The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

In Malaysia, WWF-Malaysia serves as the official Implementing Partner for the IUCN Green List programme. Implementing Partner’s role includes:  

• Providing secretariat support for the Green List processes 

• Supporting sites in their Green List journey 

• Facilitating capacity building and stakeholder engagement. 

Implementing Partner have no direct role in the evaluation or independent assurance of the Green Listing process.  

EAGLs are national experts appointed to evaluate and assess Green List applications within Malaysia. EAGL’s role includes: 

• Providing an independent evaluation of site for each criterion and indicator 

• Assessing documentation submitted by sites against the Adapted IUCN Green List Standards for Malaysia 

• Conducting site visits to verify evidence and engage with site team and stakeholders.

Mentors provide technical guidance and hands-on support to protected/conserved areas participating in the Green List programme.

Sites are the protected or conserved areas participating in the Green List programme and are responsible for implementing management actions and providing evidence for assessment. Currently the sites involved are managed by:  

• Sabah Forestry Department 

• Reef Guardian  

• Sabah Wildlife Department 

• Yayasan Sabah 

• Sabah Parks 

• Department of Wildlife and National Park Peninsular Malaysia  

• Sarawak Forestry Corporation 

• Jagoi Area Development Committee 

• Sawit Kinabalu 

Past EAGL members who has contributed since the start of the Green List journey in Malaysia. Additionally, Malaysia has created an EAGL Alumni group – past EAGL members who are still supporting sites by sharing their expertise and providing technical advice to help improve management effectiveness and achieve successful conservation outcomes. 

The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs) is a global standard for measuring the effectiveness of PCAs. It recognises areas that meet rigorous criteria for good governance, sound design and planning, effective management, and positive conservation outcomes. In the Malaysian context, the Green List helps strengthen the governance of protected areas and supports the country’s biodiversity commitments, including the global '30x30' target to conserve 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.

WWF-Malaysia contributes Implementation Partners (IP) for the IUCN Green List programme. IPs provide technical and strategic guidance, coordinates site readiness activities, facilitates engagement with communities and government agencies, and supports communications and knowledge-sharing initiatives. WWF-Malaysia also contributes experienced staff as mentors to provide peer guidance to new or aspiring sites. Together, these efforts help ensure the success of participating sites throughout the Green List process. 

The 30x30 target refers to a global goal of ensuring that by 2030, at least 30% of the planet' s terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas are effectively conserved and managed. Similar to the Green List, it emphasises effective management but it is primarily a global policy commitment that countries strive to achieve.

In contrast, the Green List is a voluntary recognition and accreditation system that evaluates and certifies protected and conserved areas (PCAs) based on rigorous global standards. It also demonstrates that these sites not only meet minimum requirements but go beyond to deliver measurable conservation outcomes, good governance and benefits for the people. The Green List complements the 30x30 targets by identifying and elevating the status of the areas that exemplify effective management of PCAs. 

The Evaluation is conducted in three phases under IUCN oversight: 

• Expert Assessment Group (EAGL): Formed in each country or region, EAGL members adapt global indicators to local context, review documentation, perform site visits, consult stakeholders, and make formal recommendations on whether a site meets standards. 

• Reviewers: Independent qualified auditors verify that EAGL procedures are followed and evidence is sound. 

• IUCN Green List Panel: This committee reviews final recommendations and approves the listing. 

The three main phases of evaluation:

• Application: Sites submit self-assessments against adapted indicators, stakeholder engagement plans, and action plans to address gaps. 

• Candidate: Full evidence submissions are evaluated by EAGL and Reviewer, including site visits and stakeholder consultations. 

• Green List: Listed sites undergo mid-term and renewal reviews (typically every five years) to ensure continued compliance or respond to new issues. Sites demonstrating full compliance with indicators are officially added to the IUCN Green List.

The Green List is a global standard that can be applied to all types of protected and conserved areas, regardless of habitat or species. CA|TS (Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards) is a standard specifically developed to ensure the effective management of tiger conservation areas. Nevertheless, sites that host tiger populations may use CA|TS to assess their species-specific effectiveness, while also pursuing Green List recognition to evaluate and improve broader site-level governance and ecological integrity. 

Implementation Partners coordinate national-level efforts, support site managers throughout the Green List process, and help facilitate stakeholder engagement and data collection. Mentors are experienced peers who guide sites through the process using insights and wisdom from their own experience. Together, IPs and mentors build capacity and create a supportive network for continuous improvement. 

The Community of Practice (CoP) brings together practitioners, site managers, evaluators, government agencies, and NGOs involved in the Green List journey. It includes EAGL (Expert Assessment Group for the Green List) members and alumni, site representatives, officials from relevant departments such as the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) and State Forestry authorities, as well as local communities/associations and academic partners. The CoP promotes knowledge exchange, cross-learning, and shared solutions to conservation challenges. 

The Green List encourages inclusive and participatory site management, an approach that helps ensure that local and Indigenous communities are empowered to be meaningfully involved in decision-making and benefit from protected area governance. These benefits can include sustainable livelihoods (e.g., community-based ecotourism), income generation, formal recognition of traditional knowledge, and greater protection of natural resources that communities rely on, such as forests, rivers and marine areas.