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Development of National “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)” management mechanism in Thailand

: WWF Thailand

: Nonprofits / องค์กรไม่แสวงหาผลกำไร

: 452

: 8 May 2025

17 May 2025

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Title:    Development of National “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)” management mechanism in Thailand
Project Name:     Mekong in BALANCE Project, 30x30 Initiative (PAs & OECM) Program and, Forest Forward
Project Reference:    Mekong in BALANCE 40002849-404016
30x30 Initiative 40010027-410041 
Forest Forward 40010055-410088
Project Location:    N/A    
Duration:         June 2025 – April 2026 (TBC)
________________________________________________
Introduction:
WWF Thailand is inviting Expressions of Interest from a group of qualified professionals to assist in the design and development of OECM management mechanism framework, including the processes and procedures for identifying, recognizing, operating, and registering OECMs in the country. This national mechanism will support Thailand in identifying and managing areas beyond its formal protected areas that contribute to Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF). It aims to ensure these areas are properly assessed, acknowledged, and managed to deliver biodiversity benefits while also supporting socio-economic and cultural well-being.

The Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) initiative is an innovative conservation strategy recognized under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  OECMs refers to geographically defined areas that contribute to biodiversity conservation, even though they are not officially designated as protected areas.  Thailand has recognized the importance of OECM as part of its biodiversity conservation efforts and the global commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.  The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) highlights OECMs as a critical tool to achieve international biodiversity targets.

WWF Thailand works in partnership with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to implement the OECMs and biodiversity initiatives in Thailand.  ONEP and WWF Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the exchange of knowledge, academic information, and technology, as well as to build the capacity of personnel involved in tasks related to biodiversity, natural resources, and environmental conservation.  This collaboration includes executing relevant policies and plans, as well as proposing new initiatives or ideas to meet national biodiversity objectives that align with support biodiversity targets.
To drive the implementation of OECMs in Thailand in line with the roadmap towards the 30x30 target, the goal is to establish OECMs across the country and develop effective, sustainable action plans that align with the 5th NBSAP 2023-2027 and support the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This involves creating mechanisms and procedures for certifying or registering OECM areas, along with systems for monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, the collaboration includes managing existing mechanisms and developing measures and incentives to promote the expansion of OECMs, particularly for the public and private sectors, both financially and non-financially. The cooperation also covers the dissemination of information, knowledge, and experiences from pilot areas to increase understanding of OECMs, expanding operational networks among target groups and relevant sectors, and effectively implementing the OECM action plan at the regional level as a model for future management. This approach will ensure integration with national biodiversity action plans and frameworks, the compilation of biodiversity data, traditional knowledge, and ecosystem services in OECM pilot areas, and the incorporation of spatial data into Thailand’s Biodiversity Information Facility (TH-BIF). The primary objectives of this ToR are designed to provide a strategic foundation for the development and implementation of a nationally endorsed Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) management mechanism in Thailand. These objectives aim to ensure the process is coherent, inclusive, and aligned with both global targets and Thailand's national biodiversity priorities. The specific objectives include:

• To guide the development of a nationally endorsed OECM management mechanism in Thailand: This includes the formulation of a comprehensive framework that outlines the structure, principles, and operational guidelines necessary for the effective recognition, governance, and long-term sustainability of OECMs across the country. The mechanism will serve as a formal tool to support conservation efforts outside of designated Protected Areas (PAs), while contributing to national commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• To define the roles, responsibilities, and process steps involved in OECM recognition and support: This entails the clear articulation of responsibilities among key stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, indigenous peoples, civil society organizations, private landholders, and conservation partners. It will also establish detailed, step-by-step procedures for the identification, assessment, validation, and official recognition of OECMs, ensuring consistency and accountability throughout the process. Additionally, the mechanism will outline pathways for ongoing technical and institutional support for OECM areas.
• To ensure that the mechanism is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with international standards and national biodiversity strategies: The OECM framework will be developed through a participatory process, promoting the active engagement of all relevant stakeholders, especially local communities and rightsholders. It will be guided by the principles of equity, transparency, and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), ensuring that conservation actions respect local knowledge, rights, and priorities. The mechanism will also be aligned with international benchmarks such as the IUCN guidelines on OECMs, while integrating seamlessly with Thailand’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and related policy instruments.

Scope of Services:

The national management mechanism for OECMs is a framework developed to help Thailand identify, manage, and enhance conservation efforts beyond officially designated Protected Areas (PAs). It outlines national principles, criteria, and standards, along with clear processes for screening, conducting detailed assessments, securing informed consent, granting formal recognition, and carrying out monitoring and reporting. These areas may include community-managed conservation zones, sustainably used lands, or privately protected areas that are well-managed and contribute meaningfully to long-term conservation goals. The mechanism also provides guidance on how to institutionalize and implement OECMs, ensuring their effective management for sustained biodiversity and socio-economic benefits. This supports ecosystem sustainability over time and complements the existing PA network by safeguarding biodiversity in areas where formal protection might be impractical or insufficient. Accordingly, this Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines four key tasks that collectively aim to establish a comprehensive OECM management system in Thailand.

TASK 1: Policy and Institutional Framework

The review of existing policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mandates relevant to OECMs is crucial to ensure that OECM initiatives align with national and international biodiversity goals.  This process will involve assessing current policies and legal structures to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for integration.  Based on this review, recommendations will be made for establishing appropriate institutional arrangements, including the identification of a lead agency and the formation of a National OECM management mechanism, to facilitate effective coordination and decision-making.  These steps are essential for creating a cohesive and supportive environment for the successful implementation of OECMs in Thailand. The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the existing policy, legal, and institutional landscape relevant to area-based conservation outside protected areas.
2. Identify policy and governance gaps to barrier to the implementation of OECMs.
3. Propose policy options and institutional arrangements for the effective management of OECMs.
4. Develop a draft OECM policy framework and institutional mechanism tailored to Thailand.

Scope of Works:

Policy Review and Legal Analysis

• Review national policies, laws, and regulations related to conservation, land and resource right holders, Local Communities, community forests, and private lands.
• Analyze alignment with CBD guidelines, IUCN criteria on OECMs and best practices and/ or lesson learned on OECM both from Thailand and other countries.
• Analyze the legal framework to identify supportive provisions, existing gaps, and potential constraints—particularly in relation to governance challenges in managing areas with multiple rights holders and conflicting oversight from various agencies in Thailand."

Institutional Mapping

• Map the roles and responsibilities of existing agencies and institutions (e.g., ONEP, DNP, DMCR, RFD, local government, academic institutions).
• Assess current coordination mechanisms and identify gaps in governance.
• Identify potential lead agency and supporting bodies for OECM implementation.

Stakeholder Consultations

• Conduct targeted consultations with relevant government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, academia and legal experts and, private sector representatives.
• Ensure integration of Free, Prio, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles where relevant.

Framework Development

• Propose a draft OECM Policy Framework including: i) Definition and scope of OECMs in Thai context; ii) Guiding principles (right-based, inclusive, transparent); iii) Roles and responsibilities of national and sub-national actors, iv) Policy options for legal recognition and support mechanisms and; v) Procedures for integration with national biodiversity strategies.

Institution Mechanism Design

• Propose an OECM governance structure, including: i) National OECM Steering Committee; ii) Technical Advisory Group; iii) Subnational coordination bodies; iv) Community-based governance models, as appropriate.

Task Deliverables:

1. Inception Report outlining methodology and work plan
2. Policy and Legal Review Report
3. Institutional Mapping and Stakeholder Consultation Report
4. Draft National OECM Policy and Institutional Framework
5. Presentation of Framework to Stakeholders for Validation
6. Final Policy and Institutional Framework Document, including proposed action plan for implementation.

 

TASK 2: Process for OECM Identification, Assessment, and Certification

The process of establishing clear steps for site identification, screening, and evaluation is fundamental to the successful implementation of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). This approach will ensure that potential sites are thoroughly assessed for their biodiversity value and conservation potential. Additionally, the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) will be integrated to respect the rights and participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities throughout the process. To guide these efforts, certification criteria and procedures will be developed, drawing on the international standards set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), while ensuring they are tailored to the unique context of Thailand. This comprehensive approach will create a transparent and equitable framework for OECM implementation. The objectives of the assignment are set to:

• Define and standardize procedures for identifying potential OECM sites.
• Review and/or update the OECMs site assessment tools and criteria for evaluating OECM eligibility and effectiveness align with the Thailand context.
• Establish a step-by-step certification process, incorporating FPIC .
• Ensure alignment with Thailand’s biodiversity conservation priorities and land governance systems.

Scope of Work:

Identification of Potential OECM Sites

• Review and/or update (base on existing methodology that the working group on OECM has approved on March 2025) a national methodology and criteria for initial screening of candidate sites.
• Create guidance for stakeholders (communities, NGOs, local authorities) to self-identify potential OECM areas.
• Establish procedures for stakeholder nominations, including a submission form and guidance notes.

Application of FPIC Principles

• Develop clear procedures to ensure that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is consistently respected at every stage of the identification and certification process. Attention should be given to identifying legally recognized forms of consent in the Thai context, such as Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), formal agreements, or declarations of intent, if appropriated.

OECM Assessment Process

• Review a comprehensive OECM Site Assessment Tool that includes: i) Biodiversity conservation outcomes, ii) Governance structures and tenure clarity, iii) Long-term sustainability, and iv) Cultural and social values.
• Recommend a verification process including self-assessment and/or third-party review (e.g. expert team, OECM review panels).

Certification Procedure

• Define steps from assessment to final decision, including i) Submission of site application, ii) Preliminary review by the National OECM Secretariat, iii) Field verification and consultations, iv) Review by the National OECM Certification Committee and, v) Issuance of certification and registration.
• Develop official certification and registration formats.
• Specify timelines and responsibilities for each step.
• Include provisions for appeals, revisions, and recertification.

Capacity Development

• Develop training modules and materials for local stakeholders, assessors, and decision-makers.

Task Deliverables:

1. OECM Identification and Screening Guidelines
2. FPIC Protocols and Templates
3. OECM Site Assessment Toolkit (incl. checklists, templates, indicators)
4. OECM Certification Process Document
5. Capacity-building Modules and Training Reports

 

TASK 3: Monitoring and Evaluation System for OECM Management

The purpose of this assignment is to design a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Thailand. The M&E system will track the ecological, governance, and social outcomes of OECMs to ensure their effectiveness, sustainability, and contribution to national and global biodiversity goals. This system will also include participatory monitoring methods, data reporting protocols, and adaptive management strategies that engage local communities, stakeholders, and authorities in the ongoing assessment and improvement of OECM sites.  The objectives of the assignment are:

• Develop a national M&E system for OECMs that includes biodiversity, governance, and social indicators.
• Design participatory monitoring methodologies that involve local communities. Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders in data collection and analysis.
• Propose effective data reporting protocols that ensure transparency and accessibility.
• Recommend adaptive management processes to adjust and improve OECMs based on monitoring outcomes.

Scope of Work:

M&E System Design

• Identification of Key Indicators: i) Develop biodiversity indicators that measure the ecological integrity/ ecological connectivity of OECM sites, ii) Define governance indicators to assess the effectiveness and inclusivity of management systems, including decision-making processes, community involvement, and compliance with legal and customary rights and iii) Identify social indicators to measure the impacts of OECMs on local communities, such as economic benefits, cultural values, and social well-being.

Development of M&E Framework

• Develop an integrated framework that combines biodiversity, governance, and social indicators into a unified system. The framework should incorporate baseline data collection along with regular monitoring and evaluation at defined intervals (e.g., annually or every six months).
• Propose ways to facilitate access to technical knowledge, data, and resources that can help stakeholders effectively manage OECM areas.

Participatory Monitoring Methods

• Develop guidelines for community-based monitoring, ensuring that local knowledge and perspectives are integrated with scientific data.
• Propose OECM training programs for local communities on monitoring techniques and data collection methods.

Data Reporting Protocols

• Propose a standardized format for reporting monitoring data.

Task Deliverables:

1. M&E Framework Report detailing the key biodiversity, governance, and social indicators.
2. Participatory Monitoring Guidelines and tools for local communities and stakeholders.
3. Data Report Protocol and template for consistent and standardized data collection and reporting.
4. Final Report summarizing the design of the M&E system and providing recommendations for implementation.

TASK 4: OECM Incentives and Sustainability

This assignment aims to recommend financial and non-financial incentives to encourage and sustain participation in the establishment and management of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Additionally, the assignment will explore potential funding mechanisms and institutional partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of OECMs in Thailand. These recommendations will provide a foundation for incentivizing OECM adoption across a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, private landowners, and government entities. The objectives of the assignment are:

• Recommend a range of financial and non-financial incentives (i.e. Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), community funding, and technical support) that promote active and sustained participation in OECMs.
• Explore and propose funding mechanisms (e.g., grants, private sector engagement, government funding) to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of OECMs.
• Identify and assess potential institutional partnerships (Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), NGOs, international donors) to support funding, technical assistance, and capacity building for OECMs.

Scope of Work:

Financial and Non-Financial Incentives for OECM Participation

• Analyze the potential for implementing certification schemes, and other appropriate options as the incentive options to reward stakeholders (local communities, private landowners, or other OECM participants) for maintaining or enhancing conservation efforts.
• Recommend community-driven funding models, including crowdfunding, micro-grants, or revolving funds, to ensure local stakeholders adequately supported. formally recognizing and certifying OECM areas, including public recognition and benefits like eco-labeling for sustainably managed land or products.
• Explore incentives such as market access for sustainably managed products from OECM sites (e.g., eco-certified goods), which can provide economic benefits for local communities and stakeholders.

Funding Mechanisms for OECMs

• Assess the potential for government-led funding schemes to support OECMs, including national biodiversity funds, environmental taxes, and reallocation of subsidies from harmful environmental practices to conservation.
• Explore opportunities for engaging the private sector in funding OECMs, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, green bonds, and direct investments in conservation projects.
• Identify potential partnerships with businesses that rely on healthy ecosystems (e.g., tourism, agriculture, fisheries) and could invest in OECMs as part of their sustainability strategies.
• Recommend ways to leverage international funding opportunities, such as grants from development banks, multilateral environmental agreements (e.g., GEF, GBFF), and biodiversity conservation funds.
• Explore mechanisms like blended finance to attract both private and public investments in OECMs.

Institutional Partnerships for Long-term Sustainability

• Propose mechanisms for cross-sectoral coordination between ministries (e.g., Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance) and other stakeholders (e.g., local governments, businesses) to ensure sustainable OECM implementation.
• Explore opportunities for regional cooperation and information-sharing to strengthen OECM implementation across borders, particularly in transboundary conservation areas.

Task Deliverables:

1. Financial and Non-Financial Incentives Report that outlines the recommended incentives for OECM stakeholders and describes their potential benefits and implementation methods.
2. Institutional Partnerships Framework identifying key institutional partnerships for funding, technical support, and capacity building, with recommendations for structuring collaborations.

Deliverables:

1. Inception Report: A comprehensive report outlining the detailed methodology, a structured work plan, a proposed table of contents for all four main tasks, and a proposed budget (inclusive of Withholding Tax – WHT) necessary for carrying out this assignment.
2. Four Core Deliverable Documents: In alignment with the deliverables of each task, four principal documents will be developed: 
   1. Policy and Institutional Framework, 
   2. Process for OECM Identification, Assessment, and Certification, 
   3. Monitoring and Evaluation System for OECM Management and, 
   4. OECM Incentives and Sustainability.  These documents will be structured based on the respective scopes of work, with the final content to be refined through consultation with WWF technical expert and the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning (ONEP)
3. Supporting Tools and Templates: A complete set of practical tools, forms, and templates required for the screening, assessment, verification, registration, reporting, and monitoring of OECMs.  These materials will be included as annexes in the main documentation
4. Consultation: A PowerPoint presentation and relevant supporting document material to facilitate effective stakeholder consultation meetings. 

 

Item	Deliverables	Timeframe
1	Submission of Inception Report	1st week of June 2025
2	Submission of the first draft of the document ‘Policy and Institutional Framework	3rd week of July 2025
	Submission of the first draft of the document ‘Process for OECM Identification, Assessment, and Certification’	3rd week of July 2025
	Submission of the first draft of the document ‘Monitoring and Evaluation System for OECM Management”	3rd week of July 2025
	Submission of the first draft of the document ‘OECM Incentives and Sustainability”	3rd week of July 2025
3	Submission of: The second draft of 4 main documents on the OECM Development and Mechanism in Thailand All tools, forms, and templates are attached as annexes in these main documents	3rd week of July 2025
4	Submission of PowerPoint presentation and other materials to use at the consultation meeting and made the presentation on the findings at consultation and /or validation meeting	3rd week of July 2025
5	After compiling inputs from stakeholder consultation and/or validation meetings, satisfactory submission of: The final four documents The final documents of all tools, forms and templates as annexes	2rd week of July 2025

 

ayment Method:

Payments will be made upon the achievement of key deliverables (e.g., Inception Report, draft report, and final report).  The payment schedule is as follows.

 

Item	Deliverables	Payment amount
1	Upon the submission of Inception Report	10%
2	Upon the submission of the first draft of 4 documents	30%
3	Submission of: The second draft of 4 main documents on the OECM Development and Mechanism in Thailand All tools, forms, and templates are attached as annexes in these main documents	40%
4	Submission of 4 Final documents	20%

 

Methodology:

To fulfill the objectives and deliverables of this consultancy, the expert consultants are expected to carry out the following:

• Engage in close collaboration with the WWF Thailand technical team and the government counterpart, ONEP. The consultants will play a key role in facilitating coordination with relevant government agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the process is inclusive, participatory, and results in a well-informed and credible report grounded in real-world context.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance by assessing the quality, relevance, and adequacy of the documents produced. The consultants are responsible for ensuring that all outputs meet the required standards and effectively contribute to achieving the intended goals of the assignment.

Required Competencies:

The consultant(s) must have the following qualifications and expertise:

OECM Management Specialist (Team Leader)

Academic Qualifications:

• Minimum MSc level qualification in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, protected area governance, or a closely related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, protected areas management, or sustainable natural resources governance
• Experience in developing strategic plan, management, guidelines related to conservation and/or protected areas.
• Proven experience with OECM frameworks, especially those aligned with the CBD and IUCN standards.

 

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding of the OECM concept, including recognition criterial, legal frameworks and monitoring mechanisms.
• Familiarity with Thailand’s NBSAP targets, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,
• Knowledge of Thailand’s environmental governance structure, national protected area system, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Understanding of right-based approaches and the role of local communities in conservation.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Ability to design and apply assessment tools for assessment, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including experience with multi-stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in Thai and English

Law and Policy Framework Specialist

Academic Qualifications:

• Minimum Master Degree in Law, Environmental Policy, Environmental Governance, Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. 

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in legal and policy analysis, preferably related to biodiversity, protected areas, or environmental governance.
• Demonstrated experience working with or advising government agencies, multilateral institutions, or international organizations on legal or regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with international environmental agreements (e.g., CBD, GEF, GBFF), particularly in relation to protected and conserved areas, is essential.

 

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of national legal frameworks, environmental law, community rights, and biodiversity policy.
• Ability to analyze, draft and harmonize legal texts, policies, and institutional arrangements relevant to conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems.
• Skilled in developing policy briefs, legal assessments, and regulatory gap analyzes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and report-writing skills in Thai and English.

Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Specialist 

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Monitoring & Evaluation, Conservation Biology, or a related discipline. 

Professional Experience:

• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in conservation, biodiversity, or sustainable development.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, NGOs, or international organizations on environmental or biodiversity-related M&E frameworks.
• Prior involvement in M&E for protected areas or OECMs is highly desirable. 

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong expertise in designing M&E frameworks, including the development of indicators, data collection methodologies, and evaluation protocols.
• Familiarity with biodiversity indicators, socio-economic metrics, and governance assessment tools.
• Strong report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present technical data accessible format.

Incentives and Sustainability Specialist 

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental economics, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Natural Resources Management, or a related field., 

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in developing or managing conservation incentive mechanisms or sustainability programs.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, NGO, private sector, and/or donor-funded conservation projects.
• Familiarity with the financial aspects of biodiversity conservation, OECMs, PES or green economy strategies is desirable. 

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of conservation finance mechanisms, including environmental taxes, CSR, and others.
• Proven ability to develop and evaluate economic incentives and non-economic incentives.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with experience in cross-sectoral collaboration (e.g., tourism, agriculture, fisheries).
• Ability to translate technical concepts into policy recommendations. 

Guideline for Submission:

Interested consultant(s) is hereby invited to provide an Expression of Interest (EoI) to WWF Thailand (with team component) and to provide the following:

• Technical Proposal comprising the following:
  • Letter of Interest describing the suitability for the assignment and team composition
  • Personal CV(s) of all members
  • Work plan and foreseen timetable
• Financial Proposal indicates all-inclusive contract value in THB, supported by the respective cost’s breakdown.  The expert consultant(s) is required to indicate in the financial offer any variation of the daily rate based on the service provided. Foreseen travel, accommodation and subsistence costs are to be included in the financial proposal.

Completed proposal (including all the above documents) should be submitted to the following email address pituckj@wwf.or.th and cc: procurement@wwf.or.th with the subject “Consultancy Service for Development of OECM Mechanism in Thailand”.

Interested applications shall submit their concept paper by, 17 May 2025.

Contact:

For more information, please contact: Mr. Pituck Jongnarangsin, Global Biodiversity Framework Program Manager (pituckj@wwf.or.th).

Contact : pituckj@wwf.or.th

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ที่ปรึกษา / Consultantผู้ประสานงาน / Coordinatorนักพัฒนาโครงการ / Creative project developer