The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) recently hosted a pivotal workshop on Fisheries-Related Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). Held from April 16-18, 2024, the workshop brought together 25 participants from various WIO countries, including representatives from the departments of environment and fisheries. Additional technical expertise came from GIZ (Germany) and SWAM (Sweden). The opening session was inaugurated by Dr. Theuri Mwangi from the Nairobi Convention, who endorsed the process and welcomed the government representatives in attendance.
With a comprehensive agenda, the workshop aimed to explore the potential of OECMs to bolster conservation efforts while supporting sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Day 1: Exploring the Concept of OECMs
The first day began with a warm welcome from FAO and WIOMSA. Dr. Theuri Mwangi’s opening remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration and endorsed the OECM process, indicating the high-level support for the workshop’s objectives. After his speech, the session moved on to outline the workshop’s objectives, scope, and expected outcomes. Amber Himes-Cornell provided insights into the broader context of OECMs, emphasizing their role in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s targets. A group photo and coffee break allowed participants to network and share their expectations for the workshop.
The morning sessions delved into the fundamentals of OECMs. Amber Himes-Cornell introduced the concept, illustrating it with real-world examples from fisheries. Juan Lechuga Sánchez discussed the benefits and opportunities of recognizing OECMs, emphasizing how they can support sustainable fisheries and contribute to biodiversity conservation. This was followed by a lively Q&A session.
The afternoon sessions explored the regional context, with Maya Pfaff discussing the progress in recognizing marine OECMs. After lunch, the workshop turned to the identification, evaluation, and reporting of OECMs. Participants gained valuable insights into the in-depth analysis of OECM criteria and the evaluation process, led by Himes-Cornell and Sánchez.
The day concluded with a discussion on the good and bad aspects of OECMs for communities, highlighting potential conflicts and opportunities. Lucy Bowser’s presentation on this topic resonated with participants, leading to a plenary discussion on the interpretation of OECM criteria and the challenges in applying them at the regional level.
Day 2: Case Studies and Working Groups
The second day kicked off with a look at area-based fisheries management measures (ABFMM), by the esteemed Jim Anderson with case study presentations on ABFMM Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya. These case studies provided a foundation for the working groups to analyze and discuss potential fisheries OECMs in the region.
Working groups were then divided to dive deeper into the case studies, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing ideas and exploring the OECM screening tool included in the FAO handbook. The afternoon sessions included reports from each group, an example from South Africa’s process, and a plenary discussion on national challenges and opportunities. The day concluded with closing remarks, leaving participants with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the final day.
Day 3: Final Reflections and Way Forward
The third and final day began with reflections OECM candidates (lowest hanging fruit) from each of the countries, reflecting on those opportunities that exist for community managed areas.
Jenny Herzman shared an example of a regional common understanding of OECMs from HELCOM, sparking a Q&A session that emphasized the importance of cross-regional collaboration. The final plenary discussion focused on the need for a regional common understanding in the SWIO, underscoring the significance of unity in achieving conservation goals.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks, highlighting the success of the event and the valuable insights gained. Participants left with a renewed commitment to promoting effective area-based conservation measures in the Southwest Indian Ocean and a shared vision for sustainable fisheries management.
Overall, the workshop was a resounding success, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the advancement of fisheries-related OECMs in the SWIO region. With ongoing support from FAO, WIOMSA, and other stakeholders, the future looks promising for conservation efforts in this diverse and ecologically significant area.
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