In a world facing rapid environmental changes and increasing threats to biological survival, the concept of “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) emerges as a crucial tool in global efforts to conserve biodiversity. As countries continue to strive towards the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework, this article aims to highlight an important global assessment reflecting the contribution of OECMs to achieving Target 3 of the framework, which states the need to conserve 30% of marine, terrestrial, and inland water areas by 2030. By examining 820 reported sites across nine countries, this article presents precise results related to effective governance and the diversity of sites that are part of global environmental conservation efforts. The article emphasizes the importance of OECMs and reaffirms the necessity of enhancing local and international understanding and cooperation to achieve the essential conservation goals for the future of our planet.
The Importance of Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures
Effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are critical elements of the seeds aimed at achieving global biodiversity conservation goals. In 2022, the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes clear targets to conserve at least 30% of marine, terrestrial, and inland water areas by 2030. OECMs reflect these goals by providing information derived from areas that play an active role in protecting biodiversity but are not recognized as protected areas in the traditional sense.
OECMs are seen as sites managed in ways that achieve positive long-term outcomes for biodiversity conservation. These measures contribute to the sustainability of biodiversity by maintaining functional ecosystems that provide essential ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation and freshwater conservation. As demonstrated, OECMs are not protected areas in the traditional sense, but may include regions where local communities engage in cultural practices that align with environmental conservation. For instance, they may encompass Indigenous lands and areas used for the wise management of natural resources, such as grasslands and the actions taken by communities to protect water sources. Recognizing OECMs as an effective means of protecting environments can help enhance biodiversity and improve livelihoods.
Challenges Associated with Implementing OECMs and Biodiversity Protection
Despite the importance of OECMs, they also carry significant challenges related to their recognition and actual implementation. One of the biggest challenges lies in how to effectively assess and document these areas. While OECMs offer benefits for biodiversity conservation, there are no globally standardized criteria to determine whether an area falls under this classification. This creates obstacles for governments and local communities in evaluating their actual contributions to environmental conservation.
The other challenge pertains to governance. On many occasions, OECMs are managed by governments, but according to data, less than 2% of OECMs are managed by Indigenous peoples and local communities. Success in implementing OECMs requires adopting governance approaches that are inclusive and consider the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. This necessitates a fundamental shift in how protection policies and sustainable development are viewed.
There is an urgent need for greater understanding of the importance of shared governance and local cultural symbolism within OECMs. For example, in communities practicing traditional ways of life, OECMs may involve the sustainable management of natural resources through ancient traditional practices. If this type of management is enhanced, it will not only contribute to the conservation of biodiversity but also help promote the important cultural heritage of those communities.
Implementation
The Sustainable for OECMs in Local and Global Contexts
Implementing OECMs requires sustainable strategies that align with the surrounding cultural and environmental contexts. It is preferable for the identification processes of OECMs to include the participation of local communities, as these individuals possess deep knowledge of their environment and how to care for it. Often, local communities are the most capable of protecting the lands and waters within their areas and have a greater understanding of the relationship between those areas and cultural and social needs. Incorporating this knowledge into conservation policies significantly enhances the effectiveness of OECMs.
Furthermore, clear metrics should be adopted when evaluating the effectiveness of OECMs. These metrics can include environmental impacts such as a reduction in species extinction, ecosystem resilience, improved water quality, and even positive effects on local communities. Although OECMs represent an opportunity to introduce new approaches to biodiversity protection, the ability to effectively measure their outcomes will determine how they are adopted in global policies.
Achieving the goal of conserving 30% by 2030 requires a coordinated global response, recognizing the importance of OECMs. Governments and international bodies must work together to promote the recognition of OECMs and provide financial and technical support to improve their management. Non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders can play a vital role in providing knowledge and support to local communities, ensuring that OECMs contribute to biodiversity conservation in sustainable and beneficial ways.
The Importance of Global Data and Protection Indicators
Global data is of significant importance in the field of environmental protection, as it is the primary means for assessing the effectiveness of protection strategies worldwide. This data contributes to providing a comprehensive picture of protected areas, enabling governments and relevant bodies to make evidence-based decisions. By using the global database of protected areas, changes in the quality and quantity of protection granted to those areas can be analyzed. For example, the data shows that the number of protected areas has significantly increased in recent years. This increase is not just numerical; it also reflects a heightened awareness of biodiversity protection and environmental conservation.
The importance of protection indicators lies in their ability to provide clear assessments of the efforts made to protect ecosystems. By using indicators such as the proportion of protected areas to the total area of countries, nations can measure their progress towards achieving global goals such as Target 11 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. These indicators help identify gaps and strengths, effectively contributing to planning future protection strategies.
Data Analysis and Spatial Analysis Tasks
Data analysis related to reserves and protected areas involves multiple techniques, including spatial analysis to enhance the accuracy of results. By using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the relationship between protected areas and other vital locations can be identified, aiding in better planning for protection. For example, analyzing the connectivity between reserves can determine how various environmental aspects affect biodiversity.
Studies indicate that protected areas with better connectivity and integration of ecosystems contribute more significantly to biodiversity conservation. Thus, analyzing connectivity and ecological networks is essential for understanding how to improve the effectiveness of protected areas. Practical experiments confirm that spatial analysis can reveal areas needing additional protection or connections with other reserves, aiding in making better decisions early on.
Challenges Facing Protected Areas and Protection Systems
Despite significant efforts directed towards biodiversity conservation, several challenges face protected areas. These challenges come from multiple sources, including climate change, urban expansion, and unsustainable agriculture. For instance, rising temperatures resulting from climate change threaten environmental stability in many protected areas and impact biodiversity within them. This requires policymakers to intensify their efforts to build effective adaptive strategies.
Additionally,
Food and economic security often feels threatened in protected areas. Some governments push for the use of protected lands for agricultural or economic purposes, leading to the erosion of natural areas, and consequently putting biodiversity at risk. These challenges require sustainable solutions that take into account the interests of local communities and the importance of environmental conservation.
Future Directions for Protection and Biodiversity
The current focus is on the importance of adapting protection strategies to meet future challenges. Enhancing regional and international cooperation is one of the key elements to achieve biodiversity goals. International dialogues can lead to the exchange of knowledge and experiences, contributing to the improvement of protection strategies and enhancing public understanding of environmental issues. Recent trends indicate that it is essential to involve local communities and indigenous peoples in decision-making processes related to protected areas, as this is a crucial factor in ensuring the success of protection policies.
Furthermore, the necessity calls for a radical change in management practices and environmental research, in line with the digital revolution and technological advancements. Utilizing modern technologies such as drones and smart devices can enhance monitoring processes and evaluate the environmental status of protected areas, leading to improved environmental performance through data-driven decisions.
Contribution of Other Conservation Areas to Biodiversity
Other effective conservation measures (OECMs) significantly contribute to increasing protected lands that global efforts focus on for biodiversity protection. These areas are not traditional reserves, but they are recognized as lands of vital importance, as they contribute to enhancing efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and meeting global goals. In February 2023, global statistics showed that OECMs managed to increase protected areas by only 0.1 percentage points, but this small increase conceals significant improvements in certain countries. For example, in the Philippines, OECMs represent more than half of the conserved marine area. In Canada, OECMs contribute to increasing the marine protection percentage from 9.1% to 13.9%, and in Colombia from 17.1% to 24.0%.
The method of increasing marine and terrestrial areas varies significantly according to countries; in some countries such as Morocco and the Philippines, the increase resulted from the designation of many small and medium-sized OECMs, while other countries like Algeria and South Africa saw improvements due to the reporting of a few large OECMs. Therefore, OECMs are an integral part of the global conservation strategy, highlighting the need for their recognition and appreciation worldwide, as they play a pivotal role in protecting environmentally significant areas.
Coverage of Environmentally Important Areas
The second main indicator is assessing the coverage of areas of special importance to biodiversity, which considers key biodiversity areas (KBAs) and ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). In this context, OECMs provide additional coverage for areas classified as of natural importance, reflecting their positive impact on efforts to protect biodiversity. According to data from February 2023, the overlap between OECMs and KBAs increases to 150,221.9 square kilometers, thus 29.3% of OECMs overlap with KBAs, adding extra value to the protection granted to biologically vital areas under traditional protected areas.
The numbers show that countries like Morocco achieved the highest coverage rates, where 91% of all KBAs have improved coverage thanks to OECMs. In many cases, OECMs significantly contribute to enhancing conservation efforts in KBAs, serving as a strong indicator of the biodiversity values that OECM systems possess in different countries. Additionally, 62 KBAs located outside traditional protected areas have been reported, demonstrating the importance of OECMs in protecting threatened natural areas.
Representation
Greater Biodiversity Through OECMs
Another focal point concerning the role of OECMs is their ability to enhance the representation of biodiversity more effectively, as they contribute to increasing the qualitative coverage of ecosystems in countries where OECMs have been reported. In Morocco, OECMs represent a significant increase in coverage for more than six terrestrial ecosystems, while an additional coverage of no less than 1% for marine ecosystems is added in three countries. OECMs increase coverage to 72 terrestrial ecosystems and 17 marine ecosystems, enriching the available protection areas.
Some studies have shown that OECMs have been able to raise the coverage ratio in areas such as Mediterranean forests, contributing to achieving environmental protection goals. In Algeria, for example, OECMs have led to an increase in the coverage ratio of two ecosystems to 99.8%. This demonstrates a deep understanding of the qualitative and quantitative importance of OECMs in supporting protection goals at the level of biodiversity, which is essential for wildlife, plant life, and the conservation of important ecosystems.
Interconnected and Conservational Ecosystems
Studies show that OECMs significantly contribute to increasing coverage, and this increase is often associated with improved connectivity between protected areas. To analyze this, methods such as ProtConn analysis were used to measure the extent of improvement in connectivity between protected lands and natural resources. In several countries, including Algeria and Morocco, the recognition of OECMs has led to a noticeable increase in connected protection systems, with Morocco noting a 30-fold increase in connectivity among protected lands, highlighting the importance of OECMs in enhancing conservation networks.
OECMs enhance the interconnection between ecosystems, providing ample opportunities for preserving natural environments and facilitating the natural migration of living species. It should be noted that the geographic description of ranks and regions is important, as infrastructure, whether in terms of policies or environmental transitions, remains a key role in achieving success in connecting land resources. However, there are also challenges, such as the nature of uncovered lands or those exposed to threats, necessitating urgent intervention and collaboration among local and international stakeholders to create institutional frameworks that support these systems.
Diversity of Governance in OECMs
Finally, OECMs add an important dimension regarding the diversity of governance systems employed in their management. OECMs have been reported under four main types of governance according to the criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is surprising that a much higher percentage of OECMs enjoy shared governance compared to traditional protected areas; for example, 40.9% of OECMs have shared governance. Local communities and indigenous peoples also play a role in management, although the percentages remain low.
Although government governance remains the most common, with 51.6% of OECMs recognized under this category, the diversity provided by OECMs can lead to good exchange of knowledge and resources between local communities and official bodies. Direct interaction between local communities and governance systems contributes to strengthening local efforts to conserve biodiversity. Success in this context requires enhancing the roles of different stakeholders and developing appropriate policies to ensure effective governance in OECMs.
Types of Governance in Protected Areas Related to Biodiversity
There are various types of governance associated with environmental practices worldwide, and cooperation between government agencies and local communities is one of the most common patterns in managing protected areas known as Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs). In fact, data has shown that 40.4% of these areas are classified under a cooperative governance pattern, which exceeds the number of other protected areas reported in the same countries. This indicates a noticeable trend towards promoting governance forms that involve comprehensive cooperation ensuring the interaction of a diverse group of stakeholders. For instance, statistics indicate that about 74.5% of protected areas are managed by federal or national ministries, demonstrating the importance of governmental dominance in this context. However, 15.6% of these areas are under cooperative governance, while 4.4% are managed by non-profit organizations. This diversity provides a comprehensive view of how governance of different types can contribute to biodiversity conservation and achieve environmental goals.
Delving deeper…
Furthermore, it can be observed that Algeria plays a pivotal role thanks to the existence of five very large OECMs under the management of government ministries, reflecting the need to consider local specificities when evaluating governance policies. If these data are analyzed more deeply, we find that 38.2% of the areas under collective governance exceed those managed by government ministries when Algeria’s influence is excluded. This dynamic represents a new stage in the development of governance policy, where cooperative governance can be viewed as a tool to enhance the relationship between governments and local communities and achieve environmental protection goals more effectively.
Goals of Protected Area Management
Management goals are vital for understanding how OECMs affect biodiversity worldwide. Based on the available data, we find that 41.3% of OECMs consider environmental conservation to be the primary management goal. In many countries such as Algeria, Colombia, and the Philippines, the trend towards conservation emerges as a priority, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this goal as a main criterion in natural resource management. Furthermore, the data shows that over 70% of the areas under the protection of OECMs support biodiversity conservation, being a positive indicator of the potential outcomes of environmental initiatives.
However, there is a significant challenge due to the lack of accurate data regarding management goals for about 31.5% of these areas. This ambiguity relates to the challenges of data collection and reporting, which weakens the ability to assess the success of these areas in achieving conservation goals. For instance, the lack of clear management goals in many OECMs indicates an urgent need to improve data collection systems and standardization, enhancing the effectiveness of environmental strategies. In some cases, no OECMs have been reported aiming to achieve indirect environmental outcomes, such as closures for religious or military reasons, highlighting the necessity to develop new metrics to enter a broader world of environmental goals.
Role of OECMs in Global Biodiversity Framework
OECMs are critically important within global biodiversity goals. These areas provide a unique tool that increases the understanding of the roles played by non-traditional environmental activities that extend beyond conventional protection. Preliminary data analysis indicates that OECMs can significantly contribute to achieving the entire set of global objectives, especially in relation to the targets specified in the global biodiversity framework. This involves enhancing biodiversity in areas that lack formal protection, enabling OECMs to provide support to those vital regions by expanding successful frameworks for providing protection.
When considering the importance of OECMs, countries need to account for the diversity in their national contexts, as well as their strategies for species conservation and habitat maintenance. For example, the reach of OECMs into ecologically significant areas such as biodiversity-sensitive regions shows considerable improvement, especially when local communities feel they have an active role in that protection. Nonetheless, challenges remain regarding the need for further understanding and recognition by governments and stakeholders. Therefore, OECMs can be seen as an optimal means to deepen public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and support advanced environmental legislation through partnerships between governmental entities and local communities.
Potential Challenges and Global Influence of OECM Operations
As OECMs aim to enhance biodiversity worldwide, there are several challenges facing this trend. These challenges include difficulties in identifying local management patterns and the impacts of diverse governance systems. Data indicates that a large proportion of OECMs are under government management, reflecting the need to achieve a balance between governance by the government and local communities. Therefore, countries and local communities must collaborate more effectively to reallocate roles according to the needs of environmental protection and community responsibilities.
Additionally,
Therefore, the difficulty in measuring the success of OECMs and determining the environmental impact of management objectives is considered one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the desired results. This highlights the importance of developing standardized measurement tools that help countries and communities identify the real environmental impacts within OECMs. Furthermore, the lack of information regarding management objectives poses a sustained barrier to any comprehensive assessment. Thus, stakeholders must intensify efforts to establish accurate information systems that contribute to enhancing transparency and the effective evaluation of environmental projects.
The Importance of Protected Areas and Effective Measuring for Biodiversity Conservation
Protected areas and other effective conservation measures represent a key component of global biodiversity conservation strategies. These areas, defined as recognized geographical zones, are managed effectively to protect biodiversity and natural resources. Protected areas are vital places that support wildlife and plants, help maintain ecosystems, and provide social and economic benefits to local communities. However, contemporary analysis shows that most areas represented under the OECM framework (effective conservation measures) do not significantly overlap with biodiversity-important areas such as KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas) or EBSAs (Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas).
The lack of overlap does not mean that these areas do not hold value for biodiversity. In fact, there are other measures used by national governments to identify areas of rich flora and the presence of important native species. However, the insufficient availability of data on the specific biological values of these lands constitutes a major gap in understanding how to classify areas as effective conservation elements. For example, there may be areas under the OECM designation that officials consider protected on paper, but there is no data supporting their practical effectiveness in conserving biodiversity. Stakeholders need to increase the documentation of the actual environmental and biological diversity benefits of those areas, which will enhance the credibility of using new classifications.
Challenges in Ecosystem Representation and Environmental Connectivity
When discussing challenges, analysis shows the importance of focusing on equality in environmental representation across all ecosystems to ensure the conservation of their biological values. Despite some notable increases in the coverage of individual ecosystems, genuine environmental representation requires adequate coverage of all ecosystems. Focusing on ecosystems with low biodiversity without considering those with high biodiversity poses a risk to achieving the desired goals.
When a state focuses on increasing coverage in low-diversity areas, its efforts may waste opportunities to conserve areas of high biological importance. For example, if significant resources are allocated to conserve a low-biodiversity area while rich wildlife areas are neglected, the final outcome will be negative impacts on overall biodiversity. Therefore, the need for coherent action across all elements becomes evident, especially when analyzing recommendations related to the environmental connectivity of ecosystems.
The Importance of Biodiversity and Continuous Evaluation of OECMs’ Effectiveness
Supporting biodiversity and ecosystem issues requires continuous monitoring to assess the effectiveness of OECMs. Research has shown that many countries have taken positive steps in establishing connected networks of protected areas; however, these networks do not necessarily ensure significant environmental benefits. The majority of land managed under OECMs is found in areas lacking dense plant growth, which could be considered a barrier to achieving environmental goals. Proposing a greater focus on ecosystems that represent high biodiversity may help avoid sacrificing the most important areas.
Understanding biodiversity and the associated values in protected areas has become a top priority. For instance, Canada has designated marine areas like the Disko Fan protection area, which has shown relative success in conserving biodiversity. However, the lack of sufficient data on the effectiveness of these areas in achieving environmental goals makes it difficult to measure and evaluate properly.
What
On Data Gaps and the Importance of Future Research
Research has revealed significant gaps in data related to OECMs that will affect our understanding of future progress. The effectiveness of any sites reported as OECMs in maintaining biodiversity in the long term cannot be confirmed. Additionally, information regarding the status and quality of management for those areas remains incomplete. Only a few OECMs have been confirmed to undergo continuous systematic evaluation.
There is also an urgent need to evaluate the definition of fair and effective governance. Why have only a few local communities and indigenous nations engaged with the OECM framework so far? Documenting collective interaction between local communities and governments in identifying OECMs can provide us with a deeper understanding of how these partnerships impact biodiversity conservation.
Recommendations to Enhance OECM Effectiveness
To enhance the effectiveness of these distributed areas, it is essential to adopt a rights-based approach in identifying and monitoring OECMs. Government agencies and non-governmental stakeholders should strive to collaborate in accordance with these methods. It is also recommended to record information on whether OECMs have been evaluated using agreed-upon criteria.
Governments should consider how to adopt transparency in their operations, by publishing regular reports detailing the level of biodiversity maintained by OECMs, alongside showcasing partnerships and cooperation with local communities. Enhancing this transparency will contribute to building trust between governments and citizens and bolster the success of efforts to protect the environment.
Biodiversity Values for Effective Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)
The importance of Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) as part of biodiversity protection efforts arises from the fact that maintaining biodiversity is fundamental for the sustainability of ecosystems and supporting life on Earth. OECMs are defined as measures taken to conserve biodiversity in specific areas; they are not formal reserves but contribute effectively to achieving conservation goals. OECMs are created through the recognition of land managed or used in ways that conserve biodiversity, such as sustainable agricultural land or traditional community areas.
OECMs are highly valued within the global biodiversity framework, contributing to Goal 3 of the overall biodiversity framework which focuses on managing areas to maintain biodiversity and ensure sustainable outcomes. It is important for government and concerned organizations to evaluate data related to these measures, such as the types of wildlife being conserved and the effectiveness of management. For example, a sustainable marine farm that works to improve water quality and restore coral reefs could fall under this definition.
The process of evaluating OECMs requires adherence to strict standards to ensure desired outcomes, meaning that appropriate governance and management frameworks must be in place. The required data may include timely reports by government agencies and non-governmental organizations contributing to biodiversity conservation, thus a new reporting system is being developed within Protected Planet that allows for the aggregation of more accurate information regarding governance quality and management outcomes for OECMs.
Challenges in Implementing and Certifying OECMs
Despite the evolution of the concept of OECMs, there are many challenges facing this model. A major challenge arises in verifying the effectiveness of OECMs in achieving real conservation outcomes, as there may be difficulties in auditing reported data. These processes necessitate clear evaluation standards that measure not only environmental outcomes but also issues of equity and distribution. For instance, if an OECM is established in an area that negatively impacts local communities, this raises questions about the effectiveness of protection and the extent of their involvement in managing these areas.
Additionally,
There is a challenge in reporting information accurately and transparently, as procedures require that publicly available information be comparable and reliable. The lack of consistency among different agencies in how data is collected and analyzed is one of the biggest obstacles that can affect the quality of reported information. Therefore, there is an urgent need for training on decision support tools across the diverse conservation sector, reflecting the preparedness of local and international institutions to monitor and review the effectiveness of OECMs.
Global decisions such as CBD Decision 14/8 aim towards effectively promoting OECM practices, requiring the involvement of all stakeholders in implementing well-thought-out strategies that balance environmental conservation with the needs of local communities. It is evident that effective governance and community engagement in the planning and implementation process are key elements in the success of OECMs.
The Importance of OECMs in Achieving Global Biodiversity Goals
OECMs are not merely solutions for managing natural resources, but are vital tools for improving long-term biodiversity outcomes. These measures help achieve the goals of the overall biodiversity framework by providing advanced mechanisms to protect natural environments both now and in the future. For example, sustainable fishing areas that use harvesting methods enhancing the sustainability of marine habitats contribute not only to the protection of endangered species but also support communities that rely on these resources.
OECMs also contribute to promoting sustainable agriculture, which is a unique step towards achieving sustainable development. Governments should focus on developing policies that support the integration of traditional agricultural systems that help restore ecological balance in light of climate change. By supporting agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity, agricultural productivity can be enhanced while reducing negative environmental impact.
Overall, activating OECMs is a key factor in building a sustainable ecosystem that enables communities to adapt to increasing environmental pressures. These measures help preserve biodiversity and assist communities in building new capabilities in sustainability. Recognizing OECMs as effective measures in biodiversity protection contributes to achieving social justice and should be reinforced by government policies to serve future generations.
The Global Biodiversity Framework and Its Goals
In December 2022, the parties involved in the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework, known as the Kunming-Montreal Framework. This framework includes four long-term goals aimed at conserving and sustainably and equitably using the environment by 2050, as well as twenty-three global targets for short-term implementation by 2030. Among these goals, Target 3 calls for the protection of at least 30% of terrestrial and inland waters, coastal and marine areas worldwide through “well-connected protected systems,” including the traditional lands of indigenous peoples.
The inclusion of “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) in this prominent target is a milestone in the conservation field, allowing for a broader vision of the distribution of efforts made to enhance and protect biodiversity. These measures are linked to multiple types of protected areas that are often overlooked but are managed in ways that achieve positive and long-term outcomes for biodiversity conservation.
Definition of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
The term “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures” was first introduced in the predecessor of Target 3, which is Target 11 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. In 2018, the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity defined OECMs as geographically defined areas that are not protected but are managed in ways that achieve positive and lasting outcomes for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
It defines
The framework of criteria that OECMs must meet, including not being currently recognized as protected areas, being managed and organized, and making effective and sustainable contributions to biodiversity conservation. These areas must also support ecosystem functions and services, as well as relevant cultural, spiritual, social, and economic values. These criteria are important to ensure the achievement of set goals while providing cultural and social support for local communities.
Collaboration with Local Communities and Non-Governmental Organizations
OECMs demonstrate the potential to create a broad network of actions that support biodiversity conservation through collaboration with local and indigenous communities. In many countries, indigenous peoples and local communities prefer their lands to be considered OECMs rather than classifying them as formal protected areas, for reasons related to sovereignty and local management. OECMs allow these communities to retain control over their lands, contributing to the enhancement of their cultural identity and spiritual values.
In recent years, many examples have been documented where local communities successfully managed their lands to achieve positive biodiversity conservation outcomes. By integrating traditional practices with modern approaches, these communities have succeeded in maintaining local biodiversity. For example, wisely managed wetlands, sacred areas, and designated fishing zones, which are often not recognized as traditional protected areas, are clear examples of OECMs. These innovations can play a significant role in supporting global conservation goals.
Challenges and Potentials of Area-Based Conservation Measures
OECMs face several challenges, including a lack of public awareness about their effectiveness and importance. The concept of OECMs is often misunderstood, with some linking it to formal protected area policies. Good marketing of this concept is essential for raising awareness and community support. Additionally, achieving these goals requires a high level of coordination between local and national governments, which poses a challenge in resource-limited environments.
Despite these challenges, OECMs offer significant potential for enhancing global conservation initiatives. By providing a platform capable of integrating the voices of indigenous communities and cultural heritage, these measures represent a step toward diversity and inclusiveness in conservation efforts. If effective strategies are developed to enhance collaboration between government entities, think tanks, and indigenous communities, OECMs can prove to be a powerful tool in supporting sustainable conservation efforts. A better understanding of OECMs could contribute to achieving global biodiversity goals, positively impacting the entire planet.
Global Practices and Best Experiences in OECMs
Most recent studies discuss global examples of successful OECMs, where these practices are being implemented in various regions. For example, in Canada, indigenous communities formed partnerships with the government to sustainably use their lands, resulting in legal reforms that protect their territories. Over 25% of these lands have been registered as OECMs, contributing to achieving biodiversity goals.
In other areas, such as Indonesia, the government has adopted OECMs to protect forests and restore damaged marine environments. The government collaborates with local communities to implement well-studied agricultural and fishing practices, helping to conserve biodiversity and wildlife. These experiences exemplify how OECMs can be integrated into national policies, ensuring that the cultural, social, and economic values of indigenous peoples are respected.
These practices are achieving increasing success in many countries and emphasize the importance of integrating OECMs within global strategic frameworks, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources for future generations.
Traditional Practices and Legal Threats
National laws and regulations are a fundamental part of the framework that governs how traditional sites and protected lands are managed. National policies can pose threats to these practices by imposing restrictions on how these lands can be used. This tension between tradition and modern practices presents a significant challenge, as legislative changes can sometimes affect the environmental and cultural sustainability of local communities. For instance, strict laws can lead to a decline in traditional activities such as grazing or fishing, resulting in the loss of cultural identity for these communities. Conversely, many countries seek to promote the integration of traditional values and modern practices to conserve biodiversity, highlighting the importance of creating platforms for dialogue among stakeholders to reach effective policies that respect the rights of local communities and achieve environmental goals.
Evaluation
OECM Framework and Its Role in Achieving Environmental Protection Goals
The OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) framework is considered an important step towards achieving the third target of the global biodiversity framework. OECMs are analyzed through the reported sites in the global database on OECMs, where this framework contributes to assessing how these areas are managed and their alignment with environmental goals. The research on the effectiveness of OECMs in the global context suffers from a lack of comprehensive data, leaving ample room for building on this knowledge in the future. Understanding the characteristics of reported sites will facilitate insights into how OECMs contribute to achieving the third target, while the framework faces various pressures such as time constraints and sustainability demands.
Research Methodology Analysis and Importance of Studied Data
The research methodology in this paper is based on criteria set in previous reports such as the Protected Planet Report, reflecting the importance of coordination among different indicators. This includes key indicators such as coverage percentage, biodiversity hotspots, environmental representation, and ecological connectivity. By using recent data, we can adjust and analyze outcomes to obtain a more precise and clear picture of the effectiveness of OECMs. Recognizing the key environmental metrics and the information related to governance types and management goals enhances our overall understanding of how OECMs can be effectively used to achieve sustainability. For example, protected areas under different governance types offer insights into how resources can be better utilized in line with various potential environmental dimensions.
Challenges and Research Conclusions Related to Connected Ecosystems
Connected ecosystems face numerous challenges, including those arising from climate change and urban development. Through analyzed data, the importance of establishing a robust network of protected areas to enhance the adaptability of ecosystems to changes has been revealed. Linking OECM protected areas can contribute to strengthening biodiversity and the sustainability of ecosystems in general. Current methodological developments should be seen as a manifestation of the importance of network connectivity among protected areas to improve environmental effectiveness. In summary, the studied data highlight our need for coordinated strategies that combine conservation efforts with meeting local community needs while preserving the environment, which could paint a clearer picture for a sustainable future.
Definition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are a relatively new mechanism that contributes to enhancing the global goal of biodiversity protection. This concept was adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2018 and involves identifying areas that demonstrate a high level of effectiveness in conserving biodiversity but do not fall under traditional classifications of protected areas (PAs). Compared to protected areas, OECMs do not require strict prohibitions on human activities, making them particularly suitable for countries striving to balance economic development and environmental conservation.
OECMs include a diverse range of areas such as forests managed in ways that contribute to biodiversity conservation or fishing areas where sustainable fishing practices are applied. These measures are a vital addition to global efforts in environmental protection, with current systems of OECMs approaching a coverage area of approximately 1,949,484 square kilometers, roughly the size of Saudi Arabia. OECMs now represent 1,590,379 square kilometers of terrestrial and inland water areas and 359,105 square kilometers of coastal and marine waters.
OECMs also enhance global coverage statistics, with the addition of these areas leading to an increase in the global terrestrial coverage percentage from 15.80% to 16.98% when considering OECMs. OECMs significantly contribute to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework’s targets.
Differences
Between OECMs and Traditional Protected Areas
Traditional protected areas show significant differences from OECMs, as PAs require strict restrictions on human activity in the designated area, which can lead to challenges in balancing environmental conservation and economic development. In contrast, OECMs allow for sustainable development opportunities, where economic activities can occur simultaneously with the conservation of biodiversity.
These differences represent a fundamental divergence in how natural resources are managed, with OECMs focusing on achieving conservation goals in a flexible manner that can adapt to local conditions. For example, in Algeria, OECMs represent the largest proportion of coverage compared to protected areas, contributing over 90% of the total coverage of protected areas in the country. This indicates that the biodiversity of animals and plants is protected in various ways, providing opportunities for public interest and the local economy.
Data indicate a pressing need to consider OECMs as an innovative means to resolve conflicts between human activities and environmental conservation. This flexibility may ultimately lead to greater support from local communities and stakeholders, thus enhancing the effectiveness of measures in protecting the environment.
The Positive Impact of OECMs on Biodiversity
Results indicate that OECMs have a significant positive impact on biodiversity levels in the areas where they are implemented. This impact is manifested in the substantial increase in areas designated for the conservation of species and wildlife. According to statistics, 29.3% of registered OECMs overlap with key biodiversity areas (KBAs), indicating a direct impact on the ecosystems that preserve rare and endangered species.
A prime example of this impact can be seen in Morocco, where about 91% of OECMs overlap with key biodiversity areas, enhancing their effectiveness in protecting biodiversity. At the same time, data from the Philippines show that OECMs now cover over half of the marine area under protection measures, reflecting success in improving marine protection structures.
Moreover, OECMs have shown a significant increase in the coverage of distinctive ecological areas, including some marine areas that effectively support healthy marine ecosystems. These developments underscore the importance of OECMs as a tool that can be better leveraged to achieve environmental and national goals.
Challenges Facing OECMs and Necessary Improvements
Despite the positive impact of OECMs, significant challenges remain regarding their implementation and effectiveness. These challenges include a lack of funding, public awareness of the importance of these measures, and difficulties in identifying suitable locations that meet OECM criteria. Relevant countries must enhance their efforts to achieve global objectives through dedicated funding programs and community awareness of the impacts of these measures.
Each country needs to develop effective strategies for managing OECMs, requiring collaboration between the government and private sectors, as well as civil society. Coordination among these parties can contribute to developing innovative solutions that embrace biodiversity and support local communities.
Beneficiary countries of OECMs can also improve processes by establishing comprehensive databases that record various activities directly affecting biodiversity. This type of information may facilitate the development of more precise and effective plans targeting areas requiring greater protection. Additionally, modern monitoring techniques can be utilized to ensure the integrity and success of these measures on the ground.
The Importance of Protected Areas and Related Systems
Protected areas are a crucial component of global efforts to preserve the environment and reduce biodiversity loss. These areas range from forests and pastures to marine ecosystems, and they are of immense importance as natural habitats for various species of plants and animals. With the evolution of the concept of “effective area-based conservation measures” (OECMs), the focus has shifted away from traditional boundaries of protected areas, instead emphasizing increasing coverage and maintaining connectivity between these systems. In Algeria and Morocco, OECMs have managed to raise the coverage of Mediterranean forests from 1.4% to 27.1% in Morocco and from 6.8% to 35.7% in Algeria, demonstrating the significance of these initiatives in conserving biodiversity.
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The indication that achieving higher levels of coverage not only means protecting threatened species but also contributes to enhancing ecological connectivity between protected areas. For example, increased connectivity between regions can help maintain complex ecosystems, thereby enhancing species’ ability to adapt to climate changes and enabling them to survive longer. In Colombia, specifically, OECMs have led to an increase in the proportion of wet Chocó-Darién forests from 7.6% to 28.3%, demonstrating the role of these systems in improving natural networks and ensuring biodiversity preservation.
Diversity of Governance Systems and Their Impact on OECMs
The diversity of governance systems in managing OECMs is a pivotal element in the success of these systems. While we find that the majority of traditional protected areas are under centralized government control, OECMs often encompass diverse forms of governance, such as co-management or local administrations, providing greater opportunities for community involvement. In the countries analyzed, a high percentage of OECMs were under a co-management system (40.9%) compared to traditional protected areas (2.5%). This indicates a positive shift in how these areas are managed, allowing local communities to contribute directly to the conservation of the environment and natural resources.
For example, areas managed by local communities in the Philippines, such as community-managed marine reserves, have a significant positive impact on biodiversity through sustainable management strategies. However, as in many ecosystems, challenges remain regarding the integration of local governments in managing OECMs, hindering optimal outcomes. These challenges include funding shortages, insufficient recognition from local policymakers, as well as inaccurate estimates for effective management.
Management Objectives and the Vital Role of Protected Areas
While many OECMs aim to achieve biodiversity conservation goals as a primary objective, approximately 41.3% of OECMs around the world still focus on conservation objectives. This provides a unique opportunity to strike a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development. This underscores the urgent need to reassess management objectives and delegate authority to communities operating in these areas.
There are numerous examples of using OECMs to achieve positive outcomes. For instance, in Algeria, OECMs are considered a means to enhance connectivity between protected areas while conserving local species. Research has also shown that these systems can be effective in creating new partnerships between the public and private sectors, allowing for the flow of funds and technology into protected areas. However, achieving management objectives requires the availability of accurate data and measurable performance indicators from each area, necessitating the development of a comprehensive environmental information management system.
Challenges and Innovations in Implementing OECMs
OECMs face numerous challenges when trying to integrate them into existing ecosystems. These challenges include difficulties in funding such initiatives, the desire for innovation, and providing rural communities the opportunity to manage their resources. The lack of effective representation of local communities contributes to delaying many of these innovations, as many are dealing with external pressures that may hinder their conservation efforts.
However, there are some intriguing innovations. For example, some local communities have used modern technology to enhance their ability to monitor and assess biodiversity in OECMs. This information is not only useful for the communities but also enhances policymakers’ ability to make informed decisions regarding natural resource management. These innovations may include the use of mobile applications to collect data on species and interacting with artificial intelligence systems to analyze big data for accurate insights into environmental conditions.
The Framework
The Year for Biodiversity Protection and Its Impact on Local Communities
In recent years, efforts to protect biodiversity have been enhanced through the establishment of new protected areas, but these efforts have not been without challenges. Many local communities and indigenous peoples have not been adequately included in the implementation and planning processes for these areas, raising concerns that protection decisions may be imposed from external perspectives, jeopardizing the rights of these communities. Governments and stakeholders must consider that any mechanism for biodiversity protection cannot succeed without these communities being an active party in developing conservation policies and practices.
The experience of some indigenous peoples with protected areas shows that these areas have sometimes led to the displacement of surrounding communities, highlighting the need for a sustainable dialogue that ensures the social and economic rights of these communities. Policies should be built on respecting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, achieving cooperation between them and state institutions to achieve environmental conservation goals.
Objectives and Patterns of Protected Area Management
Many recognized locations as OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) target biodiversity, yet recent studies show that the majority of these areas have been managing biodiversity as a primary objective. This indicates a need to understand how the management of these areas can be improved to achieve millennium goals more effectively.
Data indicates that a large category of these areas lacks accurate management data, reflecting a deficiency in the information required to assess their success in achieving environmental goals. While having well-managed protected areas is considered a positive aspect, conducting a comprehensive assessment is crucial to ensure the goals of reducing biodiversity loss are met.
The importance of OECMs derives from their ability to provide additional benefits beyond those offered by traditional approaches. A clear evaluation of the purposes behind the establishment of these areas and how they are aligned with environmental goals and global standards is essential to ensure that negative impacts on local communities do not occur.
The Importance of Areas for Biodiversity Protection
Research reveals that a significant number of reported areas contribute greatly to the conservation of vital habitats for biodiversity. Statistics indicate that OECMs cover areas assigned a significant role in protecting rare species or previously unprotected habitats, providing a real opportunity to enhance global biodiversity.
Assessments show that there are variations in the extent of overlap between OECMs and areas important for biodiversity. In some cases, it has been shown that many recognized areas may be able to meet OECM criteria based on the prevailing governance system. Thus, current data is not sufficient to estimate these areas’ full capacity to protect biodiversity without further research and analysis.
Many governments are seeking to integrate these areas into national protection strategies; however, precise and standardized evaluation methods must be used to ensure biodiversity protection and simplify data provision. This data plays a vital role in enhancing transparency and accountability towards the beneficiary communities.
Ecological Connectivity and Environmental Representation
Connected networks of protected areas play the most crucial role in achieving environmental conservation goals. Despite the recent increase in the number of recognized areas, connectivity between these areas is not always sufficient to provide significant environmental benefits. This lack of connectivity can negatively impact biodiversity if the most important components are not prioritized.
An environmental regions map is a vital indicator of biodiversity representation, where all relevant regions must be adequately protected. An excessive focus on increasing coverage in low-biodiversity areas poses the risk of neglecting high-diversity regions. Therefore, it is essential for policies to adopt comprehensive strategies that enhance environmental benefits for all.
When
analyzing the interactions between regions, we find that most recognized areas are not effectively used to represent biodiversity, which necessitates the need for specialized investigations into the performance of protected areas. Relevant authorities must also provide accurate and comprehensive data to determine the true value of these areas.
Challenges and Future Research
The results indicate significant data gaps related to recognized areas, and these gaps hinder the ability to accurately assess and comprehensively report the achievements of any of these sites. Research has not demonstrated whether sites recognized as OECMs can effectively maintain biodiversity in the long term.
Additionally, effective management of sites requires determining how adaptive the governing systems and conservation mechanisms are. Current focus is on the need to enhance the available data network for recognized areas, which will significantly contribute to reinforcing ongoing biodiversity conservation efforts in the future.
The issue is not just about announcing the recognition of areas, but rather the importance lies in confirming the effectiveness of this recognition in enhancing the status of biodiversity through the actual inclusion of local communities in decision-making and administrative practices. If efforts continue in this direction with a focus on comprehensive coverage and accurate data, positive outcomes for global biodiversity may be achieved.
Main Aspects of Joint Conservation Management
Joint conservation management is one of the prominent issues in the field of environmental conservation. It refers to agreements aimed at conserving the environment through cooperation among relevant parties, including governments, local communities, and private groups. With the increasing interest in conserving biodiversity, it has become essential to examine how joint management can contribute to the sustainability of ecosystems. For example, this management may involve engaging indigenous peoples in managing protected areas. In countries like Canada and Australia, these models are considered some of the strongest tools for conserving biodiversity as they focus on the culture and land knowledge of indigenous communities.
However, the promises of cooperation emerge as a strong parliament, but they suffer from numerous obstacles, including the lack of representation of local communities in decision-making and challenges in balancing multiple interests. Research indicates that the most effective model is one where balanced interaction occurs and where the rights of local communities are respected. This interaction depends on integrating legislative, health, and economic efforts to support resource sustainability.
The Importance of Detailed Data in Environmental Assessment
Detailed data is considered a critical element in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation measures. It can provide a clear picture of the social and environmental impacts of implementing conservation measures. With the increasing need to understand how conservation actions affect local communities, it becomes essential to collect detailed data, including gender-disaggregated information. This will ensure that efforts made to face environmental challenges are empowered and responsive to everyone’s needs.
For example, detailed data on the economic status of women compared to men in communities that host protected areas can contribute to forming more inclusive policies. Good data enables policymakers to develop strategies based on facts rather than assumptions. This process requires coordinated efforts between governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations to collect and analyze this data sustainably.
Reporting and Monitoring Challenges in Protected Area Management
The reporting and monitoring process is one of the most significant challenges facing protected area management. Effective and detailed communication is a key element in achieving success in efforts to preserve the environment. Most available data suffers from a lack of accurate information, hindering the understanding of the actual impacts of implementing conservation measures. There is also a need to develop effective reporting systems that include all relevant components for biodiversity conservation.
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Many of the aggregated data lack precise scientific methods, leading to less accurate overall results. Sometimes, countries may prefer to collect data that supports their plans rather than data that reflects reality. Therefore, conservation actors must provide transparent reports that include the methods and tools used to assess the effectiveness of protected areas.
Future Recommendations to Enhance the Effectiveness of OECMs
Recommendations for developing successful management models for OECMs indicate the need to enhance partnerships and cooperation between governments and relevant stakeholders. Focusing on a rights-based management approach is an important strategy, as it offers opportunities to promote transparency and equity. This approach also enhances the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes that affect their environmental resources.
Furthermore, it is suggested that specific measurement tools be used for evaluation, such as the criteria of the international convention for biodiversity conservation. The existence of these criteria is essential to ensure the implementation of the necessary measures to enhance positive environmental and social outcomes. For example, these tools may include annual surveys that highlight changes in biodiversity levels and social impacts resulting from joint management.
In conclusion, it is clear that improving protected area management requires a multi-level interaction based on effective data and analyses, ensuring an effective response to contemporary environmental challenges and enhancing community engagement across all stakeholder groups.
Decisions Adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
The decisions of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity reflect a significant global interest in the issue of biodiversity protection. These decisions highlight the importance of protected areas and effective area-based approaches to safeguarding natural environments. Target 11 is one of the key objectives that countries aim to achieve, targeting the protection of 17% of land and 10% of marine waters. The decisions also address the improvement of the effectiveness of these protected spaces and the necessity of expanding the scope of protection to include local communities and foundational initiatives. This shift embodies a move towards more inclusive solutions that incorporate the views and aspirations of indigenous peoples and local communities, reflecting the necessity of involving everyone in protection efforts.
Other Effective Area-Based Measures (OECMs)
Other effective area-based measures pertain to environmental protection practices that do not fall under traditional categories of national parks or reserves. These measures aim to enhance and protect biodiversity in areas that may not be considered official reserves. The inclusion of OECMs is a significant step towards achieving the Aichi biodiversity targets. For example, these measures include sustainable agricultural practices, water resource management, and community initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation. One notable example is cooperation with local communities that adopt traditional and effective methods to sustain their environment.
The Role of Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples in Effective and Equitable Protection
Local communities and indigenous peoples play a central role in environmental protection efforts. This is highlighted in several studies that demonstrate how these communities rely on traditional knowledge and a holistic view to preserve natural environments. These efforts include the protection of environmentally significant areas that ensure the survival of local species. The search for justice in the governance of protected areas reflects the need to review how decisions are made. This includes involving local communities in policy planning and resource allocation to ensure mutual benefits for all parties, contributing to increased protection effectiveness and enhancing the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands.
Challenges Associated with Implementing OECMs
Despite the potential benefits of other effective area-based measures, their implementation faces multiple challenges. One of the most prominent challenges is the lack of awareness and education about OECMs and the necessary procedures for their application. Current research shows that there is significant variability in impact among different countries and ecosystems. Approaches and practices vary from place to place, necessitating a unified framework for evaluation and monitoring. Additionally, some communities may suffer from a lack of financial resources, affecting their ability to commit to sustainable practices. Accordingly, enhancing local capacities and providing financial support is vital to achieving the desired goals.
Trends
Future Directions in Biodiversity Protection
Future trends are reflected in supporting effective and innovative protection areas. Achieving biodiversity goals will depend on effective collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. The trend towards adapting to climate change and urgent environmental issues has begun to incorporate modern technologies such as the use of big data to analyze environmental patterns and their impacts. Some nations are also striving to enhance international legislation to protect biodiversity in a way that aligns with the needs and rights of indigenous peoples. In this regard, strengthening cross-border partnerships is considered an effective tool to address global environmental challenges, as many environmental problems transcend national boundaries and require integrated and cooperative solutions.
Source link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1447434/full
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