Reap the benefits of providing assurance for your ecosystem restoration efforts through Ecosystem Restoration verification.
Field verification of performance in implementing forest ecosystem restoration, where the restoration is technically, environmentally, socially and economically appropriate, is key to achieving the impacts expected.
This verification approach places emphasis on field performance versus documentation.
- For larger-scale efforts (over 10,000 ha), more documentation is expected and would be used to address some verification requirements.
- For smaller-scale and community-led efforts, less documentation may be required, expecting that the verification report will document, in writing, key information that is required and that will become part of the due diligence record.
The proposed approach creates a series of “core” and “continuous improvement” indicators.
- “Core” means those which shall be assessed/verified in every situation, with positive performance at the field level considered crucial/required in all cases.
- “Continuous improvement” means partial success in implementation is acceptable, if credible field level progress is evident.
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Verification approach
The Ecosystem Restoration proposed verification approach recognises the evolving nature of restoration and related due diligence efforts around the globe, and the fast-paced development of information technology or remote sensing that can be used to assess such efforts.
This verification approach does not presuppose that one technical restoration intervention is the best for obtaining results. Alternatives may include tree plantations, agroforestry, natural forest management, enrichment planting, rewilding... In some cases, a combination of techniques may be the most appropriate.
This approach does recognise that it is critical to consider economic and social factors beyond the original or reference ecosystems. Successful ‘ecological’ restoration cannot ignore economic and social factors or community needs. This may lead to blended approaches that initially – or even later in the restoration cycle – include actions to produce products or ecosystem services of value to communities or companies.
In the case of a proposed restoration for which management activities have only recently started and can only be partially demonstrated, confirmation that the organisation complies with all applicable requirements of this procedure and has a credible plan that is likely to lead to successful verification is an option, referred to here as validation.
The proposed verification approach consists of:
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Identification of Restoration Manager. The individual responsible for the implementation of restoration and meeting verification requirements at the field level is identified. |
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Stakeholder engagement. Main stakeholders are consulted prior or during the field verification. |
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Performance review. An effectiveness review is conducted every three to five years for SH&C and medium operations and annually for large operations. |
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Verification report. A draft is prepared by the verifier which is then reviewed by the Restoration Manager. Any non-conformity reports shall be closed before validation or verification. |
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Public claim. For public claims to be made, they must first be reviewed and approved by the verifier or accountability system. |
Our experience
With over 25 years of delivering sustainability certification services to organisations in more than 100 countries, our experts are equipped to provide you with the credibility and guidance you need to provide accountability on your forest ecosystem restoration practices.
By partnering with us you not only enhance your own sustainability initiatives, but also help us realise our mission and strategy.
- Industry and auditing expertise. We draw on 25 years of experience delivering sustainability certification services to businesses around the world, particularly to the land-use sector. To date, we have certified over 80+ million hectares of forest land against international sustainability standard.
- Accessible for all. We cater to companies of all sizes but place a strong emphasis on making verifications and certifications accessible to smaller businesses. Our standards and client tools are freely available on our website. If you need further help, you can opt for additional training and assistance services.
- Credible standard. The standard focuses on the performance assessment of forest ecosystem restoration at the field level. Numerous frameworks or foundational documents lay out the key aspects, principles or elements of restoration and this document provides a standard for evaluating the performance in implementing these forest ecosystem restoration methods.
- Local presence, global reach. With staff located in over 40 countries and backed by an extensive global network of experts, we cater to companies worldwide.
- Non-profit factor. We are a value-based and impact-driven organisation. This is reflected in our commitment to quality when delivering our services.
Your benefits
By engaging in Preferred by Nature’s Ecosystem Restoration verification process, you will be able to provide assurance and take accountability for your ecosystem restoration efforts.
Other benefits include, but not limited to:
- Strengthen reporting and disclosures.
- Enhance your brand.
- Demonstrate credibility.
- Improve your restoration efforts.
- Gain better insight on effective practices.
- Provide confidence to your funders.
- Seek further funding with clarity on your project.
- Strengthen the relationships with your stakeholders.