Crossroads Maldives has officially designated its reef area as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), recognising its contribution to marine conservation.
The OECM award was presented to the reef area within the boundaries of Crossroads Maldives resort, located in Finolhu Falhu in Kaafu Atoll , by Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef at a special ceremony held at Crossroads today.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ali Shareef highlighted the importance of environmental protection, describing conservation as a major strength of the Maldives' tourism industry. He also emphasised the expected benefits of the OECM designation for both tourism and the environment.
Designated under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the country's environmental protection and preservation legislation, the reef area covers a total of 1.71 square kilometres. Crossroads manages the area by dividing it into three distinct zones.
The area is home to a rich diversity of coral species and has recorded numerous families of reef fish. Other marine species found in the area include moray eels, ribbon eels and humphead wrasse, as well as various species of sea cucumbers that have been recorded as being at risk of extinction. The third zone of the OECM is particularly notable for its recorded diversity of grouper species.
Crossroads' efforts to advance tourism alongside environmental conservation represent a model for protecting the Maldives' marine ecosystems.