November 25, 2022

Over the past 30 years in particular there has been an almost constant ratcheting up of our expectations around transparency – amongst non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers, companies (brands, retailers, producers) and international organizations (certification programs, other due diligence initiatives, etc.). This is GOOD and necessary.

However, personally I continue to confront situations where all of the above types of organizations, and individuals, don’t perform at a level that meets expectations.

We NEED stakeholder and interest group critiques on all issues around sustainability, climate, environment, community, social issues, and even profit/capitalism. There are a variety of tools for doing this. Websites where reports are posted should allow open comment and reaction. The targets of critical reports have as much a right as anyone to respond, as do supporters or even the writers of such reports in response. Social media can also be an avenue, though increasingly some of those media are being used to pervert honest and accurate transparency, purvey patent falsehoods, etc..

There is a careful line that fair and honest players need to walk – be forthcoming, provide good and verifiable evidence, and do so in a way that protects those who may be at risk – physical violence against journalists, environmental or social advocates, or even government staff happens and is it horrific and unacceptable. There are ways of managing transparency and this author pushes all organizations and individuals to work towards a higher standard for transparency that can benefit us all and the world in general.

The specifics matter, and my guess is that I haven’t covered enough of them. But I have recently – just today – gotten reports from NGOs on critical forest and sourcing issues – reports I want to see and read, but I also want to be able to provide a different perspective, or reinforce a good one, when I see it, and potentially in response to what I see as inaccurate or ask questions to get more information. The same NGOs who often criticize corporates or government for a lack of transparency, are unfortunately guilty of transparency practices I find unacceptable and need to change. No one has a monopoly on facts or truth.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for more specifics at pelicanzell@gmail.com. I am still “getting a handle” on this blog thing.