Dr Jonathon Howard, NPA Executive
In 2022 a new global biological diversity policy framework was adopted by 188 representative nations, including Australia. Underpinned by scientific research, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) promotes the conservation of at least 30% of global terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 as a stepping stone toward 50% percent by 2050.
The framework emphasises the importance of there being adequate biodiversity representation, ecosystem functioning, and connectivity under equitably governed systems of Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). This 30×30 framework is at the heart of the National Parks Association of NSW’s 2023-2027 strategy.
Many readers will know what a ‘protected area’ is, but what is this new thing: an OECM? In June this year the Commonwealth and the States agreed to a ‘National Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) Framework’. While the language coming from the Government expressly states that declaration of an area as a ‘Protected Area’ is preferred under the 30×30 framework- this new OECM framework sets out a nationally consistent approach by:
- identifying principles to guide Conserved Area recognition;
- providing information on implementation of these principles; and
- including a site assessment tool for landholders to use to determine whether their land meets the requirements for a Conserved Area.
OECMs will be areas that deliver effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity, regardless of primary management objectives. Australia does not currently recognise or record OECMs, but they are an important complementary component of Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, so you will be seeing new declarations in the media in the near future.
What sorts of areas might be declared an OECM Conservation area? NPA members might see in the media sometime in the future that water reservoirs managed by DIPE Water or Sydney Water, where the primary management objective is protecting the water supply also means biodiversity values are protected, have been declared an OECM. These sites are in good condition with few invasive species, and they provide important breeding and foraging habitat for threatened species, support migratory species, and have critically endangered ecological communities.
Another example might be Galyini in south western NSW. In 2013, as part of the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the New South Wales and Australian Governments purchased 19 separate properties and their water extraction rights in the Lower Murrumbidgee Valley. It is land adjacent to Yanga National Park. The conglomerated ‘super property’ became known as Gayini – the Nari Nari word for water. Then in 2018, a consortium including the Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC), The Nature Conservancy, the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group (MDWWG) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) successfully tendered for the stewardship of this area and committed to realise an integrated economic, social, cultural and ecological vision. The consortium brings together leading science and conservation skills, Traditional Knowledge, community partnerships and a long history of sustainable agriculture to deliver a new approach to managing the area. Readers can find out more through a link to an article about Galyini at:
Indeed, NSW might end up with a variety of different conservation areas recognised as OECMs across the state. They could include some of the property covenants offered by the NSW Biodiversity Trust, those lands managed by private not-for-profit conservation trusts such as those of the South Endeavor Trust and the Wandiyali Restoration Trust, or those under private landowners within the RAMSAR listed Macquarie Marshes or World Heritage Listed Willandra Lakes region.
OECMs will require the landholders to commit to the continuation of management arrangements that deliver in-situ biodiversity conservation outcomes with a minimum timeframe specified at the time of site assessment which are secured via legal or other effective means, as well as a commitment to not sell or develop a site in a manner incompatible with biodiversity conservation.
To have a closer look at the National OECM framework go to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-oecm-framework-2024.pdf