M002: Open for Public Consultation
The consultation is open from August 21 to September 20, 2025.
Comments may be submitted electronically using the form below.
M002 is a terrestrial forest conservation methodology that integrates technical innovation and conservation best practices with the priorities of Indigenous Peoples, traditional communities, and governments. Its core purpose is to stop forest loss and secure the long-term protection of the world’s vital ecosystems. By meeting market demands for high integrity, transparency, and robust science, Equitable Earth's forest conservation methodology ensures that those leading the protection of forests receive the necessary investment to sustain durable conservation for generations to come.
It is designed to certify Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation and/or Degradation (AUDD) REDD+ projects. REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, with the “plus” referring to conservation, sustainable forest management, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. While restoring ecosystems is vital, REDD+ offers a complementary way to protect the forests we still have, transforming conservation into a credible climate solution. It supports communities who keep forests standing, helping to slow biodiversity loss, preserve cultural heritage, and reduce the impacts of climate change.
The methodology is grounded in three core pillars: ecological condition, carbon, and livelihoods. Moreover, it will encompass:
- Centralised carbon accounting: Standardised quantification using jurisdictional risk maps to allocate baselines for both deforestation and degradation, alongside annual monitoring with the latest science.
- Integrated platform and data innovation: Harnessing remote sensing, data modelling, and digital-first processes for greater accuracy and streamlined certification.
- Avoidance and removal credits: Crediting of avoided emissions from reduced deforestation will be included in v1. Crediting of carbon removals from forest growth exceeding comparable areas is planned for early 2026.
- Ongoing consultation with IPs & LCs: Embeds IP & LC leadership, values, and priorities in project design and governance.
- Industry-leading safeguards for equity and justice: Including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) at multiple stages, robust grievance redress mechanisms, and transparent revenue-sharing requirements.
- Ecosystem monitoring: Regular reporting on physical composition, species composition, structural diversity, and ecosystem function to track conservation outcomes.
- Adaptive management: Embedding continuous improvement to integrate new science, respond to local feedback, and strengthen outcomes over time.
M002 builds upon the foundational work by the original Equitable Earth coalition. They developed a standard and methodology to address the principles and criteria for the VCM, set forth by the Indigenous and local community members of the Peoples Forests Partnership.
A stakeholder consultation group with Indigenous leaders from several communities advised the original coalition throughout the development of the methodology, standard, and platform. Additionally, the coalition has been in consultation with the governments of the largest rainforest nations, to ensure the standard is designed to deliver against Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national and sub-national sustainable development goals.
Yes. From the outset, Equitable Earth was shaped by the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and we are committed to continuing and deepening that approach.
Equitable Earth will establish a dedicated working group of Indigenous and community leaders to ensure their knowledge and perspectives are at the core of our work. Collaboration with and insights from this group will inform the evolution of the Equitable Earth Programme. The working group will be part of Equitable Earth’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB).
Restoration remains a core pillar of our mission, and we recognise that protecting what remains is as urgent as restoring what’s been degraded. Operationally, Equitable Earth continues to support restoration projects through our existing M001 methodology, which has already seen over 200 projects submitted. M001 v1.2 was released in August 2025. M002 represents an expansion of our mission, bringing the same scientific rigour, transparency and credibility we’ve applied to restoration into the realm of conservation.