Community guidelines for accessing forestry voluntary carbon ... - FAO

Community guidelines for accessing forestry voluntary carbon markets
Regarding the PD/PDD:
The validation of a methodology is a paper exercise but the validation
of a PD/PDD typically involves an on-site visit by an audit team. This is
necessary to check the assumptions and parameter values that the PD/
PDD uses to quantify the carbon benefits of the project. The audit team
must also review the potential environmental impacts and stakeholder
comments. This cannot be done from behind a desk. The cost of an audit
is quite variable but is usually at least USD 25 000.
Once the PD/PDD receives a favourable validation report, the project
is officially approved and can then be registered. The list of approved
projects can be found on the websites of each standard body. Only after
a project is registered can it begin to generate carbon credits. Validation
of PDs and PDDs is conducted by a Validation/Verification Body (VVB).
In the case of the VCS, the validation of the PD can be combined with
verification of carbon sequestration (see Chapter 5).
When inviting a VVB to validate the PD, the following issues must be
kept in mind:
a) Information on stakeholder consultations must be compiled
and incorporated into the PD. The PD must also clearly indicate
how the concerns raised during this consultation have been
(or will be) addressed.
b) The auditors from the VVB will review all relevant documents
and visit the project site. They will issue Corrective Action
Requests (CARs) or New Information Requests (NIRs) to reflect
any deficiencies or inaccuracies in the PD.
c) Following the auditors’ report, it is very likely that a significant
number of changes to the PD will be necessary. The project
developer must address all of the CARs and NIRs and submit
again to the VVB.
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