Mozambique is advancing implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) by revising its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and developing complementary policy and governance frameworks. Among these is the national process to establish a framework for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), representing an important opportunity to strengthen biodiversity conservation while contributing to the achievement of KMGBF Target 3 (30×30).

An important milestone in this process was reached on 12 June 2026, during the 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference (CBM), when national and international conservation organizations signed a Commitment Document expressing their support for the Government of Mozambique in developing the national OECM framework. As part of its support for NBSAP implementation, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership has been participating in technical discussions and coordination efforts with government institutions and partners, supporting dialogue on governance arrangements and institutional coordination.

The Commitment Document was signed by IUCN, RARE, FAO, Conservation International, WWF, WCS, Associação Likhulu, and ReGeCom, demonstrating a shared commitment to support the Government of Mozambique in developing the institutional and technical foundations for OECMs. For Mozambique, this process represents an opportunity to strengthen the national conservation system by recognising biodiversity conservation efforts taking place beyond formally designated protected areas. Community initiatives, private conservation efforts, government-managed areas, and other governance models already contribute to conserving biodiversity and can play an important role in achieving national and global biodiversity commitments.

The development of a national OECM framework also provides an opportunity to establish a coordinated governance approach from the outset. As technical discussions continue, particular attention is being given to clarifying institutional roles and responsibilities, strengthening coordination among partners, and ensuring the process aligns with national priorities and existing biodiversity policies. A coherent national framework will also support future identification, recognition, monitoring, and reporting of OECMs, contributing to improved implementation of the revised NBSAP and Mozambique’s international reporting commitments. Through its engagement in the process, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership continues to facilitate technical dialogue, promote knowledge exchange, and support collaboration among government institutions and conservation partners as the national framework is progressively developed.

The development of a national framework for OECMs represents an important step in strengthening Mozambique’s biodiversity governance and expanding the range of approaches that contribute to conservation. The commitment demonstrated by national and international partners provides a strong basis for collaborative action, while the ongoing technical discussions offer an opportunity to establish clear governance arrangements and a nationally coordinated implementation process. As Mozambique continues to revise its NBSAP and implement the KMGBF, the OECM process has the potential to become an important component of the country’s broader conservation strategy, reinforcing collaboration among government institutions, local communities, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to achieve shared biodiversity objectives.