CROSSROADS Maldives Achieves Official OECM Status, Advancing Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts’ Commitment to Marine Conservation
The designation of the Maldives’ largest OECM area demonstrates how responsible tourism can contribute to measurable conservation outcomes.
Maldives, 12 October 2026: CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s premier integrated leisure destination and flagship project of S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SHR), a hospitality arm of Singha Estate (S), part of the Boon Rawd Brewery Group, has reached a significant conservation milestone, with a 1.71-square-kilometre area within the destination officially recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM) by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy. This recognition marks an important step for CROSSROADS Maldives and the Maldives’ wider efforts to advance nature conservation alongside sustainable tourism development.
The designated area forms an important ecological corridor adjacent to three resorts within CROSSROADS Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives.
Endorsed by Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) are areas that contribute to the long term, effective, in-situ conservation of biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. These sites are managed by CROSSROADS OECMs management unit in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, private sector organisations, and government agencies.
Spanning 1.71 square kilometres across a designated area of Emboodhoo Lagoon in South Malé Atoll, the CROSSROADS OECM is the largest recognised OECM area in the Maldives, supporting the conservation of the lagoon’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
From its inception in 2019, the destination has prioritised measurable conservation outcomes by balancing conservation, controlled recreation, sustainable use and impact mitigation. Drone surveillance, underwater cameras and GPS monitoring ensure compliance and transparency across the conserved area. As a result, the site supports a rich and diverse coral ecosystem, with more than 37 coral genera and 177 reef fish species recorded It also serves as a nursery and feeding ground for 24 species listed on the IUCN Red List, including 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, alongside other shark species and sea turtles. The OECM also safeguards a key migration route for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, with 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.
At Singha Estate, we work closely with experts, government agencies, partners, and local communities to align business growth, tourism, and conservation. We see biodiversity as a vital asset and foundation for long-term business value. This OECM recognition reflects our ongoing commitment and marks another step towards the global 30x30 target, reinforcing our ambition to create lasting value for business, nature, society, and local communities across every destination in which we operate.”
At CROSSROADS Maldives, this commitment is strongly reflected in the day-to-day management of the destination, supported by continuous monitoring, research and collaboration with local and national partners.
“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. “The recognition of CROSSROADS Maldives as an OECM is a significant milestone in SHR’s sustainable development strategy and our commitment to protecting 30% of key biodiversity areas. It demonstrates that our long-term efforts to understand, protect and restore the marine ecosystem around us are delivering meaningful results. From monitoring biodiversity and safeguarding critical habitats to engaging our guests and local communities, every action contributes to this commitment. This recognition is both a testament to what we have achieved and a motivation to go further, strengthening our conservation efforts and creating lasting value for people, nature and the destinations where we operate.”
The recognition is expected to create long term value for a broad range of stakeholders, including local communities, nearby islands, government partners, researchers, guests and investors. Beyond strengthening marine conservation and supporting sustainable resource use, it will help protect important dive sites such as Emboodhoo Canyon and create opportunities for Maldivian students and researchers to engage in marine conservation, contributing to the long-term protection of the country’s marine ecosystems.
For more information, please visit https://crossroadsmaldives.com and https://protectedareas.environment.gov.mv/en/protected-areas/crossroads-potential-oecm
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About CROSSROADS Maldives
CROSSROADS Maldives, developed by S Hotels & Resorts (SHR), the hospitality arm of Singha Estate PCL, is a multi-island paradise where diverse experiences, stunning surroundings, and effortless comfort come together in one destination. Just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport and Malé, this fully integrated destination offers more than the typical resort experience, inviting guests to enjoy a variety of leisure, adventure, and lifestyle activities. The destination features three distinct resorts: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives. CROSSROADS Maldives also includes a 30-berth quay, the legendary Hard Rock Cafe, curated dining and retail options, exciting excursions, and revitalizing spa treatments. Every aspect is designed to provide an engaging and memorable holiday experience for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Developed by S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited and Singha Estate Public Company Limited, CROSSROADS Maldives blends contemporary comfort, island exploration, and seamless
convenience, redefining the way guests experience the Maldives. To learn more, visit www.crossroadsmaldives.com
About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SET: SHR), the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited (SET: S), is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities. To learn more, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
