The Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF) held its inaugural Board of Directors meeting on 7 November 2012, marking a significant milestone in establishing a dedicated mechanism to support conservation and sustainable development in Baa Atoll. The meeting was attended by 13 participants representing 10 stakeholder organisations.

Established on 19 April 2012 as a Trust Fund under the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the BACF was created to provide financial support for conservation and sustainable development initiatives within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.

A key decision of the inaugural Board meeting was the allocation of USD 100,000.00 (MVR 1,542,000.00) as grants to support conservation and sustainable development initiatives in Baa Atoll providing an important initial financial foundation for community and conservation-focused activities under the BACF.

The approval of the first grant allocation marked an important step in translating the establishment of the BACF into practical support for initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, while creating opportunities for stakeholders and communities to participate in conservation and sustainable development.

The inaugural Board meeting therefore stands as an important milestone in the history of the BACF, establishing the Fund’s early role in mobilising financial resources to support conservation, community engagement and sustainable development across Baa Atoll.