CROSSROADS Maldives OECM Recognition Advances Marine Conservation

CROSSROADS Maldives OECM Recognition marks a major conservation milestone for the Indian Ocean destination. A 1.71 square kilometre area has been officially recognised as an Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measure. The Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy granted the status. Learn more on the official CROSSROADS Maldives website.

CROSSROADS Maldives is the flagship project of S Hotels and Resorts, part of Singha Estate and the Boon Rawd Brewery Group. The step supports CROSSROADS Maldives marine conservation and the country's wider push for sustainable tourism.

What the CROSSROADS Maldives OECM Recognition Covers

The conserved area forms an ecological corridor next to resorts within the destination. These include SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives. It spans part of Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll.

It is the largest recognised OECM area in the Maldives. OECMs contribute to long term conservation of biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. A CROSSROADS management unit runs the site with local communities, private organisations and government agencies.

Marine Life and Monitoring at the OECM

The destination has prioritised measurable results since 2019. Drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS monitoring support compliance and transparency. The site has more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species.

It also serves as a nursery and feeding ground for 24 species on the IUCN Red List. Critically Endangered species recorded there include the Hawksbill Turtle, Ornate Eagle Ray, Bowmouth Guitarfish, Giant Guitarfish and Scalloped Hammerhead. The area also protects a migration route for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. Sighting probabilities reach 86%.

What Singha Estate and S Hotels Said

Chairath Sivapornpan is CEO of Singha Estate. He said that bringing nature into business decisions from the start can deliver measurable results. He added that the recognition is another step toward the global 30x30 target.

Michael Marshall is CEO of S Hotels and Resorts. He said conservation is part of how the company operates. He called the recognition a milestone in its sustainable development strategy and its aim to protect 30% of key biodiversity areas.

Long Term Value for Communities and Researchers

The recognition should benefit local communities, nearby islands, government partners, researchers, guests and investors. It will help protect dive sites such as Emboodhoo Canyon. It also opens opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to take part in marine conservation.

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