Understanding and using Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to achieve the 30×30 target in the Mediterranean

Context and rationale

The Mediterranean stands at a key moment, facing major environmental and socio-economic challenges while also offering concrete opportunities to strengthen area-based conservation and progress towards the global 30×30 target of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

While Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) remain a cornerstone of conservation efforts, Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are increasingly recognised as a complementary and essential tool to contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and sustainable resources use, in line with international guidance.

This webinar, co-organised by SPA/RAC and IUCN Med under the umbrella of the Together for the Med initiative, aims to support Mediterranean countries in advancing the implementation of the Regional Strategy on Marine and Coastal Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (MCPA and OECM Strategy) in the Mediterranean.

It provides a platform to strengthen regional dialogue, share experiences and enhance a common understanding of OECMs as a key instrument to accelerate progress towards the 30×30 target in the Mediterranean Sea.

Over the past years, SPA/RAC has been actively supporting Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention through the development of dedicated OECM Guidance tailored to the Mediterranean context. This guidance aims to assist countries in understanding, interpreting and applying OECM criteria, while ensuring coherence with CBD decisions and global standards.

In parallel, pilot testing exercises were conducted with volunteer Mediterranean countries to support national processes for the identification, assessment and reporting of OECMs. These pilots contributed to building national capacities, generating lessons learned and advancing concrete contributions towards the achievement of the 30×30 target at regional and national levels.

Building on this ongoing work, the webinar seeks to present key outcomes, share practical insights from pilot experiences, and foster collaboration among regional partners and countries to further mainstream OECMs as an integral component of Mediterranean conservation efforts.

Objectives of the webinar

• Enhance a common understanding of OECMs, their concept, criteria and international guidance.
• Present the Mediterranean OECM guidance developed by SPA/RAC.
• Promote exchange of good practices and peer learning on OECM identification, governance, monitoring and reporting.
• Support national progress towards the 30×30 target, including reporting at regional and global levels.
• Strengthen regional collaboration and partnerships under the Together for the Med initiative.

Organisers

• IUCN Med
• SPA/RAC
• Together for the Med

Speakers

• Yaprak Arda, IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation
• Asma Kheriji, SPA/RAC (UNEP/MAP)
• François Simard, former Deputy Director, IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme
• Sue Wells, international expert in marine conservation and OECMs

Webinar details

• Date: 20 January 2026
• Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (CET)
• Language: English

Registration

• Participants are invited to register in advance: Registration link

Provisional programme