Third-party carbon credit verification organisation Verra has unveiled its Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) methodology within its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Programme. It aims to enhance tree density and woody vegetation, fostering a greener planet. The AAR – VM0047 – methodology introduces performance benchmarks and leverages remote sensing data to establish project baselines and assess additionality in voluntary carbon markets (VCMs). Spencer Plumb, Senior Manager of Forest Carbon Innovation at Verra, said: “We are thrilled to announce our innovative new ARR methodology. It will ensure the generation of high-quality nature-based removal credits, utilising a dynamic performance benchmark approach that relies on remote sensing.” VM0047 offers two quantification approaches: ‘Area-based Approach’ and ‘Census-based Approach’. The former employs plot-based sampling and dynamic performance benchmarks using remote sensing, comparing vegetative cover change between project and control areas to assess additionality. The latter approach is tailored for smaller projects, conducting full plant censuses well-suited for dispersed planting activities. Verra’s ARR methodology allows flexibility in selecting either or both accounting approaches, although project areas must not overlap. The area-based approach is typically more suited to larger projects, while the census-based approach caters to smaller landowners. In conjunction with VM0047, Verra introduced the VMD0054 Module for Estimating Leakage from ARR Activities. Projects using VM0047 are required to account for leakage using this module.
