Verra has released criteria for validation/verification bodies (VVBs) to assess projects against the rules and requirements of the Nature Framework, v1.0, a new asset methodology under the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) Program. The Nature Framework was launched in October 2024 with the goal of incentivizing widespread investment in measurable conservation and restoration activities benefiting nature and people.
Verra aims to establish a pool of qualified VVBs who can audit Nature Framework projects, the first of which will pursue validation and registration beginning April 1, 2025.
By releasing these new criteria prior to the first Nature Framework projects’ validation, Verra is (1) providing time for VVBs already approved under one of its programs to address competency requirements within their teams and (2) encouraging applications from new VVBs so Verra can expand the pool of qualified auditors for this methodology, which has a distinct audit scope from that of other Verra programs or methodologies.
In addition to the current requirements for VVBs assessing SD VISta projects, audit teams for Nature Framework projects must demonstrate supplementary competencies to enable the robust evaluation of projects’ compliance with the Nature Framework requirements. For details, please see SD VISta Nature Framework Validation/Verification Body (VVB) Requirements (PDF).