FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform (FFTC-AP)

ABSTRACT

In line with the global 30x30 target, Taiwan launched its marine and terrestrial OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) identification schemes in 2025 to expand conservation beyond protected areas. The dual approach reflects differing jurisdictional needs: the terrestrial OECM utilizes an incentive-based certification scheme, drawing on long-term conservation initiatives like the Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN). This design encourages voluntary stakeholder participation and capacity building to expand the area and diversity of conservation efforts effectively. Marine OECMs, meanwhile, are codified legal recognition mechanism that ensures management stability in highly public marine spaces. Securing Stakeholder consent remains a global challenge; thus, effective communication and capacity building are vital for OECM sustainability. Taiwan’s decisive commitment is a crucial step toward national conservation, and its future impact is worth noting.

Keywords: OECM, 30x30, Local implementation, Incentive Mechanisms, Legalization

INTRODUCTION

To protect increasingly depleted natural resources, humanity began establishing protected areas (PAs) in the latter half of the 19^th century. These areas aim to protect specific species and landscapes by restricting human activities. According to the Protected Planet Report 2024, since 2020, the coverage of protected areas and conserved areas globally has increased by 629,262 square kilometers of terrestrial and inland water areas, and 1.77 million square kilometers of marine and coastal areas, reaching coverage rates of 17.6% and 8.4%, respectively. Overall, the network area of protected and conserved areas has grown (Howland et al., 2024).

However, due to the numerous restrictions imposed on human activities by protected areas, conflicts often arise between social and economic aspects under the guise of conservation. For example, the displacement of residents disrupts cultural and economic activities, and over-tourism has counterproductive effects. Therefore, many countries are exploring approaches to integrate conservation objectives with human livelihoods and development needs.

In 2022, the 15^th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(K-MGBF). This framework established the long-term goal of "living in harmony with nature" by 2050, alongside 23 short-term targets for 2030. Among these, Target 3[1] extends the direction of the Aichi Target to increase global protected area coverage, further raising the bar to ensure that at least 30% of global terrestrial and inland water areas, and marine and coastal areas, are effectively conserved and managed by 2030, which is known as the 30x30 target (CBD, 2022). The specific measures include not only the establishment of statutorily protected areas but also OECMs—areas that achieve effective biodiversity conservation outcomes through specific long-term management, outside of protected areas.

Although the concept of OECM was first introduced as early as Aichi Target 11 in 2010, serving as a supplement to protected areas, a concrete definition and operational methodology were not available until COP 14 in 2018, which formally adopted complete definition, guiding principles, and criteria for OECM. Given the ambitious global targets, the recognition of OECM is pragmatic and effective, drawing particular attention in the latest Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

According to Decision 14/8 adopted at COP 14 in 2018, OECM is defined as an area outside a Protected Area that achieves in situ conservation effectiveness: "A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed to 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" (CBD, 2018). The recognition of OECM consists of four main criteria:

•Criterion A: The area is not currently recognized as a protected area

•Criterion B: The area is governed and managed

•Criterion C: The area contributes to sustained and effective in situ conservation of biodiversity

•Criterion D: The area maintains associated ecosystem functions and services, as well as cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values (CBD, 2018)

To provide clearer operational guidance for Parties, the CBD invited the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) to establish on-site recognition guidelines. These guidelines list three steps (Screening, Consent, and Full Assessment) and eight criteria based on the four CBD criteria (see Table 1). Before the Full Assessment, two essential steps must be satisfied: (1) the screening of the site, confirming it is outside a protected area and holds significant biodiversity value, and (2) the subsequent securing of consent from the management entities or the local indigenous peoples and communities. The Full Assessment stage then commences, with the evaluation focusing on the clarity of the geographical boundary, effective and long-term governance and management, equity considerations, and the area's continued contribution to in situ conservation. If approved, the area becomes an OECM; those that fail to meet certain criteria remain as Potential OECMs. Once recognized as an OECM, regular reporting, monitoring, and capacity building for stakeholders are required to enhance the management and operation of the OECM (Jonas et al., 2024).

Table 1. IUCN criteria and steps for OECM recognition

Source: compiled from Jonas et al. (2024)

Regarding the recognition of biodiversity value, the IUCN focuses on the conservation of threatened species or ecosystems, as well as habitat integrity and connectivity, referring to items: (1) rare or threatened species and ecosystems; (2) natural ecosystems that are under-represented in protected area networks; (3) high level of ecological integrity or intactness; (4) significant populations or extents of endemic or range-restricted species or ecosystems; (5) important ecosystems for species life stages, including aggregations such as feeding, resting, molting, spawning, and breeding areas; and (6) ecological connectivity. However, in addition to values directly related to the composition of biodiversity, ecosystem services such as climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction are also included as supplementary assessment items, such as: (7) climate refugia that provide resilience for species and ecosystems; and (8) ecosystems containing high levels of carbon in aboveground or belowground biomass.

TAIWAN’S OECM CRITERIA AND SYSTEMS

The terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Taiwan are governed by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) under the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), respectively. As of October 2025, a total of 6,944.5 square kilometers of terrestrial protected areas and 5,407.5 square kilometers of marine protected areas (MPA) have been legally designated (FANCA, 2025a; OCA, 2025a), accounting for 19.2% and 8.4% of the respective terrestrial and marine areas (FANCA, 2025b; OCA, 2025a). Since the K-MGBF was adopted in 2022, in line with the international 30x30 target, Taiwan has established OECM recognition schemes to expand the area of effectively conserved spaces beyond existing protected areas.

Terrestrial: FANCA's OECM Certification Scheme

Since 2009, FANCA has promoted the restoration of farmland ecosystems, the Satoyama Initiative, and community forestry, and has accumulated substantial practical experience in balancing community industry with ecological conservation. The Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN) program, launched in 2018, further identified 44 Priority Biodiversity Areas (PBAs) and 45 Conservation Corridors outside the Central Mountain Range Conservation Corridor[2] (FANCA, 2023). By integrating the Ecological Service Payment Scheme, conservation actions are extended to the low mountain, plain, and coastal areas. While these policy tools do not establish statutorily protected areas, they have proven effective in biodiversity conservation.

In May 2025, FANCA announced the OECM Certification Scheme. Given the less restrictive nature of the target areas and the continued legal land use, the Chinese name "保育共生地" (Co-managed Conservation Area) was deliberately selected to underscore the scheme's vision of harmonious coexistence among human livelihoods, economic activity, and nature conservation. This scheme encourages voluntary participation by owners, operators, or users of sites that benefit biodiversity, whether natural persons, legal entities, or government bodies. Building upon the foundation of TEN, the scope of implementation includes, but is not limited to, areas outside protected areas located within the TEN's Priority Biodiversity Areas and Conservation Corridors. Other environments that serve as ecological corridors, steppingstones, refugia for endangered species, and possess other biodiversity conservation functions are also eligible.

The recognition includes four primary conditions: (1) the site is not located in a protected area, (2) it supports biodiversity value, (3) it has a regular management entity or mechanism, and (4) stakeholders have provided informed consent. If a site meets these conditions, its owner, operator, or user may submit an application to FANCA for official review and certification.

Table 2. FANCA's conditions for OECM certification scheme

Source: compiled and translated from FANCA (2025c)

The applicant must submit documents such as a management plan, supporting documents, and proof of stakeholder-informed consent that describe the specific conservation measures and demonstrate long-term management capacity of the managing entity, with stakeholder consent. Following document review and an on-site investigation, applicants who meet the criteria will receive the OECM certificate. If one of the recognition conditions is partially met, the area will be designated as a "Candidate OECM," and FANCA will offer guidance and assistance. However, if any part of Condition 3 is not met, and the resubmitted materials fail to pass the review, the certification will be denied.

The certification is valid for five years. During this period, the operator must submit management reports to the competent authority and may be subject to unscheduled inspections. If the site is subsequently evaluated as qualified, the certificate's validity will be extended; if the management performance is rated as “excellent,” awards and incentives may be granted. In addition, FANCA also seeks to integrate corporate ESG resources. If a company provides funding, technology, or other assistance, it can receive a letter of support. It can simultaneously apply for ESG projects for the OECM site and obtain verification of the ESG project outcomes through the Carbon Sink and Biodiversity ESG Project Matching Platform.

However, FANCA may revoke OECM certification if the certified site encounters any of the following circumstances: significant loss of biodiversity value during the management period without timely improvement; the applicant no longer holds ownership, operating rights, or usage rights; the owner, operator, or user of the site applies for revocation; or the submitted documents are found to contain false or untrue information.

Marine: OCA's Regulations for the recognition of marine OECMs

Although Taiwan has designated over 70 marine protected areas (MPAs), the legislative basis used for their demarcation varies due to differing site conditions, resulting in the adoption of multiple acts, such as the Wildlife Conservation Act, the National Park Law, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, the Wetland Conservation Act, and the Fisheries Act. To establish a holistic, integrated management policy for marine ecological conservation, Taiwan promulgated the Marine Conservation Act in 2024. Article 6 of the Act stipulates that the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) may recognize “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) other than Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)” and formulate recognition criteria. This marks the first time that OECMs have been formally codified into law in Taiwan.

In July 2025, the OCA promulgated the Regulations for the Recognition of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures Other Than Marine Protected Areas. Drawing on the guidelines comprising seven main conditions. Beyond the basic requirements of a defined area, non-MPA status, biodiversity value, and a long-term management system, the regulations further emphasize the delivery of ecosystem service functions. In terms of biodiversity value recognition, Marine OECMs incorporate climate change considerations, such as carbon sequestration (carbon sink) and biological refugia functions.

Table 3. OCA's recognition conditions for marine OECMs

Source: compiled and translated from OCA (2024, 2025b)

The recognition of Marine OECMs is divided into two levels: formal Marine OECMs and potential Marine OECMs. Only management entities may apply for formal Marine OECMs, which requires that applicants meet all seven conditions and submit complete supporting documents, such as a management plan, an ecological resource report, and consent forms from rights holders. Potential Marine OECMs only require meeting conditions 1 to 4 and to submit supporting documents and relevant information. Applications for Potential Marine OECMs may be submitted by either the management entities or non-management entities. If the application is approved, the central competent authority may, based on an application from management entities or a recommendation from non-management entities, notify the area's management entities to apply further for formal Marine OECM recognition.

In addition to inviting scholars and experts to convene a review meeting, an on-site inspection may be conducted when deemed necessary to review Marine OECMs. If recognition is granted, it remains valid for five years. The management entity must submit an effectiveness evaluation report three months before the expiration of the five years. The report must include supporting documents for the conditions and a comprehensive analysis of biodiversity status and ecological changes in the area. If a recognized potential and formal Marine OECM is found to have false, misleading, or illegal information or actions, its recognition will be revoked or abolished.

COMPARISON OF TAIWAN’S TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE OECM SYSTEMS

In achieving the 30x30 target, both FANCA's terrestrial OECM scheme and OCA's Marine OECMs system have successfully established national OECM frameworks that align with international guidelines. Both require applicants to submit ecological resource survey reports or supporting data, management plans, and stakeholder-informed consent documents. By preserving biodiversity, these systems embody the K-MGBF's principle of localized respect for nature.

Due to the distinct characteristics of their respective jurisdictional scopes, the two systems demonstrate different approaches in implementation strategies and institutional design:

Implementation strategy:

FANCA’s terrestrial OECM system utilizes a certification scheme that focuses on encouraging private land and community participation. It transforms the foundation of the existing Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN) into OECMs, thereby rapidly expanding coverage, diversifying site types, and progressively increasing OECM areas through community empowerment. On the other hand, OCA has established a dual-level recognition system through legal authorization to ensure Marine OECMs obtain a long-term, stable legal basis in public marine areas, thereby enhancing governance tools. Besides management entities applying for Marine OECMs, the submission of Potential Marine OECMs by non-management entities helps the competent authority identify potential OECM areas to invest in evaluation or further promotion of upgraded recognition.

Institutional design:  

The terrestrial OECM system adopts a highly open approach to applicant eligibility, which is more conducive to the participation and mobilization of individuals or various organizations. Meanwhile, the Marine OECMs system concentrates the primary application and management responsibilities on the management entities. This aligns with the highly public nature of the marine environment and the need for clear management accountability, thus ensuring the effective enforceability of measures.

Table 4. Differences in Taiwan's Terrestrial and Marine OECM systems

Source: compiled and translated from FANCA (2025) and OCA (2025)

CONCLUSION

The 30x30 target is a global shared goal. Taiwan’s launch of both the marine and terrestrial OECM application systems in 2025 demonstrates its determination to achieve this target. The certification and recognition of OECMs enable the conservation network to move beyond traditional protected areas, extending into diverse areas such as farmland, forests, urban blue-green spaces, and even military-controlled zones. This diversification makes substantive conservation pathways more comprehensive and better integrated with various communities, thereby mainstreaming biodiversity. Taiwan's accumulated conservation achievements over the past two decades, coupled with active civil participation, are crucial resources for promoting effective conservation. These efforts facilitate the use of OECMs to connect ecological nodes, thereby increasing the connectivity and integrity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

While both the terrestrial and marine systems expand the national conservation footprint, their institutional designs vary significantly. Due to these different conditions and jurisdictional needs, the land and sea OECM recognition systems adopt two distinct approaches. FANCA's terrestrial OECM system benefits from the long-term experience of the Taiwan Ecological Network (TEN). It implements an incentive-based certification scheme that rapidly transforms diverse landscapes, such as farmland and community forestry, into protected areas, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of social mobilization. OCA's "Marine OECMs" system, established under the Marine Conservation Act (2024), ensures that OECMs in highly public marine spaces have a long-term, stable legal foundation.

However, the stakeholders involved in both terrestrial and marine areas are complex, and obtaining consent forms is not an easy task－a challenge commonly faced worldwide in promoting OECMs. Therefore, consensus should be built through enhanced communication, guidance, and incentive mechanisms to boost the willingness for OECM applications. Furthermore, since conservation is not necessarily the original purpose of all OECM sites, subsequent investment in capacity-building for conservation actions is required in order to ensure their effective contribution to biodiversity, such as habitat creation, monitoring, and impact minimization. In this case, corporate ESG resources are expected to be a critical source of support for sustaining OECM management. Taiwan's OECM system was launched just recently. Its future impact and public response remain to be observed.

REFERENCES

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). (2010). Aichi Biodiversity Target. Convention on Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). (2018). Decision 14/8: Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Convention on Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2018/cop-14/documents

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). (2022). Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Convention on Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets

Howland, E., Bingham, H. C., Kramer, L., Gosling, J., Klimmek, H., Upton, J., Lewis, A., Lessmann, J., Belle, E., Lucas, B., Szopa-Comley, A., Davis, F., McDermott-Long, O., Basrur, S., Beard, S., Correa, R., Despot-Belmonte, K., Faessler, C., Fernandez, S., . . . Malsch, K. (2024). Protected Planet Report 2024. UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. https://digitalreport.protectedplanet.net

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA). (2024). 國土生態綠網藍圖[Taiwan Ecological Network Blueprint]. https://conservation.forest.gov.tw/0002174 [in Chinese]

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA). (2025a). 自然保護區域總表[Terrestrial Protected Area Coverage Data]. https://conservation.forest.gov.tw/total [in Chinese]

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA). (2025b). 生物多樣性[Biodiversity]. https://conservation.forest.gov.tw/biodiversity [in Chinese]

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA). (2025c). 保育共生地認證方案[OECM Certification Scheme]. https://www.forest.gov.tw/0004842 [in Chinese]

Jonas, H. D., Wood, P. & Woodley, S., Volume Editors (2024). Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). IUCN WCPA Good Practice Series, No.36. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/LAAW4624

Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA). (2024). Marine Conservation Act. https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0090073

Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA). (2025a). Marine Protected Areas of Taiwan. Marine Protected Areas of Taiwan. https://mpa.oca.gov.tw/Default.aspx

Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA). (2025b). 海洋有效保育區（OECMs）申請專區[Applying the Recognition of Ocean OECMs]. https://www.oca.gov.tw/ch/home.jsp?id=685&parentpath=0,297,615 [in Chinese]