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ncx-co / ifm_deferred_harvest

Documents, Data, and Code. The NCX Methodology For Improved Forest Management (IFM) Through Short-Term Harvest Deferral.
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Public Comment: 283 (Jessica Orrego) #283

Closed ncx-gitbot closed 1 year ago

ncx-gitbot commented 1 year ago

Commenter Organization: Mercuria Energy Trading

Commenter: Jessica Orrego

2021 Deferred Harvest Methodology Section: Additionality

Comment: Allowing a one-year crediting period is not appropriate for Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects. For IFM projects credibility relies on a robust demonstration of a multi-year baseline representing a justifiable harvest scenario that is based on mill capacities, common practice harvest practices and professional forester expertise. Most forests are managed over decades and harvesting is a result of careful long term planning, making the additionality of a single year management decision virtually impossible to demonstrate. In fact, the ability to demonstrate additionality of IFM projects effectively requires that time commitments coincide with the long-term timeframes in which natural systems are managed. We recommend that the minimum time commitment in this methodology is changed to be consistent with other VERRA AFOLU project methodologies.

Proposed Change: No Proposed Change

ncx-gitbot commented 1 year ago

NCX response: Projects are additional when the carbon stocks in the project scenario are greater than the carbon stocks expected under the baseline scenario–this is the basis for any carbon project verified against any standard. Because additionality, and therefore, creditable carbon is dependent on an accurate baseline, eligibility is limited to forests that are truly at risk of being harvested in the next year. Deferring that harvest results in additional carbon in the landscape.