> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.berachain.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Proof-of-Liquidity Participants > Validators, protocols, and users in the PoL ecosystem. This article explores the different players in the Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) ecosystem and their roles. The following diagram shows a breakdown of the different participants and their priorities/responsibilities: Proof-of-Liquidity stakeholders overview diagram ## Validators The active set of validators consists of the top **69 validators** ordered by BERA staked. Being part of the active set entitles validators to earn block rewards, so a key priority for validators is to obtain sufficient `$BERA` stake to be in the active set. Validators earn through three primary means: 1. Gas fees and priority fees 2. Collecting incentives provided by protocols for directing BGT rewards to their [Reward Vaults](/general/proof-of-liquidity/reward-vaults) 3. A base block reward (in `$BGT`) for successfully proposing a block ### Validator incentives When a validator directs `$BGT` emissions to a reward vault, they receive project-supplied [Incentives](/general/proof-of-liquidity/incentives) provided to attract these emissions (thus increasing the attractiveness of depositing into that project). These Incentives can be in the form of the protocol's native token or any other whitelisted ERC20 token. Successful validators in PoL optimize for: * Securing `$BGT` delegation to increase their block rewards * Efficiently exchanging `$BGT` block rewards for protocol incentives * Distributing value back to their `$BGT` delegators ## BGT holders and farmers BGT holders play a crucial role in: * Voting on governance proposals * Influencing economic incentives through `$BGT` delegation * Supplying ecosystem liquidity in reward vaults to earn `$BGT` `$BGT` that is delegated to validators is not subject to slashing. Only validators' `$BERA` stakes can be slashed. ### Earning and delegating `$BGT` You can earn `$BGT` by staking PoL-eligible receipt tokens in reward vaults. These receipt tokens are generated by performing actions that benefit the Berachain ecosystem, such as providing liquidity to a BEX pool. When selecting a validator to delegate `$BGT` to, you typically consider: * Which reward vaults validators direct emissions to * Validator commission rates and incentive distribution strategies * Validator uptime and performance The primary goal is to earn as many Incentives as possible through delegation. ## BERA stakers The BERA Yield Module empowers `$BERA` holders to participate directly in the Proof-of-Liquidity ecosystem. BERA stakers help: * Provide direct utility and demand for the network's native asset * Earn yield from redirected PoL incentives * Strengthen the economic foundation of the Berachain network ### BERA staking mechanics BERA stakers use the **Staking Vault**, an ERC4626-compliant vault that: * Takes both native `$BERA` and wrapped `$WBERA` deposits * Earns yield from 33% incentive redirection of PoL protocol incentives * Has a 7-day unbonding period for withdrawals * Automatically compounds rewards for better yields ### Earning yield through PoL BERA stakers earn yield through the incentive redirection mechanism: 1. **Protocols pay incentives** to validators for directing BGT emissions 2. **33% redirected** during incentive distribution and sent to the Incentive Collector 3. **Incentives auctioned** for WBERA 4. **WBERA distributed** to Staking Vault stakers The yield rate depends on: * Total PoL incentive volume across all protocols * Number of BERA stakers in the vault * Market conditions and protocol activity ### Strategic considerations for BERA stakers Successful BERA stakers consider: * **Long-term alignment**: The 7-day unbonding period encourages long-term staking * **Yield optimization**: Monitor vault performance and incentive volume * **Risk management**: Understand the smart contract risks and emergency controls * **Diversification**: Balance BERA staking with other yield opportunities BERA staking is completely separate from traditional validator staking. You can participate in both systems simultaneously. ## Ecosystem projects Projects participate in PoL by: 1. Creating a reward vault through the factory contract 2. Submitting a governance proposal to whitelist the vault 3. Supplying incentive tokens and managing rates in their vault The [Incentives marketplace](/general/proof-of-liquidity/incentives) allows protocols to bid for validators' emissions using whitelisted tokens, creating alignment between all stakeholders to increase the overall value of the network. Projects must also gain the favor of `$BGT` holders to enter into the PoL system.