Soneva Jani became the first resort in the Maldives to receive OECM status.

      A private resort in the Maldives has received such recognition for the first time, demonstrating that a responsible attitude towards nature and premium tourism can work productively together.

      The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy of the Maldives has granted the Soneva Jani resort the status of OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures). Previously, no resort in the country had received such recognition. This elevates Soneva to the forefront of the national plan to achieve the 30×30 goal—one of the key commitments of the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework, which aims to conserve at least 30% of land, freshwater, and the ocean by 2030.

      OECM is awarded to areas that are not formally designated as protected natural areas but are managed in a way that ensures the long-term conservation of biodiversity directly in its natural habitat. In the case of Soneva Jani, the OECM covers an area of 0.41 square kilometers on the eastern coast of Medhufaru Island. It includes a beach strip, coral reef, and mangrove thickets. The attainment of this status followed a year of extensive research work. The Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives team conducted ecological monitoring, mapping, and data collection and systematization on local ecosystems and species. The project received support from the Waitt Foundation, while operational collaboration was provided by the Soneva Jani team.

      The OECM area is particularly significant for nature conservation. It is home to dozens of species of marine animals, birds, and plants, including green turtles and bis, which are endangered. Mangrove ecosystems and wetlands also play a crucial role. They protect the coastline from erosion, sequester carbon, regulate water balance, and provide connectivity between different natural habitats. Their contribution extends far beyond the resort, helping to combat climate challenges on a global scale.

      “Nature conservation and the hospitality industry are often perceived as competing spheres,” comments Neil Gallagher, CEO of Soneva. “However, the recognition of Soneva Jani proves the opposite: when conservation work is carried out systematically and consistently, tourism and environmental care can exist in symbiosis.”

      The OECM status implies long-term commitments. The certificate is valid for five years, after which it is subject to review. During this period, the resort will conduct annual ecological monitoring and provide reporting. “Environmental protection in the Maldives should not be a formality,” emphasizes Dr. Johanna Leonhardt, Director of Operations at Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives. “The new status obliges us to annually confirm the effectiveness of the chosen management model with specific data. Our main task is to maintain the achieved level and demonstrate that the tourism industry can not only not weaken but enhance the results of conservation efforts.”

      The recognition of Soneva Jani becomes an important precedent, setting a new benchmark for the global premium hospitality industry. It clearly demonstrates that with the right prioritization, tourism can not compete with environmental initiatives but rather contribute to their long-term implementation.