©Mark Ziembicki
In a landmark virtual event, the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region took significant strides towards bolstering marine conservation efforts through the exploration of Fisheries-Related Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the “Introductory Webinar on Fisheries-Related OECMs in the WIO” convened stakeholders from across the globe on March 29th, 2024.
The agenda encompassed a comprehensive overview of OECMs, highlighting their pivotal role in biodiversity conservation and showcasing successful case studies from around the world. Esteemed panelists, including FAO representatives Amber Himes-Cornell and Juan Lechuga Sanchez, provided invaluable insights into the conceptual framework of OECMs and practical guidance on their identification within fisheries contexts. Additionally, Jim Anderson offered an insightful overview of area-based management measures in the WIO region, underscoring the importance of localized conservation strategies tailored to regional needs.
One of the webinar’s key highlights was Maya Pfaff’s elucidation on the integration of OECMs within the framework of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s ambitious target of protecting 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030 (30×30). Pfaff’s recommendations, grounded in the context of small-scale fisheries, provided a roadmap for navigating the path towards achieving this critical conservation milestone. Moreover, the establishment of the Community Management Areas working group, as introduced by Maya Pfaff, signifies a concerted effort towards grassroots engagement and community-driven conservation initiatives.
The webinar garnered a remarkable global turnout, with diverse representation from countries spanning continents. The robust participation underscored the universal significance of marine conservation and the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address challenges facing the WIO region. Leading the regional representation, Kenya boasted a substantial contingent of 75 participants. The WIO was further represented by participants from Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Somalia, Mauritius, La Reunion, Seychelles and Mayotte. Outside of the region participants from the Philippines, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Norway, Zambia, Sudan, India, Canada, Denmark, Indonesia, Ghana, Pakistan, Japan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Liberia, Morocco, the USA, Algeria and Malawi joined, reinforcing the global interest on the topic of Other-Effective Conservation Measures to bolster conservation and food security.
With over 250 attendees from diverse backgrounds and regions, the webinar facilitated robust discussions and knowledge exchange, underscoring the pressing need for collaborative action in addressing the challenges posed by marine conservation in the WIO region. Despite the inherent complexities and challenges, participants demonstrated a shared commitment to leveraging OECMs as a powerful tool for safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources.
As the webinar drew to a close, it became evident that the collective expertise, insights, and determination of participants have laid a solid foundation for advancing fisheries-related OECMs in the WIO region. Following the webinar FAO and WIOMSA will convene with WIO government representatives with mandates for fisheries and environmental management in Mombasa, Kenya on the 16-18 April 2024, to map a way forward toward the identification of fisheries-related OECMs in the WIO region.
Access the webinar recording