Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as the Foundation for Conservation Education Betwixt Local Community in Malaysia

Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), as defined by UNESCO, can serve as a robust foundation for conservation education among local communities in Malaysia. This study analyzed the applicability of OUV criteria—focusing on authenticity and characteristics unique to Malaysia—to three World Heritage Sites: Melaka and Georgetown, Kinabalu Park, and Gunung Mulu National Park. By synthesizing existing literature on OUV and conservation education, researchers demonstrated that integrating these criteria into educational frameworks strengthens local engagement with heritage preservation. The findings suggest that OUV-based education can bridge gaps between government conservation goals and community values, fostering long-term stewardship of Malaysia's natural and cultural heritage.

Kamarudin, K., Zolkafli, U. K., Harun, R., Jaapar, A., & Yahya, Z. (2015). Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as the Foundation for Conservation Education Betwixt Local Community in Malaysia. Advanced Science Letters, 21(7), 2373–2377. https://doi.org/10.1166/asl.2015.6280