Creating a new methodology using CDM-AR-NM
Where a designated operational entity (DOE) determines that a proposed A/R project activity intends to use a new baseline or monitoring methodology, it must forward the proposed methodology to the Executive Board for review prior to the submission of the project for registration:
If the DOE determines that the proposed afforestation or reforestation project activity under the CDM intends to use a new baseline or new monitoring methodology, as referred to in paragraph 12 (g) (ii) above, it shall, prior to a submission for registration of this project activity, forward the proposed baseline or monitoring methodology, together with the draft project design document, including a description of the project and identification of the project participants, to the Executive Board for review (5/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 13).
Implicit in this process is a requirement that the Executive Board consider and approve all proposed new A/R methodologies before they are applied in any A/R project (EB 37, Annex 4, paragraph 2).
If an approved methodology already exists that is similar to the proposed methodology, the proponent must justify how the two differ:
In accordance with paragraph 38 of the CDM modalities and procedures and further guidance provided by the Board, a newly proposed methodology with a similar applicability as an already approved methodology, including a consolidated methodology, may be submitted for consideration of the Board at any time. Proponents need to provide justification on how such a methodology differs from an approved methodology and that its accuracy and completeness is comparable to that of the approved methodology (EB 15, paragraph 9).
The latest procedures for the creation and submission of a new methodology are contained in EB 37, Annex 4. Project participants are required to prepare:
… the current A/R methodologies form for baseline and monitoring methodologies (CDM-AR-NM) along with a draft project design document (CDM-AR-PDD) and as a minimum, complete sections A to D, including relevant annexes, following its respective current guidelines (EB 37 Annex 4, paragraph 4).
In order to propose a new methodology, project proponents must complete the CDM: Proposed New A/R Methodology form (CDM-AR-NM). The rules and guidelines provided by the Executive Board to aid project proponents in completing this form are set out below. The latest version of this form (Version 3) is contained in EB 32, Annex 20 and can be downloaded here. Guidelines on completing this form are set out in EB 35, Annex 21 (Version 8).
Content of the CDM-AR-NM
CDM-NM contains the following sections:
- Section I - Summary and applicability of the baseline and monitoring methodology
- Section II - Baseline methodology description
- Section III - Monitoring methodology description
Development of CDM-AR-NM and related guidance
Version 3 of the CDM-AR-NM (EB 32, Annex 20) replaces Version 2 contained in EB 26, Annex 20 and Version 1 in EB 22, Annex 14. Prior to this, baseline methodologies and monitoring methodologies were proposed separately using CDM-AR-NMB and CDM-AR-NMM. The latest versions of the separate forms were contained in EB 21, Annex 19, but these forms are no longer in use.
The current guidelines on completing CDM-NM (Version 2, in EB 35 Annex 21) replace earlier guidance in EB 32, Annex 17, EB 26, Annex 21, EB 23 Annex 15(b), EB 22, Annex 14.
Further guidance on completing CDM-AR-NM
In addition to the guidance mentioned above, the Executive Board has provided several additional points of guidance on completing the CDM-NM-AR form and proposal of new A/R methodologies. This guidance is contained in the document entitled Technical Guidelines for the Development of New Afforestation/Reforestation Baseline and Monitoring Methodologies (EB 35 Annex 21).