IUCN’S RELEASED GUIDANCE ON OECMs REPORT

 

1. In a recently released report, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provided essential guidance for conserving land, water, and coastal areas through Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
2. This new framework aims to complement traditional protected areas, offering a more inclusive and holistic approach to biodiversity conservation.
    

What are OECMs?
 

1. An Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM) is defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as “a geographically defined area other than a protected area, managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity.” In situ conservation refers to preserving species in their natural habitats.
2. OECMs differ from protected areas (PA) in that they are not specifically designated for biodiversity protection, yet they still deliver positive conservation outcomes.
3. While protected areas are legally designated and managed for biodiversity conservation, OECMs focus on achieving biodiversity goals without necessarily having conservation as the primary aim.

• Examples of OECMs include community-managed forests, sacred groves, and urban green spaces.

4. OECMs are not intended to replace protected areas but rather to complement them, expanding conservation efforts beyond traditionally protected regions.
5. They play an essential role in achieving the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 3, adopted during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

• It calls on countries to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial, inland waters, and coastal and marine areas by 2030, also called the ‘30x30 target’.
   

What is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)? It was one of the key outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Convention has three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It has two major supplementary agreements: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000): Focuses on the safe handling, transfer, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (2010): Provides a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)? It was adopted during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 2022. It serves as a roadmap to halt biodiversity loss and ensure the sustainable management of ecosystems by 2030, replacing the previous Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020). The framework outlines 4 goals and 23 targets for 2030. Below are the most notable targets: 30x30 Goal: Protect 30% of land and marine areas globally by 2030, focusing on areas of high biodiversity. Halt Species Extinction: Stop human-induced extinction of threatened species and facilitate their recovery. Finance and Resource Mobilization: Mobilize $200 billion annually for biodiversity by 2030, from public and private sources.

 

Key Benefits of OECMs
 

OECMs offer a range of benefits that help enhance biodiversity conservation:
 

1. Conservation of Biodiversity: OECMs provide a unique opportunity to promote long-term conservation alongside other local values. They help conserve critical ecosystems, support the recovery of threatened species, and improve habitat management.
2. Ecosystem Services: OECMs protect vital ecosystem services, such as:
   1. Provisioning services (e.g., food and water)
   2. Regulating services (e.g., flood control and disease regulation)
   3. Supporting services (e.g., soil formation and nutrient cycling)
   4. Cultural services (e.g., spiritual, recreational, and religious benefits)
3. Ecological Connectivity: By connecting fragmented ecosystems, OECMs can play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in developed landscapes.
4. Resilience Against Threats: OECMs can enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change and other environmental threats.
5. Community and Indigenous Leadership: They recognize the role of indigenous and local communities in conservation, strengthening traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
6. Ecotourism Opportunities: OECMs can foster sustainable ecotourism, contributing to local economies.
    

IUCN’s Guidelines for Identifying and Managing OECMs
 

The IUCN’s report provides a set of clear guidelines for the identification, management, and reporting of OECMs. These guidelines ensure that OECMs are recognized, managed, and monitored effectively:
 

1. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Obtaining consent from Indigenous peoples and local communities who have historical or customary claims over the lands and resources in an OECM is mandatory.
2. Site Identification:
   1. The site must not be a protected area but should have a reasonable likelihood of containing significant biodiversity.
   2. Full consent and participation from local communities are required before proceeding with a detailed assessment.
3. Reporting: All OECMs should be reported to the World Database on OECMs, with all relevant data and appropriate consent.
4. Monitoring: Monitoring efforts will focus on conservation actions, biodiversity threats, and the effectiveness of governance structures and stakeholder engagement.
    

Challenges with the OECMs Framework
 

While OECMs offer significant conservation potential, several challenges must be addressed to maximize their effectiveness:
 

1. Lack of Awareness: There is limited understanding of OECMs among various stakeholders, including governments, communities, and the general public.
2. Knowledge Gaps: More research and expertise are needed to effectively implement and manage OECMs.
3. Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding for establishing and maintaining OECMs poses a significant challenge.
4. Community Engagement: Differences between conservation goals and community livelihoods can complicate the successful implementation of OECMs.
5. Threats to Biodiversity: OECMs are often located in areas where land-use conflicts, such as agriculture or infrastructure development, threaten biodiversity.
6. Climate Change: Extreme weather events and habitat shifts due to climate change may undermine the effectiveness of OECMs.
    

Strengthening the OECMs Framework
 

To address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of OECMs, several strategies can be implemented:
 

1. Legal Recognition: Governments should work to regularly assess and update laws and policies that support OECMs, particularly in response to new and unforeseen threats.
2. Training: Capacity-building through training programs for site-based teams is essential for effective OECM management.
3. Increased Financial Support: Funding mechanisms such as payment for ecosystem services, carbon finance, and biodiversity credits can help secure financial resources for OECMs.
4. Sustainable Management: Sustainable agricultural, forestry, and fisheries practices within OECMs can help ensure that biodiversity conservation goals are met.
5. Prohibition of Harmful Activities: Environmentally damaging industrial activities and infrastructure development should be restricted in OECMs.
6. Community-Led Initiatives: Encouraging local communities to initiate the identification and management of OECMs can lead to more successful and sustainable conservation outcomes.
    

What is the International Union for Conservation of Nature?   The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on the status of the natural world and measures for its conservation. It works as a unique partnership of governments, civil society organizations, scientists, and experts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. Founded: 1948; Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland IUCN Red List: It is known for its Red List of Threatened Species, which evaluates the risk of extinction for species worldwide. Categories include: Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct.