Initially established ecozones are areas within identified as Special Development Projects/Growth Zones by the DTI-ARMM:
- Parang and other potential areas in Maguindanao
- Jolo and other potential areas in Sulu
- Bongao and other potential areas in Tawi-Tawi
- Entire Province of Basilan
- Marawi City, Malabang, and other potential areas in Lanao del Sur
- Any private industrial estate which shall voluntarily apply for conversion into an ECOZONE (Sec 5, MMA Act 154)