Webinar: Road to COP 15 - An Intergeneration Dialogue on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for the conservation and wise use of wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Biological Diversity organised two webinars "Road to COP 15: An Intergeneration Dialogue on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for the conservation and wise use of wetlands" on Thursday, 8 May 2025. 

This webinar marked the launch of Briefing Note No. 14, which was developed by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP). The briefing note provides guidance on identifying, recognising, and reporting OECMs as a complementary mechanism to protected areas for achieving wetland conservation and wise use.

OECMs offer opportunities to conserve wetlands outside of formally protected areas by recognising areas that deliver effective in situ biodiversity outcomes through various forms of governance and management. This includes wetlands managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, cultural heritage sites, and multipurpose landscapes where biodiversity conservation is not the primary objective, yet is effectively achieved.

The webinar explored criteria and tools for identifying and evaluating wetlands as OECMs; case studies illustrating national experiences and opportunities for integrating OECMs into wetland policy and planning; and how OECMs can strengthen wetland conservation governance and fill critical gaps in area-based conservation coverage.