Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs): A Paradigm Shift in Community-Based Conservation
 |
| © Prince Manamperi |
The establishment of protected areas, with a primary focus on biodiversity conservation, has often come at the
expense of excluding indigenous peoples and local communities from access to
the natural spaces and resources they have traditionally relied upon. This
exclusion has, at times, led to tensions, particularly when local communities
living in or around these areas feel marginalized in the decision-making
processes. Historically, these communities have been the stewards of their
natural environments, possessing intricate knowledge systems that contribute to
sustainable resource management. In response to this challenge, the concept of
Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) has emerged as a
transformative shift in conservation practices. OECMs offer a new way of
conserving biodiversity that recognizes and incorporates local and Indigenous
governance systems, aiming to protect biodiversity while respecting the rights
and involvement of these communities.
OECMs: A New Conservation Paradigm
OECMs represent a new paradigm in conservation that complements traditional protected areas by embracing diverse governance structures. Unlike protected areas, which are often managed by government entities and impose strict restrictions on human activities, OECMs provide more flexible and inclusive management frameworks. These can include community-driven and locally managed initiatives, such as those led by Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and private landowners. Since their introduction, OECMs have expanded rapidly, showcasing their potential to engage a broad range of stakeholders in conservation efforts.
By recognizing the value of community-led conservation, OECMs bridge the gap between conservation goals and the needs of the communities living in or around these areas. This collaborative approach holds significant promise in maintaining ecological integrity while simultaneously fostering socio-economic development and cultural sustainability for local communities.
Origins and Definition of OECMs
The term Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) was first introduced in 2010 as part of Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, it was not until 2018 that OECMs were formally defined by the CBD Parties. According to the CBD, OECMs is:
“A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services, and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values.”
This definition highlights that OECMs are not confined to formal protected areas but encompass a broader range of land- and seascape management strategies. These strategies can include areas managed by indigenous Peoples, local communities, or private entities, thereby emphasizing local participation, knowledge, and governance. By empowering local actors to manage and protect the ecosystems they depend on, OECMs provide a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to conservation, aligning with traditional stewardship practices.
Synergies Between OECMs and the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF)
The adoption of OECMs aligns closely with the targets set out in the KM GBF, which was adopted by Parties to the CBD in December 2022. The framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss through 23 action-oriented targets, with Target 3 specifically focusing on the conservation of 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030.
While the "30%" objective of Target 3 has garnered significant attention, it is equally important to address the remaining 70% of areas that are not formally protected. These areas must be considered for conservation and sustainable use under other targets, such as Target 10 (on sustainable use) and Target 1 (on spatial planning). This broader approach is essential to achieving comprehensive conservation outcomes across landscapes and seascapes.
In this context, OECMs play a vital role in advancing the goals of the KM GBF, particularly by offering a flexible, context-specific way to achieve conservation across both protected and unprotected areas. For example, Target 3's focus on "effective area-based conservation measures" goes beyond the quantitative aspect of protecting 30% of land, sea, and freshwater by 2030. The qualitative aspects of this target which emphasize the need for governance effectiveness, inclusion, and respect for rights are equally critical.
Moreover, OECMs should be considered in parallel with other related targets within the KM GBF, such as:
Target 1: Spatial planning, which ensures that
conservation measures are integrated into broader land-use and sea-use planning
processes.
Target 2: Ecological restoration, which works
alongside OECMs to restore degraded ecosystems.
Target 4: Halting species extinction, which
is facilitated by the protection of biodiversity hotspots and key species
habitats.
Target 21: Ensure that knowledge is available and accessible to guide
biodiversity action.
Target 22: Enhancing the participation of
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in decision-making processes, which is
a central element of the OECMs approach.
When implemented strategically, OECMs offer an opportunity to contribute to multiple KM GBF targets simultaneously, allowing for a more holistic and integrated approach to biodiversity conservation. They also ensure that local communities who often possess the traditional knowledge and stewardship practices vital for long-term conservation are central to achieving these global targets.
The Way Forward
The paradigm shift represented by OECMs offers a promising path forward in the quest to conserve biodiversity while respecting the rights of local communities. However, the successful implementation of OECMs requires careful attention to governance structures, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the active participation of local and Indigenous communities in decision-making processes.
Additionally, addressing the data gaps surrounding OECMs through transparent reporting, monitoring, and evaluation will be essential to ensuring their effectiveness. By promoting inclusive, community-based approaches to conservation, OECMs represent a powerful tool in the fight against biodiversity loss. They align global conservation goals with the needs of the people who have long been the stewards of the land.
While OECMs offer a dynamic and
inclusive approach to biodiversity conservation, it is important to note that protected areas should still be prioritized in spatial planning where
possible. OECMs should be considered in areas where formal PAs cannot be
established, offering a complementary strategy to achieve global biodiversity
targets.
Reference
Jonas, H. D., MacKinnon, K., Marnewick, D. and Wood, P. (2023). Site-level tool for identifying other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). First edition. IUCN WCPA Technical Report Series No. 6. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN
Sharma, M., and Pasha, M.K.S., (2024). Guidance to Advance Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Asia. Bangkok, Thailand: IUCN Asia Regional Office (ARO).
Comments
Post a Comment