6. Glossary

Introduction

Clarity is essential in the complex field of forest-based carbon projects. This glossary provides definitions for terms used in the Nature Climate Standard (NCS), fostering a shared understanding among project developers, validators, and stakeholders. Many of these definitions are specific to NCS, while others draw from internationally recognized standards, including ISO 14064-2 as well as broader industry terminology.

This glossary ensures consistency across NCS documentation and simplifies complex concepts for ease of reference. Terms borrowed from other sources are cited to provide full transparency. Please use this glossary to guide your engagement with NCS methodologies, project requirements, and verification processes.

Glossary

Additionality

The principle that carbon credits generated by a project must result from actions that would not have occurred under a "business-as-usual" scenario. Additionality ensures that the mitigation outcome is genuinely contributing to climate goals beyond existing practices.

Baseline Scenario

A hypothetical scenario used to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or removals that would have occurred without the project intervention. The baseline scenario is critical in calculating additional emissions reductions or removals achieved by the project.

Buffer Pool

A reserved collection of carbon credits set aside to cover risks of reversal in carbon storage. In case of carbon loss due to unforeseen events, buffer pool credits are used to compensate, ensuring the integrity of the credited mitigation outcomes.

Carbon Credit

A tradable unit representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Each credit in the NCS registry is issued following verified mitigation outcomes from forestry projects that meet NCS standards.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in a carbon sink, such as a forest. This natural process reduces the overall concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Crediting Period

The time frame during which a project is eligible to generate carbon credits. The NCS requires re-validation and adherence to updated methodologies for crediting period renewals.

Double Counting

The risk of counting the same emissions reduction or removal more than once. Double counting may occur through double issuance, double claiming, or double use. NCS methodologies ensure robust measures to prevent double counting within the registry.

Durability

The length of time that the carbon stored by a project is expected to remain sequestered, with a minimum durability period of 30 years for NCS-certified projects. Durability is essential to ensure the permanence of claimed mitigation outcomes.

Emissions Avoidance

Actions taken to prevent the release of carbon dioxide or other GHGs into the atmosphere. Projects that successfully demonstrate emissions avoidance, such as protecting existing forests, may generate carbon credits under the NCS.

Emissions Reduction

A decrease in GHG emissions as compared to baseline levels. In forestry projects, emissions reductions may result from improved forest management or reduced deforestation.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A structured assessment to identify and mitigate the environmental risks associated with a project. The EIA for NCS projects includes impacts on biodiversity, soil health, water management, and the minimization of ecological harm.

Forest Carbon Project

A forestry-based initiative designed to sequester or reduce GHG emissions, thereby generating carbon credits. Eligible NCS forest carbon projects include activities such as reforestation, afforestation, and improved forest management.

Leakage

The unintended increase in GHG emissions outside of a project’s boundary as a result of project activities. NCS requires quantification and, where possible, mitigation of leakage to ensure accurate accounting of the project’s climate impact.

Methodology

A structured set of criteria and procedures defining how a project must be implemented, monitored, and verified to meet NCS standards. Methodologies may be adapted to reflect country-specific forestry and regulatory contexts.

Mitigation Outcome

The total net reduction, removal, or avoidance of GHG emissions achieved by a project, resulting in carbon credits. NCS evaluates mitigation outcomes based on adherence to ISO 14064 standards and additional NCS requirements.

Monitoring Plan

A documented approach detailing the methods and frequency for measuring and verifying GHG emissions reductions or removals in a project. NCS mandates monitoring plans for all projects to ensure transparent and reliable crediting.

Permanence

The durability of GHG mitigation benefits achieved by a project, specifically referring to the prevention of reversals. NCS projects are required to demonstrate permanence through robust monitoring and buffer contributions.

Project Design Document (PDD)

The foundational document that describes a project’s design, objectives, and adherence to NCS standards. The PDD is reviewed during validation and must cover baseline scenarios, additionality, and risk assessments.

Project Proponent

The individual or organisation responsible for implementing and managing a project. Project proponents must demonstrate ownership rights, compliance with NCS requirements, and accurate documentation of project outcomes.

Reforestation

The process of replanting trees on land that was previously forested but has since been deforested. Reforestation projects serve as carbon sinks and contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

Reversal

The loss of sequestered carbon from a project due to factors such as fire, pest infestation, or land-use change. NCS addresses reversals through buffer pool contributions and monitoring requirements to compensate for any losses.

Silvaconsult Account

A specialized account for each project proponent where credits are reserved to address potential reversals. The account size is adjusted based on the project’s reversal risk and is managed in line with NCS’s crediting approach.

Stakeholder Consultation

The process of engaging relevant stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, in project development. Stakeholder input is especially important when projects may have social or environmental impacts.

Validation

The initial assessment process by an independent Validation and Verification Body (VVB) to confirm that a project meets NCS standards and is eligible to generate carbon credits.

Verification

The periodic audit and confirmation by a VVB that the mitigation outcomes of a project are valid and accurately quantified. Verification is required annually for NCS projects to ensure the integrity of issued credits.