Baa Atoll

Declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011, Baa Atoll finds itself in an enviable and elite list of other international biosphere reserves such as the Galpagos Islands, the Sunderbans of India and Ayer’s Rock in Australia to name a few. Covering an area of approximate 1,200km sq, it houses some of the richest coral systems of the world. A tiny bay known as Hanifaru, attracts hordes of manta rays and whale sharks during specific periods of the year, a phenomenon that draws thousands of tourists from all over the world. The sustainable existence of the natural reef system along with the development of local communities in conjunction with the thriving tourism was the critical parameter for anointing Baa Atoll to this prestigious status.