OECMs for Achieving KMGBF 2022 Targets

• 29 Jan 2025

For Prelims: Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), International Union for Conservation of Nature, World Commission on Protected Areas, World Wildlife Fund, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), UN Environment Programme, Biodiversity, Protected Area, Savannah, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Invasive Alien Species. 

For Mains: Role of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) in achieving Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022.

Source: IUCN 

Why in News?

A new report titled “Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)” has been released by the IUCN, World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and WWF. 

• The guidelines, with case studies, focus on conserving land, water, and marine areas to achieve GBF Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022 to conserve 30% of these areas by 2030. 

What are OECMs? 

• About OECMs: An OECM is defined as a geographically defined area that is not a protected area, but is governed and managed to achieve positive, sustained, long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity.  
  • These areas conserve ecosystem functions and services, including cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, or other local values. 
  • e.g., Agricultural lands, forests for timber etc. 
• Criteria for Identifying OECMs: 

• Key Characteristics: 
  • Not a Protected Area: OECMs aren't formal protected areas (PAs) but contribute to biodiversity conservation. 
  • Governance Flexibility: OECMs can be managed by governments, private groups, Indigenous peoples, or local communities. 
  • Multiple Objectives: OECMs may focus on goals like water management or agriculture, with biodiversity conservation as a secondary benefit. 
  • Sustained Conservation: OECMs must ensure long-term in-situ biodiversity conservation through effective governance and management. 
  • Voluntary Identification: Identifying a site as an OECM is voluntary and requires the governing authority's agreement. 
• Significance: OECMs recognize vital sites for biodiversity that aren't formally protected. 
  • OECMs expand the global conserved areas network, boosting biodiversity coverage without strict formalities. 
• Case Studies: 
  • Los Amigos Conservation Area: It is located in the Los Amigos watershed, Peru and supports 12 globally threatened species, 12 primate species, and over 550 bird species.  
  • Wits Rural Facility: It is situated in South Africa and is mostly managed to maintain intact savannah and river habitats. 
  • North Tyndal Protected Water Area: It is located in Nova Scotia, Canada for biodiversity conservation by maintaining native vegetation and prohibiting harmful land uses. 
• OECMs in India: 

• Difference Between OECMs from PAs: 

Aspect	Protected Areas (PAs)	Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
Definition	Area dedicated to long-term conservation of nature.	Site conserving biodiversity, but not necessarily as the primary goal.
Primary Objective	Focus on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural values.	Biodiversity as a secondary or incidental outcome.
Legal Recognition	Formally recognized and legally protected.	Voluntary, may lack formal protection.
Role in Conservation Networks	Core of conservation networks, vital for long-term protection.	Complements PAs, enhancing ecological connectivity.
Conservation Outcome	Strict regulations for biodiversity protection.	May support biodiversity, but not focused on conservation.
Complementary Role	Central to achieving conservation targets (e.g., 30% by 2030).	Enhances ecological representation and connectivity.

What are Eight Sections Containing Guidelines for OECMs? 

What is KMGBF 2022? 

• About: Adopted at CoP 15 (Montreal, Canada) in December 2022, it aims to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss by 2030. 
  • It supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and builds upon the achievements and lessons learned from the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. 
• Objectives: It includes 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action by 2030, aiming to restore at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine ecosystems. 
  • This target refers to global efforts, not a requirement for each country to allocate 30% of its land and water. 
• Future Outlook: The framework envisions a collective commitment to living in harmony with nature by 2050, guiding current actions and policies on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. 

 

Note: CBD COP-16 took place in Cali, Colombia in 2024 with the theme "Peace with Nature". 

• India launched the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at COP 16 to the CBD aligning with the KMGBF. 
• Cali Fund was established to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources. 

What is India’s Biodiversity Target Under KMGBF?  

• Conservation Areas: Aim to conserve 30% of areas to enhance biodiversity. 
• Invasive Species: Target a 50% reduction in invasive alien species. 
• Rights and Participation: Ensure the involvement of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in conservation. 
• Sustainable Consumption: Promote sustainable consumption and cut food waste by half. 
• Benefit Sharing: Encourage fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources and traditional knowledge. 
• Pollution Reduction: Reduce pollution, halving nutrient loss and pesticide risk. 
• Biodiversity Planning: Manage areas to prevent loss of high biodiversity regions. 

IUCN 

• Created in 1948, IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. 
• IUCN is a membership union composed of over 1,400 organizations, including both government and civil society groups. 
• IUCN is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments, and analysis, offering tools and knowledge to support global environmental efforts. 
• It prepares the IUCN Red Data Book (now known as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) in which species are classified into categories based on their risk of extinction e.g., Critically Endangered,  Endangered etc. 

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) 

• It is the world’s leading network of expertise on protected and conserved areas, with over 2,500 members across 140 countries. 
• It offers strategic advice to policymakers on establishing, managing, and strengthening protected areas.

WWF

• WWF, founded in 1961, is an international NGO focused on environmental conservation and protecting vulnerable species and ecosystems.  
• Its mission is to halt environmental degradation and create a future where humans live in harmony with nature. 

Conclusion 

The release of the OECM guidelines by IUCN and WWF supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to conserve 30% of land, waters, and marine areas by 2030. India's biodiversity targets align with global goals to enhance conservation, reduce invasive species, and promote sustainable consumption. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

What are Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). How are they different from Protected Areas?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (2018) 

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

(b) The UNEP Secretariat 

(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat 

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (2019)