DELIVERABLE 10: FINAL APPROVED VCS METHODOLOGY DOCUMENT INCORPORATING VVB FINDINGS PER VCS PROCESS

This tool is intended for use in estimating average aboveground live forest biomass (ALFB) density at a specific point in time. The tool leverages remotely sensed data calibrated using a minimal number of ground-based sampling plots to provide accurate and cost-effective estimation of ALFB across varied land use/land cover classification types and broad spatial extents. The tool is designed for use in agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) projects, particularly those involving estimation of ALFB. The main procedural steps in this tool are field and remote sampling, predictive model development, assessment of error and uncertainty, and discounting estimates based upon the assessment of error and uncertainty. The tool uses remote sensing (RS) data, including LiDAR, RADAR, hyperspectral, and hyperspatial imagery, in combination with a relatively small number of field plots to achieve a statistically valid sample. The tool is intended for use with approved VCS methodologies within the scope of AFOLU involving estimation of ALFB. The tool defines several key terms, including aboveground live forest biomass (ALFB), area-normalized, area of interest (AOI), calibration plot (CP), land use and land cover (LULC), model-dependent estimator (MDE), predictive model (PM), remote sensing (RS), remote sensing plot (RSP), remote sensing sampling unit (RSSU), and root mean square error (RMSE). The tool also outlines the procedures for estimation using RS predictor, including step 1: AOI stratification, step 2: sampling, step 3: prediction, and step 4: discounting. The tool provides a method for determining average ALFB density at the stratum or AOI through a combination of remote sensing data and field measurements. The tool is intended for use in estimating average ALFB density at a specific point in time and does not present specific methods for detection of change in ALFB over time or wall-to-wall carbon density mapping. The tool is limited to project categories within the AFOLU sectoral scope where forest is present and estimation of ALFB is required. The tool uses the latest versions of the following tools and methodology: CDM tool Calculation of the number of sample plots for measurements within A/R CDM project activities, CDM tool Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities, and VCS methodology VM0006 Carbon Accounting in Project Activities that Reduce Emissions from Mosaic Deforestation and Degradation. The tool was developed by a team of experts, including Peter Tittmann, Sassan Saatchi, and Benktesh D Sharma, with support from Jeff Silverman. The tool is intended for use by project developers and validators in the AFOLU sector.