OECMs in the Mediterranean: Report

Together for the Med and its partners are pleased to share the summary report of the webinar “Understanding and Using OECMs to Achieve the 30×30 Target in the Mediterranean.”

As Mediterranean countries work towards the 30×30 target, the role of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) is becoming increasingly central to discussions on marine conservation. While marine protected areas remain a cornerstone of biodiversity protection, many areas across the region already contribute to conservation outcomes through other governance and management arrangements.

To help unpack this concept and its practical implications, the SPA/RAC, the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation and BlueSeeds co-organised, via Together for the Med, the webinar “Understanding and Using OECMs to Achieve the 30×30 Target in the Mediterranean” on January 20, 2026. The discussion brought together leading experts to explore how OECMs in the Mediterranean can complement existing conservation efforts and contribute to regional biodiversity goals.

Watch the webinar

A newly released webinar summary report now captures the main insights from this exchange, offering a clear and accessible overview for practitioners, policymakers and organisations working on marine conservation across the region.

With contributions of:

Navigating the pathway to recognising OECMs

Moving from theory to practice, the second section examines how countries and stakeholders can begin identifying potential OECMs in the Mediterranean.

The report outlines the steps involved in assessing whether an area could qualify as an OECM, including governance considerations, management effectiveness and the demonstration of positive biodiversity outcomes. In a region as complex as the Mediterranean, recognising these areas requires collaboration across sectors and institutions.

Opportunities for the Mediterranean region

The Mediterranean presents a particularly rich landscape for the recognition of OECMs. From fisheries management areas to culturally governed marine spaces, many existing systems may already deliver conservation benefits.

The report explores how identifying OECMs in the Mediterranean could strengthen progress towards the 30×30 target, while acknowledging the diversity of governance arrangements and uses of marine resources across the basin.

Resources and answers

Finally, the report includes a dedicated section responding to questions raised by participants during the webinar. These exchanges highlight some of the practical challenges and uncertainties surrounding OECMs, from governance issues to the criteria used for their recognition.

By addressing these questions, the report helps clarify how OECMs in the Mediterranean can move from concept to implementation, offering valuable guidance for organisations and decision-makers navigating this emerging conservation approach.