IUCN WCPA Technical Note 26: Strengthening site assessments and introducing a proposed verification process for other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)
This IUCN-WCPA Technical Note outlines a proposed verification process for Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). It recommends independent assessment of national frameworks and sites to ensure alignment with CBD Decision 14/8, IUCN guidance, and Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, supporting credible conservation outcomes.
Subject Tags
- Biodiversity
- Equitable conservation
In Brief
Decision 14/8, adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), provided a definition and criteria for identifying Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures or OECMs (CBD 2018). As part of that decision, the IUCN was asked to provide additional guidance. Since then, Parties to the CBD have been interpreting that definition for their national contexts, supported by IUCN-WCPA guidance, and are developing national and subnational frameworks to support OECM recognition. It is important that these frameworks can demonstrate that they are consistent with the criteria set out in the CBD Decision, and that they enshrine well-established principles of transparency and credibility.
TNC Authors
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Carolina Hazin
Sr Policy Advisor, Area-Based Conservation Measure. Policy and Public Funding
The Nature Conservancy
Email: carolina.hazin@tnc.org -
James Fitzsimons
Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies. Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jfitzsimons@tnc.org