Experts & Institutional Stakeholders

Standard v0.1 for Consultation

Bringing technical & institutional perspectives together

We’re inviting input on the current iteration v0.1 of the RSC Standard (previously the Global Rangelands Standard, GRS).

We are seeking input from experts and institutional stakeholders because these perspectives are essential to ensuring the Standard is scientifically robust, operationally feasible, and appropriately aligned with existing frameworks and initiatives. Many of those we are engaging bring experience across research, implementation and policy, and this consultation is designed to bring these perspectives together in a coherent way.

Your input will help us strengthen the Standard ahead of COP17, where it will be presented as a foundation standard.

Why your input matters

We’re looking to sense-check and strengthen the RSC Standard from both a technical and system-level perspective.

In particular, your input will help us to:

Ensure the Standard is scientifically sound and internally coherent
Test whether it works across different rangeland systems and contexts
Understand how it sits alongside existing frameworks and initiatives
Identify any gaps, risks, or unintended consequences
Explore where there are opportunities for alignment, collaboration, or mutual recognition

What we’re asking you to do

We welcome input at a range of levels, from detailed technical review to more focused contributions. You may choose to engage with the full Standard or concentrate on areas where you have particular insight. Both approaches are valuable and will help strengthen the quality and applicability of the framework.

Contributions may include:

Reviewing the Standard in full or in part
Identifying areas that are strong, unclear or require further development
Highlighting any gaps, misalignments or aspects that may be challenging in practice
Flagging opportunities for strengthening, alignment or application

Consultation materials

You can go as deep as you like. The materials below support different levels of review, from general input to detailed technical feedback.

RSC Standard v0.1 Normative Document – Full draft of the RSC Standard, including all principles and themes.
RSC Standard Modular Consultation Guide – A structured version of the Standard, designed to make it easier to navigate and review specific sections.
Simple Language Summary – A plain-language overview of the Standard, outlining its purpose, structure and key concepts.

Providing feedback

There are two ways to share your input, depending on the level of detail you would like to provide.

Standard Online Feedback Form (High-level input)
Use this online form to share overall views on the direction, structure and key themes of the Standard. This includes reflections on what works well, what is missing, and any major concerns.
Standard Requirements & Wording Review (Technical input)
Download this to provide line-by-line feedback on the Standard. This focuses on individual principles and themes, and considers clarity, relevance and feasibility. You can submit your feedback to: consultation@rangelandstewardship.org

Key questions to guide your input

These questions are intended to support and focus your input. You may respond to those most relevant to your expertise.

Technical robustness

Does the Standard feel scientifically sound and well put together?
Are the requirements and indicators clear and workable?
Are there any gaps, overlaps, or inconsistencies?
How well does it translate across different rangeland contexts?

Alignment and positioning

How does this sit alongside existing frameworks or initiatives you’re involved in?
Are there areas of strong alignment — or potential tension?
Is there a risk of duplication, or does this fill a useful gap?
Could this support landscape or jurisdictional approaches in practice?