IFRDMD Conducts Internal Training on OECM Assessment for Inland Fisheries

From May 5 to 8, 2025, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD organized an internal training to assess Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for inland fisheries. The training was led by Mr. Yoga Candra Ditya from the Center for Marine and Inland Water Resources Conservation Research, National Research and Innovation Agency. The training aimed to strengthen IFRDMD staff’s capacity to identify and evaluate potential OECM sites that contribute to biodiversity conservation outside formal protected areas. The training was officially opened by Mr. Andi Soesmono, Chief of IFRDMD, who welcomed this initiative as an important step in building the department’s capacity to support conservation efforts in inland waters. The opening agenda was attended by the Head of the Institute of Inland Fisheries Research and Extension. Also present was the Head of the Muara Enim District Fisheries Service.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether certain water bodies can be designated as OECMs by ensuring they meet the ecological, governance, and social criteria set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); document existing biodiversity values and conservation outcomes; and justify their recognition as complements to protected areas. Additionally, the training aimed to gather perceptions and input from relevant stakeholders regarding freshwater fisheries management in the area.
The assessment activities were conducted at three locations in South Sumatra Province. On the first day, the training began with a general lecture and the initial evaluation session, which was held at the IFRDMD office in Jakabaring, Palembang. Participants on this day included the Head of the Muara Enim District Fisheries Office and his staff. The assessment on the second day was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Ogan Komering Ilir District Office. Attendees included the Head of the Ogan Komering Ilir District Fisheries Service, the Secretary of Pedamaran Subdistrict, the Head of Teluk Rasau Village, and fisheries extension officers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The team conducted a field visit to Teluk Rasau Village in Pedamaran on the same day. On the third day, the team departed for Patra Tani Village in Muara Enim, which is also the location of the ongoing SPEECTRA project by IFRDMD, a model initiative for freshwater fisheries conservation. At this location, in addition to being attended by Patra Tani village officials, community members who have implemented SPEECTRA on their private land were also interviewed.
On the final day, IFRDMD staff and experts held a discussion session to process and analyze the data collected during the field assessment. The discussion focused on aligning field findings with the OECM CBD criteria and identifying the following steps to strengthen conservation efforts. This internal training enhanced staff understanding of the OECM assessment framework and strengthened IFRDMD’s commitment to supporting science-based and participatory approaches for sustainable freshwater fisheries management in Indonesia.
Finally, to close the training, the Deputy Chief of IFRDMD reiterated that the spirit of collaboration and cooperation established through this activity may continue to flourish and grow stronger in future engagements and forums. He also extended his sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their active involvement and valuable contributions, which greatly enriched the success of this event.