Verra invites proposals for the development of a new Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program methodology for tropical peatlands.
Currently, tropical peatland conservation and restoration activities are included in the following VCS Program methodologies: VM0004 Methodology for Avoided Planned Land Use Conversion in Peat Swamp Forests, v2.0, VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework, v1.6, and VM0027 Methodology for Rewetting Drained Tropical Peatlands, v1.0. However, VM0004 and VM0027 are limited geographically to a handful of countries. Further, as Verra works toward releasing a new consolidated REDD methodology, the wetland modules contained in the VM0007 methodology will be extracted to create standalone methodologies for wetland activities.
Considering the significant climate mitigation potential of tropical peatlands, Verra seeks a qualified consultant to develop a standalone methodology for these systems. The consultant will be expected to adapt existing modules for tropical peatland conservation and restoration activities from VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework, v1.6, and the new methodology must reflect the latest scientific understanding of greenhouse gas dynamics in tropical peatland systems. Please review the Request for Proposals (PDF) for further details, including the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and required skills and qualifications to apply.
In the transition to the new methodology, Verra will follow the typical convention of offering a grace period to projects using the existing peatland methodologies.
Proposals must be submitted by September 13, 2023, to Liz Guinessey, Manager, Food and Blue Carbon Innovation (eguinessey@verra.org).