A delegation from Sri Lankan Government comprising of14 representatives, including senior officials from government agencies and partner organizations working in coral reef conservation, marine protected area management, sustainable tourism, and coastal resource management, visited the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office in Eydhafushi as part of a regional knowledge exchange initiative.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the work of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office, including its Conservation Programme, Awareness and Education Programme, and Livelihoods and Sustainable Development Programme. The team also received an overview of the nomination and designation process through which Baa Atoll became the Maldives' first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011.

As part of their visit to Baa Atoll, the delegation is scheduled to visit Hanifaru Bay to learn about the management of one of the Maldives' most significant marine protected areas. The programme also includes a visit to Thulhaadhoo Island, where the delegation will meet with the Island Council, as well as visits to three resorts in Baa Atoll that are implementing environmental conservation initiatives and sustainable tourism practices.

The delegation will also meet with representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy during their visit to the Maldives.

The regional knowledge exchange initiative focuses on sharing experiences and best practices in sustainable tourism models that support coral reef conservation, governance and management of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, innovative approaches to mobilising investments for conservation and coral-positive enterprises, coral restoration and monitoring, applied research, and opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and knowledge exchange between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The exchange programme is being held from 25–29 July 2026 and aims to foster stronger regional partnerships for the conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems.