OECM Publication: Expanding Conservation Beyond Protected Areas in Viet Nam

Viet Nam is embracing to strengthen biodiversity conservation beyond traditional protected areas and achieve the 30×30 global target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Definition of OECM (CBD/COP/DEC/14/8)

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.

OECMs were first recognised globally as part of the CBD’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets in 2010 and formally defined in 2018. Their significance grew further with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, which set the ambitious 30×30 goal to conserve 30% of global terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. As of late 2024, over 6,400 OECMs have contributed to this target, showcasing their role as a complementary approach to traditional protected areas.

In Viet Nam, the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 identifies OECMs as a priority for conserving its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. While only 7% of the country’s land is legally protected, many ecologically valuable areas such as protected forests, aquatic resource protection sites and national tourism sites hold great potential for OECM recognition. Efforts are now underway to align these measures with national policies, ensuring effective governance and management frameworks.

Some progress has already been made. In 2022-2023, the collaborated with Viet Nam’s Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency (NBCA) to assess the OECM potential in Quang Ninh province. The study identified 116 potential OECMs, including forests, wetlands, and bird habitats. Testing tools like the IUCN site-level assessment offered insights into challenges such as governance overlaps, data inconsistencies, and boundary determinations.

Valuable lessons from India and Colombia, which have successfully implemented OECM frameworks, were also drawn. Both countries emphasise the importance of strong legal foundations, national coordination committees and tailored criteria for identifying and managing OECMs. The use of digital portals to streamline identification and reporting offers a scalable solution that Viet Nam can adapt to its context.

To move the OECM agenda in the country forward, GIZ in collaboration with NBCA and IUCN, have also developed the above roadmap to identify, recognise, and institutionalise OECMs, divided into two phases. The first phase (2024 – 2025) focuses on establishing a working group, developing guidelines, and raising awareness among stakeholders. The second phase, starting after 2025, will prioritise legislative reviews, comprehensive assessments, and piloting management models in key ecosystems.

By embracing OECMs, Viet Nam is not only contributing to global biodiversity goals but also safeguarding its unique ecosystems and supporting local communities. This also demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to address biodiversity conservation amidst challenges like climate change and development pressures.

A summary of the findings was compiled to gain a deeper understanding of the potential of OECMs in Viet Nam, including good practices and the proposed roadmap. This summary is based on studies conducted within the framework of the measure “Management of protected areas, which unite different eco-systems” under the Study and Experts Fund commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The summary is created in collaboration with the project “Support to Viet Nam for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement II”, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and IUCN.

For more information about the VN-SIPA II project, please visit: Support to Viet Nam for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement II | Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative (IKI)

To learn more about the relevant OECM publication, please visit: Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures in Viet Nam: Heading Towards Recognition and Effective In-Situ Conservation Beyond Protected Area – International Climate Initiative (IKI) in Viet Nam