An OECM is a “a geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values”
About the Project
With support from GEF-SGP Malaysia, we are working with local partners to explore the potential of an OECM approach in achieving Malaysia’s commitments to Target 6 of the National Policy on Biological Diversity and internationally to Aichi Target 11.
Resources
Protected Areas have nature conservation as its primary management objective, whereas OECMs achieve in-situ conservation irrespective of its objectives.
© Achier Chung, Reef Guardian
Governance and management are closely linked. What are the similarities and differences in the governance and management of Protected Areas and OECMs?
Governance Types
The IUCN has categorised governance into four broad types. Both Protected Areas and OECMs fall under one of these governance types.
Management Approaches
Protected Areas should have biodiversity conservation as their primary management objective. OECMs deliver biodiversity conservation outcomes regardless of their objectives
Call for Case Studies
Applications are now open! We invite you to submit case studies of potential OECMs across marine, coastal, freshwater and terrestrial environments in Malaysia. We will use the IUCN guidance and tools as a basis for assessing whether case study sites meet the CBD definition of OECMs. We have summarised the OECM criteria for ease of reference here. We encourage you to read the IUCN OECM guidance before you fill in the form.
The submission form is now available for download in English and Bahasa Malaysia below:
All submissions are voluntary and you are welcome to submit any number of case studies, using one form per case study. The deadline for submissions of OECM case studies is by 5pm on the 31 st of January 2020. Once you have completed the form, please submit it by email to melissa@searrp.org.

The equitable governance and effective management of OECMs deliver outcomes for the sustained long-term in-situ conservation of biodiversity.
© Chien Lee
Additional Info

Have more questions?
Check out our FAQs or contact SEARRP’s Science Impact Coordinator Melissa Payne.