Dusit Thani Maldives Hotel, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Baa Atoll as a biosphere reserve, Maldives, harbors globally significant biodiversity in its numerous reefs and demonstrates a long history of human interaction with the environment. Covering approximately 139,700 ha of coastal/marine areas, the site is representative of the Maldives’ high diversity of reef animals, with stony and soft corals, reef associated fish species, marine turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. In addition to its 12,170 inhabitants, some 350,000 tourists visit the biosphere reserve annually. As part of a Global Environment Facility (GEF) project, the site has great potential for demonstrating sustainable development throughout the Maldives and the region, while relying on a green economy.
Hanifaru Bay which is known locally as Vandhumaafaru Adi is thought to be one the few places in the world where whale sharks congregate in to mate although recent research suggests otherwise with the vast majority of the whale sharks seen there being young males. The bay is however regularly sees some of the largest gatherings of Manta rays worldwide with up to one hundred individuals in the small inlet when the tide pushes plankton into the bay.
The designation of Baa Atoll as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in June 2011 was a significant achievement for the Maldives. placing it in the company of world famous sites such as Komodo island in Indonesia, Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) in Australia and the Galapagos Islands.