Five Integrated Categories (Sections) are as follows.

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1. Earth & Environmental Systems Science (EESS)

This category encompasses the core natural sciences, focusing on understanding the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological processes, which are essential for assessing environmental change and ensuring the sustainability of resources. It provides the scientific basis for land-use and conservation strategies, directly supporting ecosystem-based carbon initiatives. Disciplines include Atmospheric Science, Biogeochemistry, Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Soil Science, Agronomy, Forestry, Water Science, and Studies.

Integrated Applications:

S3: Area-based conservation measures integrating biodiversity into carbon markets. (Focus on ecological measurement and management).

S4: Ecosystem restoration initiatives linked with carbon finance. (Focus on restoration science and monitoring).

 

2. Physical Sciences & Engineering Technology (PSET)

This category encompasses fundamental material and energy sciences, as well as applied engineering disciplines that focus on developing technological solutions for infrastructure, energy systems, and manufacturing processes. It underpins the technical feasibility of decarbonization efforts outside of land use. Disciplines include   Catalysis, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Energy, Materials Science & Engineering, and Nanotechnology.

Primary Focus: Research and development of new materials, clean energy technologies, and sustainable infrastructure design.

 

3. Social & Behavioral Foundation Studies (SBFS)

This category focuses on the fundamental study of human societies, behavior, culture, and institutions. It provides the necessary theoretical framework for understanding community dynamics, human decision-making, and ethical considerations in implementing large-scale environmental and development projects. Disciplines include Anthropology, Demography, Economics, Education, Ethics, Humanities, Psychology, Sociology.

Primary Focus: Theory development related to social structures, cultural change, human capital, and individual/group behavior.

 

4. Governance, Policy & Institutional Studies (GPIS)

This category centers on political systems, policy-making, law, and institutional frameworks necessary for regulating human activities and managing public resources. It addresses the crucial role of formal and informal rules in structuring carbon markets and conservation efforts. Disciplines include Development Studies, Geography, Policy Studies, Political Science, and Public Policy.

Integrated Applications:

S2: Institutional frameworks and governance for community-based carbon schemes. (Focus on policy design and implementation).

 

5. Applied Economics, Management & Interdisciplinary Methodology (AEMIM)

This highly applied and interdisciplinary category combines business, finance, and management principles with environmental and social issues. It addresses market mechanisms, value chains, urban planning, and the development of new data-driven methodologies necessary for effective program implementation. Disciplines include Business Studies, Environmental Health, Environmental Science & Engineering, Epidemiology, Finance, Industrial Ecology, Science, Technology and Society (STS), Urban Science and Studies.

Integrated Applications: 

S5: Sustainable value chain development that connects carbon credits with local livelihoods. (Focus on market linkage and financial mechanisms).

S1: Knowledge co-production for carbon credit methodologies in SEPLS. (Focus on interdisciplinary methods and knowledge transfer).