WWF–CISDL Global Study · CBD COP17 · Yerevan, Armenia
OECM study presented at two COP17 venues
At COP17, the study’s findings on legal and policy pathways for OECMs were presented in two public sessions: first at the Academic & Research Organisations Hub, and then on the COP17 Green Zone Main Stage. The discussions connected comparative legal analysis with practical questions of credible, equitable and durable implementation of Target 3.
Academic & Research Organisations Hub · 26 October 2026
Hosted by CISDL and BLGI with WWF, Legal Pathways for OECMs: Advancing Target 3 from Recognition to Implementation brought together a focused presentation of the WWF–CISDL global study and a wider discussion about implementation, capacity-building and communities of practice. Dr Daniel Ruiz de Garibay presented the study alongside Prof Jorge Cabrera Medaglia and Dr Harry D. Jonas.
COP17 Green Zone Main Stage · 28 October 2026
At Legal Pathways for OECMs: Advancing Target 3 from Recognition to Implementation, hosted by WWF, CISDL and BLGI, Dr Tejas Rao and Dr Daniel Ruiz de Garibay presented key findings from the WWF–CISDL global study. The session linked global evidence and legal pathways with implementation experiences from Mexico and Armenia, followed by expert and audience discussion and a closing keynote by Dr Harry D. Jonas.
Session: 11:45–13:15, Main Stage, COP17 Green Zone, Yerevan.
Executive Summary
As Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) work to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) have emerged as a critical mechanism for recognising and supporting long-term biodiversity conservation outcomes beyond protected areas. In particular, GBF Target 3 (30×30) calls for the effective and equitable conservation of at least 30 per cent of land and sea areas by 2030, explicitly recognising the role of OECMs alongside protected areas.
This study, Advancing Legal and Policy Frameworks for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs): Global Lessons for Policy and Practice, provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the legal and policy pathways through which countries are identifying, recognising, and reporting OECMs internationally. It examines how diverse governance systems are translating CBD guidance—especially Decision 14/8—into operational legal, policy, and administrative frameworks.
Drawing on a review of jurisdictions that have reported OECMs internationally, as well as additional countries developing national frameworks, the study identifies five principal legal and policy pathways used to operationalise OECMs:
- binding ministerial and departmental legal instruments;
- national guidelines and policy frameworks;
- administrative procedures relying on existing mandates;
- sector-based recognition under pre-existing legal designations; and
- emerging approaches to OECMs in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
The study finds that there is no single model for OECM implementation. Instead, countries are adopting context-specific approaches that reflect existing legal traditions, governance arrangements, and conservation practices. While this diversity supports flexibility and innovation, it also raises challenges related to legal certainty, governance integrity, monitoring, durability, and alignment with CBD criteria.
The study contributes practical lessons and recommendations to support governments, policymakers, practitioners, and partners in strengthening OECM frameworks that are legally robust, inclusive, and capable of delivering long-term biodiversity outcomes.
Why This Study Matters
OECMs play a central role in complementing protected areas and expanding recognition of effective conservation across diverse governance contexts, including Indigenous territories, community-managed areas, fisheries, cultural landscapes, and other sector-based regimes.
As countries move rapidly to report OECMs internationally, there is an urgent need to understand how legal and policy frameworks can support credible, durable, and equitable implementation. This study responds to that need by analysing how OECMs are being operationalised in practice and by identifying pathways that align flexibility with legal integrity.
What the Study Covers
This study provides a global comparative assessment of:
- Legal definitions and typologies of OECMs
- National and regional legal and policy frameworks
- Institutional roles and procedural pathways for identification and reporting
- Country and regional case studies
- Emerging trends, challenges, and best practices
- OECMs in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)
Legal and Policy Pathways for OECMs
Ministerial and Departmental Legal Instruments
Some jurisdictions have adopted binding ministerial or departmental instruments that establish formal procedures for recognising and reporting OECMs under existing environmental mandates. This pathway offers legal clarity and clearly defined institutional responsibilities.
National Guidelines and Policy Frameworks
Several countries rely on national guidance documents and policy tools to operationalise OECMs. These approaches support consistent application across decentralised governance systems while allowing flexibility in implementation.
Administrative Procedures
In some cases, OECMs are identified and reported through administrative procedures using existing statutory powers, without the adoption of new legislation. This pathway can enable relatively rapid implementation where institutional capacity already exists.
Sector-Based Recognition Under Existing Designations
A number of jurisdictions recognise OECMs by applying CBD criteria to long-standing sectoral regimes, including fisheries management areas, forests, and cultural or locally managed landscapes.
OECMs in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)
The study documents landmark developments in the recognition of OECMs beyond national borders, including through conservation measures adopted under Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
Key Findings
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- International reporting of OECMs has expanded rapidly since 2021, with increasing geographic and governance diversity.
- Countries are favouring flexible legal and policy approaches rather than creating new protected-area categories.
- Legal certainty, transparent procedures, monitoring frameworks, and mechanisms for review are critical to ensuring long-term effectiveness.
- Moving from reporting to sustained implementation remains a key challenge and priority.
Case Studies
The study includes detailed case studies illustrating how OECM frameworks are being developed and implemented in practice across different legal systems and governance contexts. These case studies provide concrete examples of how diverse pathways are operationalised and adapted to national circumstances.
Policy Relevance and Ongoing Work
The findings support governments, legislators, practitioners, and partners in designing OECM frameworks that are legally robust, implementable, and aligned with CBD guidance.
The study continues to inform BLGI’s work on credible OECM recognition and implementation. At CBD COP17 in Yerevan, its findings were presented at the Academic & Research Organisations Hub on 26 October and the COP17 Green Zone Main Stage on 28 October.
Access the full study here.