CROSSROADS Maldives receives historic recognition for biodiversity conservation

CROSSROADS Maldives, the integrated leisure and lifestyle destination under Group of Singha Estate PCL, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by being officially recognised as an official candidate for Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) by the Ministry of Climate Change candidate for preserved biodiversity areas by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives. This milestone marks it as the first and only project by a Thai company to achieve such a prestigious recognition.

An OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure) refers to areas other than nationally protected areas that contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity, as defined under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These areas are managed by a diverse range of stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, local communities, private sector organisations, and government agencies.

In line with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology's guidelines, to be recognised as an OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure), an area must meet these criteria: It must not be designated as a protected area under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act or its related regulations. The area should showcase rich biodiversity, be actively managed, and foster the sustainable use of natural resources. Additionally, it should support local cultural, economic, social, or community values where applicable. Crucially, all activities within the area must safeguard biodiversity and preserve ecosystem services.

Spanning 1.75 million square metres, CROSSROADS Maldives has been approved by the Maldives authority as an official preserved biodiversity area, also recognised as an OECM candidate site. This recognition underscores CROSSROADS Maldives’ key role in SHR’s sustainable development strategy, contributing to the global 30x30 Initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of the planet’s biodiversity by 2030. It underscores the project’s proactive efforts to conserve marine ecosystems through collaboration with local communities, conservation organisations, and government bodies, generating lasting positive impacts for both the environment and surrounding communities.

CROSSROADS Maldives exemplifies excellence in sustainable development with these unique qualifications:

Coral Conservation Success: One of CROSSROADS’ standout initiatives is the coral conservation programme, which includes activities such as coral shading research, water quality surveys, and coral propagation. These efforts have delivered remarkable results, with the coral area expanding from 1,300 sqm to over 8,000 sqm between 2018 and 2023— an increase of more than 500%.

Rich Marine Biodiversity: The area supports a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins and 23 species classified as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Dolphin Sanctuary and Community Engagement: The project is also recognised as a dolphin sanctuary, with 7,851 dolphins recorded during 246 dolphin trips in recent years. The initiative includes collaborations with local operators to provide day tours, dolphin-focused classes with local schools, and dolphin identification research projects with nearby islands.

To preserve the biodiversity around the project, CROSSROADS Maldives enforces stringent regulations, including support for local sustainable fishing, restrictions on motorised water sports, and feeding of marine life, alongside mooring restrictions and speed limits for watercraft.

Pivotal to CROSSROADS Maldives’ marine conservation efforts is its Marine Discovery Centre. A dedicated team of marine biologists offers expert guidance on sustainable operations and educates guests and local communities on preserving the Maldives’ unique ecosystems.

Maldives Discovery Centre, an immersive and complimentary educational hub, welcomed over 2,000 students from 33 schools across 37 visits last year, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Nestled within the stunning Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Malé International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is the Indian Ocean's first and only multi-island integrated leisure destination. It features three award-winning resorts owned and operated by companies under Group of Singha Estate PCL. — SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives—along with The Marina @CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle hub.