Verra is establishing a new REDD Methodologies Working Group (WG) and invites stakeholders to apply. The working group will support the further development of Verra’s REDD methodologies and the continued evolution of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program’s rules and requirements related to REDD.
In November 2023, Verra launched the first component of its innovative REDD methodology, VM0048, as part of the “Enhanced Program Integrity and Impact” focus area of the New Era for Verra initiative. The WG will build on and expand this work by providing technical, science-based support for the further development of VM0048 – including the development of modules for Avoided Planned Deforestation and possibly Avoided Unplanned Degradation – and the Jurisdictional and Nested (JNR) Framework. It will support Verra in ensuring that its methodologies are reliable, accurate, and efficient and that their implementation underpins the development of robust and credible REDD projects.
Members of the WG will offer guidance to Verra’s REDD Team on a range of topics, including the following:
- New conceptual and methodological frameworks, data sources, analytical approaches, and technological developments that help improve VCS REDD methodologies
- Potential improvements to the VCS Program’s fundamental processes related to REDD, such as baseline setting, permanence, monitoring, and verification
- Opportunities, challenges, and risks related to the scaled-up use of Verra’s REDD methodologies
For application instructions and more information about the WG’s goals and objectives, please see the Terms of Reference (PDF).
Interested stakeholders are asked to apply by May 3, 2024. Verra expects to finalize the selection of working group members by early June and convene the first meeting in June or July 2024.