Program Development
VCS Program development includes several ongoing initiatives to set out requirements for crediting new approaches to curbing carbon.
Program development is led by staff in collaboration with committees of global experts from scientific, academic, non-profit and market organizations to ensure new requirements meet global best practice. New requirements are incorporated into VCS documents, expanding the scope of the program.
Major Initiatives
In 2011, Program development includes two major initiatives, or broad efforts, to tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by policymakers and project developers. Major initiatives draw input from a wide range of experts and advisors and typically spin off one or more working groups tasked with developing specific technical requirements.
| Initiative | Description | Status | Documents & Presentations |
|---|---|---|---|
Standardized Methods | An Expert Steering Committee is developing requirements and guidelines for using performance benchmarks, technology tests and other standardized approaches for determining baselines and additionality. | Final requirements released | |
| Jurisdictional and Nested REDD | An Advisory Committee is forming guidance for the crediting of integrated, jurisdiction-wide REDD projects, policies and programs. | Draft technical recommendations completed |
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| AFOLU Steering Committee | The AFOLU Steering Committee is a permanent standing committee to guide the on-going development and expansion of AFOLU sector requirements. | Call for new members open 7 June 2011 to 7 July 2011 |
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Specific Initiatives
Program development also includes specific initiatives to refine or develop requirements for addressing key issues or for crediting carbon-curbing projects in new areas. Specific initiatives are led by VCS staff together with expert working groups tasked with writing specific requirements.
| Initiative | Description | Status | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Leakage Requirements | A technical working group is revising the requirements for leakage accounting in AFOLU projects. The revisions will differentiate between market leakage and non-market, activity-shifting leakage. This will clarify how to address deforestation caused by migrant activities and/or displaced agricultural commodities. Final revised requirements, together with a market leakage tool, are expected to be issued in coming months. The initiative is funded in part by the Blue Moon Fund. | Public comments under review | Consultation Document (PDF) Draft AFOLU requirements (PDF) |
| Wetlands Requirements | A Wetlands Technical Working Group is developing requirements for new project types such as mangroves, coastal wetlands and tidal wetlands to become eligible to earn credits. The final requirements are expected to be released in mid 2012. | Call for peer reviewers open until 23 December 2011 |
Program Development Process
Program development invites input from a range of stakeholders and global experts and is opened to public consultation at various stages. Initiatives typically follow this sequence:
- Staff/board decides to undertake an initiative
- VCS issues public call for experts to join an expert committee (steering or advisory committee or working group)
- Expert Committee is organized, roles and tasks are assigned
- Expert Committee produces draft guidance or requirements
- Draft requirements undergo peer review
- Draft requirements are posted online for public consultation
- Staff and experts revise requirements, submit to VCS board for review
- Board approval, final requirements are published for use
