The context in which sustainability systems operate significantly influences the scale, depth and durability of their impacts. This is an important consideration when designing new strategies to improve sustainability performance.

To provide support in this area, we have developed the following resources:

• Guidance on choosing effective strategies based on enabling conditions: ISEAL and Aidenvironment have developed a guide to help sustainability systems design strategies for their sustainability initiatives based on the global, national, or local context in which they are applied. This guide includes practical insights and a decision-making framework to help sustainability systems select appropriate improvement strategies with a consideration of the context, and to understand how existing strategies can be improved. 
   
• Pilot projects from three ISEAL Community Members testing different improvement strategies: Fair Trade USA, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) piloted different strategies across a diverse range of contexts to improve their sustainability performance. Many practical lessons and insights have arisen from their work, which can be useful reference and inspiration for other sustainability standards. 

For more information, please contact Sheila Senathirajah: sheila@isealalliance.org