Verra is announcing several updates related to allocated deforestation risk maps for use under Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology VM0048 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, v1.0 and the associated module VMD0055 Estimation of Emission Reductions from Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation, v1.1.

Projects seeking to use VM0048 and VMD0055 are required to use these risk maps to set the baseline for their projects, an essential step in the project registration process.

Updates on Estimated Availability Dates

Verra has updated the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps: Timetable webpage to reflect the expected publication dates for the following:

Provisional allocated deforestation risk maps for each jurisdiction (open-access data)

Final allocated deforestation risk maps and VMD0055-compliant project baseline activity data (VMD0055-compliant data)

Adjustments to the originally posted publication dates were necessary to enable the development of robust data that results in the certification of high-integrity projects. The reasons for the changes include corrections to ensure data reliability, and an improved understanding of the time required to finalize high-quality allocated deforestation risk maps. VM0048 includes a transformational and new approach to forest conservation which requires occasional timeline adjustments during the implementation.

Verra will regularly update the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps: Timetable page to reflect the most recent development status of data for the individual jurisdictions. In addition, Verra will publish quarterly updates on the availability of open-access data and VMD0055-compliant data.

Improved Information about Use of Data

The Availability of Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps webpage has been expanded and updated to provide more detailed information about the use of provisional allocated deforestation risk maps (open-access data) as well as the final allocated deforestation risk maps and VMD0055-compliant project baseline activity data (VMD0055-compliant data).

A Look Ahead

Verra will soon publish a survey seeking input from relevant stakeholders to inform the order in which Verra will develop risk maps for those jurisdictions currently listed as “prioritization pending” on the Allocated Deforestation Risk Maps: Timetable page. The survey results will also guide the second round of data collection that will be needed soon for many jurisdictions.