Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures

An Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM) is a geographically defined area, other than a protected area, that delivers effective and lasting conservation of biodiversity in its natural habitat. Under CBD Decision 14/8, the area must be governed and managed to achieve positive, sustained, long-term in situ conservation outcomes, while supporting associated ecosystem functions, services and, where applicable, locally relevant values.

Core qualification criteria

The CBD assesses an area against four linked criteria. Classification depends on demonstrated conservation outcomes, not merely on assigning a label.

• The site must be a geographically defined area with identifiable boundaries and sufficient spatial information.
• It must not already be recognised or reported as a protected area.
• It must have legitimate governance arrangements and be subject to active management capable of addressing relevant threats.
• Its governance and management must produce effective, positive and sustained long-term biodiversity outcomes.

Nature of the conservation outcome

The measure must conserve ecosystems, habitats and species within their natural surroundings. Biodiversity conservation need not be the area's primary management objective, but it must be an enduring outcome rather than an accidental or temporary benefit.

• The outcome must support in situ conservation, including ecosystem integrity, connectivity or recovery where relevant.
• Management effectiveness and biodiversity outcomes should be capable of assessment through appropriate information and monitoring.
• Associated ecosystem functions and services must be maintained, and management should not undermine biodiversity.
• Cultural, spiritual and socioeconomic values are considered where they are locally relevant and consistent with biodiversity conservation.

How OECMs differ from protected areas

A protected area is dedicated and managed primarily for conservation. An OECM may conserve biodiversity as a primary, secondary or ancillary outcome, provided the CBD criteria are met and the result is effective over the long term.

• Recognition as an OECM does not depend on a particular governance type; governance may involve governments, communities, private actors or shared arrangements.
• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3 recognises OECMs alongside protected areas as a means of area-based conservation.

How UPSC asks this