President launches UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Office and Baa Atoll Conservation Fund

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed today launched the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Baa Atoll Conservation Fund and officially opens the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office. The event took place at a special ceremony held in Baa Atoll Eydhafushi.

Baa Atoll which includes Hanifaru, an area world renowned for sighting whale sharks and manta rays, was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as it meets the necessary criteria.
The Baa Atoll Conservation fund is a collaborative effort between the Global Environment Facility and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Many tourist resorts in Baa Atoll have pledged to donate to the fund, which will finance projects to conserve the environment in Baa Atoll as well support livelihood activities.

The newly established Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is situated in Eydhafushi, the capital island of Baa Atoll. The office is mandated with managing and developing the biosphere reserve. The office will function under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

In her address, the Minister of Environment and Energy Dr. Mariyam Shakeela remarked that Baa Atoll which has obtained the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a source of national pride to Maldivians. She called for all Maldivians to support in the management of the Biosphere Reserve.

In the ceremony, on behalf of the Global Environment Facility, Ms. Azusa Kubota from UNDP handed over a cheque worth 250,000 US dollars to the fund. On behalf of the government of Maldives, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mr. Ismail Shafeeq handed over a cheque for 50,000 US dollars. The cheques were received by the Minister of Environment and Energy Dr. Mariyam Shakeela.

Abdul Mumin Adam, Member of Baa Atoll Council delivered the welcome address at the ceremony. Mr. Abdullahi Majeed, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy delivered the vote of thanks.

Baa Atoll was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve during the 23rd session of the MAB-ICC held from 28th June to 1st July 2011, in Dresden, Germany.

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