Organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Rainforest Alliance, alongside internationally recognized standards such as Verra (VCS), Gold Standard, and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, promote sustainable, transparent, and verifiable forest management. Applying these frameworks ensures responsible conservation, prevents illegal deforestation, and builds trust among managers, green investors, sponsors, and donors.
Biodiversity methodologies enable the establishment of essential baselines for carbon projects and broader conservation initiatives. Standards such as the CCB Standards, Verra Biodiversity, and emerging certifications verify the tangible impact of conservation actions on biodiversity, while also integrating social and environmental benefits for local communities.
The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard recognizes forests as critical natural infrastructure for water regulation and purification. The AWS Standard evaluates water management in farms, reserves, and protected areas, strengthening water security and ecosystem resilience. The resulting reports include risk analysis, water quality assessments, management plans, and assessment of land-use impacts, delivering strategic insights for long-term sustainable management.
In addition to AWS, a range of methodologies strengthen water management according to each project’s characteristics. The Water Footprint Network measures blue, green, and gray water footprints; WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas and its associated Protocol identify risks and support climate adaptation planning, while ISO 14046 and GRI 303 enable transparent and verifiable reporting. Together, these tools complement AWS, integrating water management with carbon and biodiversity metrics to deliver a more holistic view of sustainability.
Adopting ESG principles means aligning corporate strategy with environmental, social, and governance priorities. This involves taking concrete actions to reduce pollution, lower CO₂ emissions, and minimize waste.