Male’, Maldives, 12 October 2026 – CROSSROADS Maldives has achieved a major environmental milestone after a 1.71-square-kilometre marine area within the destination was officially recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy.
The recognition marks an important step in the destination’s long-term sustainability strategy and contributes to wider national efforts to protect marine biodiversity while supporting responsible tourism development.
Located within Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll, the recognised area forms an important ecological corridor alongside three resorts at CROSSROADS Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives.
OECMs are areas outside conventional protected zones that are managed in ways that deliver effective, long-term conservation of biodiversity. At CROSSROADS Maldives, the area is overseen by a dedicated OECM management unit working alongside local communities, private-sector partners and government agencies.
At 1.71 square kilometres, the CROSSROADS site is currently the largest recognised OECM in the Maldives, supporting the protection of important marine and coastal ecosystems.
Since the development of CROSSROADS Maldives in 2019, conservation has remained a core part of its operational approach. The destination combines environmental protection with controlled recreation, responsible use and impact mitigation, supported by monitoring tools including drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS systems.
Marine surveys within the conserved area have recorded more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species. The lagoon also provides important nursery and feeding grounds for 24 species listed on the IUCN Red List.
Among the species recorded are the Hawksbill Turtle, Ornate Eagle Ray, Bowmouth Guitarfish, Giant Guitarfish and Scalloped Hammerhead, alongside other shark species and sea turtles. The area also protects an important migration route for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, with sighting probabilities reported at up to 86%.
Chairath Sivapornpan, CEO of Singha Estate, said the recognition demonstrates how conservation can be integrated into development from the outset.
“The recognition of CROSSROADS Maldives as an OECM demonstrates that integrating nature into business decisions from the outset can deliver measurable results,” he said.
He added that biodiversity remains a vital asset and a foundation for long-term value, noting that the designation supports the global 30×30 conservation target, which seeks to protect 30% of the planet’s land and ocean areas by 2030.
At S Hotels & Resorts, the milestone also reinforces the company’s broader sustainability strategy.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, said conservation is embedded within the organisation’s day-to-day operations rather than treated as a separate initiative.
“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,” he said.
He noted that continued biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection and engagement with guests and local communities will remain key priorities as the group builds on its conservation efforts.
The designation is expected to create long-term value for local communities, nearby islands, government agencies, researchers, guests and investors.
It will also support the protection of popular dive sites such as Emboodhoo Canyon, while creating opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to participate in marine conservation initiatives.
The OECM recognition further positions CROSSROADS Maldives as an example of how large-scale tourism development can integrate biodiversity conservation, scientific monitoring and sustainable use while contributing to the long-term protection of the Maldives’ marine environment.
