CROSSROADS Maldives has achieved a major environmental milestone after a 1.71-square-kilometre area within the integrated leisure destination was officially recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, strengthening the country’s efforts to protect marine biodiversity while advancing sustainable tourism development.
Located within Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll, the newly recognised conservation area is the largest OECM designated in the Maldives. The area forms an important ecological corridor adjacent to three internationally recognised resorts within CROSSROADS Maldives — SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives — further integrating environmental stewardship into one of the country’s leading tourism developments.
CROSSROADS Maldives is the flagship project of S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate and part of the Boon Rawd Brewery Group. Developed as an integrated leisure destination, CROSSROADS brings together premium hospitality, dining, recreation, retail and marine experiences within close proximity to Malé and Velana International Airport. Since opening in 2019, the destination has increasingly incorporated environmental monitoring, marine conservation and sustainable resource management into its operations.
OECMs are areas that deliver long-term and effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside conventional protected-area frameworks. At CROSSROADS Maldives, the designated area is managed through a dedicated OECM management unit working with government agencies, specialists, private-sector organisations and local communities. The recognition reflects the Maldives Government’s broader commitment to strengthening marine conservation frameworks while supporting responsible and sustainable growth within the tourism sector.
The conserved area supports a highly diverse marine ecosystem, with more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species recorded. It also provides nursery and feeding habitats for 24 species included on the IUCN Red List. Critically endangered species recorded within the area include the Hawksbill Turtle, Ornate Eagle Ray, Bowmouth Guitarfish, Giant Guitarfish and Scalloped Hammerhead, alongside other shark species and sea turtles.
The waters surrounding CROSSROADS Maldives also form an important migration corridor for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, with sighting probabilities reported at up to 86%. Conservation management is supported by technologies including drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS monitoring, helping the destination monitor activity, protect sensitive habitats and maintain transparency across the designated area.
Singha Estate Chief Executive Officer Chairath Sivapornpan said the OECM recognition demonstrates how integrating nature into business decisions from the beginning can generate measurable long-term results. He said the company works with experts, government agencies, partners and communities to align tourism growth with biodiversity conservation, viewing natural ecosystems as an important foundation for sustainable economic and social value.
S Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Michael Marshall said conservation is integrated into the company’s daily operations rather than treated as a separate activity. He said the recognition represents an important milestone in the company’s sustainable development strategy and reflects years of work in monitoring biodiversity, safeguarding critical habitats, restoring marine ecosystems and engaging guests and communities in conservation.
The OECM recognition is expected to generate long-term benefits for nearby island communities, government partners, researchers, visitors and investors while supporting the sustainable use of marine resources. The designation will also strengthen protection for important marine areas including Emboodhoo Canyon and provide further opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to participate in marine research and conservation.
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