BR Stakeholder Meeting 3
The third BR monthly meeting was held yesterday (8 October 2014) at Eydhafushi and the meeting was attended by 8 representatives from the following stakeholder organizations; Reethi Beach Resort, Sonevafushi, Maldives Police Services, Baa Atoll Council, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and Baa Atoll Conservation Fund.
As was the case in the last meeting a presentation was given the BR Team on activities undertaken during the month of September / October.
The participants also discussed issues relating to Enforcement of Protected Area Guidelines, issues faced and how action is taken at present.
The other important issue highlighted in the meeting was the need for more resorts to sign up as partners of the Biosphere Reserve.
It was concluded that the next meeting would be held in late November.
BACF Grants to be awarded on 4th November
Grants from Baa Atoll Conservation Fund are to be handed over at a ceremony to be held in Eydhafushi on 4th November 2014.
A total of 7 projects earlier had been approved as recipients from this cycle of grants by Baa Atoll Conservation Fund Board in its 4th meeting.
The Minister of Environment and Energy Mr.Thoriq Ibrahim will be attending the function together with his Deputy Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Didi.
Baa Atoll Council together with the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office is organizing the function with the assistance from Baa Atoll Eydhafushi Council.
BACF Grants Ceremony postponed
The event to mark BACF Grants Awarding Ceremony has been postponed from 4th November to 6th November 2014.
The ceremony had to be postponed as the Environment Minister Mr.Ibrahim Thoriq was unable to function on the said date.
It is now confirmed that the ceremony would be held on 6th November at 21.00hrs at Eydhafushi.
BACF Grant Letters Awarded
The awarding of grants from Baa Atoll Conservation Fund was held on 5th November at Eydhafushi at a function held at the Munti-purpose Building Hall and the
grantees were handed over the Award Letters by the Minister of Environment and Energy Mr.Thoriq Ibrahim.
The following projects were handed over the Grants Award letters:
1. Introduction and Training Program on Hydroponics.
Project by Dharavandhoo Development Cooperative Society (Livelihood, Education/Awareness).
2. Training Course on Outboard Engine Repair and Maintenance
Project by FEYLI of Eydhafushi (Livelihood).
3. Save Turtle Forum
Project by: Kendhoo School (Education /Awareness, Conservation).
4. Kihaadhoo Goes Organic
Project by: FAAM Foundation of Kihaadhoo (Education/Awareness, Livelihood).
5. Erection of Monument
Project by: Kudarikilu Council (Livelihood).
6. Eco friendly fertilizer production
Project by Maalhos Women’s Development Committee (Livelihood).
7. Training Course on Lacquer Works
Project by: Thulhaadhoo Council (Livelihood).
The three focal areas which BACF in its Call for proposals aims to deliver benefits are in the areas of:
1. Program for the protection, conservation and management of biological and natural resources, biodiversity and nature protection in Baa Atoll,
2. Livelihood improvement program for Baa Atoll residents, focusing on projects that are in line with sustainability and atoll ecosystem conservation policies,
3. Research, awareness raising and education program, focused on protection, conservation and management of biological and natural resources, biodiversity and nature protection in Baa Atoll.
At total of 26 proposals were received by Baa Atoll Conservation Fund upon its Invitation for Call for proposals and the BACF Board in its 4th meeting approved 7 proposals as recipients of grants from BACF upon its Invitation for Call for proposal for this cycle of grants from BACF.
The purpose of the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF) is to co-finance activities that ensure that Baa Atoll is a world class model of atoll ecosystem conservation in accordance with its designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011.
The objectives of the Biosphere Reserve are:
• Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage of Baa Atoll
• Promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of Baa Atoll by local communities and visitors
• Supporting the sustainable development of Baa Atoll, including fishing, tourism and the economic and social interests of those who live and work in the area.
This function held at Eydhfushi were attended by representatives from Baa Atoll Council, Island Councils, Women’s Development Committees, NGOs and from the resort industry as well.
