"We wholeheartedly agree with your point that, today, the most workable system for bringing carbon finance to REDD projects is the VCS. We have spent a considerable amount of time and resources developing guidance and tools precisely to provide a robust framework under which entrepreneurs like you can develop methodologies and invest in projects that reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation.
We are of course very supportive of your efforts and wish you the best of luck in obtaining a positive validation report from the two validators so that you can move ahead with your project.
This is good to hear that the first validation is nearing completion; please be in touch with my colleague Bret Bronner (copied in) when you are ready to move on to the second validation.
I also think you are also correct that a UNFCCC system for REDD+ is probably several years from becoming a reality, and that in the meantime the best (and only) bet is to develop such projects under the VCS framework. It remains to be seen whether Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) issued to REDD projects will be usable in a compliance regime in the future.
However, that is certainly one of our goals and we spend a considerable amount of time making sure that the infrastructure that we have built has integrity and is recognized by emerging compliance regimes. In addition, we think that the early work being done in this space, by entities like Nupan Trading, is particularly noteworthy since you are blazing a new trail, and should therefore be recognized if it is done within a robust framework (like the VCS).
If you need us to write a more detailed letter in support of your activities please let us know. We recognize that you guys sometimes feel like you are swimming upstream, and we are happy to provide support when/as needed.
Best regards,
David Antonioli
CEO
Voluntary Carbon Standard Association
Direct: +1 202 296 1427
Fax: +1 202 629 5999
Mobile: +1 202 352 2584"
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