Integrating Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures to strengthen EU conservation networks - Briefing paper
Posted on June, 03 2025
As the European Union works towards its goal of protecting and conserving at least 30% of its marine areas by 2030, with 10% needing to be strictly protected, many questions have emerged about the role of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in reaching these targets.
OECMs differ from MPAs in that they achieve biodiversity conservation outcomes without necessarily having conservation as their primary objective. In the right context, they can be an appropriate area-based conservation tool for marine and coastal ecosystems, and present an opportunity to expand our approach to conservation beyond MPAs. Properly identified OECMs deliver long-term, in-situ biodiversity conservation while fully recognising and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as well as all other rights holders over those seas. This policy brief aims to clarify the definition, scope, and application of OECMs in the EU’s legal and policy framework. It also aims to explain how OECMs can support the 30x30 targets and offers practical recommendations for establishing effective, transparent, and accountable measures that deliver long-term conservation outcomes.
Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures achieve biodiversity conservation outcomes without necessarily having conservation as their primary objective.
© Unsplash
Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures achieve biodiversity conservation outcomes without necessarily having conservation as their primary objective.
© Unsplash