- A 1.71-square-kilometre area in Emboodhoo Lagoon has been recognised as the Maldives' largest OECM for biodiversity conservation.
- The CROSSROADS Maldives site hosts 37 coral genera, 177 reef fish species and 24 IUCN Red List species.
- Leaders from Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts emphasised integrating conservation into business operations and the global 30x30 target.
A 1.71-square-kilometre area within CROSSROADS Maldives has been officially recognised for its contribution to biodiversity conservation, becoming the largest recognised Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) area in the Maldives.
The recognition by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy covers a designated area of Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll. It supports the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems alongside tourism operations at the destination.
CROSSROADS Maldives is the flagship project of S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SHR), the hospitality arm of Singha Estate (S), part of the Boon Rawd Brewery Group. The conserved area forms an ecological corridor adjacent to three resorts: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hard Rock Hotel Maldives; and SO/ Maldives.
OECMs are areas that contribute to the effective, long-term conservation of biodiversity in its natural environment outside traditional protected areas. The CROSSROADS OECMs management unit manages the site in collaboration with stakeholders including local communities, private sector organisations and government agencies.
Since its inception in 2019, CROSSROADS Maldives has combined conservation with controlled recreation, sustainable use and measures to mitigate environmental impacts. Drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS monitoring support oversight of the conserved area.
According to the destination, more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species have been recorded at the site. The area also serves as a nursery and feeding ground for 24 species listed on the IUCN Red List.
These include 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. The site also safeguards a migration route for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, with reported 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.”
He said Singha Estate works with experts, government agencies, partners and local communities to align business growth, tourism and conservation. The company links the recognition to its contribution towards the global 30×30 target and its approach to protecting biodiversity as a foundation for long-term business value.
“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.
He described the recognition as part of SHR’s sustainable development strategy and its commitment to protecting 30% of key biodiversity areas. Conservation activities at the destination include continuous monitoring, research, habitat protection and engagement with guests and local communities.
The recognition is expected to support sustainable resource use and help protect important dive sites, including Emboodhoo Canyon. It is also expected to create opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to participate in marine conservation, alongside benefits for nearby islands, local communities, government partners, guests and investors.
