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Overview VMD0055 Jurisdictional Data Development Process
Allocated deforestation risk maps are an integral part of developing and registering projects under Verra’s new REDD methodology VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0 and the associated module VMD0055 Avoided Unplanned Deforestation, v1.1.
This page lays out the tiers of data that Verra, together with contracted data service providers (DSPs), develops for this purpose and how these data are being developed. Below is a link to a jurisdictional data table that indicates the following:
- Jurisdictions for which Verra has published the provisional resolution and the final open-access allocated deforestation risk maps, and the final VMD0055-compliant risk maps (including links to request/access the data)
- The projected availability of these data for the remaining jurisdictions
About the Data
The data Verra provides to project proponents include provisional and final open-access allocated deforestation risk maps, and VMD0055-compliant risk maps.
Open-Access Risk Maps (Provisional and Final)
Project proponents can use the open-access data (provisional or final) to conduct due diligence and explore the feasibility of registering a project using Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0 and the associated module VMD0055 Avoided Unplanned Deforestation, v1.1 with the VCS Program. The final open-access data, once published, replaces the provisional open-access data.
VMD0055-Compliant Risk Maps
Proponents must acquire the VMD0055-compliant risk maps to register a REDD project in the VCS Program.
| Provisional Open-Access Data | Final Open-Access Data | VMD0055-Compliant Data | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spatial Resolution | 100m | 100m | Full (25-30m) |
| Review Status | Review pending | Review complete | Review complete |
| Primary Purpose | Project design, due diligence, research | Project design, due diligence, research | Activity data baseline allocations for avoided unplanned deforestation projects |
| Cost | Free | Free | Subject to price schedule* |
| Access | Download link after completing request form | Download link after completing request form | Verra Project Hub |
| Eligible for Project Allocation? | No | No | Yes |
* See the announcement “New Project Activity Data Allocation (PADA) Fee for REDD Projects.”
Data Development Steps
To enable baseline setting in REDD projects using VM0048 and VMD0055, Verra will spatially allocate unplanned deforestation activity data across a jurisdiction based on risk.
The development of these data includes the collection of historical deforestation data, the generation of forest cover benchmark maps (FCBMs), the development of jurisdictional deforestation risk maps, and the spatial allocation of the total amount of deforestation predicted by the risk map, resulting in a jurisdictional map of allocated risk.
The process is laid out in in the box below.
The jurisdictional data table below indicates at which of following steps the data for a given jurisdiction currently is (under “Current Step”):
- AD Collection: A data service provider (DSP) will determine the jurisdictional baseline activity data (AD) for unplanned deforestation and develop a time series of historical forest cover benchmark maps (FCBMs). AD and FCBMs are thoroughly reviewed by Verra.
- AD Third-Party Review: A third-party DSP will review the AD and FCBMs for the jurisdiction.
- Risk Mapping: A DSP will develop benchmark and alternative jurisdictional deforestation risk maps to be used for AD allocation. Risk maps are thoroughly reviewed by Verra.
- Provisional Data Available: The provisional allocated deforestation risk map for the jurisdiction is available for download and can be used for due diligence purposes. Provisional data have not yet undergone a final review. Technical notes about the data will be shared along with the provisional data.
- NOTE: In some cases, these data may include known issues that will be addressed prior to release of VMD0055-compliant data. If data include known issues, they will be described in the README file that is provided with the data.
- NOTE: Stakeholders who identify accuracy issues in the provisional open-access data can provide this information within three weeks of the release date via a dedicated feedback form (external). Identified errors will be addressed prior to the release of VMD0055-compliant data.
- Risk Mapping Review: A third-party reviewer compiles an assessment report to ensure that the deforestation risk map complies with VT0007 requirements and associated best practices.
- Final Data Available: Steps 1-5 have been completed, and activity data can now be allocated to projects. Detailed technical notes about the data will be shared along with the final data. Project proponents can request activity data through the Verra Project Hub. Please reference the announcement about Project Activity Data Allocation fees for information about the associated costs. At this point, Verra will also release final open-access data that include all remaining updates.
To request VMD0055-compliant data in Verra Project Hub, submit a PADA Request from the Forms menu. (Please be prepared to upload a KML file of the project area.) If PADA Request is not available, request it from your dashboard or email hubsupport@verra.org. Verra will review all PADA requests promptly and issue a corresponding invoice; upon receipt of payment, the data will be shared with the requesting party.
Verra will first publish the provisional allocated deforestation risk map for each jurisdiction, which can be used for due diligence purposes. Provisional data have not yet undergone a final review. Technical notes about the data will be shared along with the provisional data.
Stakeholders who identify accuracy issues in the provisional open-access data can provide this information within three weeks of the release date via a dedicated feedback form.
Once the data have been finalized, Verra will release (1) the final open-access data, which proponents can continue to use for due diligence purposes, and (2) VMD0055-compliant data, which proponents must acquire if they want to register a REDD project in the VCS Program. Updated and complete technical notes will be shared at that point.
Verra aims to publish the final open-access and VMD0055-compliant data two to three months after the release of the provisional open-access data, contingent on feedback received and provided the VMD0055-compliant data clears the required third-party review. Updates about the development status of VMD0055-compliant data and any issues identified with the provisional open-access data are provided on the Development Status of VMD0055-Compliant Jurisdictional Maps of Allocated Deforestation Risk webpage.