Multi-stakeholder governance criterion
The multi-stakeholder governance criterion evaluates whether a landscape initiative has an inclusive, transparent, and effective governance structure that enables collective decision-making and coordinated action for the design, implementation, and monitoring of the initiative.
A well-functioning multi-stakeholder process or platform should:
Have active participation by key stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on engaging local community representatives and local government bodies.
Establish clear operating procedures and decision-making structures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Implement safeguards to minimize the risks of negative human rights or environmental impacts while enhancing positive outcomes for people and nature within the landscape.
To assess these aspects, the criterion is divided into five sub-criteria:
Participation from key stakeholders.
Engagement with government.
Governance and decision-making.
Coordination of actions and monitoring.
Implementation of safeguards.
Participation from key stakeholders sub-criterion
This sub-criterion assesses whether the landscape initiative actively engages relevant stakeholders in its design and implementation. Meaningful participation from diverse groups helps ensure that multiple perspectives are considered, fosters collective ownership, and supports an aligned vision. Key stakeholder groups may include local and regional governments, NGOs and civil society organizations, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, producers, other market actors, and financial institutions.
To meet this sub-criterion, the initiative should involve at least three different stakeholder groups. Participation is defined as an organization being a formal partner, contributing to management or implementation, or providing funding for the initiative.
Documentation requirements
To meet this sub-criterion, the following materials must be submitted through the LandScale platform for validation:
A stakeholder mapping, listing organizations and groups actively involved in the initiative, their stakeholder type, and their role.
The LandScale system will automatically flag whether local community and government representation is included.
A formalized collaboration agreement or a description of how collaboration is structured, including details of regular stakeholder meetings (optional).
Validation criteria
Validation will confirm whether the following requirements have been fulfilled:
All required documentation has been submitted via the platform.
Organizations and groups actively involved in the landscape initiative are listed, with their type and role indicated—ideally including at least one local community representative and one government representative (though not required).
At least three different stakeholder groups are involved in the initiative.
If included, a collaboration agreement has been uploaded or a clear and sufficient description of how collaboration is structured is provided.
Alignment with government policies sub-criterion
Alignment with government policies helps ensure that a landscape initiative supports broader public policy goals and operates within relevant regulatory frameworks. This sub-criterion evaluates whether the initiative establishes connections with government agencies and incorporates relevant policies into its approach.
Documentation requirements
To meet this sub-criterion, the following materials must be submitted through the LandScale platform for validation:
Evidence of alignment between the landscape initiative’s goals and actions and public policies at local, sub-national, and/or national levels.
Documentation specifying which policy objectives or targets align with the initiative and how the initiative contributes to them.
Indication of the level of engagement with government to seek alignment (optional).
Validation criteria
Validation will confirm whether the following requirements have been fulfilled:
All required documentation has been submitted via the platform.
The levels of government (local, sub-national, and/or national) with which the initiative's goals and actions align are specified.
The policy objectives or targets that align with the initiative are documented.
A clear explanation is provided of how the initiative contributes to or supports the relevant policy objectives or targets.
Governance and decision-making sub-criterion
A transparent and well-structured governance system is essential for effective decision-making and accountability in a landscape initiative. This sub-criterion evaluates whether the initiative has a clearly defined governance structure that includes stakeholder representation, outlines decision-making processes, and incorporates mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Documentation requirements
To meet this sub-criterion, the following materials must be submitted through the LandScale platform for validation:
Relevant governance documentation (e.g., Terms of Reference, organigram of governance structure, MoUs or partnership agreements outlining governance agreements) or a description of the governance structure, including:
The key governing body or decision-making entity.
Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.
Decision-making processes.
Mechanisms for dispute resolution or conflict management.
Indication of the level of stakeholder representation within the governance structure.
Validation criteria
Validation will confirm whether the following requirements have been fulfilled:
All required documentation has been submitted via the platform.
The governance system is clearly described, with transparent operating procedures and decision-making processes that support effective stakeholder participation.
The level of stakeholder representation within the governance system is indicated.
Coordination of actions and monitoring sub-criterion
For a landscape initiative to achieve meaningful impact, activities and monitoring efforts must be well-coordinated. This sub-criterion examines whether the initiative has mechanisms in place to align actions among stakeholders, track progress, and ensure that interventions are implemented effectively within the landscape.
Documentation requirements
To meet this sub-criterion, the following materials must be submitted through the LandScale platform for validation:
A description of how the initiative coordinates actions and monitoring efforts within the landscape.
If applicable, confirmation that the initiative has a dedicated coordinating body responsible for these functions.
Validation criteria
Validation will confirm whether the following requirements have been fulfilled:
All required documentation has been submitted via the platform.
A clear description is provided outlining how actions and monitoring efforts are coordinated, demonstrating that systems are in place and actions are aligned among stakeholders.
If applicable, the existence of a dedicated coordinating body is confirmed.
Implementation of safeguards sub-criterion
Safeguards are essential for mitigating potential negative social and environmental impacts of a landscape initiative, while promoting positive outcomes for both people and nature. This sub-criterion evaluates whether the initiative has mechanisms in place to identify, address, and monitor risks related to human rights, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Documentation requirements
To meet this sub-criterion, the following materials must be submitted through the LandScale platform for validation:
Documentation of safeguarding plans or policies, or description of how safeguards are integrated into the governance process.
Indication of whether local communities and marginalized groups are involved in the development and implementation of safeguards (optional).
Validation criteria
Validation will confirm whether the following requirements have been fulfilled:
All required documentation has been submitted via the platform.
Safeguards are effectively integrated into the governance process and clearly described.
The level of consultation of local communities and marginalized groups regarding safeguards is indicated (optional).
Documentation of any stakeholder consultation related to safeguarding plans or policies is provided (optional).
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