Mainstreaming marine biodiversity into the SDGs: The role of other effective area-based conservation measures (SDG 14.5)

This article explores the concept of “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECMs) in the context of
the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 on marine protected areas and
OECMs and its linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It argues that mainstreaming biodiversity
through CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ implementation into the SDGs can contribute to a more systemic and
comprehensive implementation of SDG 14.5 on conservation of at least 10% of marine and coastal areas. It
argues that OECMs can complement MPAs and contribute to ecologically representative and effectively managed
marine protected areas systems integrated into broader governance systems such as marine spatial planning.
Selected global and local sectoral conservation measures are therefore highlighted in this analysis as potential
forms of OECMs. At the local level, a case study of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas managed
as locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in Mozambique is discussed. This case study explores how multipleuse
LMMAs, which respond to short-term fisher's needs and targeted biodiversity conservation, could contribute
to the achievement of specific SDGs on food security, poverty elimination and resilient ecosystems if properly
supported by long-term investments, strong institutions and integrated oceans management.