In recognition of the outstanding natural values of Baa. What is is UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
atoll, and the commitments being made by local communities and resorts, the AEC project proposes international designation of Baa Atoll as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) coordinates a world network of over 500 Biosphere Reserves in 105 countries. These are sites recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programm
e, which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They include such famous sites as Ayer’s Rock in Australia, the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, the Niagara escarpment, the Sundarbans of India, and the Amboseli National Park of Kenya. Biosphere Reserves have three key functions: conservation, learning and research, and sustainable development. They are vehicles for knowledge-sharing, research and monitoring, education and training, and participatory decision-making. Biosphere Reserves are under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas regionally and internationally within the world network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves are “living laboratories” for testing and demonstrating sustainable development. They are therefore about the future, and how local people can conserve the things they value – local knowledge, culture and the environment – whilst ensuring sustainable development. In other words, the designation is about encouraging and facilitating people to work together, to live in and manage the whole area for a sustainable future.
Ciò che è è Riserva della Biosfera dall'UNESCO? UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scienza e la Cultura) coordina una rete mondiale di oltre 500 Riserve della Biosfera in 105 paesi. Questi sono i siti riconosciuti ai sensi dell'UNESCO dell'uomo e il programma della Biosfera, che innovano e dimostrano approcci alla conservazione e allo sviluppo sostenibile. Essi comprendono tali siti famosi come Rock di Ayer in Australia, le zone umide del Pantanal del Brasile, della scarpata Niagara, le Sundarbans dell'India, e il Parco Nazionale Amboseli del Kenya. Riserve della Biosfera hanno tre funzioni fondamentali: la conservazione, l'apprendimento e la ricerca, e lo sviluppo sostenibile. Essi sono veicoli per la condivisione delle conoscenze, la ricerca e il monitoraggio, l'istruzione e la formazione, e la partecipazione al processo decisionale. Riserve della Biosfera sono sotto giurisdizione sovrana nazionale, ma condividono la loro esperienza e le idee regionale e internazionale all'interno della rete mondiale delle Riserve della Biosfera. Riserve della Biosfera sono "laboratori viventi" per la sperimentazione e la dimostrazione dello sviluppo sostenibile. Sono quindi per il futuro, e come le persone locali possono conservare le cose che apprezzano - conoscenza locale, della cultura e dell'ambiente - garantendo nel contempo uno sviluppo sostenibile. In altre parole, la designazione è di incoraggiare e facilitare le persone a lavorare insieme, a vivere e gestire l'intera area per un futuro sostenibile.
Was ist, ist UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat? UNESCO (United Nations Educational die, Wissenschaft und Kultur) koordiniert ein weltweites Netzwerk von über 500 Biosphärenreservate in 105 Ländern. Das sind Websites, unter UNESCO-Man and the Biosphere Programme erkannt, die innovativ und zeigen Ansätze zur Erhaltung und nachhaltigen Entwicklung. Dazu gehören so bekannte Websites wie Ayers Rock in Australien, der Pantanal-Feuchtgebiet von Brasilien, der Niagara Böschung, den Sundarbans von Indien und den Amboseli Nationalpark in Kenia. Biosphärenreservate haben drei Schlüsselfunktionen: Erhaltung, Lernen und Forschung und nachhaltige Entwicklung. Sie sind Fahrzeuge für den Wissensaustausch, Forschung und Monitoring, Bildung und Ausbildung, und partizipative Entscheidungsfindung. Biosphärenreservate sind unter nationalen Hoheitsgewalt, noch ihre Erfahrungen und Ideen regional und international in das Weltnetz der Biosphärenreservate. Biosphärenreservate sind "lebende Laboratorien" für die Prüfung und Nachweis der nachhaltigen Entwicklung. Sie sind daher über die Zukunft, und wie Menschen vor Ort können die Dinge, die sie schätzen zu sparen - lokales Wissen, Kultur und Umwelt - bei gleichzeitiger Gewährleistung einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung. In anderen Worten, ist die Bezeichnung zu fördern und die Menschen zu erleichtern, zusammen zu arbeiten, zu leben und das ganze Gebiet für eine nachhaltige Zukunft zu verwalten.
11/06/2026
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund met with the newly elected President of Baa Kamadhoo Council, Mr. Hassan Zareer, and his team, together with representatives of the Women's Development Committee.
The meeting focused on strengthening and further developing existing partnerships in support of the conservation and sustainable management of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve and the the importance of working closely with all stakeholders to advance conservation initiatives, enhance community participation within the island and the wider Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
11/06/2026
Representatives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund met with the newly elected President of Kihaadhoo Council, Mr. Mohamed Ayaz, and his team, together with representatives of the Women's Development Committee.
In addition to discussions on conservation and sustainable development, the importance of working closely with local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to promote awareness initiatives, the meeting placed special emphasis on preserving Kihaadhoo’s cultural heritage and traditional skills. Participants explored opportunities to revive the island’s fading art of thatch weaving, recognizing its cultural significance and potential role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and community identity. Key environmental concerns raised in the meeting included waste management and island erosion, with discussions focusing on collaborative approaches to addressing these challenges
11/06/2026
Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund has met with the newly elected President of Secretariat of the Kudarikilu Council, South Maalhosmadulu Mr. Abdulla Yaameen, and his team, together with representatives of the Women's Development Committee.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two parties, while discussing continuity on the work already underway and Baa BR branding for promotion for local tourism.
11/06/2026
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office successfully concluded its Outreach Programme held to mark this year's World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with a final session held at Baa Kendhoo School.
A total of 50 students participated in the session, which was conducted under the BR Schools Programme—an initiative launched in early 2026 to strengthen environmental awareness and engagement among students and teachers across Baa Atoll.
The interactive session focused on the importance of conservation efforts and protected areas, the ecological value of mangroves, the impacts of ocean plastics, and the significance of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in protecting our unique natural heritage.
Designed for students from Grade 7 and above, the BR Schools Programme combines classroom-based learning with planned field visits throughout the atoll, providing valuable hands-on experiences that deepen understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Baa Kendhoo School, Baa Atoll School Baa Maalhohu School B. Dhonfanu School along with their dedicated staff and students, for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the programme. Together, we can inspire the next generation to protect and preserve the natural treasures of Baa Atoll for years to come.
11/06/2026
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office successfully concluded its Outreach Programme to mark this year's World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with a final session held at Baa Atoll Kendhoo School.
A total of 50 students participated in the session, which was conducted under the BR Schools Programme — an initiative launched in early 2026 to strengthen environmental awareness and engagement among students and teachers across Baa Atoll.
The interactive session focused on the importance of conservation efforts and protected areas, the ecological value of mangroves, the impacts of ocean plastics, and the significance of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in protecting our unique natural heritage.
Designed for students from Grade 7 and above, the BR Schools Programme combines classroom-based learning with planned field visits throughout the atoll, providing valuable hands-on experiences that deepen understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Baa , Baa Atoll School , Baa Maalhohu School and B. Dhonfanu School their staff, and students for their active participation and enthusiasm.
Together, we can inspire the next generation to protect and preserve the natural treasures of Baa Atoll for years to come.
10/06/2026
Representatives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and Baa Atoll Conseervation Fund met with the newly elected President of Baa Kendhoo Council, Mr. Ahmed Shan , members of the Council, and representatives of the Women's Development Committee.
Discussions in the meeting focused on opportunities to establish partnerships that promote public awareness, strengthen community involvement, and support sustainable development, helping to protect the environmental and social benefits of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve for present and future generations.
10/06/2026
As part of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office’s ongoing Outreach Programme and in celebration of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, the Biosphere Reserve (BR) Team successfully conducted an awareness session at Baa Atoll School, Dharavandhoo, under the BR Schools Programme. This initiative, launched in early 2026, aims to strengthen environmental awareness and engagement among students and teachers across the atoll.
The interactive sessions highlighted the importance of conservation efforts and protected areas, the ecological value of mangrove ecosystems, the impacts of ocean plastics, and the significance of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in safeguarding the atoll’s unique natural heritage.
Designed for students from Grade 7 onwards, the BR Schools Programme combines classroom-based learning with planned field visits throughout the atoll, providing participants with practical, hands-on experiences that complement their environmental education.
A total of 43 students participated in the session, demonstrating keen interest and enthusiasm in learning about environmental conservation and sustainable stewardship of Baa Atoll’s ecosystems.
09/06/2026
Representatives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and Baa Atoll Conseervation Fund met with the newly elected President of Baa Dharavandhoo Council, Mr. Ali Sameeh Ibrahim, members of the Council, and representatives of the Women's Development Committee.
Given Dharavandhoo’s important role as the main gateway to the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in support of the conservation and sustainable management of the area and the wider Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. The meeting also highlighted the importance of working closely with local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to promote conservation initiatives.
09/06/2026
Representatives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund met with the newly elected President of Baa Dhonfanu Council, Mr. Ibrahim Saamih, and members of his team.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation in support of the objectives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Discussions focused on fostering partnerships and collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing conservation efforts, sustainable development, and community engagement throughout the atoll.
09/06/2026
As part of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office’s ongoing Outreach Programme and in celebration of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, the BR Team successfully conducted an awareness session at Dhonfanu School under the BR Schools Programme.
Launched in early 2026, the BR Schools Programme aims to enhance environmental awareness and foster greater engagement among students and teachers across Baa Atoll. During the session, students learned about the importance of conservation initiatives, protected areas, mangrove ecosystems, the impacts of ocean plastics, and the role of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in protecting the atoll’s unique environment.
Targeting students from Grade 7 and above, the programme combines classroom-based learning with planned field visits, providing opportunities for participants to gain practical knowledge and firsthand experience in conservation and environmental stewardship.
A total of 27 students participated in the session, demonstrating keen interest and enthusiasm in learning about the natural heritage of Baa Atoll and the importance of preserving it for future generations.