Verra has extended the validation grace period for Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Programme that are currently using Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodologies AR-ACM0003 (Afforestation and reforestation of lands except wetlands, v2.0) and AR-AMS0007 (Afforestation and reforestation on lands other than wetlands, v3.1).
Previously, Verra had set a deadline of 28 December 2024, for all projects using these CDM methodologies to complete validation, as VCS Methodology VM0047 was slated to replace them. However, per section 3.21.3.4 of the VCS Standard v4.7, Verra has revised the deadline, allowing projects under validation to complete the process by 30 June 2025.
ARR projects that are not under validation by 28 December 2023, must use the new VM0047 methodology. Released in October 2023, VM0047 facilitates the creation of nature-based carbon removal credits by increasing tree density or woody vegetation.
