We combine a thorough understanding of existing standards and certification systems, with practical audit experience around the world, and a commitment to multi-stakeholder standards-setting processes which take into account economic, environmental and social aspects of production and use.

We have a range of skills and experience in this arena, and offer the following services:

Development of international standards and criteria

We are experienced in the facilitation of international and regional processes which bring together a range of stakeholders to determine a standard or a set of criteria which define sustainable or responsible resource management for their sector. This work includes, facilitating working groups developing criteria, supply chain requirements and verification systems, advising on frameworks for undertaking multi-stakeholder consultation on draft standards, hosting public consultations processes, providing technical input to working groups (for example, through provision of discussion papers or comparative analyses of schemes or options) and training.

Developing criteria for individual organisations or groups

 ProForest have carried out more than 100 natural resource audits in 25 countries

We work with a range of organisations including companies, NGOs, governments and banks to support the development of criteria which are consistent with international expectations, but appropriate to their particular needs and situation. We develop standards for crop production where no other standard exists, core requirements to guide purchasing during an interim phase while full standards are implemented and criteria to guide purchasing or investment policies. Our work is very variable depending on the needs of the client. Given our strong field experience in management and in auditing, we strive to ensure that the criteria or standards we develop are clear, practical and easy to audit.

Pilot testing

We offer field testing for natural resource management standards: whether developed by multi-stakeholder groups, or by individual organisations. Over half of our staff are trained auditors and ProForest staff as a whole have an enormous range of field audit experience, having carried out over 100 natural resource audits in 25 countries between them including forests, oil palm, soy and NTFPs (non-timber forest products), and ranging from large-scale industrial production to smallholders and communities.

Assessing schemes

Many organisations, whether non-profit NGOs, private companies or governments have environmental and/or ethical policies related to the sourcing of materials and services. Faced with a plethora of labelling and certification schemes, standards and verification systems, it can be challenging to know which ones to rely on. We provide analyses of the ‘fit’ between existing certification or verification schemes and the policies of our clients, helping them to decide which system best meets their needs.

Training and capacity building

We carry out a range of training and capacity building programmes, locally and nationally.  Our target is to build local capacity, creating and supporting the development of local expertise and the skills and confidence needed for the process to become self-sustaining, thereby contributing to the long-term implementation of sustainable resource management and, where appropriate, certification in the country.  This may be for companies, governments or NGOs.