PACIFIC Island countries have secured a breakthrough in biodiversity negotiations at CBD COP17, with proposed recognition of indigenous territories and community-managed conservation areas under global protection targets.

Delegates pushed to recognise Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) alongside protected areas under Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Negotiators also agreed on preamble language recognising the contributions of indigenous and traditional territories, although the decision remained subject to formal adoption at the conference’s conclusion.

Vanuatu delegate Dean Wotlolan, representing national and Pacific Small Island Developing States’ interests, said recognition was essential for countries where conservation areas are traditionally owned.

“The recognition of indigenous and traditional territories must be formalised by the CBD COP so we can recognise their work and contributions towards meeting Target 3,” Wotlolan said.

He said approximately 90 per cent of Vanuatu’s conservation areas were owned and governed by indigenous communities.

Target 3 seeks to conserve at least 30 per cent of the world’s land, inland waters, coastal and marine areas by 2030, while respecting indigenous peoples’ rights.

OECMs are areas outside formally designated protected areas that deliver long-term biodiversity conservation outcomes through effective management.

The Cook Islands currently have the Pacific’s only reported OECM, while Vanuatu is reviewing its environmental legislation to recognise these conservation arrangements.

Wotlolan described the proposed recognition as a win for the region.

The 2024 Protected Planet Report found that 8.5 per cent of global terrestrial land was both protected and connected, compared with 7.84 per cent in 2020.

In Oceania, Pitcairn recorded 58 per cent of land protected and connected, followed by New Caledonia at 56 per cent and Tuvalu at 37 per cent.

The negotiations took place during CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30.

SOURCE: PACNEWS