The Maldives has reached a significant milestone in its national conservation efforts with Soneva Jani becoming the first site in the country to receive official recognition as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure, or OECM.
The recognition underscores the growing importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to conservation, highlighting that effective, long-term biodiversity protection can take place both within and beyond traditionally designated Marine Protected Areas.
OECMs provide an important mechanism for the Maldives to advance its commitment to the global 30x30 conservation target, which seeks to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. In the Maldivian context, the approach supports sustainable, community-driven and effective management models that can contribute to biodiversity conservation while allowing compatible activities to continue.
The OECM Recognition is a prestigious accolade for organisations that demonstrate exceptional conservation efforts, sustainable practices and measurable conservation benefits through sustained management.
The recognition of Soneva Jani as the first resort in the Maldives to receive the designation reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening conservation and demonstrates the importance of finding a balance between environmental protection and the hospitality sector.
The award also serves as a testament to the commitment of organisations that implement long-term management practices capable of delivering measurable conservation outcomes.
Separately, the OECM Supplier Recognition Program, or SRP, recognised the work and dedication of Supplier Partners in 2025 for providing consistent and exceptional service while supporting customer success. The programme is designed to encourage long-term performance improvements by motivating Supplier Partners to continue delivering savings, value, choice and quality service to customers.
The 2025 Supplier Recognition Program introduced an evaluation methodology that moved from a score-based system to a criteria-based approach, placing greater emphasis on Environmental, Social, Governance and Indigenous, or ESGI, factors. Indigenous engagement was also incorporated as a key element of strategic alignment.
For the Maldives, however, the official OECM recognition awarded to Soneva Jani marks a notable step in expanding the country’s conservation framework and recognising effective biodiversity protection initiatives beyond conventional protected areas.
