The Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF) Board held a meeting on 22 July 2013 to discuss the proposed 2013/2014 BACF Grants Programme, identifying key priority areas for supporting community initiatives, conservation, sustainable livelihoods, environmental awareness and education across Baa Atoll.

As part of its deliberations, the Board established US$15,000 (MVR 231,300.00) as the maximum grant amount that could be awarded under the BACF Grants Programme. The grant ceiling provided a framework for supporting a range of initiatives while ensuring that grant assistance could reach different communities and sectors across Baa Atoll.

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods

Under the livelihoods component, the Board identified the following areas as eligible for grant support:

Conservation and Protection of Natural Resources

Recognising the importance of protecting Baa Atoll’s biodiversity and natural resources, the Board identified grant opportunities in conservation and environmental management, including:

Awareness, Research and Education

The Board also identified awareness raising, research and education as important areas for BACF grant support. Among the priorities was support for projects aimed at increasing awareness of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, its values and conservation objectives.

The decisions taken at the 22 July 2013 Board meeting established an important framework for the early BACF Grants Programme, providing communities and organisations with opportunities to develop initiatives contributing to sustainable livelihoods, conservation, environmental awareness and the long-term objectives of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.