Uligam Marina Feasibility Study
Region: Indian Ocean
Country: Maldives
Date: 1999
Funded By: Ministry of Tourism
An MEP team conducted a full feasibility study for the construction of a yacht marina on an undeveloped island in the northern Maldivian atolls. The primary aim of the study was the development of yacht tourism in the Maldives to broaden the tourism base and provide downstream economic benefits to previously undeveloped areas of the country. The team identified the most suitable marina location, design and construction plans; calculated associated capital and maintenance costs; predicted potential financial returns under different marketing scenarios; identified social, economic and environmental implications of the proposed development undertaking a full Social and Environmental Impact Assessment; and suggested a yacht tourism development plan that could maximise economic benefits to the country without compromising its environmental assets.