Gold Standard for the Global Goals developments in nature activities under the Standard, including the release of a methodology for Sustainable Management of Mangroves and associated Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands Activity Requirements.
NEW METHODOLOGY
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVES
Gold Standard has released a bespoke solution for mangrove ecosystems with the publication of its first ever Methodology for Sustainable Management of Mangroves.
This methodology, developed with project developer FORLIANCE, is applicable globally and aimed at project activities that involve native mangrove restoration in areas that historically supported mangrove ecosystems. The methodology allows multiple approaches to quantification, including the application of robust remote-sensing monitoring coupled with ground data to increase flexibility while reducing cost and time for project developers and auditors.
Mangroves are a true climate mitigation hero. Their unique ecological characteristic provides a multitude of benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including the protection against storms, erosion and flooding, improved food security and water quality, and biodiversity protection. Mangrove restoration offers a huge opportunity for project development aligned with the mission of Gold Standard, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Key Benefits
- Addresses difficulties in gathering field data in mangrove forests that may not be accessible by allowing remote sensing solutions coupled with ground based data.
- Detailed explanation of application of remote sensing analysis to support and guide Project Developers (see Annex).
- Offers a bespoke solution only for mangrove ecosystems.
- Prescribes an objective spatial analysis for ensuring high accuracy on establishing eligible project areas.
- Enhanced reporting of SDG co-benefits.
- Built in safeguards to ensure higher viability of mangrove plantation (e.g. historic analysis, driver analysis).
Mangrove projects were previously permitted to be developed under the Gold Standard Afforestation/Reforestation (A/R) Methodology. The new Mangrove Methodology is aligned to the existing A/R Methodology, making it easier for project developers to adopt.
For projects which were Design Certified before 22/08/24:
Once a project is Design Certified, the methodology applied is fixed for the crediting period and must be reviewed at Design Certification Renewal. However, a project developer may wish to voluntarily apply a new, or updated methodology prior to Design Certification Renewal; in this case, the project must be submitted for review and re-certification in a formal request for a design change.
For projects which were Listed before 22/08/2024:
Listed projects are not obliged to adopt the new methodology or activity requirements before Design Certification, however they may do so voluntarily.
Support Resources
- New FAQs have been developed to answer key questions you may have.
- Training sessions and webinars will be held for key stakeholder groups in October. More details will be shared soon.
- Explore the new Nature Activities Hub to find more information.
NEW ACTIVITY REQUIREMENT
NEW ACTIVITY SCOPE FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNDER GOLD STANDARD FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS
Gold Standard has released its first ever Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands Activity Requirements, to support the development and use of related methodologies under Gold Standard for the Global Goals.
While some blue carbon project types could previously be developed under Gold Standard Land Use & Forestry Activity Requirements, new methodologies in the Gold Standard development pipeline focused on specific nature-based outcomes make it beneficial to create separate requirements. Blue Carbon activities, such as the mangrove forest restoration, are cost-effective nature-based solutions to combat climate change, while offering a multitude of other socio-economic benefits.
Aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in climate mitigation and hold huge amount of potential for climate adaptation and the improvement of livelihoods of those most affected by climate change. Gold Standard looks forward to building a positive impact in this area with project developers, local communities, reviewers and auditors.
Available Methodologies
Methodologies Under Development
- Algal CO2 Uptake with Geological Storage (Nanobubble Photobioreactor)
- Methodology for Permanent Sedimentation of Harmful Algae Blooms
If you are interested in developing a related impact quantification methodology, you can find out more information on our Methodologies Under Development webpage.
Support Resources
Key questions associated with Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands have been added to the Gold Standard FAQs.
Should you have a specific question, please contact the Gold Standard Team at help@goldstandard.org.
NEW HUB
RESOURCE HUB SUPPORTING NATURE BASED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Gold Standard recently launched a new Nature Activities Hub on the Gold Standard for the Global Goals website, aimed at helping project developers to effectively navigate the relevant requirements, tools and technical resources for developing nature-based project activities under Gold Standard for the Global Goals.