Verra has opened a public consultation on a draft module for reduced impact logging that would be used with VM0035 Methodology for Improved Forest Management through Reduced Impact Logging in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. The module, Performance Method for Reduced Impact Logging in the Natural Forest of the Northern Republic of the Congo (module development ID #M0183), would extend the geographical applicability of VM0035 to include the northern part of the Republic of the Congo. The consultation is open from March 11 through April 10, 2025.
VM0035 is applicable to projects that implement reduced impact logging for climate (RIL-C) practices to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in one or more of three GHG emission source categories: timber felling, skidding, and/or hauling.
Reduced impact logging performance is regionally specific. The methodology is currently equipped with modules for Indonesia (East and North Kalimantan) and Mexico (Yucatán). The proposed module quantifies GHG emission reductions associated with the implementation of RIL-C practices in natural forests of the northern Republic of the Congo, which host several important logging concessions. The module was created with data from various timber concessions from the Republic of the Congo, and it is applicable to a wide range of conditions, locations, and concession ownerships.
The draft module was prepared by The Nature Conservancy (external) and reviewed by Verra.
Note: Verra has also published a Request for Proposals for validation/verification bodies to review this draft.
Feedback
Please see the public consultation document (PDF) for the full background and details about the proposed updates.
Verra is accepting feedback through its new digital public consultation platform, which is hosted on the Verra Project Hub. Stakeholders will need to use the link provided to enter their personal details, confirm their email address, and access the online consultation form. For additional guidance, please review the user guide (PDF).
Comments may be submitted electronically via the online form by 11:59 pm Anywhere on Earth (UTC-12) on April 10, 2025. If you experience issues using the digital public consultation platform or have feedback on it, please contact hubsupport@verra.org.