Verra Approves First Carbon Credits Under New ARR Methodology
Global standards body Verra has announced the approval of the world’s first carbon credits issued under its new afforestation, reforestation and revegetation methodology, known as VM0047.
The milestone approval allows the Brazil Cerrado 1 project to issue 230,120 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), marking a significant step forward for nature-based carbon removal initiatives. The methodology has also been recognised under the Core Carbon Principles framework of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, widely regarded as the highest global benchmark for carbon credit integrity.
Located across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, the large-scale project focuses on restoring degraded cattle pasture. The land had previously been subjected to repeated clearing cycles but is now being rehabilitated through native ecosystem restoration and sustainable forest management, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The initiative is registered under both Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards programmes, underscoring its environmental and social credentials.
Mandy Rambharos, Chief Executive of Verra, said the approval highlights the growing importance of nature-based solutions in tackling climate change.
“Afforestation, reforestation and revegetation are essential to meeting global climate goals,” she said. “This first approval under VM0047 demonstrates how Verra’s methodologies enable projects to deliver real, measurable and lasting impact.”
She added that the Cerrado region—one of the world’s most biodiverse yet threatened ecosystems—stands to benefit significantly from high-integrity carbon finance.
Over its initial 20-year crediting period, the project is expected to remove approximately 7.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere. It also aims to restore up to 25,000 hectares of forest, while supporting local communities through employment, training and sustainable livelihood programmes.
Tom Hodgman of BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group welcomed the development, noting that the project aligns with growing demand for high-quality carbon credits that deliver climate, biodiversity and financial outcomes.
Independent certification for the project was carried out by Aenor, which served as the validation and verification body.
The approval is seen as a landmark moment for the voluntary carbon market, signalling increased confidence in rigorous, science-based methodologies designed to ensure genuine environmental benefits.
