Verra has launched a formal review into the projects implicated in the Brazilian authorities’ investigation as part of Operation Greenwashing.
The projects are the Unitor REDD+ Project (Verra Project 2508), Fortaleza Ituxi REDD Project (Verra Project 1654), and Evergreen REDD+ Project (Verra Project 2539).
The review will take place under Section 6 of the Registration and Issuance Process, v4.5 (PDF) and Section 2.5.6 of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program Guide, v4.4 (PDF) and equivalent provisions in Verra’s Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCBS) Program rules where applicable. The projects are now placed “on hold” on the Verra Registry.
An investigation of this kind can be triggered by Verra when it becomes aware of a need to assess a project’s adherence to the VCS rules.
A full review of the projects will now take place, and Verra’s approach is to not comment on projects that are under investigation, not to unduly influence the process.
While Verra’s actions do not indicate any prior judgment of those involved or any allegations made, we take seriously any allegations of both fraudulent activities relating to carbon projects and any potential failure to adhere to Verra’s program rules and requirements.
Verra continuously strives to uphold the highest standards of compliance with all local and national laws and regulations. This has always been, and will continue to be, one of our fundamental principles.
Contact for media inquiries:
Erdem Koch, senior manager, rapid response media
ekoch@verra.org | +971-589-65-62-75
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Verra is a global leader helping to tackle the world’s most intractable environmental and social challenges. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, Verra is committed to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods, and protect natural resources by working with the private and public sectors. We support climate action and sustainable development with standards, tools, and programs that credibly, transparently and robustly assess environmental and social impacts and enable funding for sustaining and scaling up projects that verifiably deliver these benefits.