Environment Ministry signs MOU with CROSSROADS Maldives by S Hotels and Resorts Under Singha Estate to support OECM recognition

BANGKOK, THAILAND - S Hotels and Resorts PCL (SET: SHR), the international hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL (SET: S), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy to preserve this idyllic island nation’s natural environment, share knowledge about the importance of conservation, and support CROSSROADS Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity in an area covering 3.15km² – about 31% of the total project size – as part of an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) programme.

Under the theme “Empower Minds, Foster Growth,” a major ceremony was staged at CROSSROADS Maldives. It was attended by senior dignitaries from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy, including Honourable Deputy Minister Hassan Mohamed, Permanent Secretary Mr. Ajwadh Mustafa, and Director Mr Muhusina Abdul Rahman, accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Education, and the Maldives Marine Research Institute. They were joined by senior executives from S Hotels & Resorts, including CEO Mr. Michael Marshall and marine scientist Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, the project leader, along with 20 students from various schools across the archipelago.

The MoU will see S Hotels & Resorts play a key role in achieving the shared environmental objectives of S Hotels & Resorts and the Maldivian Government, including knowledge sharing, capacity building and support of OECMs – a conservation approach outside official protected zones. At the heart of this programme will be the Marine Discovery Centre, CROSSROADS Maldives’ innovative environmental and educational hub which features a state-of-the-art laboratory and undertakes critical projects such as coral propagation and breeding & release programmes for endangered species, and the Maldives Discovery Centre, which strives to protect the rich history, culture and arts & crafts that define the cultural identity of the Maldivian people.

Education is a key aspect of this MoU, and the 20 students invited to the signing ceremony were also given the opportunity to visit these pioneering conservation and heritage centres, where the programme was officially launched with information about coral restoration, biodiversity and culture. Future campaigns will be aimed at spreading knowledge among a wider range of social groups and ages, from children to seniors, including efforts to help communities better understand the ecosystem and how they interact with it.

This marks the latest phase in CROSSROADS Maldives’ partnerships with local schools. Since its inception in 2019, this integrated resort has invited more than 1,800 students from neighbouring islands to learn about conservation. Every aspect of this ground-breaking development is interwoven with its commitment to environmental and cultural preservation, including the use of solar panels to harness renewable energy. This dedication to sustainable practices helped CROSSROADS Maldives earn Green Globe™ Certification in 2023.

We are delighted to sign this MoU with our highly esteemed partners at the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy. At CROSSROADS Maldives, we have always strived to protect the local environment and promote the livelihoods of the Maldivian people. Under this landmark agreement, we pledge to provide technical assistance, in-kind support and engage in outreach programmes for public education and awareness. This collaboration will also strengthen our position as an OECM and, in turn, contribute to the sustainable development of the Maldives. Mr. Michael Marshall, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts

I would like to congratulate CROSSROADS Maldives on their conservation and awareness work through the Marine Discovery Centre. Awareness and outreach play a pivotal role in preserving the biodiversity of the Maldives. As remarked by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Muiz at the 28^th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change: ‘In our island nation, every coral, every grain of sand, every fish, and every palm tree carry value.’ Education programmes, community engagement initiatives, and partnerships between local communities, businesses, and government bodies are essential in creating a united front against the challenges posed to the Maldives’ biodiversity. With initiatives like the MoU signed today, we are taking positive steps toward creating a more aware and resilient community. Honourable Deputy Minister Hassan Mohamed of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy

This OECMs project is the important part of S Hotels & Resorts’ long-term commitment to being a nature-based solution organisation and is aligned with the COP 28 direction that aims to protect precious marine ecosystems and increase key biodiversity areas by 30% by 2030.

For more information about S Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

About S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry's leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities. To learn more, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn.

Lalita Somboonsuk (Ta)
Corporate Marketing Communications Manager
S Hotels & Resorts