Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) Projects and Carbon Accounting with the New Methodology VM0047

Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) is a spectrum of restoration approaches that seek to accelerate successional processes, enhance ecosystem recovery, and facilitate the growth and survival of naturally regenerated trees, where they would have otherwise been impeded. This brief discusses possible concerns related to the suitability and applicability of the new VERRA Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology, “VM0047 Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation,” into carbon accounting for ANR projects and activities, as well as other passive restoration methods like Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). While VM0047 represents a significant step forward in carbon accounting methodologies, its application to ANR projects is quite concerning. These concerns are related to the exclusion of crucial non-planting interventions, geographic limitations, historical disturbance requirements, narrow carbon pool considerations, and challenges in demonstrating additionality. Further refinement is needed to align the methodology with the unique characteristics of ANR and other passive restoration methods, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to carbon accounting. It is recommended that the VSC methodology maintains flexibility in specifying “non-forest” allowances for ARR carbon accounting, to accommodate recently degraded areas with pre-existing vegetation cover regenerating through ANR interventions. Many tropical forests experience several cycles of deforestation in less than 10 years specified in the methodology, necessitating an amendment. ANR aims to protect regenerating forests and landscapes from further disturbances and deforestation, potentially helping them maintain conditions required for carbon accounting. However, the carbon accounting methodologies need to advance to encompass a broader range of intermediate interventions for forest protection and restoration.