Audit raises questions over integrity in the management of Baa Atoll Environmental Protection Fund

An audit report has raised concerns over the integrity and management of the Baa Atoll Environmental Protection Fund, which oversees conservation efforts in the atoll’s protected areas.

The environmental audit, released last Thursday, found that although the "Baa Atoll Conservation Trust Fund" was established to collect, manage, and spend revenue from the atoll’s biosphere reserve, it has not been promoted effectively, managed sustainably, or used systematically to implement conservation projects.

The report noted that regular board meetings were not held, budgets were not approved, and there was no evidence of efforts since 2012 to raise funds to grow the trust.

Public access to expenditure and other fund information is also limited; the fund’s website does not provide all required details, including those required in its annual report.

“This could undermine public confidence in the way the fund is managed and adversely affect its transparency and integrity,” the report said.

It recommended that these issues be addressed promptly.

The fund’s board comprises six members, representing the Baa Atoll Council, Local Government Authority, Ministry of Environment, Environmental Regulatory Authority, Baa Atoll resorts and Liveaboard Association, and the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office, along with the fund’s Managing Director.

Baa Atoll is home to 14 natural or protected sites. The trust receives revenue from public and tourist entry fees to Hanifaru Bay, fees from dive centres entering protected areas, state budget allocations, and support from international organizations.