National Conference on Declaring Maldives a Biosphere begins

The First National Stakeholder Conference on Declaring Maldives a Biosphere has commenced in Bandos Island Resort.

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik said in his speech at the ceremony, that the project can only be successful with the cooperation of Maldivian citizens and their representatives.

“Such things cannot be accomplished by the government alone. The government can show leadership and provide assistance. This can only be achieved with the cooperation of the people, the councils and organisations that represent the people, and economic stakeholders,” he said.

The President said that the launch of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve shows that this can be accomplished.

Agreements were signed today for the maintenance of Baa Atoll Biosphere reserve, with Liveaboard Association of Maldives, Sonevafushi Resort, Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Reethi Beach Resort, two diving schools and a safari boat.

The President thanked the private groups that joined the government in the maintenance of the Baa Atoll Biosphere.

He announced the Baa Atoll Biosphere Fund Board’s decision to spend MVR100,000 of the money collected by the fund, on educating the citizens of Baa Atoll.

Minister of Environment and Energy Mariyam Shakeela and Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Abdullah Majid also spoke at today’s ceremony.