Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)

The Role of PGS in Measuring, Reporting, and Verifying BPIs

Introduction

[PGS is a subset of

The Valueflow Strategy⁠

, which describes how we create valueflow from cities into rural bioregions.]

The need for comprehensive and participatory measurement, reporting, and verification systems is paramount if we are to create healthy value flows from the old to the new. Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), traditionally used in organic agriculture, offer a promising approach to address this challenge.

PGS are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of careholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange. More recently, technology has been added into the mix, including smartphones, satellite and drone images, and remote sensing to verify changes to the ecological state that occur after a farmer begins a regenerative practice.

This section explores how an updated version of PGS can be harnessed to measure, report, and verify Bioregional Progress Indicators, the bedrock of the mechanism to create healthy value flows into what’s emerging.

Participatory Approach

PGS is built on a participatory approach, engaging farmers, consumers, and other careholders in the certification process. Bioregional governance or decision-making, which involves local communities, indigenous groups, and diverse careholders is a new and essential additional to the PGS model. The PGS model, when linked to BPIs, provides a framework for participatory decision-making, empowering communities to define and evaluate the progress indicators relevant to their bioregion. This ultimately impacts the value of the LSTs which created valueflow into the bioregion. This circular flow creates a meaningful incentive for community members to participate in the wider drive towards bioregional sovereignty.

Local Knowledge and Contextualized Indicators

Bioregional Progress Indicators must be context-specific and reflect the unique ecological, social, and economic characteristics of the region. PGS emphasizes the value of local knowledge and empowers communities to define and adapt regenerative standards that are relevant - not to global standard like SDGs - but to local concerns about well-being and thrivability. Similarly, PGS can facilitate the identification and customization of BPIs that align with the specific needs and aspirations of the local community.

Mutual Inspection and Peer Learning

One of the key features of PGS is the concept of mutual inspection, where farmers inspect and verify each other's adherence to predetermined standards. This peer-to-peer learning process builds trust and promotes continuous improvement. Similarly, in the context of BPIs, mutual inspection can foster collective learning and accountability. Communities can come together to assess and verify progress, sharing experiences and best practices to accelerate the bioregion’s strive towards sovereignty.

Transparency and Trust

Transparency and trust are vital for measuring, reporting, and verifying bioregional progress. The original PGS establishes direct relationships between farmers and consumers, enhancing trust and transparency in organic production. Similarly, applying PGS principles to BPIs can foster trust among all careholders, as the process becomes more inclusive and accountable. Transparency in data collection, reporting, and evaluation ensures credibility and strengthens the foundation for effective decision-making.

Local Food Systems and Bioregional Regeneration

PGS, as originally conceived, promotes local organic food systems by connecting farmers and consumers within a defined region. This approach aligns with the goals of bioregional sovereignty, which seeks to strengthen local economies and enhance self-sufficiency. By employing PGS, BPIs can encompass regenerative food practices, such as regenerative farming, agroecology, permaculture, and biodiversity conservation. PGS can encourage the adoption of these practices by recognizing and promoting their importance within the bioregion, particularly when linked to the fluctuating value of the LST.

Conclusion

As we strive for sovereig bioregions connected in a network of nodes, the role of measurement, reporting, and verification systems is crucial. Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), with their participatory approach, local knowledge, mutual inspection, and emphasis on trust, offer a viable pathway for measuring, reporting, and verifying BPIs. By embracing PGS principles, we can create robust systems that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of each bioregion, fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration in our collective journey towards bioregional sovereignty and ecological well-being.

⁠

DEEP DIVE INTO PGS

⁠

Introduction

Participatory Approach

Local Knowledge and Contextualized Indicators

Mutual Inspection and Peer Learning

Transparency and Trust

Local Food Systems and Bioregional Regeneration

Conclusion

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.