Indonesia’s Independent Forest Monitors: The Behind-the-Scenes Forest Heroes
The Indonesian Timber Legality Verification System, known as the SVLK, was created through a multi stakeholder process involving government, private sector and civil society organizations. One of the strengths of the system is the recognition of the role of civil society organization as independent monitors of the system to ensure the accountability and credibility of the SVLK. Therefore the rights and responsibilities of the independent monitors are integrated into the SVLK regulation.
SCOPE OF MONITORING The scope of monitoring covers the whole certification process that includes compliance of industries and unit managements to the legality definition under the SVLK as well as the conduct of the auditing bodies.
RIGHTS OF INDEPENDENT MONITORS The independent monitors have the right to file complaints on irregularities found during the certification process to the National Accreditation Agency, the body that accredits the auditing bodies and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.