly the leguminous, causing fatalchlororis in most plants.

Freshwater resouwes

Surface freshwater is generally lacking throughout the archipelago withthe exception of a few swampy areas and shallow freshwater lagoons onsome of the islands of the southem atolls.

Beneath many islands lies a freshwater aquifer which may change involume with season and which rises and falls with the tide, such aquifersform th'e sole source of water for human consump-.-.n and agriculturalpurposcs. No national assessment of freshwater resources has beenundertaken to date, hence the volume and quality, of the freshwatercontained in most aquifers is unknown.

Groundwater assessments for Male' demonstrate that the supply of waterfor human use is now rcaching crisis point. The depth of this lens hasshrunk from 21 metres in the early seventies, to a mere 3 metres.Calculations for Male' suggest that at the current rate of overdraw theaquifer will be exhausted in the next few years.

Increased extraction, exceeding natural recharge through rainfall hasdramatically depleted lenses on other populated islands. Poor sewagedisposal has resulted in contamination of groundwaters.

The Meteorological Service maintains good national weather statisticscovering the past 25 years. Monthly mean rainfail for Male' ranges from57.9 mm to 259.2 mm, and some variation is evident North to Souththrough the atoll chain. On average, rainfall amounts to around 2 m perannum but there is considerable inter-annual variation from 1530 mm to2700 mm over the last 20 years. The wettest months are May, August-September and December, the driest February, March and July. Freshwaterresources are therefore limited by storage capacity rather than rainfallavailability.

J8 Madives Naticnal Report to UNCED

Open watcr evaporation rates are in the range of 6 mm per day andtranspiration from plants is also high, due to the high day-time temperatures.The Maldives have a tropical climate with a mean annual temperature of28Cj, day-time highs reach 320C but night-time lows rarely drop below25.51C. During the last 20 years the lowest recorded temperature was22°C the highest 36'C. There is little semnxnal variation in temperature.

Manine & Coasmi Enuronment and Resources

Coral reefs form the physical foundation on which the fragile islandsperch, they provide sources of building and mad surfacing materials;support species of fish for local consumption; and through the provisionof areas of aesthetic natural beauty and high species diversity (1,000species of fish) they provide the "raisin d'etre" for the tourist industry.

Air circulation is controlled by the North/South migration of the equatorialwesterlies and the weather is dominated by two monsoon periods: theSouth-West (SW) monsoon from April to November and the North-Fast(NE) monsoon from December to March when winds blow predominantlyfrom either of these two directions. Strong winds and gales are relativelyrare and cyclones are unknown, according to data from Department ofMeteorology, maximum wind velocities recorded at Male' during June!July can reach 25-30 m sec1 (50-60 knots). The National MeteorologicalCentre under the Department of Meteorology has the biggest data-base inthe country, with records of rainfall, wind patterns and temperature forover 25 years.

There are no general studies of wave directions and regimes for the areaof the Maldives, recent observations and measurements relate to harbourand shore defense structures and were initiated following the floodingevents experienced in 1987 and 1988. Wind generated waves and oceanicswells are conditioned by the monsoon wave directions and have longfetch distances. Waves generated by the SW monsoon in the [ndianOcean, North of the equator having heights of 2-3 metres and periods of18-20 seconds have been recorded in nearby Sri Lanka.

Hydrographically the Maldives are characterised by a seasonal fluctuatingmixed layer of relatively saline water from the Arabian sea (36 ppt) andless saline water from the Bay of Bengal (34 ppt). A rapid downwardsdecrease in temperature to below 200 C occurs at 90-100 m depth withsurface temperatures varying between 28° C and 290 C.

Makve Ns anul Repart to UNCED 19

Precise and long term data on tidal range and patterns of tidal flow arescarce or absent, tidal variation averages less than I m in the SouthemMaldives and mean high water intervals are ten hours and twenty minutes.Tidal range at Male' is 1.1 m.

Biological diversity

Terrestrial bialogical diversity is low, although several endemic plantspecies notably species of Pandanus arc recorded from the archipelago.Vegetation descriptions and plant species lists are given in various scientificreports; to date 583 species of plants are recorded from the Maldives ofwhich 323 are cultivated, the numbers of species on individual islandsvary according to land area.

The basic vegetation fionnations follow a typical atoll conformation withsalt tolerant species forming a fringe, surrounding forest dominated naturalvegetation in the centre, much of which has been cleared and replaced bygrassland and coconut stands. Locaiised stands of mangrove are present,usually on the lower lying marshy lagoon sides of larger islands, particularlyin the South.

Marine biological diversity is high and the archipelago supports a diverseand extensive marine fauna with over 1,000 species of finfish, 140 speciesof coral, 63 species of marine benthic algae and between 11 and 14species of nesting seabird.

Episodic events and naturul hazads

Atoll and reef arrangements and configurations cause considerable waverefraction and interference, within the archipelago as a whole and inindividual atoll lagoons. Deep-water swells are known to penetrate Male'atoll causing problems to ships and barges. Manual wave calculationshave suggested that swells with periods over 5 seconds and heights of 0-5m could occur inside the Male' lagoon 5-6% of the time. Waves generatedwithin the lagoon could be 1.4 m high with periods of 4.5 seconds for awind speed of 20 m/sec.

Recent flooding events such as those experienced at Thulhaadhoo in 1988were caused by high waves (2-2.5 m high; period 12-15 seconds) inassociation with a high spring tide and South Westerly wind. Dimagecaused was enhanced by the absence of natural beaches, reclamation ofreef flat areas and the presence of low vertical sea walls which magnifiedovertopping and flooding.

20 Maldives National Report to UNCED

In April 1987, unusually high waves were experienced on many islands inthe Republic. Male' suffered extensive flooding and sea defenses onMale' and Hulule were damaged. A new "island" approximately 800by 40 feet was forTned of acropora debris on a submerged reef east ofThulhaagiri island, 7 miles to the North of Male'. The causes of thisunusual event appear to have been long distance swell propagation fromstorm centers in the Southern Indian Ocean.

Although a degree of coastal flooding has been experienced in the past,risks of flood damage resulting from long distance swell propagation inassociation with high tides have been increased in recent years by theimproper management of the coastal zone. Factors contributing to thisinclude the construction of poorly designed seawalls and coastal structuresand the reclamation of land which has reduced the extent of the protectivereef flat.

Flooding events in 1987 and 1988 were felt in islands with modifiedcoastlines as far apart as Gan in the South to Shaviyani in the North. Arecent review of historical records suggests that around 8 such events haveoccurred within the last 170 years and that one such event in 1819 resultedin 12 islands being abandoned.

Trausbouadry issues

The major transboundary issue facing the Maldives in the immediatefuture is that of climatic change and sea levs:l rise. The Republic of theMaldives has contributed little to this global problem ye; it may well beone of the first countries to suffer the adverse impacts of such changes. Inaddition, the scale of the potential impacts relative to the country as awhole is considerably greater ,.an the potential impacts facing coastalnations with extensive areas of land well above sea level.

The environmental and development problems facing the country as aconsequence of climatic changes will accentuate current problems ofenvironmental management. In addition, the timing of these changes issuch that the country will be forced to invest more quickly and heavily insound environmental management practices and to adopt more expensivetechnologies than would otherwise have been the case.

Other enviromnmental issues of a transboundary nature which affect thecountry at the present time involve the extensive maritime traffic passingthrough the Maldivian Archipelago resulting in low levels of oil pollutionat present but the potential for a major oil related spillage or accident inthe future. At the present time no other source of traiisboundary pollution

/LfViw N7doI Report to UNCED 21

is known to affect the Maldives, although potentially air pollution resultin'from the current Gulf War may, according to some experts affect t.pattern of monsoon rainfall over India and hence the Maldives.

Recent incidents in the Middle East, where nearly 600 oil wells in theKuwait were ablaze and generating about 750,000 tones of soot per monthinto the atmosphere, may have effects on the rainfall patterns in theMaldives. Scientists believe that the smoke from the oil wells will passover the Indian Subcontinent and cause reduced rainfall in the South-Westmonsoon.

Current rates of exploitation of the pelagic tuna resources of the EasternIndian Ocean are such that external impacts on the Maldivian tuna resourcesappear not to be a problem at the present time. This situation couldchange, particularly if world stocks of tuna in other areas become depletedand fishing intensity by long distance fishing fleets immediately outsidethe Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone were to increase.

Due to its narrow base, the economy of the country is subject to widefluctuations as a result of changes to world prices for tuna and theinfluence of international economic changes in the shipping and tourismsectors. The impact of external events on the economy or the country maybe felt indirectly since as noted above political instability and civildisturbance in neighbouring Sri Lanka, and the recent Gulf War haveaffected tourist arrivals. Any extemal event affecting international airtravel in general could potentially influence arrivals in the future.

Role of turcl resouces in economic development

As an archipelagic state, the Republic of Maldives has historically been animportant s aging point for trade between the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia, and has relied on marine products (particularly dried Maldivefish and cowne shell) for trade and exchange. Whilst the nature of theproducts has changed to frozen or canned tuna and tourism, this dependenceupon the ocean and its resources remain a fundamental characteristic ofMaldivian society.

Economically the country is dependent almost entirely on the marineenvironment, both through the provision of marine products for exportand through prviding a suitable environment for tourism based on divingand other marine related activities.

22 MairNes #ational Report to UNCED

Physically the CounLry owes its very existence to the coral reefs whichprovide the living base on which the fragile islands are established. Themaintenance of these reefsystems in a healthy state is therefore vital to thecontinued physical and ecooomic existence of the country as a whole.

The limited resource base of the country necessarily restricts the nature ofdevelopment activities which can be undertaken, whilst the absence of askilled work force precludes expansion into international service sectorssuch as off-shore banking and insurance.

During the last two decades the major change that has occurred has beenthe initiation and expansion of the tourist sector which has sought toexploit the natural environment including the climate, reefs and naturalbeauty of the islands.

It is unlikely that the dependency of the country on its marine resourceswill change within the foreseeable future. Future development of thecountry will remain constrained by the narrow natural resource base, theabsence of mineral and energy resources, limited land area, and lack of askilled workforce. Some expansion of the present marine resource basemight be possible through innovative use of existing resources and thedevelopment of other products via mariculture and diversification of thecatch fishery.

MAkives Na/onal Report to UNCED 23

3. Key Environmental and Resources Issues

Cirrent enviromental problems stem in large part from the high populationdensity which is aggregated onto relatively few islands in each atoll. Theenvironmental problems of Male' are an extreme example of this, sincepopulation density on the island has reached 30,627 klm2. The problems ofMale' and a number of the other more densely populated islands havereached critical levels in terns of environmental management, in particularthe management of freshwater resources; coastal infrastructuredevelopment; solid waste disposal; sewage disposal; and populationpre-sure.

As infrastructural development increases, the costs of repairing coastalstmuctures or building new defense rises if environmental considerationshave been ignored during initial construction and land reclamation. Forexample a jetty and breakwater built on Ihavandhoo in Haa Alifu waseroded and removed by wave and current action within 18 months ofconstruction due to incorrect placement in relation to onshore currents.

The following problems listed in priority order for the marine and terrestrialenvironments separately were designated for immediate consideration inimplementing the 1990-92 work programme by the 1989 Nation-'Workshop.

Terrestrial/Human environmental problems:

Freshwater management;Migration to Male';Population growth;Solid waste disposal;Sewage contamination of groundwaters;Fuelwood supplies and deforestation.

Marine environmental problems:

Coral mining;Sewage contamination of coastal water;Sea-level rise;Solid waste disposal;Dredging.

Incrcasing rates of reef degradation occur as a consequence of increaseduse of corals in construction. Live coral mining for construction i.considerably reducing the capacity of some reefs to absorb wave energy

24 Maidnies Naaional Report to UNCED

and altering local current and sediment patterns. It may adversely affectthe capability of the reef system as a whole to respond to sea-level rise.

Land reclamation, which is widespread throughout the country particulariyon the oceanic sides of the islands, increases vulnerability and furtherreduces the health of the reef environment. Such activities are undertakenwithout environmental data on local currents and sediment movements.

Aquifer depletion and saline water intrusion are a problem for nearly allinhabited islands and are a particular problem in islands with high populationdensities.

High population growth and urbanisation increase vulnerability by strainingalready limited resources and resulting in the aggregation of human andcapital resources into a few locations, hence increasing the risk ofcatastrophic impas through episodic events such as storms or long distanceswells causing flooding.

The present resort-islands upon which the tourist industry depends representa considerable capital investment which is highly vulnerable to increasedrelative sea level and episodic events. The 64 islands on which the industryis based represent critical areas for environmental management duringconstruction and for waste disposal during operation.

_fvIs Nadiraa Reportto UNCED 25

4. Contraints to Sustainable Development

In-county conmruint

Constraints to sustainable development include the narrow existing resourcebase of the country and limited opportunities for its expansion, combinedwith a lack of resource inventories which precludes the identification of"new" or "potential" resources.

A major constraint to development is the small land area dispersed overconsiderable oceanic distances leading to prob!ems of communication,and financial and logistic difficulties in the provision of services such ashealth and education. The per capita costs of providing services withoutrelocating people are prohibitive unless such decentralised services canthemselves be centered around economic developments.

Aggregation of people into more -ecornomic" units may lead to unforeseenenvironmental problems as in the case of Male', where compaction of theroad surface by vehicles prevents rain from permeating and recharging theaquifer. Consequently high capital investment costs have been incurred inp:vingthe roads and installingadrainage system fordirect aquiferrecharge.Increased roof coverage in rural islands prevents rainwater recharge leadineto rapid depletion of the freshwater reserves. Both the quality and ttquantity of this resource are being affected.

A shortage of trained manpower at all levels and the lack of high ieveleducation and training opportunities within the country result in adependence upon aid and for the provision of such services.

The absence of an adequate in-country data base (except in the case ofweather) covering many physical and bio!ogical parameters, leads toinadequate decision making concerning the environmental consequencesof development activities and a lack of information which might be usedto expand-!he existing resource base. For example, information on localcurrent patterns is scanty and only qualitative. Such information is vital incoastal construction work and in estimating the nature of sand transportwithin the reef system.

Under developed mechanisms within the Government for takingenvironmental problems into consideration in the planning process andthe absence of well-defined guide-lines and procedures for the evaluationof the environmental impacts of development projects and activities,hinder the implementation of environment protection measures.

26 Maldives Naornal Report to UNCED

The lack of national inventories of freshwater resources precludesdevelopment of appropriate national policies with respect to the use andprotection of aquifer systems, and the high costs of undertaking such aninventory are a constraint to action in this field.

The impact of coral mining has been extensively reviewed and its impacton the sustainable use of reefsystems is extreme. The absence of alternativein-country sources of construction materials other than coral blocks posesa major constraint to physical infrastructure development. Altemativeconstruction materials andVor sources are being actively investigated bythe Government. One alternative appears to be to import constructionmaterials. This would however result in increased external dependenceand a further drain on the balance of payments.

The lack of mineral and in particular energy sources is a constraint todevelopment, leading to over-exploitation of fuelwood supplies anddependence on external energy sources. The absence of altematives tofuelwood particularly in more isolated communities have lead to depletionof supplies and loss of fringing vegetation which in tum leads to enhancedbeach erosion.

Externaly generated constraints to sustainable development

A major constraint to sustainable development in the past has been thefailure of international organisations and aid agencies to recognise theunique constraints to developmeint provided by small land areas dispersedover enorrnous maritime distances, combined with the. unique and fragilenature of atoll environments. The intemational pool of experts with practicalexperience and understanding of island environments is itself small withthe result that external expert advice frequently advocates solutions whichare in practice unsustainable in small, archipelagic states.

Many of the solutions to development problems advocated by internationalexperts involve high technology and high energy consumption, reflectingthe conditions ard! a:sperience of large states rather than the needs andcapabilities of sma;l states. In small states, economic, geographic andenvironmental conditions often demand novel solutions if they are to besustainable. Solar generation of DC electricity may not be the preferredoption for a country where distribution networks exist, but may well bemore sustainable if a less efficient system for adoption by communities onsmall isolated islands was provided reducing the needs for internal transportand distribution of expensive oil products.

Maksv Nationa Report to UNCED 27

The adoption of unsustainable modes of development is enhanced by thesectoral approach of donor and assistance agencies to environmental anLother development problems. Addressing the problems of infant mortalityfrom water borne, diarrhoeal diseases without addressing the consequenceof enhanced survival and hence population growth has contributed to theexplosive growth of the population.

A lack of financial resources and appropriatc advice, has resulted in theadoption of unsound waste disposal practices for both solid and effluentwastes, which in turn results in pollution problems in both the terrestrialand marine cnvironments. The provision of aid and assistance in this andother fields has been distorted by the perceptions of donor agencies as tothe nature of appropriate solutions to sectoral issues.

28 MAdives National Report to UNCED

C. Response to Environment / Development Issues

S. Recent Developnments

Recent developments within the country

Initial consultants reports on envimnmental matters in the Maldives wereproduced for the Government in 1983 and 1985, which recommended thefonnation of a National Environment Council and an Environme:nt authoritywithin the Goverment, recommendations which were acted on in 1986.Initially a three person environ,nent section was established in the Ministryof Home Affairs, together with a National Environment Council composedof high level representatives from most Government Departments.

Subsequently a variety ofsub-sectoral reports on conservation, oil pollution,environmental management, disaster preparedness, deforestation and theimplications of climatic change and sea level rise were prepared at therequest of the GovernmenL In so far as it has been possible to implementthe recommendations of these reports, this has been done within theconstraints of manpower and financial resources. Many of the substantiverecommendations however involved considerable financial expendituresand investment in equipment and manpower, and were made withoutdefining the necessary mechanisms td-ough which such resources couldbe obtained. Hence, such recommendations remain largely unimplementedat the present time.

The combination of present environmental problems in the Maldivestogether with the recommendations of visiting experts which remainunimplemented, might suggest on superficial examination that the Republiclacks the will to implement change. This viewpoint is incorrect and itwould seem that the problems of planning sustainable development in theMaldives stem from the highly sectoral approach to planning which wasadopted in the past in conformity with the approach of international aidand assistance agencies which placed emphasis on economic developmentwithout adequate consideration of environmental issues.

The extreme flooding events in Male' in 1987 emphasised the need forenvironmental management and planning, and since then the Governmenthas increasingly turned its attention to environniental issues. TheGovermment has supported a number of national and intemational initiativesdesigned to address current global problems and plan for changingenvironmental conditions in future. To achieve this planning capabilitywithin the country, considerable extemal assistance is required and to

AlS NAtirua Report to UNCED 29

secure this assistance, Government representatives at all levels have takena high profile in intemational debates on environmental issues.

Against this background, the Government of the Maldives sought theassistance of UNDP, and UNEP in attempting to define new approaches tosustainable development which would address existing environmentalproblems and provide a planning mechanism for avoiding where possible,tl e creation of new problems. Accordingly a national workshop onenviranmental management and planning in the Maldives supported byUNEP, UNDP and the Ministry of Planning and Environment was organisedand held in late 1989. This workshop was attended by senior governmentofficials, representatives of the private sector and representatives of NGOsconcerned with environmental issues.

The National Workshop developed a National Environment Action Plan(Annex 1) and Work Programme on the basis of a critical review andanalysis of current environmental problems. The Action Plan and workprogramme contains the overall strategy of the Governrnent in theenvironmental sector which represents a combined approach to managingand solving existing problems and establishing the mechanisms ancprocedures for sound future environmental planning.

The National Environment Action Plan recognises that successfulenvironmental management requires a broad cross-sectoral perception ofthe interactions of natural and human factors in shaping the physical andnatural environment in which societies exist. Sectoral approaches to eitherundetstanding the problems or developing solutions will not work sinceeach sector is interdependent and changes to the physical environment forexample will affect the biological environment and both in tum will affectthe society dependent upon that environment. The role of environmentalplanning and management is therefore seen as the provision of a long-term perspective of the costs to future generations of present daydevelopment decisions.

In 1988 the Environment Section of the Ministry of Home Affairs wasexpanded and transferred to the Ministry of Planning and Developmentwhich was renamed the Ministry of Planning and Environment. Duringthe preparation of the National Environment Action Plan and immediatelyfollowing its acceptance by the Government the National EnvironmentCouncil was reconstituted with a wider membership includingrepresentatives of the media and was provided with far ranging powers inenvironmental issues. Simultaneously the Environment Section wasexpanded to include an Environmental Research Unit charged withassembling the necessary environmental information required for planningpurposes.

30 Maldsves Natonal Report to UNCED

In late 1990 an ;mplementation schedule for the EnvironmentWork Programme was developed and assistance was sought from theinternational donor community for the implementation of the WorkProgramme of the National Environment Action Plan. Simultaneously thenext three year National Development Plan for the Maldives was underpreparation and central to this plan is the cross-sectoral inclusion ofenvironmental issues in all future development activities within the country.

The Maidives and Internaonal En'ironmenr Affairs

His Excellency President Maumoon Abdu' Gayoom has played a leadingrole internationally in drawing the attention of the world's leaders to thespecial situation and particular environmental problems of small islandstates, stimulating the Commonwealth Secretariat to initiate a study ofglobal climate change and sea level rise impacts. The Director ofEnvironmental Affairs was himself a member of the 6 man team whichproduced this assessment.

In addition, Govemment representatives of the Republic of the Maldivescontinue to actively participate in the environmentally related regionalactivities of bodies such as UNEP, ESCAP and WMO in the deliberationsof the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change and its working groups,concerned with assessing global climate change impacts and responsestrategies.

The Maldives participates actively in a number of the relevant programmesand activities of the UN and its specialised agencies including the WorldMeteorological Organisation, Food and Agriculture Organisation. and theIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The Maldives participatesin the TOGA programme and regularly contributes meteorological data tothe WMO.

In 1989 the Maldives hosted a Ministerial level meeting of small statesconcerned with sea level rise (Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise)and the resulting Male' Declaration calls on the UN, its agencies and otherappropriate institutions to assist in the implementation of the decisionscontained in the declaration. Items 4,5 and 6 of the declaration recommendthe establishment of an Institutional capability to protect and managecoastal zones; calls upon all states to undertake environmental impactassessments for major development projects and recommends that stepsmust be immediately r::ken to protect vulnerable natural ecosystems. Italso calls on the UN, its specialised agencies and other appropriateinternational agencies to assist less developed countries in achieving thesegoals.

Uakivas National Repat to UNCED 31-

The Maldives participated in the 3econd World Climate Conferencc in1990 and was instrumental, along with other archipelagic states inensuring that the resulting Ministerial Declaration included mentioningof the particular problems such states face in achieving sustainabledevelopment. That Declaration notes that the present rate of climatechange "could even threaten survival in some small island states" andT recommends that adequate and additional financial resources should bemobilised and best available envirommentally sound technologics transferredecpeditiously on a fair and most favourable basis."

The above paragraphs provide indicators of Government approaches toenvironmental issues; on one hand, concem with intemational conventionsaddressing global issues and on the other with addressing localenvironmental problems. This strategy is exemplified in the phrase "Thinkglobally and act locally".

Pnnciples & Goals

The Lrinciple aim of the National Environment Action Plan is to help theGoveanment of the Republic of Maldives to maintain and improve theenvironment of the country, including the marine and ocean area containedwithin the Exclusive Economic Zone, and to manage the resorcescontained therein for the collective benefit and enjoyment of present andfuture generations.


The continuous assessment of the state of the environment within thecountry,includingthe impactsof man'sactivitieson land, in freshwater,in lagoons, reefs and ocean and of the effects of these activities on thequality of the human environment.

The development and implementation of management methods suitedtothe natural andsocial environmentofthe country,whichwill maintainor enhaace environmental quality, while at the same time, utilising theresources on a sustainable basis.

The preparation and implementation of comprehensive national envi-ronmental legisiation and participation in international agreements toprovide for responsible and effective management of the environment.

The strengthening of national capabilities, institutional arrangementsand financial support which will enable the Action Plan to be imple-mented in an efficient and economic manner.

32 Malduves National Report to UNCED

All components of the Action Plan are viewed as interdependent andprovide a framework for comprehensive action which should contributeto both the protection of the environment and the continued deveiopmentof the country.

Within the context of development and as a mechanism to address theenvironmental and development problems resulting from in-migration toMale', the Government has adopted a policy of decentralisation encouragingdevelopment projects and activities in the atolls.

Policies, legislation and institutions

Through its adoption of the National Environment Action Plan, theGovermnent is committed to the concept of sustainable development andis seeking as a matter of priority, appropriate policies and mechanisms fortranslating this goal in:.o concrete action in the field of development.

The Government is committed to the development of appropriate sectoralpolicies covering areas such as freshwater resources and waste managemenLTo date, policies have been adopted requiring the assessment ofenvironmental impacts for all development projects but the in-countrycapability for uizdertaking and/or evaluating such impact assessments islimited.

Sectoral policies covering enviromment and development issues alreadyexist in the tourist, health and fisheries sectors. In the case of tourism,resort island developers are subject to requirements for waste disposal.coastal construction and density of accommodation which are all detailed.Such sectoral policies frequently include legislative powers for enforcementof agreed standards, but to date, no effective comprehensive environmentallegislation exists.

Government support to institution building in the environment sector hasconcentrated on training and the expansion of the Environment section ofthe Ministry of Planning and Environment, and has included the recentestablishment of an Envimnment Research Unit with responsibility in thefields of environmental monitonng and assessment.

Substantial financial investments in capital and human resources arerequired if environmentally sound and sustainable development is to beassured in the Maldives. Regrettably such resources are unavailable in-country at the present time and extensive financial and expert assistancewill be required of the international donor community over the next twodecades.

Mal&ves National Repotto UNCED 33

Some initiatives are being developed in the private sector in-country,particularly among tourist resort operators where environmental awarenessis well developed and the need for maintaining environmental quality is arecognised pre-requisite for a healthy tourist industry.

Programmes and Projects

To date, few activities have been initiated in the environment sector andinitial support from UNDP has been concemed with strengthening therelevant sections of the Government through enhanced in-service andoverseas training in various environmental fields. It must be recognisedthat building an internal capacity for environmental management andplanning in the Maldives is hampered by the absence of indigenousexpertise and the small size of the pool of trained and skilled personriel inall fields associated with developmentL

A number of programmes and projects in other sectors have containedenvironmental components although the overall coverage has, to datebeen limited to "one-off" environmental monitoring programmes associatedwith harbour developments, or resource surveys associated with exploitedand stressed resources such as the Male' freshwater aquifer. Expertassessments of the scale of some environmental problems such as wastedisposal in Male' have also been undertaken.

Major development projects have been concentrated in the service andfishedes sectors and infiastructure development. To date, few projectshave taken environmental concerns into consideration during initialplanning, although this is changing rapidly.

Environmental education and awareness have been given high priority,with regular radio and television programmes and the production ofvarious printed materials for distribution in the atolls. Much of this workis undertaken with the active participation of various non-governmentalorganisations active in eavironmental fields in the country.

Research in-country is severely limited by the lack of professionallytrained national manpower. To date, most environmental research workhas concentrated on coral reef biology and monitoring associated withspecific problems such as coral bleaching and mortality from out-breaksof the crown of thorns starfish.

No formal in-country training programmes in environment anddevelopment exist within the country, and Maldives is likely to dependfor some time on courses which are offered in other countries.

34 MadWes National Repapt to UNCED

Since 1987 Maldives has been a part of the Tropical Ocean and GlobalAtmosphere (TOGA) programme of WMO and tide gauges have beenestablished in Gan (February 1987), Male' (August 1989) and inHanimaadhoo (July 1991).

An aquifeir recharge project has been carried out in Male' with theassistance of the Denmark government.

Due to the extensive damage caused by the high waves in April 1987 andin view of the predicted sea level rise and its impact on low lying coastalareas an extensive Male' South break water project was carried out withassistance from the Govemment of Japan. The 1160 meter breakwatercost more than US S 14 million.

IntenWiond Co-operation

Given the concern of the country with the potential impacts of climaticchange and sea levIel rise, the Republic of Maldives will continue to pressfor the adoption of a Global Convention for protection of the atmosphereand limitation of radiatively active gas emissions.

The Republic of Maldives will continue to press for recognition bydeveloped countries of their liabilities and responsibilities towards countriessuch as the Maldives which have contributed little to global problems, butwhich are likely to be among the first and perhaps the most significantlyaffected by chtanging climate and rising sea level.

Given the unique problems of environment and de-teopment in smallarchipelagic states, it is -vital that international and multi-nationalcorporations, bilateral donors and intemational financial agencies such asthe World Bank adopt approaches and policies which recognise the needfor specialised technological solutions to these unir-'e developmentalproblems and assist small island govemments in identi.ying and adoptingappropriate technological innovations.

At present, the United Nations and its specialised agencies adopt a sectoralapproach to development assistance and the provision of advice making itdifficult for small states with limited manpower to articulate successfullywith each agency. Thus ocean and maritime affairs for example arecovered by the activities of IMO, UN Office for Ocean Affairs and theLaw of the Sea, UNEP, Unesco, [OC and FAO and to derive full benefitfrom the UN System, each country needs to maintain membership of andcontact with each agency. Membership of all the specialised agencies ofthe UN System and attendance at important meetings of each agency

kve aional Repat to UNCED 35

places an unacceptably high financial and manpower burden on smnstates. Many smaller countries therefore seek membership of none or oni,a few specialised agencies thereby limiting access to and distorting therange of external advice and assistance which is potentially available toaddress the problems of environment and development.

Due to their distribution largely centered in the Mediterranean, Caribbean,Indian and Pacific Oceans, small island states have difficulty in accessingand exchanging information and experiences of appropriate (andinappropriate) solutions, whether technological, scientific or managerialto the unique problems of development in small country environments. Toaccess and exchange such infonnation and experience, a clearing housemechanism is needed which will provide small state's Governments withready access to relevant information and experience.

The Ministerial level Conference entitled "Small States Conference onSea Level Rise' held in Male' in November 1989 resulted in the Male'Declaration (Annex 11) which calls on. the United Nations System to assistthe small states in implementing the termns of the declaration. Subsequentto this meeting, a meeting of the Male' Declaration Action Group washeld in January 1991. This meeting pliduced a recommended programmeof action for small states. To be effective in implementing thesrecommendations and the Declaration itself, technical and financia,assistance are needed from the UN System to support the work of the TaskForce, possibly through the fonnation of a permanent Office and SecretariaL

36 *;,aIdies National Report to LUNCED

D. Procedures Followed in Preparing the Report

This report was produced by the Environment Section of the Ministry ofPlanning and Environment under the direction of the National Commissionfor the Protection of the Environment (NCPE). Financial assistance wasprovided by ttie UNDP and the draft report was produced with the technicalassistuace of an international consultant.

The report was approved by the National Commission for the Protectionof the Environment which is empowered under Maldivian Law in allmatters relating to theenvironment. The Commission is Chaired by theMinister of Planning and Environment Honourable Mr Ismail Shafeeuand composed of senior level representatives of Government Departmentsresponsible for all sectors discussed in the report. The report wassubsequently approved by the Ministry of Planning and Environment forsubmission to the Preparatory Committee of UNCED.

Copies of the draft report were distributed to Non-GovernmentalOrganisations for comment, such comments being considered by theNCPE prior to its finalization.

MAakives NALthnaI Report to UNCED 37

E. Anticipated Results of the Conference

The Republic of Maldives would hope that an immediate result of theConference would be the signing of Conventions on the Protection of theAtmosphere (Global Framework Convention on Climate Change) andBiodiveisity.

Enhanced international awareness of the unique problems of developmentin small archipelagic states and appropriate adjustments to the UnitedNations System that will facilitate the identification and implementationof mechanisms for achieving sustainable development in such countries.

The Maldives would expect a direct and prompt response from the UnitedNations System to the call for assistance made in the Male' Declaration,and in particular that appropriate support be provided to the initiativesdeveloped collectively by the Small States following that Declaration.

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)should help to ensure that developing countries are not only placed in abetter position to develop their own technologies, but also that they haveaccess to environmentally sound technology. Greater emphasis should beplaced on investigating real possibilities for transferring technology todeveloping countries.

The Maldives would hope that the UNCED would be able to get acommitment from the developed world for making available new andadditional funds to the developing countries so that they could moreeffectively tackle their environmental problems.


Annexes:

I National Environment Action Plan11 Male' Declaration

Maldv.s Nadknaf Report to UNCED 39

ANNEX I

EN VIRONMENTACTION PLAN

Ministry of Planning and EnvironmentMale'Republic of Maldives

Maldives National Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 41

BACKGROUND 42

PRINCIPAL AIM AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES 43

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CAPABILITIES 49

TRAINING 50

AREAS FOR 2RIORITY ACON IN 1990-1991 -51

WORK PROGRAMME 54

42 Maldives Ntabonal Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

FOREWORD

The growing importance for protecting the environment cannot be over-emphasized. Thisparticularly applies tossmall island countries like the Maldives, where daily life is almost eniirelygovernedby theenvironment. Fishing for instance, is the largest industry, and tourism next, withthe highest foreign currency eamer. Environmental management is therefore the key to sustainthese two very important sectors. With limited natural resources in the country, the futuregenerations has also to depend on them.

In a place like the Maldives, where life is so intertwined with the complex but delicateecosystems, the need to protect the environment is utmost. The vulnerability of the Maldivesenvironment is further increased by the threat of global warming and its consequences, inparticular that of sea level rise. Sound environmental management today, is the key to a safe andsustainable future. Unless action is initiated urgently, it may have disastrous consequences onthe country.

It is my firm belief that this Action Plan will workl towards laying the necessary foundation tobuild and strengthen the environmental planning and management capabilitv in the countrytaking particular note of the immediate areas and the medium to long term activities.

I take great pleasure in extending a word oLf i-rntitude to the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme and the United Nations Development Pro,ramme. for their kind assistance, and toDr. John Pernetta in particular- who h.Ls contributed significantly in putting this Action Plantogether.

FATHULLA JAMEELMinister of State for Planning and Environment

1989

Makves National Repoit to UNCED 43

ANNEX I

BACKGROUND

The Maldives forms achain of coral atolls on the Lacadive-Chagos submarine ridge rising fromthe deep Indian Ocean. Sequential growth of coral has built up the chain of islands. The 1190odd islands make up less than 2% of the total area of the country. On an average the elevationof the islands are about 1.6m above mean sea level. The surrounding reefs of the islands protectthem against the swells, currents and waves of the Indian Ocean.

The fragile nature of the islands, the biological diversity of the marine resources together withthe important terrestrial ecosystems and their vital importance to the health and well-being ofthe people - both present and future generations - have resulted in a demonstrated need for betterenvironmental management an planning in the country. The traditional life stvle of the peoplehad almost negligible impact on the environment but recent socio economic developments haveled to mark deterioration on the environment. The potential impacts of the predicted globalclimatic change including the threat of a rise in sea !evel, threatens the environment on thecountry more than ever before.

To minimize the adverse effects of environmental degradation. a number of activities wereinitiated by various sectoral agencies of the govemment. However, the need for an integratedenvironmental management plan was felt more, to allow for coordination and implementationof such activities. Realizing this need, the govemment sought the assistance of the UnitedNations, in particular the United Nations Environment Programme and United NationsDevelopment Programme to draw up a management strategy. As a result, with assistance fromUNDP, UNEP commissioned a study in December 1988, to identify areas most vulnerable tothe natural and anthropogenic changes. The findings and the recommendations were placedbeforea nationalworkshopheld from 28-31 October 1989.Thisworkshop, drew up the NationalAction Plan, a document aimedat environmental management and planning in the Maldives. TheNational Environment Council, later approved the activities to be under taken by the action plan.The wise management of the environment, in order to achieve sustainable development.underlies the rationale for implementine this action plan.


ANNEX I

PRINCIPLE AIM AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

The principal aim of the Action Plan is to help the Government of the Republic of Maldives tomainstain and improve the environment of the country, including the marine ar.d ocean areacontained within the Exclusive Economic Zone, and to manage the resources contained thereinfor the collective benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.


-The continuous assessment of the state of the environment within the country, includingthe impacts of man's activities on land, in fresh water, in lagoons. reefs and ocean and of theeffective of these activities on the quality of the human environment.

- The development and implementation of management methods suited to the natural andsocial environmentofthescountry,whichwill maintain orenhance environmental quality, whileat the same time utilizing resources on a sustainable basis.

-Thepreparation and implementationofcomnprehensive national environmental legislationandparticipation in intemational agreements toprovide forresponsible andeffective managementof the environment.

- The strengthening of national capabilities. institutional arrangements and financialsupport which will enable the Action Plan to be implemented in an efficient and economicmanner.

In executing individual activities developed to implement the Action Plan. considerationwill be given to the potential impacts of global environmental change in particular. the climaticchange and its predicted consequences.

FRAME WORK FOR ACTION

In orderto achieve the principal aim and in accordance with the directive principles of theAction Plan, specific work programmes will be developed aimed at achieving the following:

(i) Assessment of the current state of the environment;

(ii) Assesment of the impact of marine and land-based activities on the quality of theenvironment;

(iii) Assessment of the environmental implications of demographic patterns in the country;

(iv) Management of marine and land-based development activities which have an impact onenvironmental quality;

Makfvs NaoWnaf Report to UNCED 45

ANNEX I

(v) Management of land and marine resources on a sustainable basis:

(vi) Development of sustainable coordinating mechanisms for the successful implementationof the Action Plan;

(vii) Development of suitable training and educational programmes to enable the Governmentto effectively implement all aspects of the Action Plan;

(viii) Developmen. of education and environmental awareness programmes for the populationat large.

All componentsoftheAction Planare interdependent and provide a framework forcomprehensiveaction which should contribute to both the protection of the environment and the continueddevelopment of the country. Thus, no component may be seen as end to itself.

The workprogrammes arising from the Action Planshould contribute not only to the resolutionof environmental problems within the country, but also should seek to strengthen cooperativeprogrammes with neighbouringstates,with othersmall islandstates in the Pacificand Caribbeanregions; and with overseas institutions and agencies (including the various UN bodies) havinigan interest in environmental matters relating to the wider Indian region in ,eneral and theMaldives in particular.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

One of the major constraints confronting the Maldives in making wise use of resources in thedevelopmentprocess, isthe paucityofenvironmental and resource information, so necessary forrational decision making Thislackof information isparticularly critical inthat it relates to issuesof fundamental importance such as:

(i) The future potential of under-utlised resources;

(ii) The fragility of the islands;

(iii) The ability of over-utilised or degradated resources to recover or sustain yields;

(iv) The presence of many islands with limited resources but large human populations.

The environmental assessment work programmes is to be initiated through a coordinatedresources inventory and environmental monitoring programme based on existing national,regional and intemational activities in this field.

46 Maldives Nataonal Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

The specific areas for environmental assessment under the Action Plan are as follows:

1.Assessment ofthe health ofthe Maldivian coral reefs including assessment of impact resultingfrom crown of thoms predation; coral bleaching; coral mining and sand degrading; coral, andcorai reef growth rates; impacts of tourism; and sand production in natural systems.

2. Assessment of the nature and volumes of marine pollution including but not limited tohydrocarbons, solid waste and sewage around Male' and other selected population centres.

3. Assessment of the status of marine fisheries stocks and of the aquacultue potential ofappropriate indigenous species of algae, fish and shellfish for local consumption ard/or export.

4. Assessment of the status of the aquifer resources outside Male'.

5. Assessment of the current level of coastal erosion problems throughout the country.

6. Assessment of future climate patterns under scenarios of global warming and assessment ofrelative sea level changes in the Maldives.

7. Assessment of wind and tidally generated currentpatterns.

8. Environmental Impact Assessment for planned major developments.

9. Assessment of terrestrial resources including soils, vegetation, fuelwood and agriculturalproduction.

10. Assessment of energy consumption patterns and evaluation of non-conventional energysources and their potential for utilization.

11. National assessmentofthevulnerabilityof humansettlementstoepisodic events such as longdistance storms swell induced flooding.

12. Assessment of the availability and suitability of altemative building materials, andaltemative building designs which are energy efficient.

13. Assessment of the environmental implications of inter-island transport development.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The key toenvironmentally sound development is the management of resources on a sustainablebasis. Environmental management should therefore take into account the carrying capacity ofthe environment; the goals of development as defined by the Government; and the economic

Ma/dhves Natonal Re,or0t to UNCED 47

ANNEX I

feasibilitv of implementing management proposals. Continuing socio-ecnnomic developmentin the country can only be achieved on a sustainable basis if environmental considerations areincorporated into the design of developments. Improved knowledge of environmental systemsand process may now enable some environmental errors of the past to be corrected and avoidedin the future.

TIe activities undertaken within the framework of the environmental management componentoftheAction Planwill be implemented in such away as to ensure that environmental assessmentsare effectively carried out and that the results are incorporated into sectoral managementprogrammes. Environmental management activities will be undertaken to devise appr')priateways of using natural resources in balanced manner taking into consideration the needs of thepresent population and the needs of 'uture generations.

Specific areas which are regarded as of immediate priority in the country as a whole are:

1. The development of an environmentally sound, national population management policy toassist in achieving sustainable development.

2. To review, activelv promote and implement the existing policv of decentralization bv thecreation of centres of attraction containiniz necessary services and a sound economic base.

3. To develo5 a programme of fuelwood management based on the capacitv for renewable useof the resources. togetherwith consideration of alternative fuel sources, and their economic andenvironmental costs.

4. The management of the land/lagoon/reef ecosystem to maintain its health and condition.including the development of coastal zone management schemes for individual islands andatolls.

5. The development of guidelines for the constructions and location of coastal structurcs suchas seawalls. groynes. harbours. jetties, pi--rs, gabions and causewavs.

6. The development of national databank of environmental information, and establishment ofsuitable management procedurestoensure theaccessibilitv ofdata to all sections of Governmentconcerned with the collection and application of such information.

7.The development ofstandardsandcontrol mechanisms forthe regulation of land based sourcesof pollution.

8. The development of a national programme to control litter problems. giving primarvconsideration to recycling, re-use and exports of recoverable materials.

9. The auditing of the effectiveness of previous environmental management decisions.

48 Maldives Natonal Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

10. The development of national policy guidelines concerning the wise use of aquifer resources.

11. The development and implementation of appropriate guidelines, technologies and practicesfor waste disposal with particular attention being directed to recycling, and energy generation.

12. Promotion of policies and practices in the field of human settlement which give specialattention to the ecological problems of urban and rural developments on small islands.

13.1Thedevelopmentandapplicationofsuitableguidelines forthe implementationofenvironmentalimpact assessments for all major developments in the country.

14. The development of an efficient inter-island transport system which will minimize adverseenvironmental impacts

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CAPABILITIES

TheActionPlanenvisages an intensive trainingand technical assistance etFort, especially in theearlystagesofimplementation oftheworkprogrammes. The activities undertaken in environmentalassessmentand managementwill include built-in trainingcomponentswhichwill emphasize theaction onieited nature of the plan and the indispensable link between environmental assessment,management and training in the country.

Recognizing the importance of environmental awareness and the need for the entire populationto provide adequate care for their shared environment, the Action Plan will emphasizeenvironmental education in schools. The production of public awareness materials and themountingofpublicawarenesscampaignsconcerningsensitive aspects of the natural environmentwill be an integral component of all activities undert-aken in irrplementing the Action Plan.

[NSTrITrIONAL ARRANGEMENTS:

For effectively implementation of the Action Plan, the Environment Council is responsible forreviewing biennially, the content of the Action Plan; reviewing the substantive progress ofactivities and work programmes initiated under it; and for deciding upon the nature and,mechanisms for implementation of the various activities. These mechanisms will be institutedby the Government to ensure timelv and efficient decision making in implementing the ActionPlan.

The individual Ministries and Departments of the Govemment will be responsible for thecollection of environmental, information relating to their sectoral responsibilities, and areresponsible for ensuring that such information is shared between all Departments involved inexcuating the Action Plan. Departmental Focal Points will be designated in each GovernmentDepartment participating in the work of the Action Plan to coordinate the day-to-day inputs of

Makrives National Report to UNCED 49

ANNEX I

their Departments into the Action Plan and to maintain links with the Environment Section ofthe Ministry of Planning and Environment. In principle. each of the acLivities agreed upon as partof the work programmes undertaken under the Action Plan will be carried out throughcollaboration between several Government Departments jointlv.

The Environment Section of the Ministrv of Plannine and Environment is responsible forcoordinating the implementation of the work programmes by the members of its own staff andstaff from other Government Ministries as appropriate. The Environment Section is alsoresponsible for the coordination of environmental information and ensuring that environmentalconsiderations are incorporated into the planning process and ensuring the compliance withrequirements forEnvironmental ImpactAssessmentsof all activities affectini! the environment.

The activities arising from this Action Plan will be financed bv the Government, and bvintemational agencies,asthe United Nations.agencies.theCommonwealth. andotherintemationalorganisations and through bilateral agreements with donor states.

TRAINING

The lack of adequate man-power and resource-personnnel is a major constraint cOnfronting theMaldives as a whole, with respect to developing the specific, professional and research areas.This is more pertinent in the environment field since this is a fairly new development. even inmost other countries. What distinguishes the Maldives is the lack of trained personnel in otherdisciplines too, who could perhaps, with further training, take on a component of theenvironmental management.

Therequired training, therefore, has to be initiated from thevery basic levels.This requires time.however, if the Maldives is to develop even a verv basic environmental management cadre, amulti disciplinary team h.-as to he trained urgentlv. toi handle the growinm need for soundenvironmental planning and management capabilities in the countrv The multi-faceted natureof the environment, particularly in an island ecosystem. like the Maldives. makes it even moredifficult to specify the training requirements. as most formal training do not necessarily retlectthe in-house situation. Th,is has to be developed through experience and on the job training.

As an initial step, the areas for short term training include, training, in;

* The production of awareness and education materials.

* Categorization and compilation of basic environmental data.

- Surveying and sampling skills for basic survev works.

Maldives National Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

' Assessment and quantification of basic environmental impacts and qualitv change.

' Basic data processing and programming,

' Records keeping and documentation.

Tertiary level training required include, training in;

* Earth sciences. life sciences and social sciences. In addition Computer Scienceor Programming is necessary to built the data-base for the country.

Although mos! of the environmental parameters are quite distinct in their subject matter, aholistic or a well - integrated approach is essential to effectively coordinate the environmrentalplanning and management in the countrv.

AREAS FOR PRIORITYACTION IN 1990 - 1991

The following environmental problems listed in prioritv order have been designated forimmediate consideration in implementing the 1990 - 1991 work pmneramme:

1. Marine envimnmnenial prohlems:coral miningsewage contamination of coastal watersea level risesolid waste manaizementdredging

2. Terrestrial/Human environmental 1roblems:Freshwater managementMigration to Male'Population growthSolid waste disposalSewage contamination of groundwatersFuelwood supplies and deforestation

Althougha numberof these problems are underactive examination by Govemment Departmentsal the present time. it is expected that a full report on work relevant to the above problem areasbe submitted to the National Environment Council in the immediate future.

Madives NatonaI Report to UNCED 51

ANNEX I

Recognizing the limitatiors ofimmediate action. in addressing long-term management problemsit is recommended that certain ameliorative actions could be taken immediately to addresspressing environmental problems. To help in the rrocess, a public awareness campaign is to bemounted immediately, designed to inform the public of the fragility of the aquifer svstem andthe need for appropriate actions at an individual. household and communitv level. to address thispriority issue.

Individual and community actions to be undertaken for immediate implementation to conservefreshwater in Male' include:

- directing all rainfall from roofs, not being directly utilized, into the aquifer.

designated certain roads as pedestrian area only, and to reduce compaction, heavyvehicles are to be restricted to certain routes;

* developing methods toensure thatstandingwaterbe directed to aquifer recharge and theis to be implemented as soon as possible;

- investigatingthe possibility of supplyingpipedwaterto the reclaimed area of Male' andthe use of this piped water be monitored and charge for excessive use of water.

Recognising that there are no immediate actions which can be taken to ameliorate the problemsof migration to Male' and of population growth, an environmentally sound, national populationmanm.gement policy will be developed to assist in achieving sustainable development. This is tobe done while reviewing, actively promoting and implementing the existing policv ofdecentralization by thecreation of centresofattraction containing necessaryservices and a soundeconomic basis.

In formulatingpolicieswith respectto migrationtoMale', the full reasons ftormigration patternsto be investigated in order that the existing policy of decentralization is made more effective.

Actions to immediately address for the mitigation of marine environmental problems, are;

adiscouraging the use of coral and corai aggregates for building purposes;

'adopting a policy of waiving duty on imported aggregate for construction materials thatmay have a direct impact in ..,.tigating environmental stress on marine resources inparticular such as coral and sand.

52 Maldives Naftional Report to JNCED

ANNEX I

the Government providing a lead in this regard by not using coral in the construction ofpublic buildings; and

taking imnmediate step to ensure the continued survival of threatened marine species.

It is recognised that the problems of climatic change and sea level rise need to be addressedthrough combination of.nternational and national actions. National actions which can be takenare:

' initiating programmes to measure the relative changes in sea level rise in the Maldives;

- identifyingand implementing appropriate mitigation measures oranticipated potentialclimatic and sea level impacts;

* considering the consequences of global climatic change in the process; and

- aciy panicipazing in relevant global progmnmnes concemed with addressing this issue.

Al*3kes Nationl Report to UNCED 53

ANNEX I

WORK PROGRAMME

For establishing the medium term environmental plannin, capability, the tollowing workprogramme is to be implemented in 1990-1991

ACTIVITY TITLE VA TL'RE OF DEPARTEANTNO: THEACTIVITY

I. Establishmcnt of an Training of environmcnralI staff. MIPE.enviroinental management Coordination & implcmcntation NEC.and planning capabiliLyinthe of the work programmc MAA.Ministry of Planning and'EnvironmenL

2. Establishment of a Training and monitoring Of Ehc MPWLHydrographicUnit capable ocean environment MPE-of monitoring sealevel. tidal MAA.and wave patterns. mM.

3. Extension of weather Planning and AssLssment lI-r DM.monitoring in the Rcpublic fuLurc monitoring. IMPE.of Maldives and asscssmcnt MPWLof Mcteorological I MAA.Climatologicai patternLs underconditions of global warmring.

4. Assessment of groundwater Training and assessment M PE.rcsourecs outside Malc through aquife r survevs 'N AA.

ut scicctcd ildands M HWIMWSA.

5. Marine ecosystenms and coral Training and assc&sment %lFA/MRS.reef survcys of marine environments around MPE.

scicctcd islands.

6. Coastal gcomorphology and Assc.se.smcnt and training in coastal MPWLSedimentology erxsion & hydrography. MPE

7. Terrestrial resource Training and assessment MPE.surveys of selected in physical, soil and vcgetation MAA.islands survevs MFA.

OPPD.

54 Maldives Natronal Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

ACTIVI1TY TITLE NATURE OF DEPARTME.%TNO: THE ACTIVITY

8. Economic implications of Planning for sustainable MIPE.climatic change and sea development.level rise

9. Sociolegical factors Planning for sustainable MPE.affecting sustainiable development. MAA.development in theMaldives.

10. Solid waste management Planning assessment MPE.for urban centres and and control. MT.tourist resons in the MM.Maldives MWSA.

MPWL.

11. Assessment of sewage Planning and evaluation MPE.disposal alternatives of disposal alternatives. MHW/ MWSA.in the Maldives MPWL

12. Analvsis of demographic Planning and evaluation MPE.trends in theMaldives of migration and demographic

trends.

13. Environment impact Planning and training .MPE-assessment of the through implementation of SIDU.Villingilli resettlement majorEIA's. MPWL.scheme MWSA.

14. Preparation of Public Preparation and distribution MPE.awareness and non-formal of newsletters & popular ME.education materials booklets. TVM/VOM.

is. Resource inventorv Provision of base-line data of MPE.for selected islands islands selected for MPWL.

development. MWSA.SIDU.

Makdvs atonal Report to UNCED 55

ANNEX I

ACTIVITY TITLE NATURE OF DEPARTMENTNO: THE ACTIVITY

16. Feasibility study for a Planning and evaluation. MFAIMRS.National Institute for MLPE.Natural Resources NEC.Research

17. Establishment of an Provide a centralized NMPE.Environmental data environmental information NCPE.Database. system for use by all

Govemment Departments

18. National Workshop for Training in preparation and MPE.Midterm review of the presentation of scientific NCPE.work programme reports; review of work

programme progress andimplementation.

19. Terminal seminar and Review of progress and MPE.workshop, to review the preparation of 1992193 NCPE.1990191 work programme work programme.implementation

-5-6-SE Maldives Nfational Report to UNCED

ANNEX I

.PROGRAMME AREA: ACT!Vri-Y NO:

Planning: 1l.23,8,9.10,12,15,16,17,19.Assessment: 2.3,4,5,6,7,l0,15.Management: 1,3,10.11,13,14,17,18,19.Training: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,13,14,17,18.

Lead Departmens are the first listed and those in which the activity is centred, collaboratingdepaitments are also indicated.

DM = Department of Meteorology;MAA = Ministry of Atolls Administration;ME = Ministry of Education;MFA = Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture;MH = Ministry of Health;MPE = Ministry of Planning and Environment;MPWL = Ministry of Public Works and Labour;MRS = Marine Research Section of the MFA;MM = Male Municipality;MWSA = Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority;NCPE = Natiorl Commission for the Protection of the Environment;SIDU = Selected Islands Development Unit;OPPD = Office for Physical Planning and Design;vOM = Voice of Maldives;TVM = Television Maldives;

&Wdldis National Report to UNCED 57

ANNEX II

MALE' DECLARATION ONGLOBAL WARMING AND SEA LEVEL RISE

18 November 1989

mafwatWqmNE

* ANNEX 11

MALE' DECLARATION ONGLOBAL WARMING AND SEA LEVEL RISE

18 November 1989

AIadiesXNttOLJNCED

ANNEX II

LMALE' DECLARATION ONGLOBAL WARMING AND SEA LEVEL RISE

Environmental issues facing the world clearly demonstrate that organisms and all theelements of nature including land, water and air cannot be exploited without far-reachingimplications for the earth and its environment. It has been proved more conclusively than at anyother time in history that the welfare of mankind is inextricably linked to the state of theenvironment. It has also been established that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide andother greenhouse gases have increased over the last two centuries. These increases are seriouslythreatening to cause climate change, global warming and sea level rise, which have becomecommon concerns of mankind.

There is now a broad scientifis consensus that the global mean temperature could riseapproximately by 1 degree to 2 degree celcius by the year 2030. [t is predicted that even if theincreases in atmospheric concentrations of greenhousse gases were to be brought to a standstillimmediately, however unrealistic that may be, the global temperature and sea level wouldcontinue to rise for decades to come

Although the entireworld would be adversely affected bv these processes. low-I vi ng, small.coastal and island states will face a decidedly greater predicament. Sea level rise would causeextensive damage to the land and infrastructure of those countries and even threaten the verysurvival of some island states. The possibility also exists of an increase in the frequency and/orintensity of natural disasters related to climate change, global warming and sea level rise.

Paradoxically the caialysL in this disturbing state of the global environment has been therapid developemnt oftindustrialisation that was intended to lead to material progress. In view ofthe fact that the overloadingof the atmosphere with greenhouse gases occured primarilv throughthe actions of the industsrialised nations during the past two hundred years. these nations nowhave a moral obligation to initate on an urgent basis. international action to stabilise andsubsequently reduce emmissions of ,greenhouse gases and to sponsore. as a matter of priority!an urgentworld wide vroiramme of action to combat the serious implications of climate change,global warming and sea level rise. In addition, resources and technology should be madeavailable by the industrialised nations, particularly to the most vu!nerable states, which may nothave the financial and technical means to address these problems.

A continuing dialogue between the small States and the rest of the world on the issues ofsea level rise need to be initiated. The smal' states call for an international response, especiallyfrom the developed and industrialised nations of the world. The likeiy effects of sea level riseurgently need to be established more accuratly, and an effective international strategy for thesmall states of the world to ctope with tho se impacts should be agreed upon as a seperate issuewithin a global strategy. In this connection. the WMO/UNEP Intergovemmental Panel onClimate Change (IPCC) is recognised as the main forum fo r the on-going work on science,impacts and response strategies of climate change.

60 Maldwes Nabonal Report to UNCED

ANNEX 11

In the light ofthescientificconsensus regardingthe likelihoodofclimate change and globalwarming and deeply concemed over the changing global environment and its possible adverseeffects, particularly the threat of sea level rise, the small states gathered here in Male' from 14- 18 November 1989, declare their intent towork. collaborate and scek intemational cooperationto protect the low-iying small coastal and island states of the world from the dangers posed byclimate changes, global warming and sea level rise.

THEREFORE, WE THE F:EPRESENATIVES OF THE SMALL STATESGATHERED HERE:

1. Decide todevelop aprogramme of actionwithin the small states, for cooperation andexchange of in..irmation on strategies and policies in relation to climate change,global warming and sea level rise which are common concerns of mankind: and inparticular, to:

(a) establish an Action Group, initially comprising of representatives from theCaribbean, South Pacific, Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean regions, to overseethe implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Small StatesConference on SeaLevel Rise. tocoordinate ajoint approachon the issues of climatechange, global warning and sea level rise, and to pursue and fol low upon global andregional response strategies;

(b)- consider the establishment of a climate and sea level programme and amonitoring network as an important component within the global measuringsystems; recognising the urgent necessity to take initial measures to create amonitoring infrastructure, bearing in mind thespecific interests of small developingisland states, to apply to the appropriate United Nations Agencies (in particularWMO,UNEP, UNESCO) for assist-wice in its implementation;

(c) mount a campaign to increase awarenessofthe international communilvoftheparticularvulnerability of the small states to sea level rise;

(d) consider the most effective manner in which the small states can participatein the -work of the [ntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and seek assistancefor such participation; and

(e) seek assistance from the UN, its Agencies and other appropriate institutionsin the implemenattion of the decisions contained in this Declaration.

2. Call upon all states of the world family of nations to take immediate and effectivemeasures according to their capabilities and the means at their disposal. to control.limit or reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and to consider ways and meansof protecting the small states of theworldwhich are mostvulnerable to sea level rise.

&Lv1Nati,uIRE Lxvt*,UNCED 61

ANNEX 11

3. Urge all states to take immediate measures to enhance enenry etficiency and toformulate plans and strategies for a change over, as far as possible. to alternative.less environmentally harmful sources of energy.

4. Recommend thatwhere necessarv all states take immediate me.asures to establish theinstitutional framework to protect and manage their coastal zones aqd to enactlegislation to facilitate such measures.

5. Call upon all states to undertake environmental nmpaci assessment studies for alldevelopemnt projects, review existing developemnE pro=,rammes in terms ofenvironmental impact assessment andstrengtAen environmental management capa-bilities. %

6. Recommend that small coastal and island states take adequate measures to maintaintheir aquifers and protect vulnerable natural ecosvstems such as coral reefs andmangroves, which may already be at risk, as they can provide natural protectionagainst effects of climate change, global wariming and sea level rise.

7. Appeal to all states to embark on intensive afforestation and/or revegetationprogrammes with emphasis on the selection of plants and trees suitable for thedifferent soil conditions, and salt-tolerant varieties for the protection of Coastalareas.

8. Recommed that research be intensified in undlerstanding the eomplex interrelation-ships concerning climate cliange, greenhouse effects. sea level rise. and theirimplications on the cnvironmien[ and also to determine methods of amel iorntinh theimpacts of these changes on coastal ecosystems.

9. Urte the industrialised nations to develop modalities and mcchanisms to facilitatefunding, technologytransferanid tiaining in areas related to the causes andproblemsassociated with the rise in sea level. In this regard. the states racing immediate [hreatshould be assigned a higher priority for assistaucc.

10. Support the call by the developing countries of the world for the strengthening ofthe existing funding technology transfer and information me'chanisms, not exclud-ing the development of new mechanisms to assist them in implementing measuresto control, limit or reduce emissions of greenhouste gases and adapt to and protectthemselves from the adverseeffectsofunavoidableclimate chan.ge, gloal armingand sea level rise. Such mechanisms would also help to ensure that the tr;nsition toa more and environmentally sound worldwide programme of sustainable develop-ment can be achieved.

11. Call for negotiations fur a framework convention on climate change lo start-:as soonas possible after the adoption of the interim report of the Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change.

6Z Maldives Nabonal Report to UNCED

ANNEX II

SMALL STATES CONFERENCE ON SEA LEVEL RISE14-18 NOVEMBER 1989, MALE', MALDIVES

PARTICIPATING STATES

1. Antigua and Barbuda2. Barbados3. Brunei Darussalam4. Cyprus5. Fiji6. Grenada7. Kiribati8. Maldives9. Malta

10. Mauritius11. Seychelles12. Tonga13. Trinidad and Tobago14. Vanuatu

, A p N 63

I

Documents

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN - World Bankdocuments.worldbank.org/curated/en/... · 6. Assessment of fture climate pattems under scenarios of global warming and assessment of relative