CROSSROADS Maldives receives recognition as OECM candidate

CROSSROADS Maldives, the integrated leisure and lifestyle destination under Group of Singha Estate PCL, has officially been recognized as an official candidate for Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

An OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure) is a site outside of officially designated national protected areas that still plays a significant role in conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These areas are overseen by various stakeholders, such as Indigenous communities, local populations, private organizations, and government bodies.

An area must meet the following criteria stipulated by the Environment Ministry to be classified an OECM:

• It must not be designated as a protected area under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, or its related regulations
• It should showcase rich biodiversity, be actively managed, and foster the sustainable use of natural resources
• It should support local cultural, economic, social, or community values where applicable
• All activities within the area must safeguard biodiversity and preserve ecosystem services

Maldivian authorities have officially designated 1.75 million square meters of CROSSROADS Maldives as a preserved biodiversity area, and the integrated leisure and lifestyle destination has also been recognized as OECM candidate.

This milestone marks it as the first and only project by a Thai company to achieve such a prestigious recognition.

According to CROSSROADS Maldives, the recognition highlights the vital role of CROSSROADS Maldives in SHR’s sustainable development strategy and its contribution to the global 30x30 Initiative, which seeks to protect 30% of the world’s biodiversity by the year 2030.

CROSSROADS Maldives stands as a model of excellence in sustainable development, demonstrated by these distinctive achievements and qualifications.

1. High-Resilience Biodiversity Area

• Coral Conservation Achievements
  One of the flagship initiatives at CROSSROADS Maldives is its coral conservation program, which features coral shading research, water quality monitoring, and coral propagation efforts. These measures have yielded impressive results, with the coral reef area expanding from 1,300 sqm in 2018 to over 8,000 sqm by 2023—an increase of more than 500 percent.
• Diverse Marine Ecosystem
  The site is home to a rich array of marine life, including dolphins and 23 species listed as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Dolphin Sanctuary and Community Involvement
  Recognized as a dolphin sanctuary, the area has recorded 7,851 dolphin sightings over 246 dolphin excursions. The initiative actively engages local communities through partnerships with tour operators, dolphin education sessions for schools, and collaborative research on dolphin identification with nearby islands.

2. Comprehensive Area Management Plan
To safeguard the biodiversity surrounding the project, CROSSROADS Maldives has implemented a rigorous management framework. This includes support for locally sustainable fishing practices, strict limitations on motorised water sports, and a ban on feeding marine life. Additionally, mooring restrictions and enforced speed limits for watercraft help minimise ecological disturbance and ensure the long-term protection of the marine environment.

3. Social Contribution and Education

At the heart of CROSSROADS Maldives’ marine conservation initiatives is the Marine Discovery Centre. Staffed by a team of expert marine biologists, the centre provides guidance on sustainable practices while educating guests and local communities about the importance of protecting the Maldives’ unique ecosystems.

The Maldives Discovery Centre, a free and immersive educational hub, hosted over 2,000 students from 33 schools across 37 visits last year—playing a key role in inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Nestled in the breathtaking Emboodhoo Lagoon, just a 15-minute boat ride from Malé International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island integrated leisure destination. It is home to three award-winning resorts—SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hard Rock Hotel Maldives; and SO/ Maldives—all owned and operated by companies under Singha Estate PCL. The destination also features The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle hub offering dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences.