Posted on June, 29 2026
Why Are OECMs an Urgent Requirement Now?
In the global context, the world is racing against time to reverse biodiversity loss through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). Target 3 of this strategic framework calls for conserving at least 30% of the Earth’s land and sea areas by 2030 (the "30x30" Target). The international community recognises that traditional protected area systems alone cannot provide the necessary spatial coverage. Therefore, OECMs, areas outside protected territories that are managed to deliver long-term, positive outcomes for nature, serve as the most reliable complementary piece of the puzzle.
In Viet Nam, economic growth targets from 2026 onwards are set against mounting pressure on biodiversity from urbanisation and climate change. Meanwhile, Viet Nam's 178 nature reserves cover only about 7% of its land area and 2.6% of its marine area, leaving a significant gap to the "30x30" Target. Promoting the application of OECMs will help expand conservation spaces, protect areas of high biodiversity value outside the formal system, and create opportunities for communities to participate in governance and in the development of green economic models and ecotourism.
Where is Viet Nam on the OECM Map?
As of January 2026, more than 7,200 OECMs have been recorded globally. In Viet Nam, OECMs have been partially integrated into the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030. During 2023–2025, Viet Nam initiated preliminary discussions on OECMs and conducted field surveys to assess potential sites in several localities, including Quang Ninh, Hue, Quang Tri, Da Nang, and the Mekong Delta.
However, Viet Nam has not yet issued official technical guidelines, identification criteria, or reporting mechanisms for OECMs. Consequently, despite local authorities and conservation organisations identifying many potential OECM sites—such as wetlands or community forests—they still lack a legal framework to evaluate, formally recognise, and report them.
This creates an urgent need for the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and WWF-Viet Nam to organise this workshop under the project “Mobilising Community Participation in the Implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in Viet Nam” (MiB-GBF). This is not only a forum for sharing international experiences but also a demonstration of the State's determination to dismantle "barriers" urgently so that OECMs can truly become effective in Vietnam.
Key Statements from Leaders
Mr Bui Chinh Nghia, Director General of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment: "In addition to established marine protected areas, mangrove special-use forests, and fisheries resource protection zones, Viet Nam still has many other areas where appropriate conservation measures can be applied. This will enhance management efficiency and harmonise economic development and the stability of community livelihoods with nature and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, today’s workshop is highly significant. It offers an opportunity to share knowledge, exchange practical experiences, and learn from international lessons, especially from countries that have successfully implemented management solutions for areas outside protected zones. The workshop's discussions will provide an important scientific and practical foundation, helping Viet Nam refine its approach step by step and promote OECM implementation in line with national conditions."
Ms Vu Thi Bich Hau, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment: "For Da Nang, this OECM approach is particularly suitable. The city has a significant advantage in its interconnected forest-sea-river-urban ecosystems, and especially in local communities where traditional knowledge and livelihoods are tied to natural resources. If a co-management and benefit-sharing mechanism is well structured, conservation can become a pillar of green development, the eco-economy, and sustainable tourism, rather than being viewed merely as a resource-protection task. Da Nang can proactively prepare data, mapping, management status, governance entities, biodiversity values, and community participation levels. This ensures that once the central government issues guidelines on OECMs, the city can rapidly propose suitable pilot models."
Mr Van Ngoc Thinh, CEO of WWF-Viet Nam: "Through years of working with partners in Viet Nam, particularly in the Central Annamites landscape, WWF-Viet Nam has observed that conservation is more effective when protected areas are linked to natural zones of high biodiversity value that are already well-managed by diverse actors. Based on that experience, we believe OECMs are a crucial approach to expanding conservation effectiveness at a landscape scale while contributing to both national and international biodiversity goals. With the policy foundation already taking shape, the attention of management agencies and local authorities, and the commitment of many partners, we believe this is a highly favourable time for Viet Nam to gradually translate OECMs into practice."
Mr. Thinh also emphasised WWF-Viet Nam's commitment to continuing its partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, local authorities, and partners to share international knowledge and experience, thereby supporting the learning process and refining approaches tailored to the practical conditions of Viet Nam.
