# OCP Governance Structure

<figure><img src="https://2657567075-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQliKVc60bXYNfBciAKA8%2Fuploads%2FURUJnFd5yQOUSd5SulCT%2FScreenshot%202026-03-18%20at%2010.54.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ab2c9653-fb7d-4e58-9b6f-6a5eed588506" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Key Principles**

1. Consistent, accurate carbon accounting across all types of projects
2. 'Quality' = consensus of relevant expertise (both academic, industry, and from within the market)
   1. High Quality should be the baseline for the industry (confidence + accuracy), and we reach this benchmark through our process (uses industry-leading practices from ICVCM + modeled after peer review process)
   2. We aim to issue highly impactful credits that meet buyers' needs + drive environmental and social change.
3. Transparency drives accountability, openness, and education. We provide the most open + transparent source of documents, processes, and data in the VCM.
4. Governance should drive three objectives: transparency, accountability & quality.
5. The Open Carbon Protocol (OCP) has been designed from inception to administer issued carbon credits, methodologies, and associated integrity obligations over a multi-decadal time horizon.

### Updates to the OCP Handbook and Decision Making&#x20;

The Open Carbon Protocol is constantly developing as market needs unfold. All changes are made with the guiding objectives above, and we request feedback at any time.&#x20;

Rio Richardson, Chief Product Officer, is responsible for the administration and development of the platform. Decisions are made in consultation with the CEO, COO, and other team members. When there's a debate or uncertainty on how to proceed, issues are presented to the Board.&#x20;

After the Handbook versions get finalized, they undergo a public commentary. That feedback gets incorporated as described under the [Stakeholder Engagement & Complaints](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints) section.&#x20;

{% content-ref url="ocp-governance-structure/ocp-board" %}
[ocp-board](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/ocp-governance-structure/ocp-board)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="conflict-of-interest" %}
[conflict-of-interest](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/conflict-of-interest)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="annual-audit-process" %}
[annual-audit-process](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/annual-audit-process)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints" %}
[stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints)
{% endcontent-ref %}