The objectives of the meetings that form this part of the conference are:
Highlight and examine the vital role and governance of Indigenous peoples, local communities, private actors to biodiversity conservation and restoration in Europe.
Consider and recognise how these contributions and reported as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) by understanding the challenges, barriers, incentives and opportunities.
Facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue to determine a common roadmap for OECMs in Europe with local, national, regional and global actors, ensuring to support diverse conservation actors and their efforts.
Workshop outcomes
Produce a set of recommendations from the workshop that can support the facilitation and implementation of OECMs and enhance their effectiveness in European conservation initiatives.
Identify a working group who would be interested to take the recommendations forward.
High level opening tbc (5 mins) IUCN Opening (10 mins) Events objectives & framing Showing information radiator from conference (add to it during breaks) This opening session introduces the objectives of the meeting. A meeting that framed around the role of communities in conservation and restoration, and the challenges that they face. The key objectives central to conservation and restoration efforts in Europe: Firstly, it will examine the contributions of various actors to conservation and restoration initiatives. Secondly, the extent to which these contributions can be acknowledged as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) will be assessed. Thirdly, the meeting aims to evaluate the current approach to OECMs at national and regional levels, facilitating a multi-stakeholder dialogue to develop a unified roadmap. Finally the meeting will assess what opportunities the recently passed EU Restoration Law will have on OECMs and how it could include the efforts that existing non-state actors are carrying out.
Session overview: Length: 60 minutes Format: Panel discussion Key objective Provide local and national perspectives on land stewardship and biodiversity outcomes
Session overview: Length: 90 minutes Key objectives Introduce other world views & languages to describe nature & conservation Highlight the reality of local communities The rise of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) marks a transformative approach to conservation, moving away from exclusive reliance on governmental actions. To optimize this new direction, it is essential for the conservation community to embrace a variety of knowledge systems, extending beyond conventional practices. This session will emphasize a collaboration between an organization and local community members, focusing on the story behind the creation of the Sami Headdress. It aims to underscore the significance of incorporating local narratives into the application of the OECM toolkit, thereby enriching conservation efforts and community engagement.
Session overview: Length: 15 minutes Format: 15 minute keynote PowerPoint presentation Key objectives Introduce OECMs (acknowledging different levels of knowledge of workshop participants) Provide context and key information related to OECMs at global and regional levels This session examines the vital role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in promoting biodiversity globally and regionally. It will emphasize the importance of acknowledging various other conservation systems that contribute to biodiversity. By focusing on these alternative approaches, the session seeks to foster a holistic understanding of how different conservation strategies collaborate to enhance biodiversity and sustainability. Understanding these diverse systems is crucial for achieving effective environmental stewardship.
Session overview: Length: 10 minutes Format: 1 x 10 minute keynote PowerPoint presentation Key objectives Introduce OECMs (acknowledging different levels of knowledge of workshop participants) Provide context and key information related to OECMs at global and regional levels This session examines the vital role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in promoting biodiversity globally and regionally. It will emphasize the importance of acknowledging various other conservation systems that contribute to biodiversity. By focusing on these alternative approaches, the session seeks to foster a holistic understanding of how different conservation strategies collaborate to enhance biodiversity and sustainability. Understanding these diverse systems is crucial for achieving effective environmental stewardship.
Sharing of local experiences from Finland and Sweden of applying OECMs with other local communities (40 mins) Learn from the experience of Finland and Sweden in using the OECM toolkit Discuss ways to adapt the tool for European context Responses/questions from European community members (35 mins) In recent years, the OECMs toolkit has undergone practical testing within local communities in Finland and Sweden. This roundtable event offers a platform for these communities to share their findings and experiences with representatives from other European localities, including France, Turkey, Slovenia, and Italy. Participants will discuss the effectiveness of the toolkit and its applicability in diverse contexts, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among European communities. The insights gained from these shared experiences aim to enhance the implementation of OECMs strategies across different regions.
The previous day’s session focused on the potential for community-based Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Europe. Participants engaged in detailed discussions regarding the various opportunities and challenges associated with implementing these conservation strategies at the community level. Key insights were shared about how local involvement can enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Additionally, the importance of integrating community perspectives and knowledge into the planning and management of OECMs was highlighted.
Session overview: Length: 60 minutes Key objectives Learn from private actors on the incentives and approaches to OECMs Understand challenges and progress made with OECMs by state actors Discuss how communities or private land owners become recognised as contributing to biodiversity? Highlight whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, and discuss how they can work together
Session overview: Length 45 minutes Format: Roundtable – 7 speakers (4 online, one Spanish speaker), facilitated by Carla Danelutti. No PPTs, but require support with connecting and presenting online speakers Key objectives Demonstrate how EU marine conservation can support OECMs
This drafting session aims to create technical documents focused on the implementation of community-based Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Europe. The session will address existing challenges while highlighting the potential benefits that traditional local community-based OECMs could provide in advancing towards the 30×30 objectives. Participants will explore effective strategies and methods to enhance collaboration with local communities, ultimately fostering sustainable practices that align with these conservation goals.
This drafting session will be held to develop two main outputs. The first is a technical document: the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Technical Notes, which will concentrate on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Europe. The second output is the IUCN OECMs Pathways White Paper for Europe, aiming to analyse various strategies and approaches concerning OECMs in the region. The purpose of these documents is to improve understanding and provide guidance on OECMs, thereby their implementation and enhancing their effectiveness in European conservation initiatives.