An expert group discussed the importance of other effective conservation measures (OECMs), which are essential for achieving European nature conservation goals, particularly regarding the plans to protect 30% of EU land and sea areas by 2030. As OECMs are a relatively new policy instrument in many member states, the discussion focused on how they can be used to practically and sensibly conserve biodiversity while respecting the needs of local communities.
Opening the seminar, Cy Griffin, FACE’s Senior Conservation Manager, welcomed the attendees and stated: It is important to identify areas with land management practices that provide conservation benefits, regardless of whether they are designated protected areas or not. OECMs are a way to complement the protected area network and ensure beneficial land use in the long term.
Dr. Stephen Woodley, Co-Chair of the IUCN-WCPA OECM Specialist Group, emphasised: OECMs offer an opportunity for the EU to create a more comprehensive system to help halt biodiversity loss. OECMs can work alongside modernised and expanded protected area systems to build nature conservation and preservation networks that both protect nature and help it adapt to a changing climate.
Frank Vassen from the European Commission highlighted: The Commission staff working document on 'Criteria and guidance for protected areas designation' provides a definition of 'other effective area-based conservation measures' that applies not only to administrative legal acts but also to contractual measures, provided these areas are managed to achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for biodiversity conservation. Thus, the document outlines how OECMs could help reach the goal of ensuring 30% area protection within the EU and its biogeographical regions by 2030.
Explanation: OECMs (other effective conservation measures) or other effective area-based conservation measures refer to a geographically defined area that is not a protected area, but which is governed and managed to 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.