Certified carbon standard Cercarbono has introduced a new integrated methodology for carbon removals generated from forestry and agricultural projects, setting a new standard for inclusivity, integrity, and impact.
The CM-LU-002 framework combines reforestation, forest restoration, and the establishment of woody agricultural crops under a single, flexible structure.
According to a statement from Cercarbono released earlier this week, the methodology prioritizes native species to enhance ecological balance and uses dynamic baselines and advanced cartographic tools to improve carbon removal accuracy.
It also guarantees clear credit ownership, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and small landowners receive fair benefits.
“This methodology is a leap forward in carbon removal through nature,” said Alex Saer, CEO of Cercarbono. “We’ve taken global best practice and listened to the needs of project developers and communities to create an approach that removes barriers, prioritizes real-world impact, and expands the potential for land-based climate solutions.”
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By streamlining the certification process and reducing costs, the methodology makes carbon crediting more accessible to small-scale developers and community-led initiatives.
Available in English and Spanish, it simplifies the application process through clear criteria, practical examples, and an intuitive framework.
A key innovation is its ability to integrate non-forest restoration within existing REDD+ project areas, a gap previously unaddressed. Under strict guidelines to avoid double counting, this feature expands opportunities for carbon sequestration.
Additionally, by utilizing advanced mapping technologies, the methodology ensures precise land eligibility assessments, reinforcing the credibility of carbon credits.
Catalina Romero, Carbon Certification Director at Cercarbono, highlighted its impact: “By combining practical, developer-focused design with advanced technical features like dynamic baselines and enhanced cartography, we’re not just improving existing processes, we’re opening up entirely new avenues for impactful climate action.”
The new methodology will be available to project developers starting March 2025.
Read more: Cercarbono Undergoes ICVCM Core Carbon Principle Evaluation
