OECMs

In 2018, the concept of "Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures" (OECMs) was formally defined through CBD Decision 14/8. OECMs are geographically defined areas distinct from traditional Protected Areas (PAs) but managed in ways that yield positive, sustained, and long-term outcomes for biodiversity conservation, including associated ecosystem functions, services, and, when applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally significant values. Despite being a relatively recent concept, OECMs offer a promising approach to achieving large-scale conservation targets and mitigating biodiversity loss.

Dev Bhoomi in Uttarakhand, India Photo: Kartik Paliwal/Wikimedia Commons

Report: Status of OECMs in Asia

This report's primary objective is to shed light on the status of OECMs in the Asian region, particularly among countries in the Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP). This was achieved through a questionnaire-based study focusing on strategies, legislation, and challenges related to OECMs, with the aim of offering recommendations for the way forward.

The survey garnered responses from 33 participants representing 17 countries across three broad regions in Asia.

Status of OECMs in Asia

Guidance to Advance Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Asia

The “Guidance to Advance Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Asia”  builds on the recommendations from the Status of OECMs in Asia report (Sharma et al., 2023), that surveyed countries across Asia with a focus on national and sub-national strategies, legislation, and challenges. The report provided five key recommendations to guide countries across Asia to expand their efforts on OECMs. This technical briefing paper builds on these recommendations to help countries in Asia identify, report, monitor, and strengthen OECMs strategically.

To ensure that efforts on OECMs within countries are consistent and following strategic guidance, countries should aim to create a national strategy for OECMs. Ensuring the proper identification, reporting, monitoring, and strengthening of OECMs in Asia will require a five-pronged approach around (1) building capacity, (2) developing a national strategy through an inclusive and consultative process, (3) developing legal or other effective types of mechanisms, (4) seeking diverse and sustainable financing opportunities, and (5) prioritising the most ecologically valuable areas, such as KBAs, using spatial planning processes.

The content in this document is also based on guidance documents produced by the IUCN WCPA, which have been peer reviewed and published by the IUCN; they are available in several languages on the IUCN WCPA OECM Specialist Group’s website. You can also read the previous report on Asia OECM status here: (OECMs | IUCN).

Read the report HERE.