Why this session?

This high-level side event will launch the COP17 Presidency initiative the Global OECM Alliance, a global platform to strengthen collaboration, exchange best practices and lessons learned, and accelerate the implementation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) as part of Target 3. As Parties move from policy development towards implementation, there is growing demand for practical experience, peer learning, technical guidance and regional cooperation. At the same time, significant expertise, tools and support already exist across Parties, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, international organizations and technical partners, but remain dispersed across different initiatives and mechanisms. The Alliance will help connect these existing efforts and turn them into stronger collective action. Under the political leadership of the COP17 Presidency and building on existing CBD mechanisms and partnerships, the Platform will strengthen collaboration among Parties and partners, improve access to knowledge and technical support, facilitate regional and peer-to-peer exchange, and showcase diverse pathways for effective OECM implementation. The launch will mark a practical step from the 30x30 commitment towards implementation on the ground, from COP17 towards 2030.

 

Description

Other Effective Area based Conservation Measures (OECMs) have become a critical mechanism under KMGBF Target 3, to ensure that, by 2030, at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and

ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed. OECMs expand recognition of conservation outcomes beyond protected areas, acknowledging a wide range of governance systems and management approaches, and offer Parties a way to meet Target 3 where expansion of traditional protected areas is not suitable. OECMs are increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool for both sustainable use and conservation. However, while best practices for protected areas are well defined, planners and policymakers have been provided insufficient guidance on OECMs, and considerable confusion remains about how they might be designed, recognized, and reported in production sectors. Addressing this confusion to ensure that OECMs deliver meaningful and long-term benefits to biodiversity and legitimately qualify as contributing to progress towards Target 3 is an urgent priority. Rather than creating new institutional arrangements or technical processes, there is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among existing initiatives, improve the visibility of available support, and facilitate exchanges of practical experience among Parties.

 

As Parties move from policy development towards implementation, there is increasing value in creating opportunities for practical exchange and collaboration under the neutral convening role of the Convention. A Presidency-led initiative provides an opportunity to elevate political attention while building on existing CBD decisions, guidance, implementation mechanisms and partnerships to better support Parties in advancing OECMs. The initiative will operate under the political leadership of the COP17 Presidency and the overall coordination of the CBD Secretariat, ensuring full alignment with the Convention, existing COP decisions and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

 

The Global OECM Alliance

 

The Global OECM Alliance is a COP17 Presidency Flagship Initiative to strengthen political leadership, collaboration and practical support for OECM implementation as part of the flagship Target 3. The Platform will provide a high-level and collaborative space for Parties and partners to share experience, connect existing expertise and resources, strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate implementation towards 2030.

 

The Platform therefore aims for countries to connect political leadership, practical experience, technical expertise and existing implementation support. It will further recognize that OECM implementation will take different forms according to national circumstances, ecosystems, governance systems, sectors and cultural context, while maintaining the integrity of the CBD framework and contribution of OECMs to biodiversity outcomes.

 

Objectives

 

The High-Level Launch will officially introduce the Global OECMs Alliance and mobilise political and institutional support for its implementation. The event will provide a platform for Heads of Delegation, Ministers, senior government representatives, international organisations, development actors and other key partners to:

• Reaffirm the prominence of OECMs to achieving Target 3 and the 30x30 ambition;
• Officially launch the OECM Dialogue as a COP17 Presidency Flagship initiative
• Showcase practical implementation within champion countries (e.g. China, Republic of Korea, Japan)
• Invite countries and organisations to actively participate in the Platform
• Establish a shared pathway from Yerevan to COP18