Soneva Jani has been formally recognised by the Maldives' Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), the first such designation...
Soneva Jani has become the first resort in the Maldives to be officially designated as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM). Located on the island of Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll, the resort is renowned for its expansive private lagoon and innovative overwater villas. This new status, granted by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, covers 0.41 square kilometers of reef, beach, and mangrove habitats. The recognition aligns with the global 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of the planet’s natural environments by 2030.
The protected zone serves as a vital sanctuary for threatened species, including nesting sites for critically endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. Following a year of rigorous ecological assessment, the designation mandates ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure long-term biodiversity outcomes. By integrating conservation directly into its operational model, the resort aims to demonstrate that luxury tourism can effectively support and sustain essential environmental protection.
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Reported by Visit Maldives
Curated by the Resortlife editorial team from publicly reported sources. Image courtesy of Visit Maldives.
