The project team from Malawi highlights the range of institutions they have involved in their work to mainstream biodiversity in the country, from Lilongwe City Council through to the National Commission for Science and Technology. They identify engagement and dialogue as important steps in making progress, in their presentation given at the ‘Biodiversity mainstreaming’ workshop held in Sogakope, Ghana, from 1-3 November 2016. More information: www.iied.org/nbsaps