To ensure the availability of high-integrity, specialized carbon accounting methodologies for REDD projects that include wetlands, Verra is undertaking work on two related methodologies:
- Verra is revising VM0033 Methodology for Tidal Wetland and Seagrass Restoration, v2.0 to include conservation activities and to ensure that the methodology reflects the most up-to-date science, data, and technology for blue carbon ecosystems. The draft methodology will be open for public consultation in early 2024. Publication of the final methodology is expected for late 2024.
- Verra is also launching the development of a new tropical peatlands methodology. A Request for Proposals for a consultant to develop the new methodology is now open. The development work will likely commence in Q4 of 2023.
Project proponents planning to use the forthcoming Consolidated REDD Methodology – which does not cover wetlands – will be able to use the above methodologies to account for the climate mitigation impact of wetlands activities in their project areas. Prior to the release of the two new wetlands methodologies, project proponents may use the current version of VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD+MF) in conjunction with the consolidated REDD methodology to account for emission reductions from wetlands activities.
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If you have questions about near-term methodology solutions for projects that include wetlands, please contact Liz Guinessey, Manager, Food and Blue Carbon Innovation (eguinessey@verra.org).