# Appendix L: Independent Expert Panel Checklist 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 --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://isbm.savimbo.com/appendices/appendix-l-independent-expert-panel-checklist.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.