Article Summary:

Save Our Seas reports that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO} has declared the Baa Atoll, Maldives a World Biosphere Reserve. These are places where conservation, research and development successfully interconnect. Baa Atoll contains the now famous Hanifaru lagoon, where large numbers of manta rays and whale sharks congregate. In fact, it is the pressures caused by the increase in visitors due to these events that have brought on the implementation of protection for the area. Baa Atoll project leader, Guy Stevens says:

“This philosophy is at the heart of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Program, which is why I am confident that Hanifaru will become a place where manta rays, tourism and the local communities can, and should, all benefit from its existence. Where the road to sustainable management is a real and effective path upon which the conservation of our oceans, and its resources, can travel for the future benefit of all, forever.”