Comparing screening tools for assessment of potential ‘other effective area‐based conservation measures’ in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation in formally recognized protected areas is the primary intent of Aichi Target 11. In addition to traditional protected areas, Target 11 recognizes a new mechanism, ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs). Since its inclusion in the Aichi Target 11 objective, the OECM category has created considerable confusion and debate, and few examples have been described to date. In this paper, we explore the capacity of OECM screening tools developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA) to evaluate two potential OECMs located in highly developed urban areas in southern Ontario, Canada. Results reveal that the two sites may qualify as ‘candidate’ OECMs. In a comparative analysis of the two screening tools, we determined that the CCEA’s tool faithfully integrates IUCN guidance and provides additional detail to help practitioners address unique ‘in-country’ social and ecological conditions. In a bio-geo-politically diverse world, the successful translation of high-level guidance into tools designed for application at unique localnational levels of decision-making is critical to successful biodiversity conservation.