The workshop will discuss the role and potential of OECMs in Europe for meeting the new are-based targets of the Convention on Biodiversity. It will also familiarise participants with the concepts, methodologies and relevant tools. Participants shall understand what OECMs are, learn how OECMs could contribute to reaching the new area targets, reflect on the wider benefits of OECMs for conservation in Europe, learn from existing OECMs by analyzing some case studies, learn about the process of identifying, recognising and reporting OECMs and discuss needs and opportunities for making progress on OECMs.

The workshop will be based on existing guidance material such as the CBD definition and CBD criteria for OECMs, IUCN/WCPA guidance on Recognising and Reporting OECMs and the WCPA OECM assessment tool to help determine whether potential areas of important biodiversity meet the criteria of OECMs.