Abstract
This article explores the concept of “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECMs) in the context of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 on marine protected areas and OECMs and its linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It argues that mainstreaming biodiversity through CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ implementation into the SDGs can contribute to a more systemic and comprehensive implementation of SDG 14.5 on conservation of at least 10% of marine and coastal areas. It argues that OECMs can complement MPAs and contribute to ecologically representative and effectively managed marine protected areas systems integrated into broader governance systems such as marine spatial planning. Selected global and local sectoral conservation measures are therefore highlighted in this analysis as potential forms of OECMs. At the local level, a case study of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas managed as locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in Mozambique is discussed. This case study explores how multiple-use LMMAs, which respond to short-term fisher's needs and targeted biodiversity conservation, could contribute to the achievement of specific SDGs on food security, poverty elimination and resilient ecosystems if properly supported by long-term investments, strong institutions and integrated oceans management.
Highlights
The adoption of a stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on oceans and seas represents a unique opportunity to enhance marine governance and management globally
To successfully achieve the ambition enshrined in SDG 14, requires that each one of its targets are properly implemented and integrated into other related SDGs and that relevant instruments, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) Aichi Biodiversity Targets are integrated into the implementation of the SDGs
This article concludes with some reflections and lessons learnt for the meaningful implementation of these area-based conservation measures towards a healthy, resilient and productive marine environment from the global to the local level - and notes the utility of other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECMs) for the most vulnerable communities who are dependent on these attributes and ecosystem services for their livelihoods and food security, while highlighting the need for complementary social safetynet measures envisioned under other SDGs
Summary
The adoption of a stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on oceans and seas (to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”) represents a unique opportunity to enhance marine governance and management globally. This article explores how the mainstreaming of biodiversity through the integration of Aichi Target 11 qualifiers into SDG 14.5 can strengthen its implementation in a systemic manner by: i) contextualising OECMs in relation to Aichi Target 11's purpose to conserve areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services; (ii) discussing conservation objectives; (iii) considering ecological timeframes for effectiveness; and iv) identifying the potential role of global to local sectoral area-based conservation measures such as, Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs), Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME) closures, as well as LMMAs as OECMs in complementing MPA networks and contributing to the improvement or maintenance of ecosystem services, functions This article concludes with some reflections and lessons learnt for the meaningful implementation of these area-based conservation measures towards a healthy, resilient and productive marine environment from the global to the local level - and notes the utility of OECMs for the most vulnerable communities who are dependent on these attributes and ecosystem services for their livelihoods and food security, while highlighting the need for complementary social safetynet measures envisioned under other SDGs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
