Verra has launched the Ocean Carbon Working Group to provide technical input on various updates to Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program rules that will enable the certification of projects implementing ocean-based activities.
Founded in September 2023, the multi-stakeholder group includes members representing a range of geographies and sectors. They bring expertise in ocean and climate science, marine policy, standards and certification approaches, carbon project development, and market demand and drivers.
The working group is providing guidance on developing updates to rules and requirements of the VCS Program related to ocean-based activities, which include macroalgal cultivation, seabed management, alkalinity enhancement, electrochemical approaches, nutrient fertilization, artificial upwelling, and artificial downwelling.
The working group is also considering additional approaches to standards-related aspects that would improve the alignment of the VCS Program’s fundamental quantification processes (e.g., monitoring and verification, project boundaries) and methods with the modeling of ocean system dynamics and carbon cycling. Additionally, the working group is evaluating opportunities, challenges, and risks related to the successful development and scaling of ocean-based carbon project activities.
