3.5 Stakeholder Input Process

3.5.1 Requirement for Conducting the Stakeholder Input Process

The requirement for stakeholder input at the project level is dependent on the results of the assessment of environmental and social impacts pursuant to section 3.7.

• If possible adverse environmental or social impacts on stakeholders are identified, a stakeholder input process prior to finalisation of the PDD is required.

• If no possible adverse environmental or social impacts on stakeholders are identified, stakeholder stakeholder input is recommended but not required.

NCS does not require stakeholder input by default because NCS-certified projects are developed in the context of developed European countries with a well regulated and enforced LULUCF sector. Project proponents are – or act on behalf of – the legal owners of the land, who in turn act in accordance with enforced national and EU regulation. Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) can expect no form of dislocation, dispossession or harm as a result of project activities. Project proponents are required to demonstrate this in the assessment of environmental and social impacts (3.7). In the unusual case where indigenous peoples are involved in any way or where local communities can expect adverse impacts, NCS requires a stakeholder input process be conducted prior to the finalisation of the PDD. The requirements for this process are set out below, in section 3.5.2.

3.5.2 Modalities of the Stakeholder Input Process

The project proponent is required to identify the relevant stakeholders, which could include IPLCs, stakeholders with land-tenure rights, local policymakers, NGOs, regional or national government, and any other groups likely to be impacted by the project.

Once identified, stakeholders must be informed of the project's proposed and current activities through accessible channels such as emails or postings in communal spaces.

The consultation process should be iterative, with multiple consultations throughout the project development process, so that stakeholders have the opportunity to influence the project design as it progresses over time.

Project proponents must ensure accessibility to encourage and enable participation. Examples of facilitating accessibility and participation are the following:

• Advance notice for consultation events.

• Accessible formats such as webinars.

• Appropriate communication channels like direct email or public notices.

• Inclusive communication by providing documentation, correspondence and meetings in the local language(s), or by including a translator where necessary.

The consultation must be transparent and free from conflicts of interest. Parties engaging with the process who have a potential or actual conflict of interest are required to declare it openly.

The consultation process must also include a grievance mechanism for stakeholders. The project proponents contact information should be readily available to all stakeholders for the submission of feedback or grievances. Grievances must be acknowledged by the project proponent with 14 days of receipt. Issues should be resolved or escalated to NCS within 60 days of receipt. All grievances must be documented and shared upon request. Any grievances received by the project proponent must be communicated to NCS within 14 days of receipt.