Active 27 November 2023
14. Agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU)
This methodology ensures the integrity of greenhouse gas accounting for individual projects within a jurisdiction and enables the utilization of the most up-to-date science, data, and technologies.
VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation is a framework that is to be used together with modules for specific activity types. VMD0055 Estimation of Emission Reductions From Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation is available now. Modules establishing similar requirements for forest degradation and planned deforestation are under development. The module for Avoiding Planned Deforestation is expected to be released in 2025.
For more information on the background to VM0048 and VMD0055, see the “Technical Background Note” webpage.
Please note:
- See the “Transition Process by Project Status” webpage for information on adopting VM0048
- See the “Activity Data Availability” webpage for information on data collection, risk mapping, and data allocation.
- See the “VM0048 and VMD0055 – Frequently Asked Questions” webpage
- On July 31, 2024, Verra released VM0048 v1.0 Clarification (issued July 31, 2024) (see announcement). All new projects and projects on the Verra registry must complete validation using these.
This methodology was approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) as meeting the criteria of the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) Assessment Framework.
Development History
VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0
Status: Active since November 27, 2023
Mitigation Outcome Label Eligibility: Reductions
Developer: Verra developed this version with support from Tim Pearson (GreenCollar), Kevin R. Brown (Wildlife Conservation Society), Simon König (Climate Focus), Till Neef (independent consultant), Sarah M. Walker (Wildlife Conservation Society) and Lucio Pedroni (Carbon Decisions International). Additional input was provided by Igino Emmer (Silvestrum), David Shoch (TerraCarbon) and Manuel Estrada (independent consultant).
Dates of Public Consultation: March 31, 2022 to May 30, 2022
Summary of Public Consultation: Summary of Public Comments for VM0048, v1.0 and VMD0055, v1.0 (PDF)
Draft Shared During Public Consultation: The following draft modules were combined to form VM0048 and VMD0055. They were published during the public consultation:
- Determination of jurisdictional activity data baseline for unplanned deforestation (J-ADB-UD) (PDF)
- Estimation of baseline greenhouse gas emission within the project area and leakage belt from unplanned deforestation (BL-UD) (PDF)
- Estimation of emissions from activity shifting for avoiding unplanned deforestation (LK-UD-AS) (PDF)
- Methods for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions within the project boundary and leakage belt from unplanned deforestation (MON-AUD) (PDF)
- AUD Methodology Application Guide (PDF)
Verra hosted two webinars related to this public consultation:
- Overview webinar: March 30, 2022 (external)
- Deep-dive webinar: March 31, 2022 (external)
VVB Assessment Report(s): VVB Assessment Report for VM0048, v1.0 (PDF)
VM0048 Versions Submitted for Assessment:
- October 2023: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v0.7 (PDF); Methodology for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation DRAFT, v0.6 (PDF)
- July 2023: Methodology for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation DRAFT, v0.3 (PDF)
- April 2023: Methodology for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation DRAFT, v0.1 (PDF)
Verra hosted a webinar on Thursday, April 20, 2023 to provide an overview of the draft methodology and module.
- View the webinar slides (PDF)
- View the webinar recording (external)
Verra hosted a webinar on Tuesday, 19 December 2023 provide an overview of the new REDD methodology and the module for Avoided Unplanned Deforestation activities.
- View the webinar slides (PDF)
- View the webinar recording (external)
Corrections and Clarifications: Corrections and Clarifications to VM0048, v1.0 (PDF)
Announcement(s): Setting the Standard: Verra’s Revolutionary New REDD Methodology