Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM)

The 5th International Maritime Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC) took place in Vancouver, Canada in February 2023. As part of achieving its goals, the IMPAC is examining, among other options, Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures as well. In this context, understand what is Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures for the IAS exam environment and ecology segment.

What is an ‘OECM’?

‘Other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) are areas that aim to achieve the long-term and effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas. 

• OECMs are managed places that effectively conserve biodiversity, whether or not this was the primary goal.
• Basically, an OECM 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.
• Experts believe it has the ability to promote long-term conservation by enhancing communities’ social, economic, and cultural well-being.

Background:

• In 2022, 196 countries agreed to safeguard 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland, and marine resources by 2030.
• In 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was accepted at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Canada’s Montreal.

Read more on the Kunming Montreal Agreement in the link.

International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5)

• The 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) brought together ocean conservation professionals to map a course towards conserving 30% of the global oceans by 2030.
• The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), the Province of British Columbia, the Federal Government of Canada, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) co-hosted IMPAC5.
• Aims: 
  • To allow the global community of marine conservation managers, practitioners, and decision-makers to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices.
  • To improve marine biodiversity conservation and to safeguard the ocean’s natural and cultural legacy.

Conclusion: The fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) seeks to establish a road map for reaching ocean conservation goals of protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, nations are examining two options: Marine Protected Areas (MPA), which permit long-term ocean conservation by restricting human activities, and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Strategies (OECM).

Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures:- Download PDF Here