Will 'other effective area-based conservation measures' increase recognition and support for ICCAs?

Abstract

This paper reflects on IUCN’s ongoing progress to develop technical guidance on ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) and begins to explore under what conditions OECMs – as a new form of recognition – might make a positive contribution to territories and areas conserved by Indigenous peoples and local communities (abbreviated to ‘ICCAs’). It argues that while the protected areas framework is a potentially useful means by which to recognise the biodiversity contributions of some ICCAs, it is not universally appropriate. In this context, and subject to important caveats, OECM-related frameworks offer an important opportunity to increase recognition and support for ICCAs. The paper concludes with two practical recommendations: first for the development of supplementary guidance on OECMs and ICCAs; and second, for further discussion by a wide range of interested parties on whether ‘OECMs’ should be referred to as ‘conserved areas’.