Methodology for Improved Forest Management Using Dynamic Randomized In-Project Control Baseline with External Benchmarking Safeguard

This proposed new methodology broadly expands the scope of Verra IFM projects to directly accommodate enhanced sequestration projects. In this methodology, enhanced sequestration refers to intentional, targeted interventions that go beyond standard conservation and business-as-usual forestry management practices to actively increase the rate of carbon sequestration. Examples include fungal inoculation at the time of planting, removal of competing vegetation (e.g., woody vines), and mixed-species planting. Projects using this methodology will be able to employ a co-located control—an area within the project footprint where no intervention occurs—serving as a direct baseline for measuring the carbon benefit. The co-location of baseline and project scenarios is analogous to the design of experimental field trials used in agriculture and ecosystem science, which allow for some of the most robust, stable scientific conclusions those fields have to offer. Furthermore, this methodology expands the scope of forest types compared to VM0005 that is only applicable in evergreen tropical rainforests.

The methodology idea note was submitted by Funga (external) and is currently at “Step 3: Draft Methodology Development” of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process, v4.4 (PDF).

Stakeholders interested in collaborating during methodology development or developing projects that this methodology might enable are encouraged to contact methodologies@verra.org. Please include the Methodology Development ID# M0274 in the subject line.