Recognising and Supporting the Role of Culture in Effective Area-based Conservation

Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) can achieve positive biodiversity outcomes in a larger area than is covered by protected areas. But this requires OECMs to be better integrated into sustainable production systems in conjunction with protected areas. Good examples of productive social-ecological systems exist. Recognising potential OECMs requires recognising the cultures that make them possible. Recommendations: (i) fully recognise and support the role of culture in fostering interlinked human–nature relationships and nurturing biodiversity in production landscapes and seascapes; (ii) develop sustainable market mechanisms using landscape approaches that promote respect for local cultures and the rights of all stakeholders; (iii) apply good practices for empowering cultures to enhance long-term biodiversity outcomes; (iv) provide innovative incentives including capacity development to encourage local communities to manage their landscapes and seascapes for biodiversity conservation.