Methodology for Afforestation & Reforestation

Are there geographical restrictions on A/R projects? 

Gold Standard’s A/R methodology is applicable globally, provided that the eligibility conditions of the methodology and our core principles and requirements are met.  

There are no direct requirements on minimum or maximum area in a project however, micro scale or smallholder projects have certain caps, which are outlined here. 

Are bamboo plantations eligible under the methodology? 

For the practical use of the A/R methodology document, the definition of a tree goes beyond the scientific definition and also includes shrubs, palms and bamboo plants. Differences in the context of specific requirements are noted on the individual pages of the methodology. This is applicable globally.

Gold Standard may include additional modules specific to Bamboo in future versions of the methodology. 

Does Gold Standard define a list of eligible tree species for planting? 

The A/R methodology does not have species eligibility requirements. However, selected species must comply with the  Safeguarding Principles & Requirements  for environment, ecology and land use.  

It is the responsibility of the project developer to select the most appropriate species for the ecosystem and management plan. 

How long should land rights be demonstrated for? 

In line with the Land-Use & Forestry Activity Requirements , projects shall demonstrate secured titles for the entire crediting period. The minimum length of crediting for an A/R project is 30 years, and cannot go beyond 50 years. 

How can projects scale and add new project areas? 

To add new areas to a standalone project, developers shall follow the new area certification requirements in the Land-Use and Forestry Activity Requirements.  

Some project developers may also choose to develop a Programme of Activities, which allows the streamlined inclusion of similar projects. For projects that plan to scale in the future, developers may wish to consider the benefits of a PoA, which are summarised here.  

What are the additional requirements for rotation forestry projects? 

In line with our Rule Clarification, for A/R rotation forestry projects: 

How can project developers quantify soil organic carbon (SOC) within their A/R project? 

There are two important distinctions for the calculation SOC in A/R Projects: 

1. Quantifying SOC increase from plantation activities only.  

Project developers may choose to apply the A/R Soil Carbon Tool as per paragraph 3.1.5 of the A/R Methodology, or follow the quantification methods outlined in the SOC Framework Methodology which allows for a sampling-based approach.  

2. Quantifying SOC increase from specific, soil-related interventions.  

E.g. A project developer wants to apply a biostimulant to increase SOC within the A/R project boundary. 

Project developers shall apply the Soil Organic Carbon Framework Methodology, alongside an applicable Activity Module(s) for their intervention.  

E.g. The project may apply multiple methodologies within the same PDD:

Does the minimum 10% HCV requirement apply to each parcel of land, or the total project area? 

The minimum 10% HCV requirement applies to the total project area (including eligible, ineligible, buffer area etc.), rather than each plot of land. It must be demonstrated that minimum 10% of the total project area follows an HCV approach, this may be concentrated in certain plots but must be clearly defined and justified to the VVB. 

It’s important to note that 10% is a minimum requirement and, by design, many projects may exceed this. 

How should water bodies be defined within the project boundary? 

The project developer shall apply their expert judgment and scientific understanding to accurately define permanent and temporary water bodies. The  availability of data, as well as the  definition and threshold used to classify water bodies, must be clearly justified to the VVB. 

Can the minimum 10% HCV zone include water body buffers? 

Yes, the minimum 10% HCV zone may also include riparian buffers. 

Can projects claim credits for increases in carbon stocks within designated buffer zones? 

Yes, project developers may still include these areas in their removals calculations provided the requirements detailed in paragraph 3.1.6 of Land-use & Forests Activity Requirements – Gold Standard for the Global Goals are  met. 

How should project developers conduct forest inventories? 

Project developers shall follow the requirements in section 3.11 of the methodology and the forest inventory guidelines outlined in the BioCarbon Fund Guidebook. 

Can project developers apply a census-based approach? 

Monitoring should follow the methodology, however, if developers want to apply a modified approach, then may deviation request for this.  
 
Please fill in the  Deviation Request form  following the process in  Deviations Approval Requirements and Procedures. Deviation requests will be reviewed by our Technical team and approved, partially approved, or rejected. Occasionally, unique and complex cases may be brought to the  Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)  for their input.  

Are remote sensing methods eligible under the methodology? 

Remote sensing may be used by developers, however, at this stage, it must be applied in parallel with the current methodological requirements. For remote sensing to become integrated as a standalone approach, the true costs and accuracy of approaches need to be understood.  

Gold Standard and Spatial Informatics Group (SIG) have developed a new protocol, the ‘Tree Remote Environmental Evaluation’. The protocol was designed to assess the accuracy and uncertainty of tree biomass estimates based on remote sensing and will soon be piloted to understand how accurate remote sensing estimates of tree biomass can be, with the potential application to Gold Standard products.