Other effective area-based conservation measures

Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are sites outside of protected areas that are governed and managed in ways that deliver the long-term in situ conservation of biodiversity. As of March 2023, 829 such sites have been reported to the World Database on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures, managed by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. OECMs cover of the Earth's surface, accounting for on land and in the ocean. An (OECM) is defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity as: [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, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values. There are four criteria for identifying OECMs: The area is not currently recognized as a protected area; The area is governed and managed; The area achieves sustained and effective contribution to in situ conservation of biodiversity; Criterion Associated ecosystem functions and services and cultural, spiritual, socio-economic and other locally relevant values are conserved and respected. Under the four criteria above, there are 26 sub-criteria. The term "other effective area-based conservation measures" was first used in Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, agreed to in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010. Target 11 stated: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.