Effectiveness of environmental management and mitigation measures - The Addu city reclamation case
Type:
Presented during:
CEDA Dredging Days 2024
Authors:
E. Fonias, E. van Eekelen, A.K. Shanavas and M. van Miltenburg
Abstract
Dredging and reclamation projects have the potential to pose significant impacts on the ecosystems in the footprint of the newly created areas and the ecosystems adjacent to them. Nevertheless those impacts can be minimized when proper environmental management through mitigation measures is adopted throughout the course of the project, from preparation to completion. Addu City dredging and reclamation project is a great example of a project where novel construction methodologies were implemented and environmental challenges have been successfully addressed. The project's main scope has been the creation of over 200 Ha of climate resilient land (Figure 1) to support housing of local population and touristic development. Proper enclosure of the footprints, relocation of corals and seagrass (at pilot level) prior to the reclamation process, and thorough monitoring of sediment impact in the nearby marine protected areas during dredging and reclamation are exemplary of the management approach applied that was aimed at conducting the reclamation works in this sensitive area with minimal environmental impact. The effectiveness of such actions is directly visible in the reef health of Addu atoll after the completion of the works.
Keywords: Environmental management, coral, seagrass, monitoring, reclamation