- Union Environment Minister released India's Guidelines for Designation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (I-OECMs), 2026, at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan, Armenia. - OECMs refer to geographically defined spaces that are not protected areas but achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for in-situ biodiversity conservation. - These guidelines provide a formal framework to recognize areas conserved by indigenous communities, private entities, and local stakeholders outside traditional protected areas (like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries). - The initiative aids India in fulfilling its global biodiversity commitments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets. - **Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs):** Geographically defined areas outside traditional protected networks—such as sacred groves and community lands—that achieve positive, long-term outcomes for in-situ biodiversity conservation. - **CBD COP-17:** The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Yerevan, Armenia, focusing on global biodiversity frameworks and OECM action hubs. - **Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):** A legally binding multilateral treaty opened at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits. **Introduction** Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav released the Guidelines for Designation of India's Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (I-OECMs), 2026, at CBD COP-17 held in Yerevan, Armenia. The guidelines establish a formal framework for identifying and recognizing areas outside traditional protected networks—such as community-managed lands, sacred groves, and private conservation areas—that successfully deliver long-term biodiversity conservation. This move supports India's alignment with international biodiversity frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Union Environment Minister released India's Guidelines for Designation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (I-OECMs), 2026, at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan, Armenia. - OECMs refer to geographically defined spaces that are not protected areas but achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for in-situ biodiversity conservation. - These guidelines provide a formal framework to recognize areas conserved by indigenous communities, private entities, and local stakeholders outside traditional protected areas (like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries). - The initiative aids India in fulfilling its global biodiversity commitments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs):** Geographically defined areas outside traditional protected networks—such as sacred groves and community lands—that achieve positive, long-term outcomes for in-situ biodiversity conservation. - **CBD COP-17:** The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Yerevan, Armenia, focusing on global biodiversity frameworks and OECM action hubs. - **Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):** A legally binding multilateral treaty opened at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits.