News & Events

GCC Publishes New Nature-Based Solutions Methodologies and Tools

The Global Carbon Council (GCC) is pleased to announce the publication of two new methodologies and two methodological tools under our Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) program. Developed in response to stakeholders’ input and feedback and rigorously reviewed, these methodologies are designed to provide more space for climate action and sustainable development within the forestry sector.

GCC Publishes New Nature-Based Solutions Methodologies and Tools

Adoption by GCC Regulatory Committee

The methodologies and tools have been adopted by the GCC Regulatory Committee following 30 days public consultations and detailed consideration at the RC meeting.

Entry into Force: The methodologies and tools are effective since October 1, 2024, signifying a pivotal advancement in the GCC’s coverage of activities that provide effective climate solutions.

The GCC recognizes the significant potential of restoration of mangrove ecosystems in mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. The methodology developed by the GCC will add to promoting effective restoration and sustainable management of these endangered habitats. This methodology offers a structured approach to estimating changes in carbon stocks and GHG emissions caused by climate activities promoting restoration of degradedmangrove ecosystems.

Source of this Baseline and Monitoring Methodology

This methodology is based on the CDM A/R Large-scale Consolidated Methodology AR-AM0014: Afforestation and reforestation of degraded mangrove habitats, Version 03.0.

Scope and Applicability

Scope: Applicable to projects aimed at restoring degraded mangrove habitats, it enables project developers to estimate and report carbon sequestration potential and assess environmental benefits.

 Applicability Conditions: The following conditions must be met for this methodology to apply:

  • Degraded Mangrove Habitat: The land must be classified as a degraded mangrove habitat, ensuring that restoration efforts address critical ecological needs.
  • Litter Accumulation: The project must maintain or enhance litter accumulation rates, promoting healthy ecological processes.
  • Avoidance of Agricultural Activities: The project should focus on ecological restoration avoiding agricultural management practices.
  • Mangrove Species Composition: More than 80 percent of the area must be planted with native mangrove species to ensure ecological integrity.
  • Hydrology Preservation: If non-mangrove species are planted then the hydrology of connected wetland areas must not be altered.
  • Emission Increase Limitations: The methodology is not applicable to projects aiming mainly on reduction in non-CO2 GHG emissions.
  • Soil Disturbance Restrictions: Soil disturbance must be minimized, covering no more than 10% of the project area.
Benefits and Implementation Considerations

Projects implementing this methodology will enhance carbon stocks and decrease greenhouse gas emissions and also support biodiversity, improve coastal resilience, and provide socio-economic benefits to local communities.

In the face of climate change, sustainable forestry practices are essential to achieving the Paris Agreement goal by accumulating carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing ecosystem services. The GCC NBS Methodology for Forestry Project Activities on Lands Except Wetlands provides a framework for implementing effective forestry projects that contribute to climate goals while promoting biodiversity.

Source of this Baseline and Monitoring Methodology

The methodology is based on the CDM A/R Large-scale Consolidated Methodology AR-ACM0003: “Afforestation and reforestation of lands except for wetlands,” Version 02.0.

Scope and Applicability

Scope: Designed for forestry projects that exclude wetlands, this methodology facilitates the effective estimation of GHG reductions and changes in carbon stocks.

Applicability Conditions: This methodology is applicable under the following conditions:

  • Non-Wetlands: The project land must not be classified as wetland.
  • Soil Limitations: The land should not contain organic soils.
  • Exclusion of Agricultural Practices: The project should avoid sole agricultural management activities, focusing mainly on forestry or agroforestry.
  • GHG Emission: The methodology is not applicable to projects aiming mainly on reduction in non- CO2 GHG emissions.
  • Soil Disturbance Limitations: Soil disturbance must be restricted to avoid soil carbon loss.
Benefits and Implementation Considerations

This methodology allows for projects aiming at climate action through effective forest management, enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Introduction

As sustainable agricultural practices gain prominence, estimating related greenhouse gas emissions is essential for effective climate action. This tool provides a comprehensive framework for quantifying emissions associated with synthetic and organic fertilizer applications within Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects, enabling project developers to optimize management practices and enhance environmental outcomes.

Scope and Applicability

Scope: This tool provides a structured approach for estimating GHG emissions (expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents) due to the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers in GCC NBS project activities. It is applicable for calculation of:

  • Direct and Indirect N2O Emissions: Estimation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions arising from the application of both synthetic and organic fertilizers in the baseline scenario.
  • CO2 Emissions: Estimation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions linked to liming and urea application in the baseline.

Additionally, this tool may be also pertinent for projects implementing reforestation, changes in forest management practices, or transitioning from conventional agricultural methods to regenerative agriculture, organic farming, or agroforestry practices.

Exclusion Note: The tool does not estimate direct or indirect N2O emissions from urine or dung nitrogen deposited by grazing animals on pastures or paddock.

Applicability Conditions: While the tool does not impose inherent applicability conditions, methodologies that implement it may outline specific restrictions on fertilizer use when necessary.

Parameters Determined by the Tool

The tool outlines procedures for determining the following parameters:

GHG Emissions from Fertilizer Use (Unit: t CO2e): This parameter represents the total GHG emissions resulting from the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers in a GCC NbS project activity within a specified year.

Soil health is a critical component of ecosystem sustainability and carbon management. This tool focuses on measuring changes in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content in mineral soils as a result of NBS project activities. By providing a structured approach for estimating SOC changes, this tool aids in assessing the carbon sequestration potential of various land management practices.

Scope and Applicability

Scope: This tool is applicable for:

  • Baseline Estimation: Estimating carbon stock and changes in the SOC pool in the baseline scenario.
  • Ex-Post Monitoring: Estimating carbon stock and changes in the SOC pool for project activity monitoring.

Particularly, this tool can be utilized in NBS projects that shift from conventional agricultural practices (e.g., full tillage and synthetic fertilizers) to more regenerative methods such as organic farming, agroforestry, and other land management practices aimed at enhancing carbon accumulation in soil.

Applicability Conditions: Use of the tool is subject to the following conditions:

  • Land involved does not fall under the wetland category.
  • Land does not contain organic soils.
Parameters Determined by the Tool

This tool facilitates the estimation of the following parameters:

Change in Soil Organic Carbon Content (Unit: t CO2e): The net increase or decrease in SOC content due to project activities, expressed in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.

These new methodologies and tools represent further advancement in the GCC’s commitment to facilitate the emergence of projects addressing climate change through innovative approaches to sustainable land use. For further details on these methodologies and tools, please visit:

Approved NBS Methodologies: https://www.globalcarboncouncil.com/how-gcc-works/methodologies/

Approved NBS Tools: https://www.globalcarboncouncil.com/how-gcc-works/gcc-2-0/