The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) (external) has approved the updated version (v1.1) of Verra’s innovative Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) methodology (VM0047) in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program as meeting the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) criteria. As a result, projects using either version (v1.0 or v1.1)* of VM0047 Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation will receive CCP labels for credits they generate.
This approval underscores the scientific rigor and credibility of VM0047. It will help drive vital finance to projects removing carbon from the atmosphere through tree planting or the restoration of ecosystems.
VM0047 applies to activities anywhere in the world that increase the density of trees or other types of woody vegetation. It is the first nature-based methodology that uses remote sensing to establish a dynamic performance benchmark and test its additionality, enabling robust, science-backed carbon accounting. This approach enables proponents to quantify the impact of their project by comparing it to a similar area in real time.
VM0047, v1.1 was published earlier this year and features several updates that facilitate the restoration of degraded forests and support dispersed and small-scale planting projects.
* In cases where Verra releases an updated version of a methodology, new projects must use the most recent version. Projects using the previous version of a methodology can continue to use that version if they meet certain conditions. Regarding VM0047, projects using VM0047, v1.0 can continue to do so once they (1) request pipeline listing as under validation on the Verra Registry by December 31, 2025, and (2) request registration on the Verra Registry by December 31, 2026.