OECMs for Achieving KMGbF 2022 Targets

Introduction to OECMs and the Recent Report

A significant report titled “Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)” has been jointly released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This publication aims to provide comprehensive guidelines and case studies on OECMs.

The guidelines specifically focus on the conservation of land, water, and marine areas. Their primary objective is to facilitate the achievement of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022, which mandates conserving 30% of these areas by the year 2030.

What are Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)?

These designated areas play a crucial role in conserving various ecosystem functions and services. This includes safeguarding areas with significant cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, or other local values, alongside their biodiversity importance.

Examples of areas that could qualify as OECMs include certain types of agricultural lands managed sustainably, or forests designated for timber production where biodiversity conservation is also a key management objective.

Key Characteristics and Criteria for Identifying OECMs

• Not a Protected Area: The fundamental characteristic is that OECMs are not formally designated protected areas (PAs). Despite this, they make a significant contribution to overall biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Governance Flexibility: OECMs demonstrate significant flexibility in their governance structures. They can be effectively managed by diverse entities, including governments, private groups, indigenous peoples, or local communities.
• Multiple Objectives: While biodiversity conservation is a core outcome, OECMs may often be established with other primary objectives. These could include goals like water resource management, sustainable agriculture, or cultural preservation, with biodiversity conservation serving as a vital secondary benefit.
• Sustained Conservation: For an area to be recognized as an OECM, it must guarantee long-term in-situ biodiversity conservation. This requires robust and effective governance and management practices that ensure sustained positive outcomes.
• Voluntary Designation: The process of identifying and designating a site as an OECM is entirely voluntary. It necessitates the explicit agreement and commitment of the governing authority or entity responsible for the area.

OECMs in India

The concept of OECMs in India is gaining recognition. While the source material did not provide specific examples, India possesses a rich tapestry of traditionally managed landscapes, sacred groves, and community-conserved areas that hold significant potential to be identified and formally recognized as OECMs, contributing to the nation's biodiversity targets.