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At COP16 in Calí, Colombia, member states are currently discussing how the global nature agreement adopted in Montreal in 2022 can be implemented. The goals include protecting 30% of the world's land and sea areas by 2030. In a new study an international team of researchers led by the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) uses the example of Indonesia to provide critical insights into how alternative forms of conservation – so-called “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECMs) – can complement marine protected areas (MPAs) to meet this biodiversity target. The results of the study have recently been published in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management.
While MPAs play a vital role in preserving biodiversity on our planet, they alone are not enough to halt the accelerating threats and pressures to nature habitats and biodiversity. OECMs can offer a further means of achieving global biodiversity targets. These measures include, for example, areas that are administered or sustainably managed by Indigenous Peoples, local communities, or the private sector.
In many cases, this is orientated towards local values, traditions, and social economy. Unlike traditional protected areas, nature conservation is not always the main goal of OECMs, but is achieved as a result of the sustainable practices.
The new study by researchers from Germany, Indonesia and the US found that Indonesia's coastal waters, an epicentre of global marine biodiversity, already host 382 potential marine OECMs, covering more than ten million hectares. Combining OECMs with MPAs can enhance marine conservation in Indonesia. Both OECMs and MPAs have the potential to protect more than half of the country's seagrass and coral reef habitats.
The research also highlights that OECMs can serve as ecological corridors that improve connectivity between existing MPAs. This integration not only bolsters biodiversity conservation but also supports local governance and sustainable resource management practices.
Using a spatial analysis approach the authors of the publication examined publicly available datasets to assess the ecological contributions to marine conservation of 382 potential marine OECMs and 193 marine protected areas across Indonesia. Key coastal habitats – mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs – were the primary focus. In addition, the research team from Germany and Indonesia also analysed human pressures like fishing, coastal population density, industrial development, and pollution.
“Recognising OECMs as legitimate conservation areas together with MPAs can increase the marine conservation network in Indonesia by 13% in 2030, advancing the country's effort to meet its national conservation targets,” says Estradivari, marine biologist at ZMT and lead author of the study. “Although the identified potential marine OECM areas are on average five times smaller than the size of MPAs, they form a denser and better-connected network of ecological corridors that benefit the movement of marine species and the resilience of populations and are important for biodiversity,” the Indonesian scientist continues.
Many potential OECMs have been managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities for generations, operating outside MPAs. These OECMs complement MPAs; both are crucial instruments for the protection of biodiversity, the researchers recommend.
Recognizing OECMs would improve conservation for marine ecosystems – especially in areas that are not suitable for traditional MPAs – and increase their resilience to climate change impacts.
“Our results show the potential of OECMs to fill gaps left by traditional MPAs in achieving conservation goals. They also offer flexible management structures, which makes them uniquely positioned to integrate conservation with local socio-economic benefits,” adds Dr Sebastian Ferse, reef ecologist at ZMT and lecturer at the IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia. “Formally recognizing OECMs supports biodiversity while empowering local communities to manage their resources, creating a win-win solution for both nature and people. This inclusive conservation aligns with global goals to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development.”
According to Estradivari, this study is particularly timely as COP16 addresses pathways to achieve the ambitious 30x30 conservation goal. The government of Indonesia and stakeholders are utilizing the findings from this study to inform the nation's progress towards achieving national and international conservation targets. The study also provides a model for other nations looking to integrate diverse area-based management practices into their conservation frameworks.
“At COP16, Indonesia will report on its progress in marine conservation and will use the findings of our study to contribute to the global discussion on the 30x30 conservation target. The study provides concrete examples of how OECMs can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity,” concludes marine biologist Estradivari.
A total of 20 international experts from science, politics, and NGOs in Germany, Indonesia, and the USA were involved in the research work. These include researchers from the following organisations: Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), University of Bremen, University of Maritime Raja Ali Haji (Indonesia), National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN (Indonesia), IPB University (Indonesia), Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Indonesia), World Wildlife Fund (USA), Rare (Indonesia), Yayasan Pesisir Lestari (Indonesia), LMMA Indonesia, University of Oldenburg, WWF-Indonesia, Yayasan Landesa Bumi (Indonesia), Coral Triangle Center (Indonesia).
Estradivari | AG Fish Ecology and Evolution | Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
E-mail: estradivari@leibniz-zmt.de
Dr Sebastian Ferse | Senior Scientist | Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
E-Mail: sebstian.ferse@leibniz-zmt.de
Estradivari, Kartika I, Adhuri DS, Adrianto L, Agung F, Ahmadia GN, Bejarano S, Campbell, SJ, Fachri FR, Kushardanto H, Marlessy C, Pane B, Puebla O, Purnama RC, Santiadji IWV, Suherfian W, Tillah M, Widodo H, Wild C, and Ferse SCA. 2024. prospective ecological contributions of potential marine OECMs and MPAs to enhance marine conservation in Indonesia. Ocean & Coastal Management, 258. p. 107411. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107411
Coral reefs of Spermonde Islands, Indonesia, located within Coral Triangle, provide home to diverse ...
Marleen Stuhr, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
Infographic detailing the advantages of recognizing OECMs as an addition to MPAs
Estradivari et al, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
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