September 22, 2025
September 22, 2025

Three Million Hectares and Counting: The Impact and Applicability of the ALS

A major milestone for the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN) and its Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS)

Earlier this year the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN) has reached a significant milestone: more than 3 million hectares of land have now been assessed through the Assessor Licensing Scheme(ALS). Of this, over 1 million hectares have been designated as HCV Management Areas (HCV MAs) -sites where biodiversity, ecosystems, and community values are protected and managed.
These achievements are backed by the collective efforts of a global community:

•    64 Licensed Assessors from14 countries
•    73 Quality Panel Members from 25 countries
•    313 satisfactory reports leading to 3,195,885.85 hectares assessed
•    1,063,311.14 hectares designated as HCV Management Areas
•    174,146.72 hectares
of HCVs added following Quality Panel feedback

These figures illustrate both the scale andthe impact of the ALS. They also show that the Quality Assurance process isnot just about checking boxes—it actively improves conservation outcomes. Forexample, in somecases, revised data or clearer analysis resulted in smaller, but more precise HCV Management Areas. This is not a setback, but rather ademonstration of theALS’s commitment to accuracy, credibility, andevidence-based conservation.

Strengthening conservation through credible assessments

Since 2014, the ALS has strengthened requirements for HCV and HCV-HCSAassessments by combining licensing with rigorous quality reviews. Every reportundergoes evaluation by two or more members of the Quality Panel, who bringexpertise across ecological, social, and technical domains. This system helpsensure that decisions are based on thorough analysis, community perspectives,and clear, transparent requirements.
As Ninil Jannah, licensed assessor, explains: “[ALS] provides clear guidelines and reporting templates, making the assessment process more straightforward. [It also] supplies information about the evaluation standards applied by the Quality Panel.” These mechanisms create the consistency and credibility needed for assessments to have real-world impact.

‍Lessons from the field

Still, challenges remain. The same assessor points out: “Guidelines and instructions are scattered across multiple documents: some issued by the HCVN,some by the HCSA Secretariat, each released at different times or years. This inconsistency requires significant effort to maintain a ‘consistent’ standard from these inconsistent sources.
She also highlights uncertainty caused by evolving guidance: “The latest HCV-HCS Manual does not provide a detailed outline for reports, causing considerable doubt during report preparation… reports become less structured, and there is persistent concern: ‘Will the Quality Panel assess reports solely from the perspective of the new Manual?’”
These reflections emphasize that while ALS has delivered measurable results, its ongoing value depends on continuous adaptation and clear guidance.

From palm oil to mining: where ALS should apply

Today, certification systems such as the RSPO, HCSA, Rainforest Alliance,and the Better Cotton Initiative rely on ALS-licensed assessors to safeguard forests, biodiversity, and community rights. But the potential for ALS goes far beyond certification.
In the words of the assessor: “It is recommended for all certification processes of plant/crop commodities, including energy and mining sectors. It should be required for any business or activity involving significant landcover change or land conversion, which has a substantial impact on natural resources, habitats, and ecosystems important to communities or regions—especially where such changes are significant or relatively large inscale.

Building a stronger future

Reaching over 3 million hectares assessed and more than 1 million hectaresunder HCV management is a major achievement. But the ALS’s real impact lies in how these assessments influence land-use decisions, prevent irreversible losses, and set new standards for responsible production.
As the assessor suggests: “There is a need to develop practical, adaptive management guidelines for HCV protection and enhancement, especially for specific certification participant management units (e.g., RSPO). Documentation of best practices is required to demonstrate the real benefits of HCV protection and enhancement in the field.”
These steps will not only strengthen the scheme but also make its applicability more evident across sectors.

Beyond the numbers

Crossing the 3 million hectares mark is a milestone worth celebrating. But the figures are more than statistics: they represent endangered species safeguarded, forests preserved, and communities supported. And with each report reviewed, revised, and improved, the ALS shows that strong quality assurance is key to ensuring credible and lasting conservation outcomes.

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Alongside many global initiatives, our work with partners promotes practices that help meet the global Sustainable Development Goalsand build a greener, fairer, better world by 2030.

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Our Mission as a network is to provide practical tools to conserve nature and benefit people, linking local actions with global sustainability targets.

We welcome the participation of organisations that share our vision and mission to protect and enhance High ConservationValues and the vital services they provide for people and nature. By collaborating with the Network, your organisation can contribute to safeguarding HCVs while gaining valuable insights and connections that support your sustainability goals.

We are seeking collaborative partners to help expand and enhance our work, as well as talented professionals who can join the growing Secretariat team, and for professionals who can contribute to the credible identification of High Conservation Values globally.

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