> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gainforest.earth/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gainforest.earth/for-funders-and-supporters/reviewing-project-evidence.md).

# Reviewing Project Evidence

Bumicerts Projects are most useful when their story is connected to evidence.

For funders and supporters, evidence helps you understand what work is being done, where it is happening, and what information supports the Project’s claims.

<a href="https://gainforest.app/projects" class="button primary" data-icon="arrow-up-right">Explore Bumicerts Projects</a>

{% hint style="success" %}
Think of a Project page as an evidence-backed story. The evidence gives context, but it should still be read together with the Project description, updates, organization profile, and direct conversations with the Project team.
{% endhint %}

## What evidence can include

Project evidence may include:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>🦋 Biodiversity observations</strong></td><td>Species records, field photos, dates, locations, and notes collected through GainForest.app or Tainá.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>📸 Photos and field notes</strong></td><td>Images, written updates, and community notes that show activities or changes over time.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>🎙 Bioacoustic recordings</strong></td><td>AudioMoth recordings, deployments, playable previews, or spectrograms.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>🌳 Tree or restoration data</strong></td><td>Tree data, planting records, survey exports, drone imagery, or structured field data.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>📄 Reports and documents</strong></td><td>PDFs, reports, audits, methodologies, certificates, dashboards, maps, datasets, or external evidence links.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Not every Project will include every type of evidence. The right evidence depends on the Project’s goals, location, capacity, and context.

## How to read evidence

When reviewing evidence, look for context:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>What</strong></td><td>What does the evidence show?</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Where</strong></td><td>Where was it collected or connected to?</td></tr><tr><td><strong>When</strong></td><td>When was it collected, uploaded, or linked?</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Who</strong></td><td>Who collected it or is responsible for the Project?</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Why</strong></td><td>Why does this evidence matter for the Project’s goals?</td></tr></tbody></table>

Good evidence is easier to understand when it includes a short explanation. For example, a photo is more useful when it explains what activity it shows, who was involved, and why it matters.

## Evidence is context, not a guarantee

Evidence can help build confidence, but it is not the same as a formal audit or certification unless a Project clearly says that such review has happened.

{% hint style="info" %}
Bumicerts helps Projects organize and share evidence. It does not automatically mean every Project has been independently verified by GainForest.
{% endhint %}

Funders and supporters should still ask questions, request clarification, or contact the Project team before making larger funding decisions.

## Useful signs

A stronger Project page often has:

* a clear Project description
* recent updates
* evidence linked to specific activities
* photos, observations, or files with useful context
* an organization or steward profile
* a realistic explanation of what support will be used for
* consistency between the story, evidence, and funding request

## Sensitive data

Some evidence may have reduced detail for privacy or safety reasons. For example, exact biodiversity locations may be hidden or blurred if sharing them could expose sensitive species, private land, or vulnerable communities.

This does not always mean the evidence is weak. In some cases, protecting exact locations is responsible data stewardship.

## Related pages

{% content-ref url="/pages/eCd5BMiMwPIq1f6DTiUy" %}
[Supporting Bumicerts Projects](/for-funders-and-supporters/supporting-bumicerts-projects.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/b1KOtG9hDQJJgajdwvxQ" %}
[Linking Evidence to Projects](/for-nature-stewards/overview/linking-evidence-to-projects.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/hY4MkYoYXePMJTde0cMH" %}
[What is a Project?](/gainforest.app-and-bumicerts/what-is-a-project.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}