Transparency Maldives presents a brief position paper examining the existing mechanisms for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Maldives. This paper identifies critical challenges undermining the integrity and effectiveness of the EIA process, including pervasive political interference, regulatory deficiencies, and inadequate public participation. it also analyzes how corruption and political pressure compromise environmental oversight and explores organizational challenges within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Through case studies and evidence-based analysis, the paper reveals how EIAs have been reduced to procedural formalities rather than genuine environmental protection mechanisms. The findings provide actionable recommendations for strengthening EPA independence, enhancing transparency, improving public participation, and implementing alternative assessment frameworks to ensure sustainable development practices that protect the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems.