# Governance and decision-making

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 captures stakeholder representation, outlines its operating and decision-making procedures, and incorporates mechanisms for conflict resolution.

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The governance and decision-making sub-criterion is related to, but distinct from, the [coordination of actions and monitoring](/landscape-initiative-maturity/multi-stakeholder-governance/coordination-of-actions-and-monitoring.md) sub-criterion. Governance focuses on the structures, representation, and processes that guide decision-making and accountability, while coordination focuses on how actions and monitoring efforts are aligned, implemented, and tracked across stakeholders. While governance systems may include coordination mechanisms, each sub-criterion assesses a different functional dimension, with some potential for overlap.
{% endhint %}

## Requirements and validation criteria

To assess whether a landscape initiative has a clearly defined governance structure, LandScale requests specific information via tailored questions. Submitted materials are used to evaluate and validate the extent to which the governance and decision-making sub-criterion is met. 

<table><thead><tr><th width="200">Requirements</th><th>Validation criteria</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Governance structure.</td><td><p>A clear description or relevant documentation (e.g., Terms of Reference, organigram of governance structure, Memorandum of Understanding, or partnership agreements outlining governance agreements) of the governance structure is provided. It should cover:</p><ul><li>The key governing or decision-making body.</li><li>Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.</li><li>Operating and decision-making procedures.</li><li>Mechanisms for dispute resolution or conflict management. </li></ul><p>If no formalized governance structure is in place, any informal governance procedures are adequately described, as well as details of plans to progress toward a formal structure.</p></td></tr><tr><td>Representation of marginalized groups.</td><td>Indication of whether marginalized groups are represented in governance and decision-making procedures. This may include Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and/or other marginalized groups, depending on the context.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Once validation is complete, the governance and decision-making sub-criterion on the wheel at the top of the initiative's profile will be filled to reflect the assigned maturity level, with validated information visible throughout the profile unless it is set to private.


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