Promoting progress towards the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a central priority for CBD Parties and their partners.

In this context, it is clear that conserving pristine nature alone is not enough. It is equally essential to leverage local opportunities to sustainably conserve important biodiversity values, strengthen connectivity both among and between protected and conserved areas and natural ecosystems, and thereby level up overall conservation outcomes.

Since its launch at CBD COP10 in 2010, the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative has been focusing on conservation outcomes in areas managed equitably by communities, known as “Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes” (SEPLS).

Such areas exist in many parts of the world and are known by different local names, for example, satoyama in Japan, ahupuaʻa in Hawaii, dehesa in Spain, chagras in the Amazon and hema in the Middle East. However, these are only a few examples; other areas governed and managed in similar ways are found across the world, realising a harmonious relationship between human and nature.

Some of these areas are already designated as protected areas (Target 3); many are likely to contribute to sustainable agriculture (Target 10), fisheries and other primary activities while recognising and including different knowledge systems and the involvement of diverse actors and stakeholders in a landscape or seascape. Others may be undergoing transitions while contributing to restoration (Target 2), and some, depending on specific conditions, management levels, and the willingness of landowners and managers, could potentially be recognised as OECMs (Target 3).

To be recognised as OECMs, being part of SEPLS is, in itself, not enough. Several key factors need to be clarified, including in-situ conservation outcomes, and the area needs to be assessed against the relevant criteria, consistent with the CBD decision.  What, then, is the potential of these areas?

This event will explore landscapes in which humans and nature interact in mutually reinforcing ways. By appropriately acknowledging the contributions of these areas, and the efforts of people to conserve nature around them, we can support more effective and inclusive conservation across a broader landscape.