GPSNR Working Groups Update: July 2023

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Strategy and Objectives Working Group:

The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were successfully agreed upon during the June Hybrid meetings, and are awaiting review and approval for the OEMs KPI. 

In pursuit of defining targets related to member’s water withdrawal within the KPIs, surveys have been sent out. The results from the water withdrawal surveys will be analyzed and integrated into the KPIs.

ASI has been selected to develop the Assurance Model for GPSNR and has commenced discussions. ASI’s assignment for the Assurance Model involves presenting a framework proposal before the 2023 General Assembly.

The completion of the first consultation for the Due Diligence System (DDS) was completed during the June Hybrid meetings. The second round of consultations for the Due Diligence System by ZSL has been initiated. A teleconsultation, scheduled for the end of July, will provide an opportunity to discuss the feedback obtained. 

The Risk Subgroup has been working on the Traceability Pilot Field Trials, and consortiums Agridence and Koltiva have provided their midpoint updates.

ASI has finalized the initial version of the Risk Assessment Framework. Feedback has been collected to further enhance its effectiveness. Risk subgroup has extended an invitation to ASI to disclose the underlying formula of the Risk Assessment Framework. The initial trial of pre-setting Indonesia’s Risk level using the ASI risk tool has been completed. The results will aid in evaluating the feasibility of setting risk levels for 20 countries, with members’ feedback actively being incorporated to enhance user-friendliness.

Discussions between the Basel Institute and the Risk subgroup have commenced, this collaboration aims to investigate corruption risks within the supply chain.

The submission of Agridence and Koltiva’s final reports for the Traceability Enhancement will happen at the end of July. Subsequently, work will commence on fleshing out the Enhancing Traceability Report.

Smallholders Representation and Capacity Building (SCB) Working Group:

The discussion on Agroforestry Workshops for 2023-2024 has been successfully finalised. The Agroforestry-Income Diversification Taskforce will complete the contractual signing and then proceed to kick-start the preparation for agroforestry workshops in 2023-2024.

The HCSA-HCVN Field Trials task force has reviewed and provided feedback on the final report submitted by Daemeter. Additionally, the HCSA-HCVN Field Trials task force will revise and prepare to submit their final report.

The Thailand Agroforestry project has presented a progress report covering March to May 2023. The team is actively preparing for upcoming training sessions with smallholders.

The Indonesia National Subgroup will present quarterly progress reports to the SCB WG for the GAP Coaching and Disease Fighting projects in early August. The Thailand National Subgroup is currently evaluating proposals for Thailand GAP Coaching.

The Smallholders Policy-Equivalent (SPE) Taskforce is aiming to obtain endorsement from the SCB WG for the final recommendations of their report in early August.

Policy Toolbox Working Group:

The Transparent Reporting Requirements (TRR) for Year 2 have been successfully agreed upon and are now pending review and approval for the OEM category.

Petra Westerlaan, the selected consultant for the Working Group (WG), proposed a quantitative orientation for the reporting matrix. This quantification approach will simplify data aggregation and streamline the evaluation of annual progress. The WG has received Petra’s proposed reporting matrix and is all set to initiate teleconsultations in the first week of August. These sessions will facilitate valuable discussions on the feedback received, ensuring achievement of the most effective reporting system.

In addition, Agridence has presented their proposal for a new reporting requirements platform. They will keep the Working Group informed about its testing, launch, and any subsequent updates.

Shared Responsibility Working Group: 

During the face-to-face meeting, the Governance and Guiding principles were presented, highlighting their importance in shaping the future direction of GPSNR. Manufacturers are now required to seek internal approval regarding the Governance Framework and subsequently provide a final version for approval to the GPSNR Executive Committee (EC) and General Assembly.

The SR WG is actively engaged in defining an inclusive shared investment framework, encompassing various forms of contribution such as in-kind support, financial contributions, and external funding. The outcomes of discussions at the Manufacturers category level will play a crucial role in shaping this framework.

Collaborating with the Secretariat and other WGs, the SR WG is committed to revamping discussions on data sharing and value transfer, recognizing their significance in achieving our objectives. These discussions will seek to optimize the sharing of data and the value derived from it.

To provide clarity and transparency, the WG aims to define the value and benefits associated with each category within GPSNR, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the advantages and opportunities available.

Furthermore, the WG, in collaboration with the Capacity Building WG, is working on developing a protocol to filter and evaluate proposals based on the Equity definition and the stakeholders identified by the EC. This process will ensure fair and comprehensive evaluation of proposals.

Lastly, an open co-chair position is available, and volunteers are welcomed to contribute their expertise and leadership to drive the WG forward. If you are interested in taking on this role, please step forward and join us in this important endeavour.

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Updates from the Working Groups

Strategy and Objectives Working Group

The study on Human Rights and Labour Rights’ Risk Mapping in the Global Natural Rubber Value Chains conducted by independent consultants James Griffiths & Associates Sàrl has been submitted to the Working Group. The full study will be published on the GPSNR website shortly, and the document will be open to stakeholders for comments.

Meanwhile, the Strategy and Objectives Working Group has started to engage with the rest of the Working Groups on aligning with the Theory of Change, and developing platform KPIs. 

The Equity sub-Group has collected comments from the Strategy and Objectives Working Group on the proposed definition of equity. The sub-Group is also exploring engaging consultant James Griffiths to conduct research into equity risks along the natural rubber supply chain, with the plan to have the findings of this study feed into the definition. The sub-Group is currently in the process of establishing an operational plan to define the various workstreams, processes, timelines, and  responsibilities for the Living Income study. The first phase of the study will involve collecting existing benchmark data and doing desk research on national poverty lines, minimum wages, and other relevant information. For greater alignment with the Capacity Building Working Group’s scope, the Equity sub-Group has decided to focus on the same four countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand. 

‘Policy Toolbox’ Working Group

The proposed Policy Components and Baseline Reporting Requirements are open for member consultation until 3 July 2020. Find out more here

‘Capacity Building’ Working Group

The regional sub-Groups described the various findings and recommendations in a presentation to the larger Working Group at the end of May. Eight initiatives were proposed to be shared across the four focus countries, each corresponding to a critical issue identified through stakeholder interviews. These eight initiatives are: access to pure certified (re)planting material, promote the CO2 compensation scheme, promote value rubber wood, improve access to finance, disease fighting, dissemination of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), income diversification, and improve reach and quality of extension services. Depending on the initiatives recommended for each country, three priority actions have been suggested, forming the basis for a 3-year programme.

The sub-Group for Thailand organized a call with some of Thai smallholder members to seek their opinion on the proposed initiatives. The discussion proved to be a fruitful one, with the smallholders providing advice and suggesting alternative initiatives for the sub-Group to consider. The subgroup for Côte d’Ivoire, which has a smallholder member who is a representative from a local producer association in participation, has also contextualized the proposed initiatives to the local conditions of smallholders and industrial plantations.

The other sub-Groups are also planning to get smallholder members’ input on the capacity building initiatives for their respective countries of focus.

‘Traceability and Transparency’ Working Group

The Working Group has started discussions on risk assessment, and will be linking up with the Policy Toolbox Working Group as well as consultant James Griffiths on the results of the social risks study.

The terms of reference for the two pilot proposals have been finalized after several rounds of additional revision. The documents will be submitted soon to the Executive Committee. 

Smallholders Representation Working Group

The Working Group continues to plan and prepare for the smallholders programme prior to the General Assembly. In particular, terms of reference are being drafted for a professional facilitator to manage the smallholder workshop sessions for the pre-GA programme.

GPSNR Shared Investment Mechanism 2027 – In-Kind Contribution (IKC) Application Opens

The GPSNR Shared Investment Mechanism (SIM) is now accepting applications for 2027 IKC.

The SIM is a joint funding framework through which GPSNR Ordinary Members (currently mandatory for Manufacturer Members) collectively support sustainability and capacity-building initiatives across the natural rubber value chain.

Under the Shared Investment Framework, Manufacturer Member organisations may submit eligible projects for consideration under the SIM. Applications will be evaluated against the SIM Funding Principles, Open Market Criteria, and the overall quality of the proposal.  If the project is approved, the actual eligible expenses incurred for that project may be recognised as an IKC and applied towards the organisation’s SIM contribution. 

Who can Apply?
IKC applications are open to GPSNR Manufacturer Members only. While project proposals may be prepared with support from project implementers or other third-party organisations involved in project delivery, the application must be submitted by the GPSNR Manufacturer Member, who remains responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the submission.

If any other GPSNR Ordinary Members wish to submit an IKC application, please contact the Secretariat before preparing your application.

Assessment Process
All IKC applications will undergo a technical evaluation conducted by the Project Management Working Group evaluation panel. Applications recommended by the PMWG will then be submitted to the Shared Investment Panel (SIP) for final endorsement. Following endorsement, applicants may commence implementation for new projects or continue implementation for existing projects.

Application Resources
Before preparing your application, please ensure that you have reviewed the following documents:

Your application should clearly demonstrate how the project aligns with the SIM Funding Principles and satisfies the Open Market Criteria.

Applicants must use the prescribed templates and follow all submission guidance. Proposals that do not comply with the required templates or application requirements will not be considered.

Submission Timeline

Call for Applications Open 10 August 2026
Applicant Webinar 18 August 2026, 3.00-4.00PM SGT
Submission Deadline 15 September 2026, 11.59PM SGT

All required application documents must be submitted by the deadline above. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Instructions

Step 1: Review the application guidance.
Please read the FAQ – In-Kind Contributions_V2 FAQ document before preparing your submission.

Step 2: Complete the required templates.
Applicants must use the prescribed templates and complete all required sections as instructed. Please do not alter the format, structure, or formulas within the templates. Proposals that do not comply with these requirements will be rejected.

  1. SIM2027 In-Kind Contribution Project Application Template_V3.docx
  2. SIM2027 In-Kind Contribution Project Budget Template_V2

Step 3: Submit your application via email.
Email the completed proposal and budget template to cheewei@gpsnr.org and amanda@gpsnr.org using the following subject line: [SIM2027 IKC Proposal Submission] – [Project Name]
Please ensure that all key points of contact for the project within your organisation are copied (CC’d) on the submission email.

Applicant Webinar

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the SIM 2027 IKC Applicant Webinar, which will be held on 18 August 2026, 3:00–4:00 PM (SGT).

The webinar is designed to help applicants prepare the strongest possible submission. During the session, the Secretariat will:

  • provide an overview of the application process;
  • explain the proposal and budget templates;
  • walk through the assessment criteria;
  • answer questions during a live Q&A session.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or have previously submitted a proposal, attendance is highly recommended to ensure your application fully addresses the evaluation criteria and meets the submission requirements.

Sign up here by 17 August, 12.00PM SGT.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact cheewei@gpsnr.org and amanda@gpsnr.org

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