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For 35 years, WHC Conservation Certification® has been the world’s only voluntary sustainability standard designed for broad-based biodiversity enhancement and conservation education activities on corporate landholdings. As the pace of change at the nexus of biodiversity and business continues rapidly, WHC is taking steps to ensure the Certification standard remains a hallmark for quality habitat for wildlife, conservation education and community outreach initiatives.
To shape the future of WHC Certification, we are convening a WHC Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) who will guide the decision-making process of the standard, reinforcing its prominence internationally, and further establishing its reputation of outstanding quality.
Nominations are open from May 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024.
Notifications will be distributed by July 31, 2024 and the first online meeting will take place in September 2024.
Read below for details on responsibilities and qualifications.
Goals of the EAC
The EAC provides direction, governance and oversight to ensure WHC Certification operates cohesively toward its intended goals. The scope of the EAC includes:
- Significantly contribute to the advancement of WHC Certification via strategic input on the content, governance, and impact metrics of WHC Certification.
- Offer technical expertise from various perspectives, such as ESG trends, global biodiversity goals, frameworks such as the TNFD and SBTN, and national and international regulations.
- Evaluate proposed changes to the current Certification system and jointly build a new corporate-wide certification program. (Currently, WHC Certification is awarded to site-based programs, not to an entire corporation.)
- Ensure changes are consistent with global business standards and contemporary conservation objectives.
The EAC will not govern, lead, or manage the WHC organization or the application of the WHC Certification system.
Experience We Are Seeking
WHC is seeking a group of esteemed experts from diverse backgrounds to be appointed to the Committee. Potential EAC members will have extensive experience with one or more of the following:
- Global, national or regional business and biodiversity initiatives, e.g., IMMA, GCCA.
- Global, national or regional nature-based NGOs, e.g., WWF, IUCN, or FFI.
- ESG rating organizations, e.g. GRI, DJSI, consolidators of rating schemes.
- Academics engaged in conservation science.
- Representatives from the private, public and financial sectors.
Member Responsibilities
- Participate in the deliberations of the EAC.
- Attend all meetings of the EAC assigned or arrange for an alternate to attend.
- As needed, establish policies and procedures for the efficient operation of the EAC.
- All engagement is voluntary, and the expected hourly involvement per year will be determined at the first meetings of the EAC.
Meetings and Communications
- The EAC will meet online every three months.
- All EAC meetings are arranged and moderated by WHC representatives.
- A minimum of one in-person meeting will be planned to occur during the WHC Conservation Conference, or other WHC larger meeting.
- The Secretariat will send all relevant materials before and after meetings via email.
- Rules of the procedure will be agreed upon during the EAC’s first meetings, and the group will operate under the radical transparency that guides all aspects of WHC Certification.
Term of Service
- Members will serve a term of one year.
- Any member who wishes to resign from the EAC can submit a written notice to WHC. WHC may ask a member to resign for a breach of the EAC Conflict of Interest or nonattendance.
The WHC Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) brings together diverse perspectives, scientific rigor, and industry insights to refine and adapt the WHC Certification system to meet current realities and future needs.
Ensures WHC Certification remains an effective tool for promoting impactful and sustainable practices.
Strengthens governance and aligns WHC Certification with best practices for voluntary sustainability standards.
Navigate the complexities of today’s conservation landscape and contribute to advancing WHC Certification.