OECMs

The term ‘Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure’ (OECM) defined in 2018 describes a geographic site, which is not within a protected area, that delivers long-term biodiversity conservation under equitable governance and management. OECMs can be governed by a variety of rights holders and actors including Indigenous peoples and local communities, government agencies, sectoral actors, private organizations, and individuals.

Where a more nuanced and locally adapted approach is required to deliver effective conservation outcomes, OECMs will play a fundamentally important role in delivering on the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework agenda, particularly as tools used by governments and regions to reach the “30 by 30” target.

Across the Pacific region / Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, there are many potential marine OECMs, including rāhui, mātaitai, taiāpure, locally managed marine areas and customary fishing areas, governed locally by village chiefs, communities, tribes and / or sub-tribes, and regional bodies.

OECM Convention on Biological Diversity definition

“Other effective area-based conservation measure” (OECM) means “a geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and, where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and other locally relevant values”.