Appendix L: Independent Expert Panel Checklist

Guidelines for IEP evaluation of a ISBM project

This methodology is written for independent use, outside of certification bodies, and also for use with multiple certifiers — each of whom may adjust IEP evaluations as per internal protocols.

IEP composition

An IEP must include at minimum,:

1. A qualified biologist with field expertise in the ecosystem of the BCP.

2. A topographer with competent licensing in the jurisdiction of the BCP.

3. A legal expert who can validate contracts and land paperwork.

4. (Optional) Translation staff.

IEP evaluation checklist

A basic checklist for IEP validation includes:

Biology

• Are the Indicator species appropriately chosen for the ecosystems involved?

• Are the Indicator species scores extrapolated from public data accurate?

• Is a randomly selected subset of observations accurate to 90%?

• (Optional) Have iNaturalist validators given observations a "Research grade" level of independent validation?

Topography

• Are maps accurate and internally consistent? Do segments, titles, or ecosystems overlap?

Compliance

• Are land titles valid in the jurisdiction in question? If full land title is not involved, has the BCP adequately demonstrated Land control?

Site visit

• Ground-truthing site verification of FPIC