Validation and Verification Body Registration
Overview
The Satoyama Mace Initiative, proudly endorsed by UNU-IAS/IPSI (United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability / International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative), is developing a new voluntary carbon credit methodology that integrates the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) with Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to enhance carbon sinks and biodiversity conservation.
This initiative supports Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) in establishing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) programs, leading to the issuance of Biodiversity-SDG Carbon Credits. These credits are based on robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, aligned with international standards such as ISO 14065.
🔗 Learn more: Satoyama Mace Initiative
Role of VVBs in the Carbon Credit Program
Validation and verification are critical processes that ensure the environmental integrity, quality, and transparency of projects and methodologies registered under biodiversity-SDG-related GHG programs. These processes are conducted by Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs)—qualified, independent third-party auditors approved by the SEPLS Carbon Credit Regional Revitalization Center. VVBs must demonstrate technical competence within specific programmatic, sectoral, or methodological scopes. Their responsibilities include:
Validation: Assessing whether a project meets all relevant rules and requirements before registration.
Verification: Confirming that the project’s GHG reductions or removals have been achieved and are quantifiable per the methodology and standard.
Application Process
Review and Preliminary Assessment
Upon receipt, the SEPLS Carbon Credit Regional Revitalization Center will review your submission. If it is determined that your organization does not meet the required competency, the application will be declined.
Note: You may submit an application prior to undergoing a witness assessment by an accreditation body. If you complete the required fields and include documentation confirming your accreditation process is underway, your organization will be listed as “Accreditation Pending” on our website.
To be listed as “Approved”, your organization must complete the full accreditation process and submit the official certificate for final review.
Agreement and Approval
Once the application is approved:
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You will be requested to sign the SEPLS VVB Agreement.
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An annual program fee (if applicable) will be invoiced.
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VVB Status and Website Listing
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After the Agreement is executed and the annual fee is paid, your organization will be authorized to conduct audits under SEPLS GHG programs, and your name will be published as an approved VVB on the SEPLS Carbon Credit Regional Revitalization Center website.
SEPLS CCRR Fee Schedule
The Fee Schedule under the SEPLS Carbon Credit Regional Revitalization Center (SEPLS-CCRR) for the Satoyama Mace Initiative. SEPLS-CCRR will do a planned review of its fees every two years to ensure alignment with its mission, sustainability of the organization and services provided, and simplicity and transparency for stakeholders SEPLS-CCRR reserves the right to add or amend fees at any time at its sole discretion.