This is a Category B project as per IFC’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability.

Key E&S risks and issues associated with this project include: (a) company's capacity to formulate and implement an integrated environment, health and safety management system (ESMS) that meets IFC PS 1 requirements and good international industry practices (GIIPs) in the project implementation; (b) status of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and relevant E&S Management Plans (ESMPs) (construction and operational phase) for the: 1) Maldives branch line and Segment 1 of the global SMW6 submarine cable system and 2) any domestic cable line expansion sub-projects, its quality or relevant plans for its development, including qualifications of the consultants; (c) assurance of fair, safe and healthy working conditions including occupational health and safety (OHS) in compliance with local regulatory requirements in company and consortium operations; (d) compliance to international conventions/agreements and host country regulations that are applicable to construction and operation of SMW6 international submarine cable project, permit conditions and assure compliance; (e) identification, mitigation and management of risks and impacts on marine biodiversity along the international submarine core and branching line alignment through the project life cycle; (f) assessment and mitigation of impacts, if any, on fishermen and other marine or land based livelihoods near the branching line landing site at Hulhumale; (g) community health, safety and security including exposure to electrical and magnetic field (EMF) radiation and (h) stakeholder engagement and community grievance redress mechanism.