Readiness is a responsibility shared by prospective partners. This checklist sets out considerations for Indigenous Peoples and local communities alongside those for companies, helping both sides identify what is in place and what still needs attention before an agreement progresses.
It covers authority and representation, consent, benefit-sharing, cultural and data rights, independent support, payment arrangements, timelines and dispute processes. Further sections address contracting, reporting, monitoring, risk allocation and credit-market arrangements.
Use it to guide discussion, record questions and agree where more time, resources or advice are needed. The checklist is designed for community–corporate nature-market partnerships and can be adapted for other partners. It is a flexible discussion tool, rather than an exhaustive test of readiness, and can be read alongside the Nature Markets Glossary.
Developed by Pollination Foundation, with input from partners, expert practitioners and community members.
