Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office has stated that they will begin implementing the newly drafted Olhugiri Management Plan. Olhugiri Management Plan was formulated as part of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere.
Olhugiri is located on the south of Baa Atoll. It is the habitat of a nocturnal lodging for 'maahoara' seabirds from Kaashidhoo channel. In addition Olhugiri is also a breeding ground for endangered turtles and the existence of ancient trees and indigenous vegetation on both sides of the islet. It was considered a part of the Baa Atoll biosphere reserve in 2011. The island is also famous for being abundant with medicinal herbs as well. Before being protected as part of the biosphere reserve, the island was used for agricultural purposes by farmers of Thulhaadhoo Island and Hithaadhoo Island.
Since being protected, farmers or anyone wanting access to the island has to obtain a special permit, according to Biosphere Reserve Office. Outreach officer at Biosphere Reserve Office, Shaafy Ali stated that Olhugiri is an island known for its natural environment which makes it appropriate for agricultural purposes. The Biosphere Reserve Office stated that similar to the management of Hanifaru, they have drawn up and are now in the final stages of taking over the management of Olhugiri. However, the Office stated that the management plan of Olhugiri would slightly be different than others which were formulated as part of the biosphere reserve plans.
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is located in the central western part of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The atoll is situated just north of the Kashidhoo Kandu channel, which geographically divides the northern chain of atolls. It supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, and acts as a stepping stone for the transport of planktonic larvae of reef organisms from the western and eastern Indian Ocean. The reserve is home to a globally significant biodiversity among its numerous reefs and demonstrates a long history of human interaction with the environment.
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve comprises 75 islands, 13 of which are inhabited by a population of approximately 12,000 people.