Q 26 - How to take OECM into consideration in MSP where no legal instruments are in place?

Broader “Question”

• Q 25 - How to integrate the process of MPA designation or extension in MSP?

Related sites

• Azores Archipelago

General answer

While protected areas must have a primary conservation objective, this is not necessary for OECMs. OECMs may be managed for many different objectives but they must deliver effective conservation. They may be managed with conservation as a primary or secondary objective or long-term conservation may be the ancillary result of management activities. Recognition of OECMs offers a significant opportunity to recognise de facto effective long-term conservation that is taking place outside currently designated protected areas under a range of governance and management regimes, implemented by a diverse set of actors, including by indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and government agencies. Identifying, reporting, monitoring and strengthening OECMs offers a significant opportunity to promote and support de facto effective long-term conservation that is in addition to that provided by designated protected areas. Like protected areas, OECMs can occur under a range of governance regimes, including those of Indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and government agencies. IUCN has published a Good Practice Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/51773 These guidelines are designed to promote good practices relating to identifying, reporting, monitoring and strengthening OECMs. They are intended for use by a wide range of rightsholders and stakeholders to promote understanding of whether a site meets the CBD criteria for identifying an OECM, how to report OECM data at the national and global levels, and how to monitor and strengthen OECMs. Recognition as an OECM may also provide additional incentives for conservation and sustainable management of areas of biodiversity significance outside protected areas, such as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Important Plant Areas (IPAs), Important Bird Areas (IBAs), Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), and Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), noting that such areas must meet the definition of an OECM to be included.

Answers

Operational approaches

• Participatory mapping (Trade-off for MPA Design)

• Strategic guidance (Strategic guidance)

ESE3 - Trade-offs method for protections and restoration in MSP

Practices: Scoping Data collection and presentation Analysis and diagnosis Prioritisation and designation Implementation and management Monitoring and evaluation

Spatial scales: Transboundary / sea basin National Regional / local

Protection regimes: Strict protection Non-strict protection

Marine zones: Coastal zone Deep sea Offshore zone

Operational approaches: (Method) Participatory mapping

Implementation details

The following approaches can be beneficial: 1. Stakeholder Engagement: Actively involve local communities and stakeholders in planning to gather insights on existing conservation practices that may already be functioning informally. Participatory mapping techniques can enhance engagement and ensure that local knowledge is integrated into the planning framework (pages 20, 21) 2. Flexible Frameworks: Develop flexible governance structures that allow for adaptive management of marine areas based on emerging conservation needs and stakeholder perspectives. This can facilitate the recognition of OECMs in regions that may not currently have formal protections (page 36). 3. Valuation of Ecosystem Services: Assess and value ecosystem services provided by marine environments to illustrate their importance for conservation and local livelihoods. This understanding can help build a case for implementing OECMs to balance ecological sustainability with economic activities (pages 22, 24). 4. Identification and Mapping of Potential OECMs: Utilize technology and participatory mapping to identify areas that may serve as OECMs. By involving stakeholders in the mapping process, you can capture areas of ecological or cultural significance that warrant consideration for conservation outside formal legal frameworks (page 21). 5. Adopting Integrated Management Approaches: Incorporate adaptive and integrated management strategies within MSP, considering the interconnections between conservation, economic development, and social structures. This holistic approach can facilitate the inclusion of OECMs within broader spatial planning efforts ((page 36).

References

• Trade-offs method for protection and restoration in MSP (ESE3). Deliverable – D4.3., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)).

  This report presents the participatory creation of integrated trade-off scenarios within the MSP4BIO project, aiming to improve the management of marine spaces and safeguard ecosystem services.

  The outcomes of this deliverable provide detailed Guidelines for applying trade-off methodology for MPA design. These scenarios aim to assess and negotiate the consequences of diverse actions and strategies regarding the spatial and strategic management of marine areas. The key element is comprehending how various human activities influence and are influenced by the ecosystem’s services and exploring potential ways for negotiating solutions. The outcomes, particularly the trade-off scenarios, will be integrated into practical tools and frameworks, aiding decision-making processes related to marine resource management.

  This method was designed by the MSP4BIO team members and experts and developed collaboratively with stakeholders to understand the perspectives linked to protected marine areas and potential trade-offs in which specific actions may positively or negatively impact ecosystems and human well-being.

  It was tested by the different test sites of the MSP4BIO project, and the outcomes will be integrated into the ESE 3, more specifically by the Task 4.4 MPAs and MSP Ecological-Socio-Economic integrated management

Policy solutions

Practices: [Not Related to Any Practice]

References

• Policy solutions for biodiversity conservation in marine and maritime policies. Deliverable – D6.2., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707).

  The effective integration of biodiversity considerations into marine and maritime policies as well as into Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is crucial for achieving the EU’s environmental and sustainability objectives. Despite policy advancements, challenges such as governance fragmentation, data accessibility issues, insufficient funding, and the absence of legally binding biodiversity objectives hinder progress. This deliverable (D6.2) builds on the findings of Deliverable 6.1, which identified barriers and enabling factors for policy coherence, by presenting concrete policy solutions to enhance biodiversity mainstreaming in marine and maritime policies across the EU. The proposed solutions are structured into institutional, organizational, technical, and resource-related categories, addressing key governance and implementation challenges. They focus on strengthening institutional coordination, aligning relevant policies with biodiversity targets, increasing investment in data collection and decision-support tools, integrating climate-smart approaches into MSP, and developing financial mechanisms to support long-term biodiversity initiatives. Solutions address national, regional, and EU-level interventions, ensuring a multi-level approach to policy implementation. Co-developed with project partners and validated through regional dialogues and EU-level discussions, these recommendations aim to bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical implementation. The findings underscore the need for improved policy integration, cross-border cooperation through Regional Sea Conventions, and enhanced financial and data-driven decision-making mechanisms. By adopting these solutions, MSP can evolve into a proactive tool that balances economic and conservation objectives while strengthening ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. This deliverable provides a structured roadmap for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders to take decisive steps in ensuring the EU’s maritime spaces are managed sustainably, aligning with long-term biodiversity conservation goals.

---

Practices: Scoping Data collection and presentation Analysis and diagnosis Prioritisation and designation Implementation and management Monitoring and evaluation

Operational approaches: (Method) Strategic guidance

References

• Strategic Guidance for the Integration of MPA and MSP Processes on Multiple Governance and Ecosystem Levels (Deliverable – D4.4., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707).