BACF grants shortlisted
The proposals received by Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF) upon its Invitation for Call for pre-proposals has been shortlisted from 26 to 10, and the shortlisted parties will be informed to submit the detailed proposal.
The focal areas which BACF 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.
BACF supports small scale projects relating to the above 3 thematic areas and priority areas of work for 2013/2014, for activities that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well-being and livelihoods, taking into consideration gender, vulnerability and equality concerns.
Grants will be made directly to civil society organizations (CSOs) with priority for national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), scientific community, women’s committees, schools, councils and resorts. Proposals from individuals are not entertained rather these proposals should come through in affiliation with any of the mentioned above.
The maximum grant amount obtainable per project is US$ 15,000 ( Two Hundred and Thirty One Thousand Three Hundred Maldivian Rufiya ) for a duration of up to 24 months.
Ilegal fishing at Hanifaru
Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office Rangers together with the Maldives Police Services attended a case of illegal fishing activity undertaken by a vessel from Raa Atoll at Hanifaru Marine Protected Area today.
As per the Hanifaru Management Plan gazetted by the Government of Maldives in 2012 it is prohibited to carry out fishing from the protected area. All fish caught by the fishermen were released as part of the action taken and the case in being looked into by the concerned authorities.
There has been numerous incidents in the past whereby activities described as prohibited has been undertaken at Hanifaru Marine Protected Area and we urge all to abide by the Hanifaru Management Plan 2012 when using the area.
Proper action will be taken against all violators of the Hanifaru Management Plan 2012 as part of strengthening, monitoring and management of the Marine Protected Area from 2014 onwards.
Environment Minister returns back from Baa Biosphere Reserve
Environment Minister Mr.Thoriq has returned Male’ today after visiting the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. During the 3 day trip to Baa he met with the General Managers of Sonevafuhsi Resort, Royal Island Resort, Reethi Beach Resort, Dusit Thani Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Cocopalm Dhunikolhu Maldives and Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
The Minister also held meetings with Baa Atoll Council, Eydhafushi Island Council and Baa Atoll Police.
During the discussions held with the parties the Minister briefed all on the issues facing in managing the Biosphere Reserve and received feedback in how to make the process better. The Minister and the visiting team which included the Director General of EPA and Baa Atoll Conservation Fund Manager also informed on the current developments in the Biosphere Reserve and the Conservation Fund.
One of the main outcome of the meetings which was held in Baa was that all stakeholders to meet once a month in Baa. In this regard it was decided that a representative from BAARU, Atoll Council, Maldives Police Service, EPA, Baa Atoll Conservation Fund and the Biosphere Reserve office in Baa should attend these planned meetings.
The first such meeting is scheduled for the end of June.
