This project will initiate a process to investigate the potential of OECMs and develop an understanding of how this approach could operate in Malaysia. The overall project aim is to strengthen the area-based in-situ conservation of biodiversity by recognising and reporting OECMs alongside Protected Areas. The IUCN?s recently released OECM guidelines provide a robust foundation from which to build a Malaysian-based OECM process. Both the OECM concept and the IUCN?s guidelines will be new to many Malaysians; engaging stakeholders will be a core principal of our project and will be critical to embedding a sense of local ownership and confidence that the OECM approach may be of significant benefit to Malaysia.