The Maldives has long built its tourism appeal around the extraordinary beauty of its marine environment. Yet as the destination continues to develop its luxury hospitality sector, protecting the ecosystems that sustain its appeal has become an increasingly important consideration.
For CROSSROADS Maldives, that responsibility has taken on new significance following the official recognition of a 1.71-square-kilometre marine area within Emboodhoo Lagoon as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM).
Endorsed by the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the designation recognises areas that deliver long-term biodiversity conservation outside conventional protected areas. According to CROSSROADS Maldives, its designated site is the largest OECM in the country, accounting for 18.22 per cent of Emboodhoo Lagoon’s marine area.
The recognition also brings attention to the environmental responsibilities of large-scale hospitality developments, particularly those operating within ecologically sensitive destinations.
A Marine Ecosystem Worth Protecting
Located in South Malé Atoll, the designated conservation area encompasses coral reefs, underwater formations and habitats supporting a diverse range of marine species.
The lagoon forms part of an important habitat and migration corridor for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, while its reef systems support species including humphead wrasse, guitarfish, stingrays and whitetip reef sharks.
Among its notable underwater sites is Emboodhoo Canyon, where distinctive geological formations provide habitats for marine life and attract divers exploring the region’s biodiversity.
Since opening in 2019, CROSSROADS Maldives has undertaken marine monitoring and coral restoration initiatives. The destination reports the presence of 177 reef fish species and 24 rare marine species listed on the IUCN Red List within its surrounding marine environment.
These figures illustrate the ecological value of the lagoon, although the longer-term significance of the OECM designation will depend on continued conservation management and monitoring.
Where Hospitality Meets Conservation
The designated area sits alongside three hospitality properties: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives.
Rather than separating tourism from conservation, the OECM framework recognises the potential for managed marine areas to contribute to biodiversity protection while accommodating other activities.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, says the destination has worked with the Maldivian government since 2023 to align its conservation initiatives with national environmental objectives.
Supporting these efforts are marine biologists and operational teams involved in reef monitoring, coral restoration and environmental education.
For visitors, the designation adds another perspective to the familiar Maldivian experience. Guided snorkelling and marine activities offer opportunities to explore the lagoon’s biodiversity while learning about the conservation work taking place beneath the surface.
More broadly, the recognition reflects an important consideration for island tourism: the long-term value of a destination is closely connected to the health of its natural environment. For hospitality operators in the Maldives, conservation is becoming increasingly difficult to separate from the experience they offer.
