What is the role of the independent expert for retroactive hydropower projects?

What is the role of the independent expert for retroactive hydropower projects?

For retroactive projects, a Detailed Preliminary Review (Pathway 2 as per Principles and Requirements) shall be conducted. Independent expert(s) shall be contracted on time to deliver (as part of the documentation submitted for preliminary review) the list of issues for which an independent expert opinion will be needed on time for validation and/or verification. This list is reviewed and potentially approved by Gold Standard as part of the preliminary review.