The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office in Eydhafushi offers a fascinating glimpse into the conservation efforts protecting one of the Maldives’ most ecologically significant regions. As the administrative and educational hub for the UNESCO-designated reserve, the office coordinates research, community outreach, and sustainable development initiatives across the atoll, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2011 in recognition of its outstanding natural values.

First-year Bachelor of Marine Science students recently visited the office to learn about the rich biodiversity of the atoll-including its famous Hanifaru Bay, where reef manta rays and whale sharks gather in spectacular numbers each year from May to November—and the ongoing work to balance tourism with environmental preservation. The bay, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, is subject to strict regulations limiting the number of boats and snorkelers permitted at any one time, with rangers patrolling the zone and fees funding community grants. The office also supports marine education programmes in local schools and hosts research conducted by organisations such as the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme. For the visiting CFOS, MNU students, the experience provided a tangible example of how scientific research, community engagement, and policy enforcement converge to protect one of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments, and how the next generation of marine scientists might contribute to that mission.