VM0027 Methodology for Rewetting Drained Tropical Peatlands, v1.0

This methodology applies to project activities in which drained tropical peatlands are rewet through the construction of permanent and/or temporary structures (eg, dams) which hold back water in drainage waterways. As such, this methodology is categorized as a Restoring Wetland Ecosystems (RWE) methodology.

This methodology quantifies the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions due to decreased oxidation of soil organic material that occurs as a result of project activities. Emissions from nitrous oxide (N₂O) are conservatively excluded from this methodology since project activities increase the water table in comparison to the baseline, and thus such emissions will be equal or lower as a result of project activities.

The quantification of emission reductions is based primarily on outputs from the Simulation of Groundwater (SIMGRO) model which estimates the water table depth based on a range of input parameters such as terrain characteristics, peat thickness and climate variables.

This methodology is applicable to projects in Southeast Asia; specifically, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Papua New Guinea.