Balancing progress and well-being: Assessing impacts on mental well-being from development initiatives in the Maldives.

This article examines the extent to which environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for large development projects in the Maldives consider mental well-being alongside environmental, social, and health impacts. An analysis of 1,207 EIA reports from 2015 to 2023 revealed that while physical environmental impacts were thoroughly addressed, mental well-being was rarely mentioned, with only one report briefly acknowledging its importance. The study highlights a disconnect between urban development planning and mental health considerations, recommending that Maldivian authorities develop a social impact assessment matrix inclusive of mental health factors and provide training for EIA consultants. This research underscores the need for integrated policies that balance economic development with socio-environmental and mental health well-being in the Maldives.