July 17, 2008 at 11:39 am · Filed under Biodiversity, EIA Process, Marine Life
Since time immemorial artisanal coral sand extraction or mining from local beaches and lagoons, mainly for construction purposes, has been a common practice in the Maldives. However, within the last four decades the Maldives has been experiencing a massive boom in the construction of cement houses and high-rise concrete buildings. Up to late 1980s, almost all the cement houses and buildings were built with coral sand and coral aggregates from local beaches and lagoons. In the late 1980s, imports of river sand and aggregates from India started to replace coral sand and coral aggregates in the construction of high-rise buildings.
extraction-of-coral-sand-from-lagoon.jpg
“UNEP’s field mission found that artisanal extraction of coral sand from lagoons (manually using sacks was evident at nearly all the islands visited. UNEP witnessed uncontrolled coral sand exploitation, and visual evidence indicates that coral sand extraction has increased since the tsunami.” (Maldives Post-Tsunami Environment Assessment Report)
India has over the years allowed the exports of these commodities to the Maldives under a special arrangement which has placed an exception on those commodities which are otherwise prohibited to be exported from India. Last year 300,000 MTs of river sand and 270,000 MTs of aggregates were allowed to be imported to Maldives from India. However, post tsunami reconstruction boom associated with developing more resorts have created a shortage of river sand. Thus the price of river sand rose from around RF490 (US$38) per ton to RF900 (US$70). Furthermore, the recent hike in prices of oil in the international market has increased the transportation costs of these commodities as well.
In 2008, India has increased the limit on export of construction materials – river sand by 30 per cent and stone aggregate by 95 per cent – to Maldives. However, the prices of river sand and aggregates have not come down.
Since most of the outer islands in the Maldives have no easy access to river sand and aggregates, the people have to get these commodities from Male’ region, and it’s too expensive to transport these commodities due to lack of a proper inter-island transport network. Poor islanders are left with no choice but mine coral sand from their own beaches even though it is prohibited.
In order to reduce the coral sand extraction from the local beaches and lagoons, it is imperative to make river sand and aggregates available nation-wide, of course, with subsidised prices, and also make available coral sand extracted during harbour dredging, in different sizes and qualities, that could be use for construction purposes.
What is ironic is that coral sand has been mined from some islands for the post tsunami reconstruction, further making these islands more vulnerable for erosion, sea level rise and storm surges. Even though sand extraction is prohibited from beaches of inhabited islands, it has been witnessed that the Government and internationals donors funded some projects involving extraction of coral sand.
non-artisanal-beach-mining.jpg
Non-artisanal beach mining of Seenu Feydhoo’s southern side beach with the help of the Government earth moving vehicle to expand Feydhoo’s cemetry.
Photo: www.oursda.org
According to the “Maldives Post-Tsunami Environment Assessment Report” published by UNEP, ” A review of sand mining regulations from other countries that are less vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges than the Maldives, France, UK, Japan, Netherlands and USA indicates sand mining in those countries is restricted to depths greater than 10m and at minimum distance from shore of 600 metres (See, e.g., www.seafriends.org.nz/oceano/seasand.htm). It is not known if the restrictions placed on beach sand mining in the Maldives have been assessed to determined their ability to protect islands from increased vulnerability.”
If coral sand mining along with other forms of coastal modification continues at the present rates, some of islands in the Maldives would be eroded due to these unwise activities. The coastal degradation caused by such undesirable activities have to be countered through protective measures that cost millions of dollars such as concrete coastal defence structures like the one around Male’. Uncontrolled sand mining has caused severe beach erosion in islands such as Fuvahmulah, and costly remedies in the form of coastal walls are in the pipeline.
extraction-of-coral-sand-from-beach.jpg
“Although official statistics shows dramatic reductions in the total volumes of sand and coral extracted this may be due to the under-reporting of a now-illegal activity rather than a substantial reduction in demand.” (Maldives Post-Tsunami Environment Assessment Report)
It is pathetic that some of the islands might be erased from the map of Maldives because of our local actions much before forecast sea level rise due to global warming. If not for India’s river sand and aggregates, some of the islands might have already vanished through unreported illegal excessive mining of coral sand from the local beaches and lagoons. With the special arrangement, India is helping to save our islands from erosion by providing a substitute to coral sand and coral aggregates. One could argue that a part of India’s carbon emission could be traded off with this generous gesture to its low-lying neighbour, the Maldives.
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5 Comments »
1.
Verena said,
July 17, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Another hot-topic by Bluepeace, great!
We all know how expensive the Seawall around Male’ was, where reefs have been sacrificed for land reclamation (I have figures of US$ 14 million to protect 1,52km of shore). That’s a value of USD 9000 per linear meter (Edwards, 1989).
Now check this out:
Berg et al. (1998) give a detailed analysis of the replacement costs following years of CORAL MINING in Sri Lanka. The average cost varies between USD 246,000 and USD 863,000 per kilometer of protected coastline!!!
Bali, Indonesia: USD 1 million for 500m of coastline protection!!! (Cesar, 1996).
A hotel in West Lombok: USD 880,000 (over 7 yrs period) to restore their beach stretch of around 250m, allegedly damaged by past coral mining. (Riopelle, 1995)
The Maldives should learn out of these, and their own (!!) experience.
Especially because people live so close to the water and depend on their beaches (and reefs, by the way).
This is really alarming.
Nobody likes my idea of a * GREEN PARTY * in the Maldives? =)
Cheers!
2.
Ibrahim said,
July 18, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
This is the reason for us to change our development attitude towards sustainable development. Precautionery principle needs to be adopted before severe damages are done. However the visionary politicans are sleeeping over with these issues. Actually our construction industry needs to make some sacrifices and in selected bigger islands we need to develop multi storey flats for local people and rent them in an affordable manner. This will prevent wastage on building and construction and minimise land wastage. The government must get a loan from a donor and develop such a housing scheme in islands for population consolidation. Sadly we are still undermining the lack of land resources and having a vision of reclamation instead of going vertical to make best use of the scarce land we have. Reclamation is not a solution interms of cost benefit ratio and for a longterm as irreversible environmental damages are possible. For instance isalnds in Addu do not need reclamation if a better housing scheme is developed. Im sure to develop such a housing scheme is cheaper than reclamation and the protection needed for these reclaimed lands. Many reclaimed lands especially in Thinadhoo of GDh and Hithadhu of Addu are not liveable due to their vulnerability to rain induced monsoonal flooding. Hence,such a plan can have the advantages of building more safe and hazard resistance shelters with much convineinet facilities, and making it more affordable to poor islanders. Additionally making the impact on environment and carbon foot print less.
3.
Ibrahim said,
July 18, 2008 @ 11:13 pm
And we need a green party as Verena said. With all kinds of parties coming up its high time we realize environment has become the new agenda of politics. Soon politicians will have to face the dilemma of environmental issues to maintain their foot on ploitical ground.
4.
Ahmed said,
July 19, 2008 @ 12:17 am
I think the international community will be shocker as how the father of environment(Gayoom) is conducting things around his own turf in Maldives. When he exaggerates the extinction factor on the effects of developed countries. How much damage is his development project causing the destruction of our little nation. Something maybe his reform minister kutti can think about reforming.
5.
RAMACHANDRA BHATTA said,
July 19, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
It makes an economic sense to go for coral mining for settlements by the poor households in the absence of access to expensive imported river sands. Although such coral sand mining has enermous ecological damage value and also investement in the construction of alternative sea wall for beach conservation, it is more a social cost and the individual household pays only a small part of such social cost. It looks like a problem of tragedy of commons. We must go for some economic -institutional system to avoid such damage.
Showing posts with label Enviornment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Enviornment. Show all posts
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday, October 22, 2007
Energy and Global Warming
Testimony from the Republic of Maldives to US House of representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
Mr Amjad Abdulla
Assistant Director General of the Maldives Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water.
18 October, 2007
Mr Chairman, Distinguished Representatives,
May I begin this morning by thanking you for the invitation to offer testimony to this important gathering. I am honored to share the floor today with the noted human rights activist Mr
Martin Luther King III. In 1963 his father, the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered one of the most powerful speeches of the twentieth century. Addressing the need for social and political justice he said and I quote “We have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now!”
Today Mr Chairman I come before you to speak about the immediate and farreaching
impacts of global climate change. I come to explain that for the Maldives this global phenomena represents a crisis that threatens our very existence. For us, and for other vulnerable communities around the world, failure to address this threat will have devastating consequences for human rights, homes, livelihoods, and ultimately human lives.
I have come to this hallowed spot to ask you for your political, economic and
moral leadership to address climate change. I have come to tell you that if
you overlook the urgency of this moment it will result in the death of the
Maldives and the loss of vulnerable communities around the world.
Mr Chairman, Distinguished Representatives, Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and the fundamental challenge of the 21st century. Moreover, it is not just an environmental
challenge nor a scientific thesis; it is first and foremost a human issue. It is already adversely impacting individuals around the planet, due to alterations in ecosystems, and increased incidence of natural disasters. These impacts have been observed to be intensifying in frequency and magnitude.
The reports by the International Panel on Climate Change have established a
clear scientific consensus and left us in no doubt of challenge we face. Global warming is real, accelerating and human induced. Moreover, the publication of the Stern Review by the eminent former World Bank economist Sir Nicholas Stern, has demonstrated that unchecked
climate change would trigger a global recession of enormous proportions, turn 200 million people into refugees, and precipitate the largest migration in modern history, as their homes succumbed to drought or flood.
As a small island states we in the Maldives are immediately and particularly vulnerable to even small changes to the global climate. In recent months we in the Maldives experienced tidal surges on an unprecedented scale. Never in our documented history has so many islands been flooded over simultaneously and to such an extent. These surges were a grim reminder of
the devastating tsunami of 2004 and a dangerous warning of future impacts. Even today rising ocean temperatures, coupled with the acidification caused by greenhouse gases, threaten our prized coral reefs. These reefs are the mainstay of the tourism and fisheries industries and the heart of our economic development. Our highest point is little more than 2 meters or 6 feet above sea level. As we look to the horizon we fear that rising sea-levels threaten to inundate our
land and submerge the entire nation.
We are rising to meet this challenge as best we can. Our work focuses on adaptation; international negotiation; public diplomacy; and the human dimension of global climate change.
On adaptation we have moved to protect our vital infrastructure including our airports. We have invested in securing our utilities and fresh water supplies. Efforts have continued to strengthen flood defenses, particularly with the development of the innovative tetrapods in Male.
We have worked to raise public awareness and promote behavioral change, both with Maldivians as well as with the large numbers of tourists who visit the country every year.
And finally, the “safe island zone” concept aims to identify particularly
vulnerable communities and relocate them to places where their security will
be less threatened and where they can build their livelihoods.
With regard to mitigation our own carbon footprint is minimal, however we
are a vocal advocate for a comprehensive framework to replace the Kyoto
Treaty.
Internationally, we are leading an initiative in cooperation with other small
island states entitled “The Human Dimension of Global Climate Change”.
This initiative is designed to put people back at the heart of this issue and
highlight the threat climate change poses to human rights and human lives.
We will convene a conference in the Maldives on 13 November and I would
be pleased to elaborate on this further during your questions.
Mr Chairman, Although the impact of climate change is going to be felt first in vulnerable
countries such as the Maldives and other low-lying states, it does not end
with us. The immediate and far-reaching threats reach into every nation,
every community, and every neighborhood on the planet.
If we are to avoid the devastating impacts of climate change the major
economies must take the lead.
Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions presents the greatest
opportunity to preserve the prospects for future prosperity, and further delay
risks irreparable harm to sustainable development.
We therefore urge the Congress to take the lead on reducing emissions and
stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that would restore the
balance of the Earth’s climate system.
Technological innovation throughout our economic system from energy and
transport to construction will be pivotal. Our political system needs to
encourage greater incentives for investment in clean technologies and public
regulations to support innovation.
We therefore urge the Congress to provide an appropriate framework to
support an energy revolution in the United States.
Mr Chairman,
During the past two decades we have looked for signs of progress, but too
often we have seen a lack of leadership at the international level. We believe
this trend is changing. In 2007 we see the signs of renewed dynamism and
determination.
Speaking in London in July, the President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom, more than two decades of climate change advocacy. He said there
has been a great deal of expectation but ultimately too many missed
opportunities. In concluding his speech he said and I quote “Let us say
enough of expectation and promises – it is time to deliver. Enough of
hesitation, it is now time for bold leadership”.
We thank the Committee for your invitation today, and we encourage you
strengthen your leadership and maintain your current momentum.
Thank you
Mr Amjad Abdulla
Assistant Director General of the Maldives Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water.
18 October, 2007
Mr Chairman, Distinguished Representatives,
May I begin this morning by thanking you for the invitation to offer testimony to this important gathering. I am honored to share the floor today with the noted human rights activist Mr
Martin Luther King III. In 1963 his father, the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered one of the most powerful speeches of the twentieth century. Addressing the need for social and political justice he said and I quote “We have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now!”
Today Mr Chairman I come before you to speak about the immediate and farreaching
impacts of global climate change. I come to explain that for the Maldives this global phenomena represents a crisis that threatens our very existence. For us, and for other vulnerable communities around the world, failure to address this threat will have devastating consequences for human rights, homes, livelihoods, and ultimately human lives.
I have come to this hallowed spot to ask you for your political, economic and
moral leadership to address climate change. I have come to tell you that if
you overlook the urgency of this moment it will result in the death of the
Maldives and the loss of vulnerable communities around the world.
Mr Chairman, Distinguished Representatives, Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and the fundamental challenge of the 21st century. Moreover, it is not just an environmental
challenge nor a scientific thesis; it is first and foremost a human issue. It is already adversely impacting individuals around the planet, due to alterations in ecosystems, and increased incidence of natural disasters. These impacts have been observed to be intensifying in frequency and magnitude.
The reports by the International Panel on Climate Change have established a
clear scientific consensus and left us in no doubt of challenge we face. Global warming is real, accelerating and human induced. Moreover, the publication of the Stern Review by the eminent former World Bank economist Sir Nicholas Stern, has demonstrated that unchecked
climate change would trigger a global recession of enormous proportions, turn 200 million people into refugees, and precipitate the largest migration in modern history, as their homes succumbed to drought or flood.
As a small island states we in the Maldives are immediately and particularly vulnerable to even small changes to the global climate. In recent months we in the Maldives experienced tidal surges on an unprecedented scale. Never in our documented history has so many islands been flooded over simultaneously and to such an extent. These surges were a grim reminder of
the devastating tsunami of 2004 and a dangerous warning of future impacts. Even today rising ocean temperatures, coupled with the acidification caused by greenhouse gases, threaten our prized coral reefs. These reefs are the mainstay of the tourism and fisheries industries and the heart of our economic development. Our highest point is little more than 2 meters or 6 feet above sea level. As we look to the horizon we fear that rising sea-levels threaten to inundate our
land and submerge the entire nation.
We are rising to meet this challenge as best we can. Our work focuses on adaptation; international negotiation; public diplomacy; and the human dimension of global climate change.
On adaptation we have moved to protect our vital infrastructure including our airports. We have invested in securing our utilities and fresh water supplies. Efforts have continued to strengthen flood defenses, particularly with the development of the innovative tetrapods in Male.
We have worked to raise public awareness and promote behavioral change, both with Maldivians as well as with the large numbers of tourists who visit the country every year.
And finally, the “safe island zone” concept aims to identify particularly
vulnerable communities and relocate them to places where their security will
be less threatened and where they can build their livelihoods.
With regard to mitigation our own carbon footprint is minimal, however we
are a vocal advocate for a comprehensive framework to replace the Kyoto
Treaty.
Internationally, we are leading an initiative in cooperation with other small
island states entitled “The Human Dimension of Global Climate Change”.
This initiative is designed to put people back at the heart of this issue and
highlight the threat climate change poses to human rights and human lives.
We will convene a conference in the Maldives on 13 November and I would
be pleased to elaborate on this further during your questions.
Mr Chairman, Although the impact of climate change is going to be felt first in vulnerable
countries such as the Maldives and other low-lying states, it does not end
with us. The immediate and far-reaching threats reach into every nation,
every community, and every neighborhood on the planet.
If we are to avoid the devastating impacts of climate change the major
economies must take the lead.
Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions presents the greatest
opportunity to preserve the prospects for future prosperity, and further delay
risks irreparable harm to sustainable development.
We therefore urge the Congress to take the lead on reducing emissions and
stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that would restore the
balance of the Earth’s climate system.
Technological innovation throughout our economic system from energy and
transport to construction will be pivotal. Our political system needs to
encourage greater incentives for investment in clean technologies and public
regulations to support innovation.
We therefore urge the Congress to provide an appropriate framework to
support an energy revolution in the United States.
Mr Chairman,
During the past two decades we have looked for signs of progress, but too
often we have seen a lack of leadership at the international level. We believe
this trend is changing. In 2007 we see the signs of renewed dynamism and
determination.
Speaking in London in July, the President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom, more than two decades of climate change advocacy. He said there
has been a great deal of expectation but ultimately too many missed
opportunities. In concluding his speech he said and I quote “Let us say
enough of expectation and promises – it is time to deliver. Enough of
hesitation, it is now time for bold leadership”.
We thank the Committee for your invitation today, and we encourage you
strengthen your leadership and maintain your current momentum.
Thank you
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