Highlights

Overview

Our Researches

Dashboard

Coral Bleaching

Tourist
Attraction

Community
Projects

Testimonial

Gallery

Project Highlights

CROSSROAD PROJECT

Protecting 23 endangered species

Project Highlights

GUARDIANS OF THE REEF

Home to 3 species of turtles and 215 species of fish

Project Highlights

REEF A LIFE

31 genera of hard corals

Project Highlights

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Sanctuary for 3 species of dolphins and whales

OVERVIEW

What is OECMs

What is crossroad project

History

Benefits

OECMs mean “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measurements” OECMs aim to achieve sustainable conservation of biodiversity through the management and governing of areas that are outside of the traditional protected area. Thus, OECMs are usually under a range of governance and management regimes implemented by several different stakeholders, such as private entities or indigenous people, rather than being under only government regulation.

OUR RESEARCHES

January

Febuary

March

April

June

January

Preparation for the OECMs ecological survey by dividing the reserve into zone along with plotting the points to be used in surveys. In addition, arrange the meeting with Maldives’ EPA for the process of OECMs candidacy along with setting up identification forms for endangered marine animals. During this month, the first 3 zones, Zone 4, 5, and 6 were surveyed partially.

BIOLOGICAL DASHBOARD

How do we collect those data

This study aims to understand the diversity and health of the coral ecosystem within the designated survey areas. Alongside the coral analysis., ensuring that the findings reflect the overall health and biodiversity of the marine ecosystem in the region.

Emma Turtle

Zone 1

x 0 sp.

CORAL BLEACHING

How we study

What we did

Result

What will we do

Our study of coral bleaching started with predicting the bleaching event by using a combination of our water quality monitors to observe the change in ocean temperature of the area and follow bleaching and sea surface temperature predictions by NOAA. As the bleaching event occurred, we tracked the severity of the bleaching event by doing multiple survey dives across predetermined zones and points, tracking the magnitude of temperature change, and monitoring the animal's behaviour and migration. In addition, we deployed our coral bleach mitigation experiment to test our abilities to reduce the bleaching impact on corals. After the bleaching event, we monitored the recovery of corals and the change in the population of marine animals.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Snorkeling Location

Coral Garden

Coral Garden is located near Zone 4, known far and wide for its highly diverse coral species and forms. The garden has diverse coral species and is positioned in the shallow, making it one of the best snorkelling sites in CROSSROADS.

Coral Patch

Coral patch is a patch of corals located just outside Hard Rock café. It is easily accessible and can be visited by walking out from the beach during low tide. Coral Patch is also the site for a coral propagation program where visitors can help expand the coral reef.

Island 4

Island 4 coral reefs are located in shallow water with calm waves and are thus very suitable for snorkelling activities. Sharks and eagle rays can also be sighted in the area during snorkelling.

Canyon

Canyons are known for their large channels, caves, and strong currents, which allow for more adventurous diving. The spot is also known for its beautiful sea fans and is frequently visited by enormous fish and sea turtles.

Tuna Sculture

Tuna sculpture, the first underwater sculpture in the Maldives, serves as a location for check dives without disrupting coral reefs before visiting other sites.

Island 6

Island 6 strong current makes it well known for shark spotting, especially the rare Whitetip reef and Hammerhead sharks. The location also spotted a vibrant coral reef.

Diving Location

Dolphins

Spinner Dolphin

The Spinner Dolphin is the main species of dolphin sighted at CROSSROAD. It is known for its lively acrobatic shows and for living together in large pods. Spinner dolphins are friendly and frequently appear very close to boats.

Bottle Nose Dolphin

The Bottlenose dolphin is the second most sighted dolphin around CROSSROADS. It lives in a much smaller group than the Spinner Dolphin and is named after the similarity between its nose and a bottle.

Pilot Whale

The pilot whale is the largest regularly spotted dolphin species at CROSSROADS. It can grow as large as 6 meters long and is identified by its lack of a snout. The name came from the mistaken belief that it has an individual acting as a pod pilot.

Surfing

Surfing at CROSSROADS offers a perfect blend of warm, crystal-clear waters and consistent, world-class waves. With its stunning reef breaks, the Maldives is a paradise for surfers, providing everything from gentle swells for beginners to thrilling barrels for seasoned riders.

Cayak

The Maldives Discovery Center (MDC) is a world-class learning centre featuring exhibitions showcasing the Maldives' prosperous and pristine ecosystems and organisms and the history and culture of the Maldivian people from the past to the present.

MDC

The lagoon of CROSSROADS offers protection from the worst of the waves and winds, making it the ideal environment for kayaking. Furthermore, the lagoon is filled with marine life and beautiful, pristine water, making for an unforgettable experience.

Others

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Our community project on the island aims to empower local residents through sustainable initiatives, including eco-tourism, waste management, and marine conservation efforts. By collaborating with local schools and businesses, we strive to preserve the island's natural beauty while providing educational opportunities and economic growth for future generations.

Local School

CROSSROADS Maldives hosted several school trip events at The Marina CROSSROADS. The main focus of the school exposure trips is to provide Travel & Tourism students with essential hands-on experience in hospitality, which complements their educational modules. We emphasize sustainable tourism during these trips. To date, we have welcomed over 2,180 students from 39 schools near CROSSROADS.