Protected Birds Released
Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office in Eydhafushi together with Maldives Police Services has attended a case in relation to protected birds.
This issue was brought to the attention of BR Office by a member of the community from Eydhafushi indicating that a vessel from Raa Atoll who was in the harbor of Eydhafushi were holding captive a number of protected birds.
Once the complain was received, BR Office together with Maldives Police Services checked the vessel and found out that onboard there were 6 Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris) or locally known as Kurangi.
Kurangi / Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris) and 69 other birds was declared protected in the Maldives on 11th July 1999 under the Protection and Preservation Act, (4/93) and the capture, trade and keeping in captivity of these birds are prohibited.
The case has now been reported to Environmental Protection Agency and all the birds have now been released.
Minister attends Slow Life Symposium
The Minister of Environment and Energy Mr.Thorig Ibrahim was one of the speakers at the Slow Life Symposium organized by Sonevafushi today. The Ministers talk at the Symposium was on Resilient Reefs, Resilient Communities exploring the links between vibrant coral reef systems and thriving communities that have learned how to manage their reefs on a sustainable basis. In the Ministers talk he shared his vision for the next five years for the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve and highlighted on the challenges, obstacles and opportunities there are for this to
become a reality.
Professor Terry Hughes of James Cook University, from the Great Barrier Reef, Lida Pet-Soede from the Komodo National Park and Bruce Bromley CFO of Seoneva also were speakers at this session at the Symposium.
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.
