Verra is updating all VCS Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation and Degradation (AUDD) methodologies (VM0006, VM0007, VM0009, VM0015, VM0037) to reflect current best practices and state-of-the art thinking on carbon accounting for REDD+ activities.
The revised methodologies will include standardized procedures for activity data generation, baseline development, monitoring, and leakage. These procedures, set out in four different modules that will replace the respective sections of the VCS AUDD methodologies, ensure that jurisdictional-level activity data (annual areas deforested) is allocated to projects based on their deforestation risk. The resulting project baselines will be consistent with jurisdictional forest reference emission levels (FRELs). This will ensure that standalone REDD projects continue to direct urgently needed finance to endangered forests while the development of jurisdictional REDD programs is still underway.
The modules, which were developed by a group of experts led by Climate Focus with Verra’s guidance, are available for public consultation from 31 March to 30 May.
Input from this consultation will inform a revision to the modules, which a validation/verification body will then assess. Verra plans to publish the updated methodologies by the end of 2022.
Verra hosted two webinars on the proposed revisions to AUDD methodologies in the VCS Program:
If you have any questions, please contact Manuel Estrada, Director, REDD+ Technical Innovation (mestrada@verra.org).