OECMs: A new paradigm for area-based conservation

Subject :Environment

Section: International conventions

Context:

Area-based conservation, including protected area management and ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs), is a crucial and often debated component of the Global Biodiversity framework.

What is an OECM?

The term ‘other effective area-based conservation measure’ describes a geographic site, which is not within a protected area, that delivers long-term biodiversity conservation under equitable governance and management.
OECMs can be governed by a variety of rights holders and actors including Indigenous peoples and local communities, government agencies, as well as sectoral actors, private organizations, and individuals.

Origin of the concept of OECMs:

The term first appeared in 2010 within the Aichi Biodiversity Targets—global conservation goals established by the CBD as part of a strategic plan to conserve biodiversity.
In 2018, an official definition was adopted.
OECMs can be found referenced alongside protected areas as a key approach to biodiversity conservation in the draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Difference between OECMs and protected areas:

Protected areas

OECMs

Protected areas are designated and managed with a primary conservation objective in mind, such as preserving habitat for endangered species. Their core function is to promote the conservation of biodiversity within a given site.

Protected areas currently cover 15.7% of the world’s land and fresh water, and 8.2% of oceans.

OECMs are defined as managed areas that deliver effective conservation of biodiversity within a given site, regardless of whether that is the goal.
For example, a sacred natural site with high biodiversity value may be conserved due to its cultural or religious significance. The objective in this case is not biodiversity conservation, but it is still a result of conserving the site.
Some OECMs do list biodiversity conservation as a primary objective, and either cannot or do not want to seek protected area status.
The OECM framework recognizes that conservation outcomes are possible outside protected areas, and the people involved in the governance of those natural resources should be valued, respected, and supported.

What type of lands are included under OECMs?

OECMs may occur in public, individual private lands, community lands, and Indigenous territories.
Examples of OECMs include set-asides within agricultural systems, conserved water catchments, locally managed marine areas, and other high conservation value areas.
The process of identifying OECMs across different situations may differ in practice.
The OECM framework considers that the identification of OECMs in areas within the territories of Indigenous peoples and local communities should be on the basis of self-identification and with their free, prior, and informed consent.
Recognition of and support for the sites should better acknowledge their significant contribution to conservation and customary sustainable use of biodiversity in terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Indigenous rights, knowledge, and institutions must always be respected.