Skip to content
  • About
    • About Tandem Global
      • Mission, Vision, Values
      • Our Brand
      • Our People
      • Careers
      • Contact
    • Our Network
      • Meet Our Members
      • Member Spotlights
      • Become a Member
      • Sponsorships
  • Work with Us
    • Consulting Services
      • We connect leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water.
    • Certification
      • About Certification
      • Awards and Recognition
      • Executive Advisory Committee
      • Official Signage
      • Log-In or Register
      • Support Center
    • Social Impact
      • Programs that revitalize ecosystems, strengthen green spaces, and foster economic opportunities.
    • Thought Leadership
      • Cutting-edge events and content
  • Learn More
    • News & Insights
      • From the CEO
      • Blog
      • Industry News
      • Press
    • Resources
      • White Papers
      • Index of WHC-Certified Programs
      • Project Guidances
    • Events
      • Tandem Global Conference 2025
      • Webinars
      • Executive Meetings
      • Elevate Network
  • Certification Login
  • Become a Member
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Setting the New Standard: Enhancing Credibility with Stakeholder Involvement

June 22, 2015/by Margaret O’Gorman

This is the sixth in a series of monthly blog posts exploring the development of a new standard in corporate conservation certification.

Credibility is not an absolute. It cannot be viewed or exist independently. It has to be relative to something or someone–a set of standards, an audience, an individual or an entity. Credibility is hard to establish and measure. It must be earned. It cannot be self-anointed. In the conservation world, credibility is often challenged as NGOs, academics and authors defend their preferred approaches, deploy science to support their own arguments and dismiss efforts that are not in complete agreement with their own.

Take forest management as an example. In the conservation community, the views on how to manage healthy forests are as broad and varied as forest ecosystems themselves. One school of thought insists that the only credible forest management plan is one where no tree is removed for any reason. Another adheres to the principle that forests must be managed within a strict framework of minimally invasive activities, while a third advocates for aggressively managing forests for economic reasons – cutting and planting to meet market demands. While all approaches may be valid given a particular set of circumstances, adherents to one approach tend to perceive adherents to different approaches as lacking in credibility, as either too “green” or not “green” enough.

In the conservation world, credibility is often challenged as NGOs, academics and authors defend their preferred approaches, deploy science to support their own arguments and dismiss efforts that are not in complete agreement with their own.

Witness the disagreement between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the old-guard environmentalists, embodied in a The New Yorker article in May 2014 that was subsequently followed by a chorus of ayes and nays as environmentalists took sides for and against approaches to conservation and prioritization of implementation. This war of words culminated in an open letter to the conservation community signed by 240 co-signatories telling the community to stop arguing and get back to work. Then there was Jonathan Franzen, who, again in The New Yorker, decided that the National Audubon Society was not credible because its message about climate change overshadowed many other threats of more immediate concern to avian species. National Audubon is well aware of these threats and is passionately addressing them. More recently, the newly-convened eco-modernists made a shot across the bow with their argument that the environment be de-coupled from human development processes, resulting in several impassioned responses from others who disagreed and accused them of lacking credibility and being techno-optimists. Old conservationists, new conservationists, rewilding proponents, de-growth advocates, pragmatic ecologists, natural capitalists and eco-modernists all fight for space on the green stage, dismissing and embracing approaches under the moniker of credibility[1].

Credibility and the New Standard

When seeking to design credibility into its new standard, WHC sought to remain outside of the academic debates, putting a distance between itself and the arbiters of “correct” conservation. At the beginning of the design of the new standard for corporate conservation, WHC teased apart different conservation themes. For each theme, it convened a group of experts. These experts have included NGO partners, representatives from government agencies, consultants, academics and, in some cases, our own members. Each expert group was guided through a series of conversations designed to establish a suite of conservation and education objectives, a list of credible approaches to meet these objectives and a set of baseline standards that each project would be required to meet in order to receive WHC recognition. The conservation themes were categorized by habitat, species management, education and awareness and a category that addresses overarching approaches like Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) or Invasive Species. By bringing groups of experts together, WHC did not adopt a single entity’s objectives or priorities but instead encouraged individuals representing diverse points of view to offer suggestions and agree on standards within a pragmatic, not academic, framework.

Credibility within WHC’s new standard will be earned through WHC’s approach to building the standard, but secured only through the verified results of increased biodiversity and habitats being managed and monitored according to best practices that meet global conservation objectives.

This multi-stakeholder approach is fascinating and challenging, though also frustrating at times. It was interesting when a group of well-informed and engaged experts “got it,” and understood both the opportunities and challenges of working in the corporate context, as happened in discussions about invasive species and green infrastructure. When it clicked with a group, ideas and observations came fast and furious. It was challenging, trying to find that sweet spot between accessible and meaningful, and setting the bar high enough for aspiration yet realistic enough to encourage implementation. It was frustrating when conservation partners just did not ”get it,” when they could not move beyond the fact that WHC recognizes conservation on lands leased, owned or operated by corporations. Happily, the frustrations were rare as most partners came to the table understanding the unique opportunities for corporations to be better conservation citizens and supportive of efforts to align their priorities.

Credibility within WHC’s new standard will be earned through WHC’s approach to building the standard, but secured only through the verified results of increased biodiversity and habitats being managed and monitored according to best practices that meet global conservation objectives.

The details of this approach will be discussed in a subsequent post that continues to explore the theme of credibility and how it informed the development of a new standard for corporate conservation.

[1] Author’s note: clicking on any links in this paragraph will lead a reader down a rabbit hole of opinions. The author is not responsible for productivity loss due to this distraction.

Read more WHC blogs.

https://tandemglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LS_Arnica-alpine-meadows-Patterson-Mountain-WA_AdobeStock_160750004_1200-wide-1-e1691081183868.jpg 499 800 Margaret O’Gorman https://tandemglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tandem-global-logo-exp.svg Margaret O’Gorman2015-06-22 11:14:112023-08-03 12:46:33Setting the New Standard: Enhancing Credibility with Stakeholder Involvement

Pages

  • 2015 WHC Award Winners and Finalists
  • 2016 WHC Award Winners and Nominees
  • 2017 WHC Award Winners and Finalists
  • 2018 WHC Award Winners and Finalists
  • 2019 WHC Award Winners and Finalists
  • 2020 WHC Award Winners and Finalists
  • 2021 WHC Awards Winners and Finalists
  • 2022 WHC Awards Winners and Finalists
  • 2023 WHC Awards Winners and Finalists
  • 2024 Awards Dinner Menu
  • 2024 WHC Awards Winners and Finalists
  • 2025 Tandem Global Awards Finalists and Winners
  • Become a white paper sponsor
  • Brand Guidance for Members and Partners
  • Certification
  • Certification Support Center
  • Climate Action Works
  • Conference Draft
  • Conservation Conference 2024 Agenda
  • Conservation Conference 2024 Exhibitor Form
  • Conservation Conference 2024 Exhibitors
  • Conservation Conference 2024 Travel Information
  • Consulting – From Old Site (Delete later)
  • EAC Confirmation
  • Earth Day and World Environment Day Events
  • Earth Day Planting Event
  • Events
  • Executive Thought Leadership Events
  • Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program
  • Get Involved
  • Home
  • Industry News
  • Nature Steward Alliance
  • Nature-based Solutions for Corporate Landowners
  • Nature-based Solutions for Pollution Prevention
  • Nesting Structure Challenge
  • New to Certification?
  • News & Insights
  • Official Signage
  • Our Brand
  • Our Brand (copy)
  • Our Network
  • Our Origin Short Story
  • Payment Center and Donations
  • Payment Confirmation
  • Payment Failed
  • Planting Event Registration | October 18
  • Planting Event Registration | October 25
  • Pollinators
  • PR Materials for Certified Programs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Project Guidances
  • Project Guidances Overview
  • Registration Information
  • Remediation Resources
  • Resources
  • Saving Bats from Decline
  • Social Impact
  • Spirit Award
  • Sponsor Events, Content and Programming
  • Sponsor Interest Form
  • Sponsor webinars
  • SS Project
  • SS Search Results
  • STEM and Environmental Education
  • Style Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Tandem Global Awards Dinner Program and Menu
  • Tandem Global Conference 2025 Agenda
  • Urban Forestry
  • WHC at COP16
  • WHC Project Guidances
  • Who We Are
  • About Certification
  • Application Overview
  • Attend an Event
  • Conservation Certification Versioning
  • Conservation Conference 2024
  • Consulting Services
  • Executive Advisory Committee
  • External Review Process
  • Fees
  • From the CEO
  • Meet Our Members
  • Mission, Vision, Values
  • Monitoring Templates
  • Navigation Tips
  • Overview of Requirements
  • Privacy and Security Policies
  • Project Types
  • Recognition
  • Social Impact
  • Tandem Global Conference 2025
  • Thought Leadership
  • What is WHC Certification?
  • WHC Index
  • Awards
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • COVID-19 Accommodations
  • Create an Account
  • Determining Your Project Types
  • Generating an Invoice
  • Habitat Project Requirements
  • Habitat Species Inventories
  • How Your Application is Evaluated
  • Issue-Based Initiatives
  • Key Considerations for Applying
  • Member Spotlight
  • Stakeholder Input
  • Understanding Project Types
  • Webinars
  • What It Means to Be Certified
  • White Papers
  • Become a Member
  • Contact
  • Elevate Network
  • Informational Videos
  • Managing Your Account
  • Marketing Support
  • Our People
  • Paying Invoices
  • Point Values
  • Press
  • Renewal Applications
  • Species Project Requirements
  • Value of WHC Certification
  • WHC Awards
  • Working in the Certification Website
  • Deadlines
  • Education Project Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Program Registration
  • Scoring Sheets
  • Site and Program Contacts – Start Here
  • Add People/Edit or Remove Permissions
  • Application Outcomes
  • Corporate Contacts – Start Here
  • Finalizing and Submitting Your Application
  • Other Options Project Requirements
  • Requirements
  • Adding, Editing and Deleting Projects
  • Appeals
  • Common Evaluation Criteria
  • Invoices and Payments
  • Application Forms
  • Habitat Project Evaluation Criteria
  • Review and Evaluation
  • Printing Your Application
  • Resources
  • Species Project Evaluation Criteria
  • Education Project Evaluation Criteria
  • Potential Error Messages
  • Recognition and Awards
  • Additional Assistance
  • Certification Standard
  • Other Options Project Evaluation Criteria
  • Policies
  • Status Dictionary

Categories

  • Avian
  • Awareness and Community Engagement
  • Bats
  • Caves and Subterranean
  • CEO Blog
  • Client Case Studies
  • Desert
  • Education & Awareness
  • Forest
  • Formal Learning
  • Grasslands
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Habitat
  • Integrated Vegetation Management
  • Invasive Species
  • Land Conservation Agreements
  • Landscaping
  • Mammals
  • Marine Intertidal
  • Member Spotlight
  • Other Options
  • Pollinators
  • Press Release
  • Remediation
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Rocky Areas
  • Social Impact
  • Species Management
  • Species of Concern
  • Tandem Global Blog
  • Training
  • Wetlands
  • White Paper

Archive

  • June 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • March 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2012
  • June 2011
  • April 2011
About

About Tandem Global
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Brand
Our People
Careers
Contact

Our Network
Meet Our Members
Member Spotlights
Become a Member
Sponsorships

Financials and Policies
Privacy Policy

Work with Us

Consulting Services

Certification
About Certification
Awards and Recognition
Executive Advisory Committee
Official Signage
Log-in or Register
Support Center

Social Impact

Thought Leadership

Learn More

News & Insights
From the CEO
Blog
Industry News
Press

Resources
White Papers
Index of WHC-Certified Programs
Project Guidelines

Events
Tandem Global Conference 2025
Webinars
Executive Meetings
Elevate Network

Member

UN Global Compact
Business for Nature

Official ally

World Benchmarking Alliance

Subscribe for Updates
Payment Center

Connect with us on Linkedin

About

About Tandem Global
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Brand
Our People
Careers
Contact

Our Network
Meet Our Members
Member Spotlights
Become a Member
Sponsorships

Financials and Policies
Privacy Policy

Work With Us

Consulting Services

Certification
About Certification
Awards and Recognition
Executive Advisory Committee
Official Signage
Log-in or Register
Support Center

Social Impact

Thought Leadership

Learn More

News & Insights
From the CEO
Blog
Industry News
Press

Resources
White Papers
Index of WHC-Certified Programs
Project Guidelines

Events
Tandem Global Conference 2025
Webinars
Executive Meetings
Elevate Network

Member of UN Global Compact Business for Nature

Official Ally: World Benchmarking Alliance

Sign Up For Updates

Subscribe
Payment Center

Connect with us on Linkedin

Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top