Beyond Protected Areas: Advancing Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Caribbean

Trinidad. November 27, 2025 – Regional experts, practitioners, and stakeholders convened for a three-day hybrid workshop to advance understanding and implementation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across the Caribbean. The event provided a collaborative space to share best practices, explore tools and pathways, and strengthen regional approaches to recognising and supporting OECMs for the benefit of the region’s biodiversity and communities.

The COLOURS (Communities, Local Outcomes, and Regional Science) project, implemented by IUCN and funded by the European Union, kicks off in the Caribbean with its first regional workshop in Trinidad and Tobago. The project builds upon the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) programme, to strengthen biodiversity conservation, particularly through improving governance and management of protected areas, inter alia.

Ms. Evelina Melbarzde, Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago, reflected:

“I am proud to highlight the contribution of the COLOURS project and the past decade of the BIOPAMA programme in the Caribbean as a dedicated and tangible contribution to protecting biodiversity in the region. It reflects the EU's reaffirmed commitment to the global pledge of protecting a third of the planet by 2030. OECMs offer opportunities for stronger partnership between our regions to establish a connected and effective network of conservation sites”

IUCN

Dr. Susana Perera-Valderrama, SPAW Programme Officer, UNEP - Cartagena Convention Secretariat and Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP), expressed appreciation to IUCN for their long-standing collaboration, noting how this partnership underpins ongoing conservation initiatives in the Wider Caribbean. She emphasised that the workshop aims to support countries in scaling up efforts toward achieving Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by strengthening understanding of conservation tools such as OECMs, which complement protected areas systems. Moreover, she recognised the UNEP Headquarters – Biodiversity and Land Degradation Branch, for the financial support that contributed to the workshop execution, reaffirming the continued commitment of the Secretariat with IUCN, SPAW and CBD focal points and regional partnerships in advancing effective area-based conservation across the region.

The Advancing OECMs in the Caribbean Workshop brought together participants from 22 countries and territories across the English-, French-, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Hybrid participation was also facilitated, allowing others to join via Zoom, with more than 150 registrants from Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Participants and presenters noted that this was one of the first workshops to include such broad representation from across the insular Caribbean, and the involvement of delegates from overseas territories was especially welcomed.

The goal of the workshop was to strengthen the understanding of OECMs and their contribution to GBF Target 3. Participants explored the definition of OECMs, examined their role alongside protected areas, and reviewed the enabling conditions for identifying, managing, and monitoring OECMs effectively in the Caribbean context. The workshop also included a field visit to the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad, where participants discussed whether the site met the criteria for recognition as an OECM. The visit featured a tour of the bird sanctuary, allowing participants to observe the mangrove ecosystem and its biodiversity. During the tour, they also learned about the swamp's history and the cultural and ecological significance of the Scarlet Ibis, Trinidad's national bird.

The workshop invited the participants to reflect on the existing regulatory frameworks and existing instruments that can support the recognition of OECMs and their relevance to biodiversity conservation and achieving Target 3 in the Caribbean. On the final day of the workshop, they reviewed the OECM Guide and discussed next steps, including follow-up training, technical guidance and other opportunities for collaboration. 

Julius Smith, Environmental Specialist at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Trinidad, shared:

“The workshop’s outcomes will help us bring more structure to the management and potential recognition of OECMs, which may already exist in Trinidad. This will better align our efforts with the expectations of IUCN and the CBD.”

Participants expressed that the workshop was highly beneficial, with several countries identifying promising cases, particularly Belize. Rasheda Sampson, Biodiversity Officer, noted:

“The discussions helped clarify how OECMs can be recognised and supported at the national level, and we now see clear opportunities to advance this work in Belize.”

IUCN

In closing, Hyacinth Armstrong-Vaughn, COLOURS Coordinator, acknowledged the support of donors and partners in executing the project and workshop, alongside the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. She stated, “This workshop created an important opportunity to identify the types of support countries may require for national engagement based on their priority needs, and to improve their understanding of the OECM concept.” She also expressed gratitude to participants for their active engagement and willingness to embrace new ideas.

This workshop was supported by IUCN, the European Union under the COLOURS project and the UNEP - Cartagena Convention Secretariat and Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP).