Large development projects in the Maldives must undergo an environmental impact assessment and approval process.
Method
We discuss a preliminary analysis of 1207 reports that assessed the extent to which environmental, social, health and mental well-being impacts were considered.
Results
The assessments focused heavily on physical environmental impacts, and mental well-being was not considered in most assessments.
Conclusion
We recommend the Maldives authorities develop a social impact assessment matrix that includes impacts on mental health. Implications for future assessment protocols are discussed.
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