Maldives has changed its rules on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, allowing some housing and road projects to move forward without submitting an environmental report.
What is an EIA?
An EIA is a report that studies how a development project might affect the environment.
The report looks at possible impacts on nature, such as land, trees, water, and wildlife. It also suggests ways to reduce damage to the environment.
Changes to housing projects
Under the previous rules, major housing developments had to complete an EIA before construction could begin.
Buildings higher than 10 storeys that included basement structures also required an EIA.
Under the new rules, buildings above 10 storeys no longer need an EIA report. Major housing developments have also been moved to the category of projects that can proceed without submitting an EIA.
Did You Know?
Environmental Impact Assessment began in the United States with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, which came into effect on 1 January 1970 and later influenced many other countries to adopt similar environmental review systems.
Road projects and trees
The amended regulation also allows road construction projects to move forward without an EIA.
Previously, removing large numbers of trees required an environmental assessment. This requirement has now been removed.
Tree trimming and removing trees for maintenance or public safety will also not require an EIA.
Resort developments
For new tourist resort or hotel projects, some facilities will not need an EIA report.
These include warehouses, accommodation buildings, and communication towers built within resort developments.
Who manages the regulation?
Before the amendment, the Environmental Protection Agency was responsible for implementing and monitoring the EIA rules.
Under the new regulation, this responsibility has been transferred to the Environmental Regulatory Authority.
Concerns about the environment
Some environmental groups have raised concerns about the changes.
They say road construction projects and the removal of large trees could harm the environment if environmental assessments are not carried out.
When EIAs are still required
Some development projects will still need an EIA report.
When this is required, the project must submit an environmental decision to the relevant ministry before starting work.
If the ministry decides that a project could cause serious environmental damage, it has the authority to stop the project from going ahead.
Photo: Ongoing road construction
