Verra, a prominent US-based carbon registry, has released an updated version of its avoided unplanned deforestation module, known as VMD0055. This revision follows a recent public consultation and aims to refine the framework for accounting greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in deforestation projects.
Young deciduous trees growing in the foreground, with a cleared deciduous forest in the background. AI generated picture.
The module, essential for projects avoiding unplanned deforestation, now aligns more closely with Verra's consolidated methodology, VM0048. Incorporating feedback gathered from 9 August to 9 September, the update refines language and revises guidelines on timber harvesting activities.
Read more: Mapping the future: Verra's new initiative in deforestation risk assessment
Key changes address procedural clarity, enhancing alignment with the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles. These updates establish a higher standard for carbon projects, supporting robust methodology and high integrity in the carbon market.
Among the significant adjustments, Verra has clarified baseline procedures for projects transitioning to the new module and ensured alignment with VT0007, a tool aiding in data allocation for unplanned deforestation. The revision also defines mapping requirements, spatial resolution, and jurisdictional sampling scopes, refining the technical aspects for users.
An essential change is that the revised module no longer requires accounting for emissions from timber harvesting in project scenarios. Consequently, VMD0055 is not currently applicable to projects involving timber harvesting. However, Verra is actively working on a version to incorporate guidelines for these projects in the future.
The revised VMD0055 module is mandatory for all new deforestation projects as of 21 October, ensuring Verra's methodology aligns with the evolving standards in the voluntary carbon market.
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DGB Group is dedicated to driving impactful nature-based solutions, including reforestation, community-focused agroforestry, and sustainable land management, to address deforestation and biodiversity loss. Our projects produce verified carbon units through leading standards such as Verra and the Gold Standard, offering organisations a reliable means to measure and offset their environmental impact.
Partnering with DGB empowers both companies and individuals to make meaningful strides toward their net-zero goals, while actively contributing to the restoration and preservation of vital ecosystems. Together, we are building a more resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.
