CROSSROADS Maldives has received official recognition for a 1.71-square-kilometre area within the destination as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy. The recognition marks a significant milestone in the destination’s conservation efforts and supports the Maldives’ wider commitment to protecting nature while advancing sustainable tourism development. The conserved area forms an important ecological corridor alongside three resorts within CROSSROADS Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives.
Recognised by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, OECMs are areas that support the long-term conservation of biodiversity outside traditional protected areas. The sites are managed by the CROSSROADS OECMs management unit in collaboration with local communities, private sector organisations and government agencies.
Spanning 1.71 square kilometres across a designated area of Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll, the CROSSROADS OECM is the largest recognised OECM area in the Maldives, supporting the conservation of the lagoon’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
From its inception in 2019, the destination has prioritised measurable conservation outcomes by balancing conservation, controlled recreation, sustainable use and impact mitigation. Drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS monitoring ensure compliance and transparency across the conserved area. As a result, the site supports a rich and diverse coral ecosystem, with more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species recorded It also serves as a nursery and feeding ground for 24 species listed on the IUCN Red List, including Hawksbill Turtle, Ornate Eagle Ray, Bowmouth Guitarfish, Giant Guitarfish and Scalloped Hammerhead, all classified as Critically Endangered (CR) and recorded within the CROSSROADS OECM area, alongside other shark species and sea turtles. The OECM also safeguards a key migration route for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, with sighting probabilities reaching 86%.
Mr. Chairath Sivapornpan, CEO of Singha Estate, said: “The recognition of CROSSROADS Maldives as an OECM demonstrates that integrating nature into business decisions from the outset can deliver measurable results. In biodiversity-rich destinations, development should begin with understanding and preserving nature’s intrinsic value for the long term.
At Singha Estate, we work closely with experts, government agencies, partners, and local communities to align business growth, tourism, and conservation. We see biodiversity as a vital asset and foundation for long-term business value. This OECM recognition reflects our ongoing commitment and marks another step towards the global 30×30 target, reinforcing our ambition to create lasting value for business, nature, society, and local communities across every destination in which we operate.”
At CROSSROADS Maldives, this commitment is strongly reflected in the day-to-day management of the destination, supported by continuous monitoring, research and collaboration with local and national partners.
“For us at S Hotels & Resorts, conservation is not something that sits alongside our operations, it is part of how we operate,” said Mr. Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts. “The recognition of CROSSROADS Maldives as an OECM is a significant milestone in SHR’s sustainable development strategy and our commitment to protecting 30% of key biodiversity areas. It demonstrates that our long-term efforts to understand, protect and restore the marine ecosystem around us are delivering meaningful results. From monitoring biodiversity and safeguarding critical habitats to engaging our guests and local communities, every action contributes to this commitment. This recognition is both a testament to what we have achieved and a motivation to go further, strengthening our conservation efforts and creating lasting value for people, nature and the destinations where we operate.”
The recognition is expected to create long term value for a broad range of stakeholders, including local communities, nearby islands, government partners, researchers, guests and investors. Beyond strengthening marine conservation and supporting sustainable resource use, it will help protect important dive sites such as Emboodhoo Canyon and create opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to engage in marine conservation, contributing to the long-term protection of the country’s marine ecosystems.