WWF/World Bank Forest Certification Assessment Guide

A Framework for Developing Credible Certification• Contain a mechanism that prevents decisionmaking in the absence of any representative ofone of the major interest groups.GuidanceScope of assessmentPoint a—Definition of the two terms relevant stakeholdergroups and major interest groups:The following relevant stakeholder groups should berepresented in the standard-setting process and in thegovernance of the scheme/system:• Forest owners, including governments, 16 and/orrepresentatives of their associations• Product manufacturers, distributors, retailers• Scientists/scientific bodies• Environmental NGOs Social NGOs/organizations (e.g.,worker unions and consumer associations)• Representatives of indigenous peoples• Major interest groups are divided into economic,social, and ecological interests and are relevant fordecision making in the absence of consensus.Point b—NGOs participating in standard setting andgovernance should• Legitimately represent the respective interests• Ensure that representatives are accountable to theirconstituencies• Have a proven record in the subject matter• Be interested and affected by the certification system• Have a broad membership baseGovernance, standard setting16 It is normally not the role of governments to participate in voluntary standard setting, as this may conflict with their duties in lawmakingprocesses. However, governments often are important forest owners and may participate in this function in such processes.13