What is validation?

Validation for afforestation and reforestation (A/R) projects is described in 5/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 10 as follows:

Validation is the process of independent evaluation of a proposed afforestation or reforestation project activity under the CDM by a designated operational entity (DOE) against the requirements of afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM as set out in decision 19/CP.9, the present annex and relevant decisions of the COP/MOP, on the basis of the project design document, as outlined in appendix B below (5/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 10).

Therefore, validation is the process of determining that the proposed A/R project activity is eligible to be registered under the CDM, by confirming that it meets the requirements of A/R project activities under the CDM.  Validation is carried out by a designated operational entity (DOE).

This decision relating to large-scale A/R projects applies also to small-scale A/R (SSC A/R) projects:

The modalities and procedures for afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM shall apply to small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM except for paragraphs 12-30 (6/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 3).