Posted on November, 03 2025

• Laos takes another step towards inclusive conservation, launching its first provincial-level dialogue on OECMs to empower southern provinces in recognizing community-led conservation areas. 
   
• The consultation marks a shift from policy to practice, identifying 19 potential OECM sites, including forests, wetlands, and cultural areas that deliver biodiversity and climate benefits beyond formal protected areas. 
   
• Stakeholders agree that recognizing OECMs can bridge conservation and livelihoods, ensuring that local governance, traditional practices, and sustainable resource use go hand in hand. 
   
• The workshop sets in motion the creation of a national OECM roadmap and steering committee, laying the foundation for long-term governance and recognition of community-driven conservation. 
   

Vientiane Capital, Laos (3 November 2025): Lao PDR has taken a significant step forward in advancing inclusive, community-driven conservation by hosting its first provincial-level consultative workshop on Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the country’s southern region. Held on 29 and 30 October 2025 in Pakse City, Champasak Province, the workshop brought together stakeholders from five provinces – Attapeu, Champasak, Salavan, Savannakhet, and Sekong – to strengthen dialogue, coordination, and joint action on OECMs at the subnational level.

Building on the momentum from Laos’ national OECM dialogue in June 2025, this workshop engaged over 50 participants. These included representatives from central and provincial-level government entities – particularly from forest and environment departments – as well as civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector. Participants discussed how OECMs can complement Laos’ protected area system and contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. 

An OECM is defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as: 

“A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and, where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values.” 

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Head of Champasak’s Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, with technical and financial support from WWF-Laos, IUCN, and GIZ. Together, they highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and context-sensitive approaches to OECM recognition.

Stakeholders identified proposed OECM sites, including community-managed forests, wetlands, village-use zones, and culturally significant areas – places that may not have formal protected status but still deliver vital ecosystem services and contribute meaningfully to conservation outcomes. 

Speaking at the opening, the chair noted that OECM recognition will be vital to reaching Laos’ 70% forest cover goal by 2035 – a milestone that also safeguards biodiversity and supports community well-being. 

“For decades, conservation in Laos has focused on government-designated protected areas. But we must also recognize the places where communities have long been stewards of nature,” said Dr. Saiyasith Vilapath, Deputy Head of Champasak’s Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment. “Identifying and supporting OECMs is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient conservation system for the future.” 

During the workshop, participants examined key policy gaps, institutional roles, and governance structures necessary to support the official recognition and registration of OECMs in Laos. Discussions also explored how OECMs can align with Laos’ 2023 Decree on Protected Areas and contribute to national conservation targets. One of the key outcomes was the identification of 19 potential OECM sites across the southern region of Laos. Participants also discussed defining the term “OECM” in the Lao language, proposing several locally relevant options. They agreed to support the establishment of a national OECM Steering Committee and shared inputs to inform the development of a national roadmap, including technical criteria, governance roles, and pilot site validation. 

OECMs are viewed as a key mechanism to help Laos meet its commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 3, which calls for the effective conservation of at least 30% of the world’s lands, inland waters, and oceans by 2030. 

Looking ahead, WWF-Laos and its partners aim to organize similar workshops in northern provinces to ensure nationwide representation and momentum. The Pakse dialogue lays vital groundwork for scaling up community-led conservation approaches that integrate biodiversity protection with local knowledge, livelihoods, and stewardship. 

“The opportunity is here, and the potential is high, as OECMs can play a critical role in supporting local livelihoods while strengthening biodiversity protection for the benefit of both people and nature,” said Saosavanh, WWF-Laos’ Inclusive Conservation Manager. “Recognizing and supporting OECMs means valuing the diverse ways communities care for nature – and empowering them to take ownership of a more sustainable future.” 

As WWF-Laos’ focal point on OECMs, Saosavanh works closely with national and regional partners to integrate lessons from across the Mekong region. Through this collaboration, he helps ensure that global innovations and best practices in OECM recognition are adapted to support inclusive, locally led conservation that engages communities, local authorities, and the private sector in Laos. 

WWF-Laos remains committed to advancing inclusive conservation models that empower communities and align with national biodiversity and policy goals. Through strong partnerships and collective action, we can build a future where people and nature thrive together.