Story 07 Apr, 2026

IUCN at IPSI‑10: Advancing area‑based conservation and recognition of SEPLS as OECMs

At the Tenth Global Conference of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI‑10), held 3–5 March 2026 in Riobamba, Ecuador, IUCN played a central role in shaping future action on sustainable Socio‑Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS). The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and practitioners from around the world to advance the IPSI Strategy and Plan of Action 2023–2030. A major milestone of the meeting was the adoption of the Actionable Implementation Plan (AIP), which provides a roadmap for coordinated efforts towards biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. The AIP outlines concrete actions across knowledge generation, capacity development, institutional strengthening, landscape restoration and area‑based conservation, including OECMs.

Photo: IUCN presenting on Strategic Objective 3 “Area-based conservation” and OECMs at the Opening Plenary of IPSI10 (Photo: IPSI Secretariate)

Photo: Study tour to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve SEPLS site and Ecuador’s highest mountain (Photo: IPSI Secretariate/ Ulrika Åberg)

IUCN presenting on Strategic Objective 3 “Area-based conservation” and OECMs at the Opening Plenary of IPSI10 (Photo: IPSI Secretariate)

Study tour to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve SEPLS site and Ecuador’s highest mountain (Photo: IPSI Secretariate/ Ulrika Åberg)

Strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange were supported by plenary sessions, thematic workshops and a public forum on conservation in mountain landscapes and sustainable ecotourism. Field‑based learning experiences, including visits to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve and local community-managed landscapes, deepening participants’ understanding of culturally grounded, community-led conservation practices.

As the lead organisation for the Strategy and Plan of Action’s Strategic Objective 3 (SO3): Area‑Based Conservation Measures, IUCN presented its ongoing work to strengthen the understanding and application of OECMs and the potential recognition of SEPLS within this framework. IUCN highlighted:

Key interlinkages, gaps and opportunities to enhance recognition of landscapes and seascapes that are governed and managed effectively for biodiversity outcomes.

Comparative analysis of SEPLS and OECM criteria, exploring where SEPLS governance, biodiversity values and resilience indicators align with global standards.

Development of practical learning materials, including a booklet and training slides, to support IPSI members in exploring whether SEPLS could meet OECM criteria. These materials incorporate case studies and will be published by April 2026.

Existing IUCN technical guidance for OECM identification and reporting, including decision‑support tools, equity considerations, monitoring guidance and linkages to GBF Target 3.

Leadership in coordinating SO3 contributions to the AIP, consolidating over 40 examples of actions submitted by IPSI members, and guiding their prioritisation into high‑, mid‑, and long‑term categories.

By strengthening the evidence base for SEPLS–OECM linkages and equipping IPSI members with practical guidance and capacity‑development tools, IUCN is working towards advancing equitable, effectively managed and culturally grounded area‑based conservation that contributes towards global efforts to achieve GBF Target 3. The finalised Actionable Implementation Plan will be released in April 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase of coordinated implementation across IPSI’s global partnership network.

IPSI News Story: https://satoyamainitiative.org/news/ipsi-adopts-actionable-implementation-plan-at-tenth-global-conference-in-ecuador/