Unpacking OECMs: Pathways for Effective Implementation and Operationalization in Asia

This paper examines the operationalization of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Asia, highlighting their transformative potential for achieving inclusive biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development goals.It also emphasizes the potential of OECMs to advance the reporting of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), showcasing their role in advancing integrated, area-based conservation approaches across diverse ecosystems.Drawing on over a decade of collaborative efforts facilitated by the Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP), especially focusing on OECMs since 2023, the study synthesizes insights from national dialogues in Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea, along with an APAP regional workshop on OECMs in Japan.It identifies key challenges in governance, spatial integration, and monitoring and proposes actionable solutions tailored to the region's socio-political and ecological contexts.Emphasizing the integration of participatory governance models, advanced monitoring frameworks, and cultural and socio-economic values, the paper situates areas reporting as OECMs as pivotal towards enhancing ecological connectivity and fostering inclusive conservation strategies.By aligning global guidance with regional, national, and local realities, this study provides a roadmap for effectively operationalizing OECMs in Asia and beyond.