Verra’s VM0048 – Frequently Asked Questions

We recently held a live webinar on Verra’s new VM0048 methodology, in which our carbon standard experts answered audience questions and explained how risk maps are changing the baselining process using a sample project in Kenya.

In the spirit of knowledge sharing, we’ve compiled the Q&A portion below. If you’d like to watch the full webinar, you can access the replay here.

A quick recap of VM0048

Too long didn’t watch? Hear our experts break down VM0048 in this 2-minute video.

On VM0048 and risk maps

Q: How do I interpret the risk map values?
A: Risk map values are given in hectares per pixel per year. The value itself is an estimate of baseline deforestation for the given pixel during the baseline validity period. The baseline deforestation across the project area or leakage belt is the sum of baseline deforestation for all pixels within the boundary.

Q: What does activity data include?
A: With respect to VM00048, activity data (AD) is generated via a random stratified sample across the forest cover benchmark map. AD are point based data. Each individual point is assessed against high resolution imagery to confirm whether it is stable forest cover, deforestation, stable non-forest, or forest regrowth during the monitored period. AD allows us to estimate annual total deforestation across the whole jurisdiction. When it comes to the risk mapping process, activity data is applied as an adjustment in the VT0007 tool to ensure that the deforestation estimate generated is reasonable and reflects the deforestation rates for that jurisdiction. 

Q: Will the risk mapping process remain static throughout the baseline validity period, or can it change due to large deforestation events?
A: We’re not aware of any plans to have updates applied to the baseline during the baseline validity period. However, Verra is the authority on this subject and we do advise asking them directly.

Q: What is the difference between the historical reference period (HRP) and the baseline validity period (BVP)?
A: The historical reference period typically spans around 10 years and is the period over which the jurisdictional level FCBMs are mapped. The baseline validity period is a future prediction of deforestation risk, and covers the 6 years following the end of the historical reference period. The exact dates of the HRP and BVP vary by country.

Q: When will the avoided planned deforestation methodology in VM0048 be published?
A: The VM0048 module for APD projects is still being developed; the updated timeline is for it to be ready by late 2025. In the meanwhile, new APD projects can still use VM0007. 

On Space Intelligence’s Pre-Feasibility Reports

Download a sample Pre-Feasibility REDD+ Report here.

Q: How close are the emissions avoidance / baseline values given in your reports to what I might receive from Verra, once data is released?
A: Where Space Intelligence is the official data provider for jurisdictions under VM0048, our forest cover benchmark map and AD will be the same as that used by Verra contractors to generate the jurisdictional deforestation risk map. While the risk model calibration may differ, given the underlying data (FCBM and AD) is the same, and given we follow the same VT0007 tool to generate the risk maps, we expect they will be a good approximation of what project developers will receive from Verra. Where we haven’t officially provided FCBM and AD data, we will still look to provide a good approximation of deforestation risk across the project site and jurisdiction with robust uncertainty bounds by following a similar approach.

Q: How do these new estimates compare with existing methodology baseline? Is this something you can calculate?
A: We can calculate this. If the project is already in operation and has a baseline estimate under e.g. VM0007, we can look to provide an estimate of what this baseline would be under VM0048 for the same period.

Q: What does the land cover class “non-forest natural vegetation” include?
A: This classification varies by country based on the other land cover classes we have mapped. It generally includes areas that do not meet the national definition of a forest but are natural vegetation cover. These areas may be shrubby or have woody vegetation, but they do not qualify as forests.

Q: What datasets are used to create the maps? Is LiDAR data included?
A: For the creation of land cover maps, we combine data from multiple satellite sensors such as NASA Landsat for optical data, and ESA Sentinel-1 and JAXA’s ALOS-1/PALSAR-1 and ALOS PALSAR/2 for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Additionally, we use the Copernicus GLO-30 Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for elevation, aspect, slope and Topographic Position Index (TPI). LiDAR data is used for carbon storage estimates in our CarbonMapperTM product.

On Verra’s approach

Q: Can a project proponent submit improved risk maps with additional activity data for adoption by Verra, or must they use Verra’s risk map?
A: Projects will be expected to use the risk map provided by Verra. However, Verra is the authority on this subject and we do advise asking them directly.

Q: Will mangrove projects be eligible under the VM0048 methodology?
A: Mangrove projects will not be eligible under VM0048. The VM0048 APD module that will come out Q4 this year will also exclude mangroves. Mangrove protection (AUD and APD) should continue to use VM0007.

Q: If Verra has not yet published the jurisdictional baseline, can a 15-year historical reference period be used instead?
A: For projects wishing to operate directly under VM0048 they would need to wait until the jurisdictional baseline is published. Alternatively they may choose to operate under another methodology then transition. Further information can be found on Verra’s FAQ page.

Q: Will the final jurisdictional deforestation maps be available for review by project developers? Will the code and analyses used to create them be released alongside the maps?
A: Coarse resolution versions of the risk maps will be released by Verra. WIth respect to code and analysis used to create the maps, this would be something Verra can advise on, however the process will follow the VT0007 tool.

Next steps

Looking to understand the impact of VM0048 on a potential or existing project? Speak to us about how our VM0048 Pre-feasibility Assessments can provide you with insights on potential credit issuance, project eligibility and local legal compliance.