Role of OECMs in Meeting KMGBF 2022 Conservation Goals

Role of OECMs in Meeting KMGBF 2022 Conservation Goals

A new report, "Guidance on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)," has been launched by the IUCN, World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), and WWF. This guidance, backed by case studies, aims to preserve land, water, and marine areas, contributing to the achievement of GBF Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022, which seeks to conserve 30% of such areas by 2030.

What are OECMs?
OECMs Explained:
OECMs refer to regions that are not officially designated as protected areas but are managed with the goal of ensuring the long-term conservation of biodiversity. These areas support ecosystem functions, provide essential services, and protect cultural, spiritual, and socio-economic values. Examples include agricultural lands and forests used for timber production.

Criteria for Identifying OECMs:

• Not Protected Areas: OECMs differ from formal protected areas, yet they contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.
• Flexible Governance: OECMs can be managed by various stakeholders, including governments, private entities, Indigenous peoples, and local communities.
• Multiple Objectives: While biodiversity conservation may not always be the primary aim, OECMs typically achieve secondary conservation goals, such as water management or sustainable agriculture.
• Sustained Conservation: OECMs require effective governance to ensure long-term in-situ biodiversity conservation.
• Voluntary Participation: Identifying an area as an OECM is voluntary and requires the consent of the governing authority.

Significance of OECMs:
OECMs are essential for expanding the global network of conserved areas, improving biodiversity coverage without formal legal protection.

Case Studies of OECMs:

• Los Amigos Conservation Area, Peru: A region that protects 12 globally threatened species, including primates and birds.
• Wits Rural Facility, South Africa: Primarily managed to preserve savannah and river ecosystems.
• North Tyndal Protected Water Area, Canada: Focuses on protecting native vegetation and preventing harmful land use.
  
  

OECMs in India:
India is also exploring the potential of OECMs to contribute to biodiversity conservation, complementing formal protected areas.
Comparing OECMs and Protected Areas:

Aspect	Protected Areas (PAs)	OECMs
Definition	Areas dedicated to long-term conservation.	Areas not primarily designated for conservation but support biodiversity.
Primary Objective	Focus on preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural values.	Biodiversity may be a secondary or incidental outcome.
Legal Status	Formally recognized with legal protection.	Voluntary and may lack formal legal protection.
Conservation Role	Central to conservation efforts and biodiversity networks.	Complements protected areas and enhances ecological connectivity.

Key Guidelines for OECMs:
The report provides a set of guidelines to identify and manage OECMs effectively, helping to meet the global biodiversity targets set by the Kunming-Montreal framework.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022
About KMGBF:
Adopted in December 2022, the KMGBF aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It builds on the lessons from the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and supports global sustainability goals.

Goals:
The framework includes 23 global targets, including the protection of 30% of the world's terrestrial, inland water, and marine ecosystems by 2030. These targets emphasize collaborative efforts to restore ecosystems and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.

India’s Biodiversity Targets Under KMGBF:

• 30% Conservation Goal: Aim to conserve 30% of land and water areas by 2030.
• Invasive Species: Work to reduce invasive species by 50%.
• Inclusive Conservation: Promote participation from Indigenous peoples, local communities, and marginalized groups.
• Sustainable Consumption: Advocate for reduced food waste and sustainable consumption practices.
• Pollution Reduction: Target a 50% reduction in nutrient loss and pesticide use.

About the IUCN:
Founded in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s leading environmental network, comprising over 1,400 organizations. The IUCN plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, including the preparation of the Red List of Threatened Species, which categorizes species based on their risk of extinction.

Key Takeaways
The new OECM guidelines released by the IUCN and WWF provide crucial insights for conserving biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. This, in conjunction with the KMGBF's global targets, presents an integrated approach to biodiversity conservation that combines both formal and informal conservation strategies to achieve the 30% by 2030 target.

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