Biosphere Reserve Office

Biosphere Reserve Office

The Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Office, operating under the Ministry of Environment and Energy, was officially inaugurated in the capital of Baa Atoll, Eydhafushi, by President Dr. Mohamed Waheed on 13 June 2012.

Mandate

The Office is mandated to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Biosphere Reserve Strategy, which is structured around three interrelated programmes:

  • Conservation Programme
  • Learning and Research Programme
  • Livelihoods and Sustainable Development Programme

Core Responsibilities

The Biosphere Reserve Office undertakes the following key tasks:

Promotion and Awareness

  • Develop promotional materials, manage the official website, and organize promotional events to enhance the visibility of the Biosphere Reserve
  • Ensure effective public relations through engagement with local communities, visitors, resorts, and national organizations

Partnership and Coordination

Engage, coordinate, and provide support to local, national, and international partners—both governmental and non-governmental—to maximize support for the implementation of the Biosphere Reserve Strategy.

Advisory Board and Task Forces Support

Serve the Advisory Board and any task forces it may establish, including the organization of meetings, preparation of papers and recommendations, recording of minutes, and implementation of their guidance.

Collaboration with the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF)

Cooperate with the BACF to achieve maximum synergy in attaining the objectives of the Biosphere Reserve, including the preparation and development of project proposals.

Support to Civil Society

Provide assistance to the development of non-governmental organizations working in alignment with the objectives of the Biosphere Reserve.

Through these efforts, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Office ensures the effective implementation of its strategy, fostering conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement in line with UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme principles.