Verra has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) (PDF) (methodology development ID #M0272) for the development of a new module for Avoiding Planned Deforestation projects. This module will support the estimation of emission reductions achieved by projects that reduce or avoid planned deforestation and it will form an integral part of Verra’s innovative REDD methodology, VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0, in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.
Verra launched VM0048 in November 2023 alongside its first module, VMD0055 Estimation of Emission Reductions from Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation, v1.0.
Reducing planned deforestation, resulting from drivers such as agricultural expansion, has significant climate change mitigation potential. The world’s forests, peatlands, and mangroves jointly store over 1,000 gigatonnes of carbon in their aboveground biomass and soils. About 340 Gt (over six times the current annual global greenhouse gas emissions) of that carbon is estimated to be vulnerable to human disturbances and could be released into the atmosphere following conversion or degradation of these ecosystems. Preventing the release of their large carbon stores into the atmosphere and maintaining their ability to continue sequestering carbon can cost-effectively generate multiple climate benefits.
Please review the RFP for further details on the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and required skills and qualifications. Proposals are due by Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to forestcarbon@verra.org.
