Crossroads Maldives has been declared a candidate for the “Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures” (OECM).

OECMs are nationally identified protected areas under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. They involve conservation of natural resources and sustainable management, and are overseen by a variety of stakeholders including Government agencies, private companies and public organisations.

Crossroads Maldives, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Sinha Estates Group, has already been designated as a biodiversity area. The new recognition further strengthens its role in environmental conservation.

According to the guidelines published by the Maldivian authorities, areas considered for OECM status must not fall under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act or its regulations. Instead, they must function as continuous reservoirs of natural resources with rich biodiversity.

Crossroads Maldives stated that being named an OECM candidate underlines the project’s commitment to protecting the marine ecosystem. It noted that this work is carried out in collaboration with local communities, non-governmental organisations and Government agencies.