Verra, a global sustainability standards developer, has announced that the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has approved it’s Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) methodology under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Programme. This approval certifies that the ARR methodology meets the rigorous requirements of the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) Assessment Framework, reinforcing its credibility as a robust approach to carbon removals.
Projects utilising the VCS Methodology VM0047 for afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation can now receive CCP labels for the credits they generate. These labels provide assurance to carbon credit buyers that their investments are directed toward high-impact, scientifically rigorous projects. offering assurance to buyers about the high integrity and environmental impact of their investments. By encouraging greater investment in ARR projects, the methodology aims to facilitate the scaling of nature-based solutions to carbon removal worldwide.
“VM0047 provides a scientifically robust approach for projects removing carbon from the atmosphere through tree planting or the restoration of ecosystems. The ICVCM’s approval of VM0047 is a testament to the methodology’s rigor and credibility and an important milestone in driving global investment to high-integrity ARR projects—a critical nature-based approach to carbon removals,” said Mandy Rambharos, CEO of Verra.
Released in October 2023, the VM0047 methodology is applicable to global projects that increase tree density or other woody vegetation. It employs an innovative carbon accounting approach using remote sensing to measure project impacts in real time by comparing them to similar areas. For projects where remote sensing is impractical—such as urban forestry or agroforestry initiatives—an alternative approach requiring a complete count of plantings ensures comprehensive measurement. Both approaches have been validated under the CCPs Assessment Framework, emphasising their scientific rigor and adaptability.
