| Code | VM0048 |
|---|---|
| Name | Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation |
| Current version | v1.0, active since 27 November 2023 |
| CCP (ICVCM) | Approved by the ICVCM on 11 November 2024, with conditions: only avoided unplanned deforestation using module VMD0055 v1.1. A clarification of 13 November 2025 extended this to such activities nested in a JNR Scenario 1 scheme. Decision |
| Official page | Verra |
| Verified on | 12 October 2026 |
What it is
VM0048 changes how REDD baselines are set. Instead of each project choosing its own reference region, Verra produces one deforestation dataset per jurisdiction and allocates baseline deforestation to projects using risk maps.
It is a framework. Today only the avoided unplanned deforestation module (VMD0055) is in use; the degradation and planned deforestation modules are still being developed and have no release date.
When it launched, Verra inactivated VM0009, VM0037 and module VMD0008, kept VM0007 for transitional use only and shortened baseline reassessment from 10 to 6 years.
Version and status
- Active, version 1.0. A clarification was issued on 31 July 2024. No methodology consultation is open.
- Transition rule: avoided unplanned deforestation projects must adopt VM0048 with VMD0055 at their next verification once final risk maps for their jurisdiction have been available for six months.
- VM0007 v1.8 is still listed as active, but its avoided unplanned deforestation projects must move to VM0048 under that rule.
CCP status
Approved by the ICVCM on 11 November 2024, with conditions: only avoided unplanned deforestation using module VMD0055 v1.1. A clarification of 13 November 2025 extended this to such activities nested in a JNR Scenario 1 scheme. Source: ICVCM decision.
CORSIA status
VM0048 is not on the methodology exception list in ICAO's April 2026 document. That document excludes forestry (Sectoral Scope 14) projects estimated above 7,000 credits a year in REDD+ countries, unless they sit under JNR Scenario 2a or 3. The document does not name countries; our reading is that Brazil falls within its REDD+ country definition. Source: ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (April 2026).
Why it matters for Brazil
- Verra published final risk maps for Par谩 and Mato Grosso in June 2025, and for Amazonas, Rond么nia and Acre on 14 January 2026 (Verra jurisdictional data table).
- Amap谩 is still at the risk-mapping stage. The table expects second-period data for Mato Grosso and Par谩, and data for Amap谩, in Q4 2026. The other 21 states are at the activity-data collection stage.
- For a project in one of the five mapped states, the six-month clock in the transition rule is what decides when VM0048 applies.
FAQ
Does VM0048 replace older REDD methodologies in Brazil?
For avoided unplanned deforestation, in practice yes. Projects switch to VM0048 with VMD0055 at their next verification once their state's final risk maps have been available for six months. Final maps exist for Par谩, Mato Grosso, Amazonas, Rond么nia and Acre.
Are VM0048 credits CCP-labelled?
They can be. The ICVCM approved VM0048 v1.0 on 11 November 2024 for avoided unplanned deforestation using VMD0055 v1.1 only.
Can Brazilian VM0048 credits be used for CORSIA?
VM0048 is not on ICAO's exception list (April 2026). Large forestry projects in REDD+ countries are excluded unless they fall under JNR Scenario 2a or 3. Check the ICAO document for the specific case.
Sources
- Verra, VM0048 page
- Verra, announcement of the new REDD methodology
- Verra, VMD0055 jurisdictional data table
- ICVCM, VM0048 assessment decision
- ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units, April 2026
Editorial summary in our own words, checked on 12 October 2026. The binding text is the methodology document published by Verra; we do not reproduce Verra tables or text. This is not investment or legal advice. Spotted an error? See our Editorial Policy and Corrections log.