Verra is modifying the release process for allocated deforestation risk maps to ensure that the data meet Verra’s requirements for high quality and to increase transparency around the data development process.

Currently, Verra publishes the provisional lower-resolution (1 ha) version of the allocated deforestation risk maps (open-access data) for a given jurisdiction so project proponents can use these data to conduct due diligence and explore the feasibility of registering a project using VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0 and the associated module VMD0055 Avoided Unplanned Deforestation, v1.1 with the VCS Program. To complete project registration, proponents must acquire VMD0055-compliant allocated deforestation risk maps and the risk-allocated project baseline activity data (VMD0055-compliant data).

Going forward, Verra will provide estimated release dates only for provisional open-access data (dates available on the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps: Timetable page). These provisional open-access data are posted while final review and quality control of the data is underway. The standard procedure will be for Verra to make VMD0055-compliant data available two to three months after the release of the corresponding provisional open-access data, provided the VMD0055-compliant data clears the required third-party review. Where the review indicates a need for further improvement of VMD0055-compliant data, detailed updates about the development status and on the detected issues will be provided on a dedicated, newly added Development Status of VMD0055-Compliant Jurisdictional Maps of Allocated Deforestation Risk webpage.

Opportunity for Feedback

Stakeholders who identify accuracy issues in the provisional open-access data can provide this information within three weeks of the release date via a dedicated feedback form (external). Identified errors will be addressed prior to the release of VMD0055-compliant data. We welcome feedback on this approach as we work to continuously improve it.

Updated Release Schedule

Verra has also updated the current allocated deforestation risk map delivery schedule. The following data releases that were scheduled for May are being adjusted as follows:

  • Provisional open-access data for Peru are being finalized and will be released in late June.
  • Provisional open-access data for the states of Acre and Amapá in Brazil, and Mai Ndombe Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, are under active development; the data will be released in mid-Q3 2025.
  • Provisional open-access data for Cambodia are undergoing minor revisions after identifying inconsistencies in the forest cover maps and will be released in Q3 2025.
  • Provisional open-access data for Colombia are undergoing minor revisions after identifying inconsistencies in the forest cover maps and will be released in Q3 2025.

If the data for these five jurisdictions clear third-party review, the corresponding VMD0055-compliant data will be released within two months of the publication of the provisional open-access data.

  • VMD0055-compliant data for the states of Pará and Mato Grosso in Brazil have been adjusted to more appropriately address indigenous and protected areas and are now undergoing final third-party review. Pending the outcome of this review, these data will be available in early June.
  • VMD0055-compliant data for the states of Amazonas and Rondônia in Brazil are being adjusted to more appropriately address indigenous and protected areas and will then undergo final third-party review. Pending outcomes of the review, these data will be available in Q3 2025.
  • VMD0055-compliant data for Guatemala is currently being revised to meet accuracy requirements. Pending outcomes of third-party review, these data are expected to be available in Q3 2025.

Verra is cognizant that there have been multiple revisions to the data release schedule, as we adapt the processes needed to implement this new approach to developing jurisdictional–level activity data with a high level of accuracy. We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this has caused. We are committed to advancing this important approach for driving critical finance to forest conservation and want to create the best-possible conditions for it to succeed by providing high-quality data.