CROSSROADS Maldives gains recognition as official OECM candidate

CROSSROADS Maldives, the premier integrated leisure and lifestyle destination developed by Singha Estate Public Company Limited (PCL), has been officially recognized as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) candidate by the Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. This recognition highlights CROSSROADS Maldives' continued commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation, and marks a historic first for a Thai company operating in the Maldives.

OECMs, as defined by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), are areas that, while not formally designated as protected areas, play a significant role in the long-term conservation of biodiversity. These areas are often managed by a variety of stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, private sector organizations, government entities, and local groups, reflecting a collaborative approach to sustainable environmental stewardship.

According to guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, an area qualifies as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) if it meets several key criteria. It must not be officially designated as a protected area under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (Law No: 4/93) or its regulations. The site should exhibit rich biodiversity, be actively managed, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Further, it should support local cultural, economic, social, or community values where relevant. Most importantly, all activities conducted within the area must prioritize the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of vital ecosystem services. More information on OECMs is available on the Ministry’s official website.

Covering 1.75 million square meters, CROSSROADS Maldives has been officially approved by Maldivian authorities as a preserved biodiversity area and recognized as an OECM candidate. This designation highlights CROSSROADS Maldives’ integral role in Singha Estate’s sustainable development strategy and aligns with the global 30x30 Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s biodiversity by 2030.

CROSSROADS’s ongoing efforts to conserve marine ecosystems involve close collaboration with local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies, generating lasting environmental and social benefits for the region.

CROSSROADS Maldives continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable development through its commitment to biodiversity preservation and innovative conservation initiatives. Further, it boasts several distinctive qualifications that underscore its environmental excellence.

A cornerstone of CROSSROADS’ efforts is its highly successful coral conservation program. Since 2018, the coral habitat has expanded from 1,300 to over 8,000 square meters, an impressive growth of more than 500 percent. This achievement is the result of targeted activities including coral shading research, water quality monitoring, and active coral propagation.

The area is also home to rich marine biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of species such as dolphins and 23 marine animals listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. CROSSROADS Maldives is officially recognized as a dolphin sanctuary, having recorded 7,851 dolphins during 246 dolphin-watching excursions in recent years.

Beyond conservation, CROSSROADS actively engages with local communities through partnerships with tour operators offering dolphin-focused experiences, educational programs in local schools, and collaborative dolphin identification research with neighboring islands. These initiatives highlight CROSSROADS’ holistic approach to environmental stewardship, combining scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable tourism.

CROSSROADS Maldives stands out as a model of sustainable development, supported by a comprehensive approach to environmental management and social responsibility.

Central to its conservation efforts is a detailed Area Management Plan designed to protect local biodiversity. CROSSROADS enforces strict regulations that promote sustainable fishing practices, limit motorized water sports, and prohibit feeding marine life. In addition to this, mooring controls and speed limits for watercraft are rigorously applied to minimize ecological disturbance.

Education and community involvement play a vital role at CROSSROADS Maldives, anchored by its Marine Discovery Centre. Staffed by expert marine biologists, the centre not only guides sustainable operational practices but also educates guests and local communities on the importance of preserving the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems. In the past year alone, the Maldives Discovery Centre welcomed over 2,000 students from 33 schools across 37 visits, fostering environmental awareness among the nation’s youth.

Located within the picturesque Emboodhoo Lagoon just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport (VIA), CROSSROADS Maldives is the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island integrated leisure destination.

It features three award-winning resorts operated by companies under the Group of Singha Estate PCL: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hard Rock Hotel Maldives; and SO/ Maldives. It also includes The Marina at CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle and retail hub.