In recent years, the term 'nature-positive' has become a key word when it comes to achieving biodiversity. Nature Positive refers to 'halting and reversing biodiversity loss in order to put nature on a recovery track'.
Nature Positive is not only about so-called nature conservation, but also about transforming society and the economy as a whole to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
30 by 30 target
The '30 by 30 target' has been highlighted as a goal to achieve Nature Positive.
The '30 by 30' target, which aims to effectively conserve at least 30% of land and sea as healthy ecosystems by 2030, was committed to at the G7 summit in June 2021.
30by30 was also incorporated into the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022.
As of 2021, only 20.51 TP3T of land and 13.31 TP3T of sea are recognised as protected areas in Japan.
While protected areas allow for strong enforcement and conservation of the natural environment, they are also difficult to expand.
OECM
The Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) were created to solve this problem.
An OECM is defined as 'a geographically delineated area, other than a protected area, that is governed and managed in a manner that continuously achieves positive long-term outcomes for in situ biodiversity conservation, together with associated ecosystem functions and services and, where appropriate, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic and other community-related values'. The definition is as follows.
Simply put, these are areas outside protected areas that contribute to biodiversity conservation.
This OECM and traditional protected areas should occupy at least 301 TP3T of the national territory.
(Source: Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (WDOECM)).
So how can OECM be expanded?
Natural symbiosis site
Japan has introduced 'natural symbiosis sites' as part of its efforts to increase OECM.
Natural symbiosis sites are areas where biodiversity is being conserved through private initiatives and other means.
| Site Name | administrative divisions of Japan: Tokyo-to | applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido University Uryu Research Forest | Hokkaido (northernmost of the four main islands of Japan) | National University Corporation Hokkaido University |
| mountain forest | Shizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area) | Juzan Co. |
| Oze (Ozegahara, Ozenuma, Oze Togura Forest) | Gunma prefecture (Kantou area) | Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. |
| Toyota Mie Miyagawa Forest | Mie prefecture (Kinki area) | Toyota Motor Corp. |
| Nippon Paper Industries Phoenix Company Forest | Yamanashi prefecture (Chuubu area) | Nippon Paper Industries Co. |
Areas applied for by companies, organisations and municipalities, which are judged by the Ministry of the Environment to have biodiversity value and to conserve biodiversity, are certified as nature-friendly sites.
The areas identified as nature-rich sites, excluding overlaps with protected areas, are then registered in the international database as OECMs.
(Source: Ministry of the Environment, 'Achievements to date on the establishment and management of OECMs').
In October 2023, 122 areas were identified as nature-friendly sites.
List of nature-friendly sitesPrepared by the author from.
The diagram above is an interactive map, with the circles on the map representing nature sites.
○Click to see information (site name, applicant and area) for each nature site (location is approximate). The size of the circle indicates the size of the site on three levels.
As can be seen in the diagram, as of February 2024, many nature-friendly sites have been identified in the Kanto, Chubu and Kansai metropolitan areas.
Enterprises and OECM
The OECM is one of Nature Positive's global indicators.
Therefore, companies with OECM-registered sites can make a direct contribution to the international 30 by 30 goal.
Being registered with the OECM can have the following effects
Disseminate to the community and publicise the value of the site.
Increasing the value of enterprises
Social and community contribution
Disclosure of environment-related information.
Economic incentives and tax benefits are also being considered for nature-friendly sites.
Conclusion.
Nature Positive is a must-achieve goal for a society that can live in harmony with nature.
To achieve the target, the first step is to expand the area where ecosystems are conserved.
OECMs and nature sites are considered to play an important role.
aiESG participates in the TNFD Forum, which supports the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD). Recognising the importance of developing business strategies that contribute to natural capital and appropriate information disclosure, aiESG supports the research and development of products and services that are compatible with ESG perspectives, as well as the formulation of marketing and branding strategies.
Companies facing challenges in researching and developing ESG-conscious products and services, as well as in formulating marketing strategies, are encouraged to contact us.
Enquiry:
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Reference.
Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (WDOECM)
https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/thematic-areas/oecms?tab=OECMs
On promoting the setting up and management of OECMs:
https://www.env.go.jp/council/content/12nature03/000118697.pdf
On the results to date on setting up and managing OECMs:
https://www.env.go.jp/content/000147427.pdf
On the Matching Pilot and the Support Certificate Model Pilot WG:
https://www.env.go.jp/content/000165236.pdf
*Related page*.
Report list : Regulations/standards
https://aiesg.co.jp/report_tag/基準-規制/
[Press release] aiESG joins the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Forum.
https://aiesg.co.jp/news/2309_tnfd/
[Press release] aiESG cooperates with Taisei Corporation in the development of its Nature Positive Assessment Methodology.
https://aiesg.co.jp/news/20231101_taisei-nature-positive/
[The [ibid.Explanation] What is the TNFD? A new bridge between finance and the natural environment
https://aiesg.co.jp/report/230913_tnfdreport/
[Commentary] G20T20 Policy Brief.
~Proposal to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets in the G20 countries by 2030 ~.
https://aiesg.co.jp/report/g20_report/
[Commentary] G20T20 Policy Brief ~Proposed financing mechanisms to promote the conservation of natural capital.
https://aiesg.co.jp/report/230807_g20t20_report/