Application
Application Process
Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) is a global community dedicated to the development and marketing of products that conserve threatened wildlife while contributing to the economic vitality of rural communities. This application overview describes the process to qualify for Wildlife Friendly® Certification for producers operating around the globe.
Please review our Criteria, the Certification FAQs page, and learn how WFEN defines Key Species before beginning your application.
A. Pre-Assessment + Product Submission + Reference + Application Fee
First, an applicant must submit the Wildlife Friendly® Global Products Pre-Assessment Form, Product Submission Form, and Reference Form. The Pre-Assessment Form provides background about producers, their products, and wildlife conservation conditions in their area to understand if the products meet the WFEN Mission and Product Certification Criteria.
The Reference Form requires completion by a knowledgeable representative from a conservation organization (NGO, university, government agency) familiar with the applicant’s work, particularly regarding mitigating negative impacts, facilitating maximum conservation benefit, and monitoring efforts. The Pre-Assessment, Product Submission, and Reference Forms are available for download at the bottom of this page, or upon request (info@wildlifefriendly.org).
Through the application process, WFEN will provide guidance to new producers regarding Wildlife Friendly® production practices. Completing the application forms helps to determine the product’s ability to satisfy WFEN’s Product Certification Criteria and to gauge the market-readiness of the product.
A non-refundable application fee of US$250 must accompany the Pre-Assessment, Product Submission, and Reference Forms. The Application Fee may be submitted here; please note in your application e-mail the date that payment was submitted.
During the application process, WFEN will work with applicants to determine their annual certification renewal fee amount. Annual fees are based on WFEN’s Sliding Scale.
Once certified, Certified enterprises are required to submit mandatory biennial reports, highlighting the positive conservation and livelihood impacts. Certified enterprises (and Network Members) are also required to follow the Brand Usage Guidelines.
Please send completed Pre-Assessment, Product Submission, and Reference Forms to: info@wildlifefriendly.org with the subject “WFEN Global Products Application” in the subject line.
B. Application Review Process
The Certification Committee reviews each application and makes recommendations to WFEN for acceptance of suitable products. Either the Certification Committee or WFEN may request additional information in order to make a determination.
If WFEN’s Certification Committee determines that a product does not meet WFEN’s Mission or Product Certification Criteria, an applicant can act to address concerns identified by the Committee and may re-submit the Pre-Assessment Form at any time
Applicants will be notified of approval or rejection in a timely fashion. Applications are reviewed in the order that they were received. Currently, WFEN’s Certification Committee is meeting on a quarterly basis. Decisions may take three to nine months. Rejected applicants may reapply at any time.
All certified enterprises are evaluated annually and are required to demonstrate continued ability to meet WFEN requirements. Annual renewal fees must be paid to maintain active certification status.
Appeal Process
If an applicant believes a product has been rejected unfairly, he or she can submit an appeal to WFEN’s Board within one month of notice of rejection.
