Availability of Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps

The timetable lists the jurisdictions for which Verra is developing these risk maps, and the current stage of the development process.

Below please find detailed information about the various stages of this development process:

The first stage of the development process includes the generation of a provisional lower-resolution (1 ha) version of the allocated deforestation risk maps (open-access data) for a given jurisdiction.

How to use it

Proponents can use these data to conduct due diligence and explore the feasibility of using Verra’s new methodology VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0 and the associated module VMD0055 Avoided Unplanned Deforestation, v1.1 to register a project with the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

How to request it

To obtain provisional data for your jurisdiction, please visit the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps Timetable, find the jurisdiction in which your project is located and click on “Request Data” to complete a data request form. Once you have submitted your request, you will receive a link to a folder with all of the relevant files:

• The open-access map of allocated deforestation risk (.tif).
• A reference file associated with the projection system (.ref).
• The Well-Known Text (WKT) file describing the CRS.

Please note that you will be able to access the preliminary open access files for any jurisdiction.

Next, Verra will release the final, higher-resolution allocated deforestation risk maps, which can be accessed through the Verra Project Hub. To register a REDD project with Verra’s VCS Program, project proponents must acquire the VMD0055-compliant allocated deforestation risk maps and the risk-allocated project baseline activity data (VMD0055-compliant data). (For more information about the Project Activity Data Allocation fee, see the relevant announcement.)

Note: Upon release of this VMD0055-compliant data, the finalized open-access version of the maps will be posted on this page (with any changes necessitated by the final review).

Verra will regularly update the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps Timetable page to reflect the most development status of data for the individual jurisdictions. In addition, Verra will publish quarterly updates on the availability of open-access data and VMD0055-compliant data.

Avoided Unplanned Deforestation projects that are registered in the VCS Program and use a REDD methodology other than VM0048 and VMD0055 must transition to using VM0048 and VMD0055. The specific timing of this transition will depend on (1) the current status of the project and (2) the availability of jurisdictional allocated deforestation risk maps and VMD0055-compliant data for the jurisdiction in which a project is located. More details about the required transition of VCS REDD projects can be found on the Transition Process by Project Status webpage.

With the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) recent approval of VM0048 and the associated module VMD0055 as meeting the criteria of the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) Assessment Framework, you will receive CCP labels for the carbon credits your project generates, if you update your REDD project to VM0048 and VMD0055.

The timetable linked below indicates (1) when Verra has published or anticipates publishing the provisional allocated deforestation risk maps for each jurisdiction (open-access data), and (2) when the final allocated deforestation risk maps and VMD0055-compliant project baseline activity data (VMD0055-compliant data) for each jurisdiction are available in the Verra Project Hub.

Here we provided detailed information on the technical requirements for Verra’s allocated deforestation risk maps, including on cases in which discrepancies between Verra’s data and national government datasets arise.

The table linked below lists the Data Service Provider at each stage, as noted in the description of status above, for each of the jurisdictions where Verra has begun activity data collection, risk mapping, and activity data allocation.

Note Regarding Independence from Conflict of Interest

All contracted data service providers must avoid conflict of interest (COI) in undertaking activity data collection and risk mapping.

Entities contracted to provide these services must not have any financial interest in any specific project.

Where a contractor receives data from project proponents, they must analyze the data for comparability with other available data sources. This analysis should include ensuring any data received from project proponents is without bias, meets all relevant accuracy requirements, and is consistent with other data used throughout the jurisdiction. The contractor must submit to Verra a report of the data used, the source, and how the data is free from COI. An independent reviewer shall assess the report. If the independent reviewer or Verra identifies that the contractor has a COI, Verra will immediately terminate the data service provider’s contract.

Roster of Approved Data Service Providers

In 2022, 2023 and 2024, Verra approved data service providers to work with jurisdictions and collect deforestation activity data for use with this methodology. Additional service providers will be added to the list as they are selected (see the Current Opportunities section above).

These FAQs provide information on Verra’s allocated deforestation risk maps.