validation report: loru forest project...2015/10/09 · 41. loru forest project – monitoring...

ValidationReport:LoruForestProject

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NameofReviewer:DrNoimUddin,SeniorConsultantClimatePolicyandMarketsAdvisory(CPMA)InternationalAB

DateofReview:

Initialdeskreview16-22Nov2015;Fieldsitevisit23-26November2015;ValidationandReporting2-14Dec2015

ProjectName:LoruForestProject

AnavoideddeforestationprojectatLoru,SantoVanuatuundertheNakauProgram:AnIndigenousForestConservationProgramThroughPaymentsforEcosystemServices

ProjectDescription:

TheLoruForestProject(witheligibleforestareaof165.6hamadeupof1landparcels)inLuganville,SantoofVanuatuemploysthelegalinstrumentofaCommunityConservationAreatoprotectthetallcoastal rainforest within the project boundary. The project seeks to manage the area throughimplementationoftheLoruAreaManagementPlan,whichincludestheremovalofcattlefromtheareaandtoreducetheimpactofinvasiveweedswithinProjectArea.Theprojectwillestablishatreenurserywiththeclantogeneraterevenueandpromoteforestconservationandincreasesplantingofproductivetreespecies.

The project is divided into three management zones. Zone A – Avoided Deforestation wheresecondaryforesttoberehabilitatedthroughtheremovalofcattleandagreementnottoclearthearea for gardens or copra during project period. Zone B – Enhanced Forest Regeneration wherethickettobeweededofaggressiveherbaceousvinesandmanagedtoenhancenaturalregeneration.ZoneC–AgroforestryNonforestlandcurrentlyinfestedwithinvasivevines.

However,nocarbonrevenues fromZoneBandZoneCwillbegeneratedbut income isgeneratedfromZoneCandrehabilitatesdegradedareasunderZoneB.

TheLoruForestProjectaimstoprotecttheLorucoastalrainforest(oneofthelaststandsoflowlandrainforestontheEastCoastofEspirituSanto)anddeforestationandforestdegradation.TheprojectalsoaimstoprovidelivelihoodbenefitsfortheSerakarClan(landowners).Theprojectfurtheraimsto provide training in nut processing for women in the whole Khole community as an additionalincomesourcesthatreliesdirectlyonforestprotection.

ListofDocumentsReviewed:

1. Loru Forest Project – Project Description (PD) Part A: General Description (D3.2a v1.0,20151009)

2. Loru Forest Project – Project Descriptions (PD) Part B: PES Accounting (D3.2b v1.0,

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20151009)3. Technical Specifications Module: (C) AD-DtPF: Avoided Deforestation – Deforestation to

ProtectedForestV.10fortheNakauProgram(D2.2.1V1.0,20150815)4. Nakau Methodology Framework: General Methodology for the Nakau Program – An

Indigenous Forest Conservation Program Through Payments for Ecosystem Services (D2.1v1.0,20140428)

5. LoruForestProject–PESAgreement(D1.3v1.0,20151009)6. Loru Forest Project – Project Coordinator License Agreement between Live & Learn

EnvironmentalEducationVanuatuandtheNakauProgramPtyLtd(D1.4v1.0,20151009)7. Loru Forest Project – Program Agreement between the Nakau Program Operator and

SerthiacBusiness(D1.2v1.0,20151009)8. Project Development Agreement between Live & Learn Vanuatu and Serakar Family of

Khole,EspirituSanto(16January2013)9. Certificate of Incorporation of Committee of a Charitable Association, Live & Learn

Environmental Education Society Association, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission,RepublicofVanuatu,17April2001

10. CommunityConservationAreaRegistration(CCA)Notice–LoruProtectedArea16Nov2015(viaemailnotification)

11. DraftSaleandPurchaseAgreement12. LoruProtectedAreaManagementPlan,201513. LoruConservationArea–EducationProgramReport14. LoruCarbonBudgetandPricing15. LoruForestInventory16. SerthiacBusinessPlan17. LoruPIN(D3.3v1.0,20140606)18. Ser-Thiac Business Name Registration Certificate, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission

(RegistrationNo.013450,dated07Aug2014)19. Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationFinanceManual201420. Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationGoodPracticeManual201021. Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationRecruitmentPolicy22. Annual Audit Report, Live & Learn Environmental Education Society Committee (Inc)

VanuatuFinanceStatement30June201423. Memorandum of Understanding between Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE

Vanuatu)andtheVanuatuDepartmentofForests(2012)24. Memorandum of Understanding between Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE

Vanuatu)andSanmaProvincialGovernment25. Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationVanuatu,FieldTripReports(July,Aug,Sept,Oct2014)26. Mandate forManagement of Loru ProtectedArea, Custom Landowners of Loru Protected

Area,20Sept201527. ClimateChangeandREDD+EducationManual201228. Agreement for Serthiac Board to Sign Loru PES Agreement, Custom Landowners of Loru

ProtectedArea,13Nov201529. PESAgreementandProgramAgreementParticipationReport,13Nov201530. AgreementforSerthiacBoardtoSignLoruPESAgreementandLoruProgramAgreement,12

Nov201531. Acceptanceof LoruForestProjectPDPartAD3.2av1.020151009andLoruForestProject

PartBD3.2bv1.020151009,13Nov201532. PDSummaryReportSigned33. NakauProgramManagementReport201334. ProjectOwnerEntityParticipationReport,LoruForestProject,Nov2014

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35. NakauSalesRegister36. NationalForestAct200137. ShareholderAgreementtoConductaSocialEnterprise,TheNakauProgramPtyLtdandthe

Shareholders(Live&LearnandEkos),201538. DonnaKalfatak,LoruProtectedAreaRapidBiodiversityAssessmentReport,17-18Nov201439. KholeAgroforestryPlotDesign,Live&LearnCommunityREDD+Project(draft)40. PhilemonAla, LoruConservationAreaTerrestrialBiodiversityAssessmentReport forREDD

ProjectofLive&Learn16-19Nov201441. LoruForestProject–MonitoringReport1,2015(D3.3(1)v1.020151009b)42. LoruLivelihoodImpactMonitoringGuideandMethodologyforSocioeconomicBaseline43. LoruForestProject,ProtectedAreaBoundaryCoordinates44. PlanVivoFoundation,ValidationofMethodologyElementsof theNakauProgram21April

201545. VCSMonitoringReportTemplate46. Director’sCertificate–Monitoring12Dec201547. Memo dated 12 Aug 2015, Proposed Audi Procedure (from Sean Weaver and Robbie

HendersonofNakauProgramtoEvaSchoofandChrisStephensonofPlanVivo)48. LoruProtectedAreaBoundaryMarking201449. Contract Amendment, Amendment to Loru Project PES Agreement D1.3 v0.1, 20151009,

dated25Jan201650. AbouttheNakauProgrammehttp://www.nakau.org/about.html51. Sale Agreement – Carbon Offsetting Services between the Nakau Program Pty Ltd and

ZeroMissionAB(signed)52. Socio-economicsurveyforms(completed),Live&LearnVanuatu53. Validation of Technical Specification Module: (C) 2.1 (AD-DtPF): Avoided Deforestation –

DeforestationtoProtectedForestV1.0fortheNakauProgram54. ResponsetoCARsandClarificationRequest,LoruForestProject,SeanWeaver14Feb201655. ReadinessPreparationProposal(R-PP)Vanuatu7Oct201356. VCS Guideline – Technical Guidance for Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ Programs 2 Jun

201557. LoruAdditionalityAssessment,theNakauProgram58. ToolforthedemonstrationandassessmentofadditionalityinVCSagriculture,forestryand

otherlanduse(AFOLU)projectactivities,VT0001,v1.0

Descriptionoffieldvisits(includinglistofsitesvisitedandindividuals/groupsinterviewed):

ValidationofLoruForestProjectwasconductedinconjunctionwithfirstverificationofLoruForestProject.

During23to26November2015,DrNoimUddinconductedfieldsitevisitandinspection.Sitevisitinspection included field visit into eligible forest area and performing interview with ProjectStakeholders including – Project Coordinator (Live & Learn Vanuatu), Program Operator (NakauProgram),andProjectOwner(SerThiac),anumberofstakeholdersandcommunities.

Field visit was conducted as per on-site visit plan dated 17 Nov 2015. Field visit started with aninceptionmeetingwithProjectOperatoron23Nov2015inPortVilla.On24Nov2015,anopeningmeetingwasheldatLive&LearnVanuatu.On-siteauditprocess,confidentialityandrequirements

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as per Plan Vivo Terms of Reference for Project Validation (v.2013) were described. Followed byinceptionmeeting,stakeholderconsultationwascarriedoutinPortVillaon24Nov2015.Fieldvisitatprojectsiteandcommunityconsultationwasconducted inSanto,Vanuatuduring25Nov2015.Restsstakeholderswereinterviewedduring26Nov2015inPortVila(followingtableprovidesdetailsofinterview).AclosingmeetingwasheldwithProjectOperatorandProjectCoordinatoron26Nov2015.During the close-outmeeting, findings fromon-site visitwere sharedwithProjectOperatorandProjectCoordinator(asalsolistedinTable1:Summaryofmajorandminorcorrectiveactions).

Followingtableprovidesdetailsofinterview.

Date Name Position&Department Topics23-26.11.2015 AnjaliNelson Co-Director,Nakau

ProgramOperator24-26.11.2015 GlarindaAndre REDD+Project

Coordinator,Live&LearnVanuatu

24-26.11.2015 SergeWarakar REDD+ProjectOfficer,Live&LearnVanuatu

EffectiveandTransparentProjectGovernance,AdministrativeCapabilities,TechnicalCapabilities,Socialcapabilities,MonitoringandReportingcapabilities,Benefitsharingandequity,Saleagreementsandpayments,Socio-economicimpactassessmentandmonitoringplan,Community-ledplanning

24.11.2015 EphraimD.Songi

VCS

24.11.2015 WatsonLui DeputyDirector,DepartmentofForestry

24.11.2015 SamsonLulu REDD+Ext.&OutreachOfficer,DepartmentofForestry

24.11.2015 GodfreyBome SeniorForestOfficer,DepartmentofForestry

NationalREDD+ReadinessProgram,EcosystemandLivelihoodbenefits,ForestInventory,Traceabilityanddoublecounting,

24.11.2015 DickTomker RegionalForestOfficerNorth,DepartmentofForestry(Santo)

24.11.2015 JudeTabi RegionalForestOfficerSouth,DepartmentofForestry(Vila)

NationalREDD+ReadinessProgram,Ecosystemandlivelihoodbenefits,ForestInventory

24.11.2015 AnacletPhilip SanmaEnvironmentOfficer,DepartmentEnvironmentalProtectionandConservation,SanmaProvince

Monitoring,ForestManagementPlan,Communityengagement,Biodiversitymonitoring

24.11.2015 DrSeanWeaver EkosNZ,NakauProgram(viaSkypecall)

NakauMethodologyFramework,Carbonbenefits,Accountingmethodology,Baseline,Additionality,Permanence,Leakage,Traceabilityanddouble-counting,Monitoring

24.11.2015 RobbieHenderson

Live&LearnInternational,Nakau

NakauMethodologyFramework,PlanVivoRequirements

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Program(viaSkypecall)25.11.2015 SeroIsaiah ForestOfficer,Santo–

SanmaProvinceInterpreter

25.11.2015 PeterServet Chief,KholeVillage25.11.2015 JohnVimoli Pastor,KholeVillage

(SharkbaySession)25.11.2015 JerryIavroBoaz LeadingElder,Khole

Village(SharkbaySession)

25.11.2015 KaltapasSam ChiefCouncil,KholeVillage

EcosystemsandLivelihoodbenefits,Biodiversity,ForestConservation

25.11.2015 ClarenceSerDan

AdministrationOfficer,SerthiacForestProject

25.11.2015 KalsakauSer ChairmanoftheLandManagementCommittee,SerthiacForestProject

25.11.2015 GeorgeKalorip BoardMember,SerthiacForestProject

25.11.2015 SteveSer ChairmanofBoard,SerthiacForestProject

25.11.2015 RositoMoses Member,SerakarClan25.11.2015 TonnyMoses Member,SerakarClan25.11.2015 KatesFred Member,SerakarClan25.11.2015 SamuelDan Member,SerakarClan25.11.2015 OliFred BoardMember,Serthiac

ForestProject25.11.2015 RimanSer FieldOperator,Serthiac

ForestProject25.11.2015 RachelSer MemberofFinance

Committee,SerthiacForestProject

25.11.2015 RosinaMoses MemberofFinanceCommittee,SerthiacForestProject

EcosystemsandLivelihoodbenefits,Socio-economicimpactassessment/monitoringplan,Community-ledplanning,Plantingnativeandnaturalisedspecies,Ecologicalimpacts,Planvivos

ValidationOpinion:

Insummary,itistheopinionofthevalidatorthattheprojectactivityLoruForestProjectinVanuatuasdescribedinthePDmeetsallrelevantPlanVivorequirementsforthePerformanceforEcosystemsServices Project and all relevant host country requirements. The Loru Forest Project has correctlyadoptedthebaselineandmonitoringmethodology.Table1.SummaryofmajorandminorCorrectiveActions[NowALLCLOSED]

Theme MajorCARs MinorCARs Observations

Governance Clarificationrequest:LegalEntity(ProjectCoordinator).Finding:Live&Learn

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EnvironmentalEducationSocietyCommitteeasperVanuatuFinancialServicesCommittee,whereasPDPartArefersLive&LearnVanuatuasProjectCoordinator.OtheragreementsalsoincludeLive&LearnVanuatu.

Response:ProjectCoordinatorhasprovidedaContractAmendmentinresponsetotheCARrelevanttoLegalEntity.AmendmenttoLoruProjectPESAgreementD1.3v0.1,20151009,dated25Jan2016/49/indicatesthatLive&LearnEnvironmentalEducationSocietyCommitteeregisteredasaCharitableAssociationon17April2001withtheVanuatuFinancialServicesCommissionisthelegalentitythroughanycontractand/ordocumentationrelatingtotheLoruForestProject.Assessment:TheContractAmendmentdocumenthasbeencheckedandfoundithasbeensigneddulyasrequired.Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationSocietyCommitteeregistered

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asaCharitableAssociationon17April2001withtheVanuatuFinancialServicesCommissionisthelegalentitythroughanycontractand/ordocumentationrelatingtotheLoruForestProject.TheCARisCLOSED.

Carbon CAR:AdditionalityasperPlanVivo(2013)5.4,5.4.1and5.4.2hasnotbeenaddressedinPDPartBandTS

Response:AdditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeendemonstratedadequately/57/.LoruForestProjecthasappliedthemostrecentVCStoolforthedemonstrationofadditionality:ToolforthedemonstrationandassessmentofadditionalityinVCSagriculture,forestryandotherlanduse(AFOLU)projectactivities,VT0001,v1.0/58/.Assessment:AdditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeencheckedandithasbeenfoundthatadditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeendemonstratedadequately/57/.TheCARisCLOSED.

ClarificationRequest:Asper5.9PlanVivo(2013),aMonitoringplanmustbedevelopedforeachprojectinterventionwhichspecifies5.9.6–ResourcesandCapacityRequired.Itwasobservedduringon-sitevisitandinterviewingmonitoringresponsible(ProjectOwnerandProjectCoordinator)thatcapacitybuilding,trainingandhardware(informationmanagementsystems)arerequiredtobeinplaceinfuturemonitoringactivities.

Assessment:ProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeenchecked.Rolesandresponsibilitiesinregardtoprojectmonitoringhavebeendemonstratedappropriately.MonitoringPlanincludescapacitybuilding,Trainingandhardware(informationmanagementsystems)

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CAR:asper5.9PlanVivo(2013),aMonitoringplanmustbedevelopedforeachprojectinterventionwhichspecifies5.9.2–Monitoringapproaches(methods).PDPartB,MonitoringReportandTSlackappropriatemonitoringapproaches(methods)

Responses:LoruForestProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeendevelopedanddemonstratedinPDPartB/2/.RolesandresponsibilitiesinregardtoprojectmonitoringhasbeendemonstratedinPDPart(B)Table8.1.6/2/whichisconsistentwithmonitoringguidelineasperTechnicalSpecificationModule(C)2.1(AD-DtPF)/3/.ResponsibilityandrequiredresourcesavailabilitywerecheckedwithProjectCoordinatorandProgramOperatorduringon-siteinspectionandappearedappropriateasrequiredbyadoptedmethodologies.

Assessment:ProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeenchecked.Rolesandresponsibilitiesinregardtoprojectmonitoringhavebeen

asrequiredduringmonitoring.

ThisClarificationRequestisCLOSED.

ClarificationRequest:Asper5.14PlanVivo(2013)……projectinterventionareasmustnotbeinuseforanyotherprojectsorinitiatives…….ProjectCoordinator,ProjectOwnerandProgramOperatorshallconsiderappropriatesafeguardmeasuresinordertoavoiddoublecounting.

Responses:Issueofdoublecountingareaddressedintworeferencedocs:ReadinessPreparationProposal(R-PP)Vanuatu7Oct2013/55/,andVCSGuideline–TechnicalGuidanceforJurisdictionalandNestedREDD+Programs2Jun2015/56/.Project-scaleREDD+willbeincorporatedintonationalprogramviatheJNRIbeingdevelopedbyVCS(pages15and67)/56/TheguidancefromVCSonhowERsareaccountedforwithintheJNRI(pg8and9)/55/Assessment:Issueofdoublecountingareaddressed

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demonstratedappropriately.ThisCARisCLOSED.

intworeferencedocs:ReadinessPreparationProposal(R-PP)Vanuatu7Oct2013/55/,andVCSGuideline–TechnicalGuidanceforJurisdictionalandNestedREDD+Programs2Jun2015/56/.TheclarificationRequestisCLOSED.

Ecosystem

Livelihoods

Theme 1. EffectiveandTransparentProjectGovernance

Ensuringthattheprojectmeetsrequirements3.1-3.16ofthePlanVivoStandard(2013)

A. Requirement

1.1 Administrativecapabilities

Istherealegalandorganisationalframeworkinplacethathasthesufficientcapacityandarangeofskillstoimplementalltheadministrativerequirementsoftheproject?Aspectsofthisframeworkmayinclude:

1.1.1 Alegalentity(projectcoordinator)thatisabletoenterintosaleagreementswithmultipleproducersorproducergroupsforcarbonservices

1.1.2 Standardsaleagreementtemplatesfortheprovisionofcarbonservices

1.1.3 Systemsformaintainingtransparentandauditedfinancialaccountsabletothesecurereceipt,holdinganddisbursementofpaymentstoproducers

1.1.4 Allnecessarylegalpermissionstocarryouttheintendedprojectactivities

1.1.5 Mechanismsforparticipantstodiscussissuesassociatedwiththedesignandrunningoftheproject

1.1.6 Proceduresforaddressinganyconflictsthatmayarise1.1.7 AbilitytoproducereportsrequiredbyPlanVivoonaregularbasisand

communicateregularlywithPlanVivo

B. Findings(describe)

The Loru Forest Project is coordinated by Live & Learn EnvironmentalEducationSocietyCommittee–Vanuatu.Live&LearnEnvironmentalSocietyCommittee is incorporated inVanuatu as per Certificateof IncorporationofCommitteeofaCharitableAssociation,Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationSociety Association, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, Republic of

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Vanuatu,17April2001/9/.

Live&LearnisregisteredundertheAustralianAssociationsIncorporationAct1981, as a non-government organization since 14 November 1992 andwasentered into the Register of Environmental Organizations on 14 June 2002andthroughthisregistrationundertheIncomeTaxAssessmentAct1997item6.1.1 of subsection 30-55(1) to receive deductible donations. Live & LearnAustralia provides support to Live& Learn Environmental Education SocietyCommittee – Vanuatu, the later which is part of the regional Live & Learnnetwork/1/.

The Project Owner of Loru Forest Project is Ser-Thiac /18//7/. Ser-Thiac isregisteredinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheBusinessNamesAct[CAP211]ofVanuatuFinancialServicesCommission,RepublicofVanuatu/18/.

TheProgramOperatoristheNakauProgramPtyLtd.TheNakauProgramLtdis a business registered under Australian Law and wholly owned by twocharities:Live&LearnInternationalandEkos/37//50/.

ProjectCoordinatorLicenseAgreementbetweenLive&LearnEnvironmentalEducationVanuatuandtheNakauProgramPtyLtd,(D1.4v1.0,20151009)/6/hasbeensignedatthetimeofvalidation.

Atthetimeofvalidation,bothProgramAgreementbetweenNakauProgramPty Ltd and Live & Learn Environmental Education – Vanuatu (D1.2 v1.0,20151009) /7/ and PES Agreement between Live & Learn EnvironmentalEducation – Vanuatu and Ser-Thiac (D1.2 v1.0, 20151009) /8/ have beensigned.

Thedocumentreviewandon-siteinspection(interviewwithkeypersonnelaslisted under section of site-visit details as above) indicates that institutionalarrangements and legal agreements are in place. Project Coordinator andProgram Operator have the sufficient capacity and a range of skills toimplementalltheadministrativerequirementsoftheproject.

According toClause3.1 (f)of theProgramAgreement /7/grantspermissionfortheProgramOperatortoenter intoaSaleandPurchaseAgreementwithpurchasersforPESUnitsactingasSalesAgentonbehalfoftheProjectOwner– Ser-Thiac. The first Sales and Purchase Agreement signed at the ProgramLevelwithZeroMission/51/betweenNakauProgramPtyLtdandZeroMissionAB.Thesalesagreementclearly laysoutrequirements inregardto issuance,monitoring,andreportingofemissionreductionscertificates.

The PES Agreement /5/ clearly lays out roles and responsibilities of ProjectCoordinatorandProjectOwner,distributionofincomefromsalesofemissionreductioncreditsandarrangementof20%riskbufferrequirements.

Annual Audit Report, Live & Learn Environmental Education SocietyCommittee (Inc) Vanuatu Finance Statement 30 June 2014 /22/ and Live &

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Learn Environmental Education FinanceManual 2014 /19/ indicate that thefinancial statements present fairly in all material respects the financialpositions of Live & Learn Environmental Education Society Committee –Vanuatu.BasedontheevidenceanddiscussionwithProgramOperator,itisintheopinionoftheAuditorthatProjectCoordinatorandProgramOperatorhasthe capacity to manage large quantities of funds from diverse public andprivatesourcesandtodisburseandtrackofcarbonfinance.

Review of Good Practice Manual of Live & Learn Environmental Education/20/ and interview with Project Coordinator and Program Operator revealsthatnecessarymeasuresareinplacetoaddressanyconflictofinterests.Project Coordinator and Program Operator have the capacity of reportsrequiredbyPlanVivoonaregularbasisandcommunicateregularlywithPlanVivo.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A

D. CorrectiveActions(describe)

Clarificationrequest:LegalEntity(ProjectCoordinator).

Finding: Live & Learn Environmental Education Society Committee as perVanuatuFinancialServicesCommittee,whereasPDPartArefersLive&LearnVanuatuasProjectCoordinator.Otheragreementsalso includeLive&LearnVanuatu.

Response:ProjectCoordinatorhasprovidedaContractAmendment in response to theCARrelevanttoLegalEntity.AmendmenttoLoruProjectPESAgreementD1.3v0.1, 20151009, dated 25 Jan 2016 /49/ indicates that Live & LearnEnvironmental Education Society Committee registered as a CharitableAssociationon17April2001withtheVanuatuFinancialServicesCommissionisthelegalentitythroughanycontractand/ordocumentationrelatingtotheLoruForestProject.Assessment:TheContractAmendmentdocumenthasbeencheckedandfoundithasbeensigned duly as required. Live & Learn Environmental Education SocietyCommittee registered as a CharitableAssociationon 17April 2001with theVanuatu Financial Services Commission is the legal entity through anycontractand/ordocumentationrelatingtotheLoruForestProject.TheCARisCLOSED.

A. Requirement

1.2 Technicalcapabilities

Istheprojectthroughitsstafforpartnersabletoprovidetimelyandgoodqualitytechnicalassistancetoproducersand/orcommunitiesinplanningandimplementingtheproductive,sustainableandeconomicallyviableforestmanagement,silviculturalandagroforestryactionsproposedfortheprojectandforanyadditionallivelihoodsactivitiesthatarealsoplanned?

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Live & Learn Environmental Education Society Committee – Vanuatu asProjectCoordinatorwithclosecooperationwiththeNakauProgramPtyLtdasProgram Operator to provide technical assistance to Project Owner – Ser-Thiac and overall technical support needed to implement the Loru ForestProject/1/.

TheLoruForestProjectisbeingmanagedbySer-ThiacwithclosecooperationwiththeProjectCoordinator–Live&LearnEnvironmentalEducationSocietyCommittee–Vanuatu.

Program Operator and Project Coordinator demonstrated knowledge ofagroforestry and land management techniques as well as a competencyadministeringthetechnicalassistanceactivitiesoccurringatthefieldsites.

Forestrangers(asengagedbySer-Thiac)havesubstantialtechnicalknowledgeintheareasofagricultureandforestryandthecapabilitytoworkwithProjectCoordinatorandProgramOperator.Project Coordinator and Program Operator have planned and conductedcapacity building programs in order to provide timely and good qualitytechnical assistance to Project Owner (administrative personnel and ForestRangers) in planning and implementing the productive, sustainable andeconomicallyviableforestmanagement,silviculturalandagroforestryactionsproposedfortheprojectandforanyadditional livelihoodsactivitiesthatareplannedenhancingmonitoringcapabilities/13/.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 1.3 Socialcapabilities

Istheproject,throughitsstafforpartnersabletodemonstrateanunderstandingofthesocialconditionsofthetargetgroups/communitiesandlikelyimplicationsoftheprojectforthese?Thismightinclude:

1.3.1 Ademonstratedabilitytoselectappropriatetargetgroupsthroughstakeholderanalysisandtounderstandtheimplicationsoftheprojectforspecificgroupse.g.poor,women,sociallydisadvantagedetc.

1.3.2 Groups/communitiesthatarewell-informedaboutthePlanVivoSystemandthenatureofcarbonandecosystemservices

1.3.3 Localgroups/communitiesthatcandemonstrateeffectiveself-governanceanddecision-making

1.3.4 Well-establishedandeffectiveparticipatoryrelationshipsbetweenproducersandtheprojectcoordinator

1.3.5 Demonstratedabilitytoestablishland-tenurerightsthroughengagingwithproducers/communitiesandotherrelevantorganisations

X

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1.3.6 Abilitytoconsultwithandinteractwithproducers/communitiesonasustainedbasisthroughparticipatory‘tools’andmethods

1.3.7 Establishedsystemforconflictresolution


Project Coordinator and Program Operator have successfully carried outcommunity engagement processes and identified and developed long-termrelationshipswith ProjectOwner andother CommunityMembers (includingwomen’s group, elders, youth and others – church, school and neighbours)from Loru Project Area. Records of such events (photographs, agenda andoutcomes) are presented in Project Owner Entity Participation Report /34/andLoruForestProjectEducationProgramReport/13/.

The Project Area encloses the land owned by the Serakar Clan anddemarcatedasaCommunityConservationArea.Asperlocalcustomlaw,landpassesthroughpatrilineallines.ChiefSerakar’sgrandson,ChiefStephenSkip,is the current landowner of Loru. During on-site inspection and interviewcustomarylandownershipwasconfirmedbyChiefStephenSkip.Ser-Thiac,theProject Owner was formed in 2014 /18/. Ser-Thiac Board consists of arepresentativefromthefivechildrenoftheOldChiefSerakar/16/.

ProjectDevelopmentAgreementbetweenLive&LearnVanuatuandSerakarFamilyofKhole,EspirituSantowassignedon16January2013/8/.ReviewofProjectOwnerParticipationReport–LoruForestProjectNov2014/34/andLive & Learn environmental Education Vanuatu – Field Trips Reports /25/reveal records of various community meetings and outcomes from trainingworkshops.ProjectCoordinatorconductedsocio-economicbaselinesurveyinordertoassesscommunitylivelihood/1/.

Project Coordinator and Program Operator were able to demonstrateunderstandingofthesocialconditionsofthetargetgroups/communitiesandlikelyimplicationsoftheLoruForestProject.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 1.4 MonitoringandReportingcapabilities

DoestheprojecthaveaneffectivemonitoringandreportingsysteminplacethatcanregularlymonitorprogressandprovideannualreportstothePlanVivoFoundationaccordingtothereportingscheduleoutlinedinthePDD?

1.4.1 Accuratelyreportprogress,achievementsandproblemsexperienced1.4.2 Transparentlyreportsalesfiguresanddemonstrateresource

allocationintheinterestoftargetgroups

X

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At the time of validation no emission reductions certificates were traded.However,thefirstSalesandPurchaseAgreementsignedattheProgramLevelwithZeroMission/51/betweenNakauProgramPtyLtdandZeroMissionAB.The sales agreement clearly lays out requirements in regard to issuance,monitoring,andreportingofemissionreductionscertificates.

ProjectCoordinatoralsodemonstratedtheirscapacitytodevelopandmanagecomplexfiscalandprogrammaticreportingrequirementsaswellasthehardandsoftinfrastructuresrequiredtotrackPlanVivoactivities.

Basedon these, it is conclusive thatProjectCoordinator,ProjectOwnerandProgram Operator are capable of maintaining accurate and transparentreporting procedures and producing and submitting annual reports to thePlanVivobasedonanagreeduponschedule.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


Theme 2. CarbonBenefits


A. Requirement 2.1 Accountingmethodology

Havethecarbonbenefitsbeencalculatedusingrecognisedcarbonaccountingmethodologiesand/orapprovedapproachesandaretheestimatesofcarbonuptake/storageconservativeenoughtotakeintoaccountrisksofleakageandreversibility?


Loru Forest Project has adopted carbon accountingmethodology TS (c) 2.1(AD-DtPF):AvoidedDeforestation–DeforestationtoProtectedForestV1.0fortheNakauProgram/3/asperNakauMethodologyFramework/4/.

Each project in the Nakau Program is developed bymeans of applying twomethodologicalcomponents:

• The Nakau Methodology Framework (covering all generalmethodologyelements)

• ATechnicalSpecificationModuleforeachactivitytypeandmeasuredecosystems service (ecosystem service accounting elements specifictothatactivitytype).

TheNakauMethodologyFrameworkhasbeenvalidatedunderPlanVivo/44/and an approved approach for projects being developed under the NakauProgram. Program Operator has developed the Nakau MethodologyFrameworkanddemonstratedsufficientunderstandingoncarbonaccounting

X

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methodologyandapproach.

At the time of validation of Loru Forest Project, the first validation ofTechnical Specification TS (c) 2.1 (AD-DtPF): Avoided Deforestation –Deforestation to Protected Forest V1.0 for the Nakau Program has beencompleted /53/. The Validation of The TS concluded that TechnicalSpecifications as described in the Technical Specifications documentationVersion1.0, dated15August 2015meets all relevant requirementsof PlanVivo Standard (2013), ISO 14064-2, and IPCC guidelines and are technicallysound for carbon accounting.All CARs andClarificationRequests havebeenadequatelyaddressed/53/.TheTechnicalSpecificationsModulesetsoutclearconditionsunderwhichitcanbeapplied.TheModuleisapplicabletoprojectactivities that implement legal protection of the eligible forests within theproject areas for the duration of the project period against a baseline ofdeforestationandforestdegradationcausedbyconversionofforeststonon-forest landuse in areas thathavebeendesignated, sanctionedor approvedforsuchactivitiesbythenationaland/orlocalregulatoryauthorities.

Interview with Program Operator reveals that internal review of TS (c) 2.1(AD-DtPF):AvoidedDeforestation–DeforestationtoProtectedForestV1.0fortheNakau Programby Technical Advisory Committeewill be carried out byPlan Vivo /54/. Review of the Technical Specifications Module will becompleted by TAC (Technical Advisory Committee of Plan Vivo). ProgramOperator–theNakauProgramsentaMemo(dated12Aug2015)/47/toPlanVivo and have had discussion with Plan Vivo to undertake a combinedvalidationandverificationauditprocessforthefirstverification.AccordingtoPlanVivothiswouldbefine.UnderthePlanVivosystemtheydonotnormallyseparate out the methodology and have that audited separately ahead ofvalidation of the PD. Instead the technical specification is normallyincorporatedintothePDsomewhatlikeamethodologychapter,andbotharevalidatedatthesametime.

TS (c) 2.1 (AD-DtPF): Avoided Deforestation – Deforestation to ProtectedForest V1.0 for the Nakau Program is based on, and follows themethodological requirements/guidance of Plan Vivo Standard (2013), ISO14064-2,theVCSand2006IPCCGuidelinesforGHGinventories.

Adoptedmethodologyelementmeasuresgreenhousegasecosystemservicederived from avoided forest activities in land use that avoids conversion offorest to non-forest land uses. The GHG elements of this TechnicalSpecificationsModuleapplytoanthropogeniccarbonstockchangefactorsinthe baseline and project scenarios. The GHG sources, sinks and reservoirsestimated in Loru Forest Project are restricted to LULUCF sector carbonemissionsandremovals/3/.

The total volume of carbon stored in the above ground carbon pools ismeasuredinthisprojectbymeansofacarbonstockinventory.Carbonstoredbelow ground is derived from the application of a root-shoot ratio. GHGsources and sinks estimated in this project are restricted to LULUCF carbonpools that are controlled by the Project Owners and lie within the Eligible

17

ForestAreaoftheproject.

Project activity emissions are excluded from this methodology and as suchproject GHG emissions focuses on Enhanced Removals (ER) where relevant(expressedasanegativenumber todenotea removal). EnhancedRemovalsarecalculatedforannual forestgrowth inLoggedForest landparcelsfortheProject Period. The rate of Enhanced Removals is set at the meansequestrationratefortheforesttype.

Total Activity Shifting Leakage (TAL) is calculated = 0. There is no activityshifting leakage in this project. All tall forest within the Project Area isprotectedunderthisproject.During validation, Project Coordinator and ProgramOperator demonstratedsufficient understanding of the carbon accounting methodology. ProjectOwnerdemonstratedthattheyhaveclearunderstandingofagroforestryplotandelementsofcarbonaccountingmethodology/38/.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 2.2 Baseline

Arethecarbonbenefitsoftheprojectmeasuredagainstaclearandcrediblecarbonbaseline(foreachprojectintervention)?


Baselineactivitiesforthisprojectarerestrictedtodeforestationimplementedonforest landsandare included inthe IPCCcategory“forest landconvertedto non-forest land”. Only areas that have been designated, sanctioned orapprovedforsuchactivities(e.g.wherethereislegalsanctiontodeforest)bythenationaland/orlocalregulatorybodiesareeligibleforcreditingunderthisproject.Themost likely land use in the absence of the project is deforestation andland conversion to coconut plantations in combination with cattle grazing.This land use is the prevalent land use in the lands surrounding the ProjectAreaandisthemostcommonlanduseineasternSanto,Vanuatu.Themethodologiesfordemonstratingbaseline(projectactivity)areclearandcredibleandinaccordancewiththeNakauMethodologyFrameworkthathasbeenvalidatedunderPlanVivo/44/.A robust socio-economic impact assessment andmonitoringplan is in placethat can measure changes against the baseline scenario in regard to LoruForestProject.Determiningsocio-economicbaselineisinaccordancewiththeNakauMethodologyFrameworkthathasbeenvalidatedunderPlanVivo/44/.

X

18

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 2.3 Additionality

Arethecarbonbenefitsadditional?Wouldtheybegeneratedintheabsenceoftheproject?Willactivitiessupportedbytheprojecthappenwithouttheavailabilityofcarbonfinance?


AdditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeendemonstratedadequately/57/.Loru Forest Project has applied the most recent VCS tool for thedemonstrationofadditionality:Toolforthedemonstrationandassessmentofadditionality inVCSagriculture, forestry andother landuse (AFOLU)projectactivities,VT0001,v1.0/58/.

Themostplausiblebaselinescenarioforthisprojectisacombinationofcopraproductioncattlegrazingandcashcropgardeningfollowingthedeforestationof the forest in question. This would be combined with the retention of asmall percentage of indigenous forest in areas not suitable to theseagricultural activities due to steepness of land and the likelihood of smallpatchesofremnantforestinareasnotuseddirectlyforagriculture.

BarrieranalysisapproachhasbeenadoptedindemonstratingadditionalityoftheLoruProjectActivity.ThebarriertoaprojecttopermanentlyprotecttheindigenousforestatLoruisthe inabilityofaprotectedforesttocatertothereasonable (and very basic) socio-economic development needs andaspirationsof the local community, nowand into the future. This barrier torainforestprotectionisnotabarriertotheimplementationofthealternativelandusescenariosidentifiedinthebaseline:copraproduction,cattlegrazingandcashcropping.Thealternativelandusescenariosmentionedheredirectlyovercomes the barrier to economic development posed by the long-termprotectionoftheindigenousforest.

The project activity is the first of its kind in Vanuatu and so there is noopportunitytocompareitwithsimilaractivitiesthathavealreadydiffusedinthegeographicalareaoftheproposedproject.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


CAR:AdditionalityasperPlanVivo(2013)5.4,5.4.1and5.4.2hasnotbeenaddressedinPDPartBandTS

Response:AdditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeendemonstratedadequately/57/.Loru Forest Project has applied the most recent VCS tool for the

X

X

19

demonstrationofadditionality:Toolforthedemonstrationandassessmentofadditionality inVCSagriculture, forestry andother landuse (AFOLU)projectactivities,VT0001,v1.0/58/.Assessment:AdditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeencheckedandithasbeenfoundthatadditionalityofLoruForestProjecthasbeendemonstratedadequately/57/.TheCARisCLOSED.

A. Requirement 2.4 Permanence

Arepotentialriskstothepermanenceofcarbonstocksidentifiedintheprojecttechnicalspecificationsandareeffectiveandfeasiblemitigationmeasuresincludedintheprojectdesign?


TheProjectBufferRating(PBR)isusedtocalculatetheBufferforthebaselinetimeline.

TheProjectBufferRating(PBR)isequalto0.2inthisTechnicalSpecificationsModule. This is in accordance with Technical Specification and adoptedmethodology elements in accordance with the Nakau MethodologyFramework.

20% buffer is higher thanminimum buffer (10%) as recommended by PlanVivo(2013).

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 2.5 Leakage

Havepotentialsourcesofleakagebeenidentifiedandareeffectiveandfeasiblemitigationmeasuresinplaceforimplementation


ClearproceduresandguidanceareprovidedintheTechnicalSpecificationsforassessing leakage and uncertainty in the estimation of baseline and projectGHGemissions,aswellasformonitoringtheGHGprojectactivities,whichisalsoinaccordanceoftheNakauMethodologyFramwork.Total Activity Shifting Leakage (TAL) is calculated = 0. There is no activityshifting leakage in this project. All tall forest within the Project Area isprotectedunderthisproject.Market leakage is not measured in this Technical Specifications Modulebecause thedriver for deforestation is small-scale, villagebased agriculturalproduction.TLK=0.

X

20

InterviewingwithProjectCoordinatorandProgramOperator reveals thatallpotential leakage has been addressed. Project Coordinator and ProgramOperatorhavegoodunderstandingof the importanceof addressing leakageamongstprojectparticipants.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 2.6 Traceabilityanddouble-counting

Arecarbonsalesfromtheprojecttraceableandrecordedinadatabase?

Aretheprojectinterventionareascoveredbyanyotherprojectsorinitiatives(includingregionalornationalinitiatives)?Arethereformalmechanismsinplacetoavoiddoublecounting?


At the time of validation no emission reductions certificates were traded.However,thefirstSalesandPurchaseAgreementsignedattheProgramLevelwithZeroMission/51/betweenNakauProgramPtyLtdandZeroMissionAB.The sales agreement clearly lays out requirements in regard to issuance,monitoring,andreportingofemissionreductionscertificates.

ProjectCoordinatoralsodemonstratedtheirscapacitytodevelopandmanagecomplexfiscalandprogrammaticreportingrequirementsaswellasthehardandsoftinfrastructuresrequiredtotrackPlanVivoactivities.

Basedon these, it is conclusive thatProjectCoordinator,ProjectOwnerandProgram Operator are capable of maintaining accurate and transparentreporting procedures and producing and submitting annual reports to thePlanVivobasedonanagreeduponschedule.

Loru Forest Project’s monitoring management includes data managementsystems, StandardOperating Procedure (includingmonitoring and reportingtools, templates, appropriate training tomonitoringpersonnel in the forest)and Quality Assurance (accessible of data by nominated personnel andstorage of data in multiple sites). Nakau Program has developed anInformationManagementSystemswhereLoruForestProjectdataarestoredelectronically.Hard copiesofdataare storedatProjectCoordinator’sOfficeand Project Owner’s field office. Implementation of data managementsystems was verified during field visit inspection and interviewing ProgramOperator,ProjectCoordinatorandProjectOwner.

Issue of double counting are addressed in two reference docs: ReadinessPreparation Proposal (R-PP) Vanuatu 7 Oct 2013 /55/, and VCS Guideline –TechnicalGuidanceforJurisdictionalandNestedREDD+Programs2Jun2015/56/.

X

21

Project-scaleREDD+will be incorporated intonational programvia the JNRIbeingdevelopedbyVCS(pages15and67)/56/Theguidance fromVCSonhowERsareaccounted forwithin the JNRI (pg8and9)/55/.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


Clarification Request: As per 5.14 Plan Vivo (2013) ……project interventionareas must not be in use for any other projects or initiatives ……. ProjectCoordinator,ProjectOwnerandProgramOperatorshallconsiderappropriatesafeguardmeasuresinordertoavoiddoublecounting.Responses:Issue of double counting are addressed in two reference docs: ReadinessPreparation Proposal (R-PP) Vanuatu 7 Oct 2013 /55/, and VCS Guideline –TechnicalGuidanceforJurisdictionalandNestedREDD+Programs2Jun2015/56/.Project-scaleREDD+will be incorporated intonational programvia the JNRIbeingdevelopedbyVCS(pages15and67)/56/Theguidance fromVCSonhowERsareaccounted forwithin the JNRI (pg8and9)/55/Assessment:Issue of double counting are addressed in two reference docs: ReadinessPreparation Proposal (R-PP) Vanuatu 7 Oct 2013 /55/, and VCS Guideline –TechnicalGuidanceforJurisdictionalandNestedREDD+Programs2Jun2015/56/.TheClarificationRequestisCLOSED.

A. Requirement 2.7 Monitoring

Doestheprojecthaveamonitoringplaninplace?Isitbeingimplementedanddoesitseemtobeaneffectivesystemformonitoringthecontinueddeliveryoftheecosystemservices?

Doestheprojectcoordinatorprescribeandrecordcorrectiveactionswheremonitoringtargetsarenotmetandaretheseeffectivelyfollowedupinsubsequentmonitoring?


LoruForestProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeendevelopedanddemonstratedinPDPartB /2/.Roles and responsibilities in regard toprojectmonitoringhasbeen demonstrated in PD Part (B) Table 8.1.6 /2/ which is consistent withmonitoringguidelineasperTechnicalSpecificationModule(C)2.1(AD-DtPF)/3/. Responsibility and required resources availability were cross-checkedwithProjectCoordinator,ProjectOwnerandProgramOperatorduringon-siteinspectionandappearedappropriateasrequiredbyadoptedmethodologies.

AccordingtotheNakauMethodologyFramework(validatedtothePlanVivoStandard(2013)),allprojectsintheNakauProgramarerequiredtoprepareaProjectMonitoringPlanaspartoftheProjectDescriptioninaccordancewith

X

22

requirements of 5.4 of Nakau Methodology Framework and elementsrequired in the relevant Technical Specifications Module/s applied. Theadoptedmonitoring plan for Loru Forest Project is detailed in Part B of PD(section8.1.5)andTechnicalSpecificationModule (C)2.1 (AD-DtPF) (section8.1.5).

An effectivemonitoring plan is in place in regard to Loru Forest Project. AsimplifiedStandardOperatingProcedure(SOP)hasbeendevelopedinregardtoProjectMonitoringduring first reportingperiod (from16 January2013to15January2015)asper8.1.6ofTechnicalSpecificationsModule(C)2.1(AD-DtPF) during first monitoring period and appeared to be effective. Hence,implementationofmonitoringplanwillbeeffective inmonitoringcontinueddeliveryofecosystemservices.

During validation and on-site inspection, interviewing with Project Ownerreveals that the level of understanding of project staff and participatingcommunitiesof themonitoringsystemensure that thereare responsibilitiesformonitoringarematchedbysufficientcapacity.Communitiesareawareofmonitoringandtheirrole.Incaseofanylossevent,thiswilladdressedasperrequirementof5.6ofTechnicalSpecificationsModule(C)2.1(AD-DtPF).

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


CAR: as per 5.9 Plan Vivo (2013), aMonitoring planmust be developed foreach project intervention which specifies 5.9.2 – Monitoring approaches(methods).PDPartB,MonitoringReportandTS lackappropriatemonitoringapproaches(methods)

Responses:LoruForestProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeendevelopedanddemonstratedinPDPartB /2/.Roles and responsibilities in regard toprojectmonitoringhasbeen demonstrated in PD Part (B) Table 8.1.6 /2/ which is consistent withmonitoringguidelineasperTechnicalSpecificationModule(C)2.1(AD-DtPF)/3/.Responsibility and required resources availabilitywere checkedwith ProjectCoordinator and Program Operator during on-site inspection and appearedappropriateasrequiredbyadoptedmethodologies.

Assessment:ProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeenchecked.Rolesandresponsibilitiesinregardtoprojectmonitoringhavebeendemonstratedappropriately.ThisCARisCLOSED.

ClarificationRequest:Asper5.9PlanVivo(2013),aMonitoringplanmustbedevelopedforeachprojectinterventionwhichspecifies5.9.6–ResourcesandCapacityRequired.Itwasobservedduringon-sitevisitandinterviewingmonitoringresponsible(ProjectOwnerandProjectCoordinator)thatcapacitybuilding,trainingandhardware(informationmanagementsystems)are

X

23

requiredtobeinplaceinfuturemonitoringactivities.

Assessment:ProjectMonitoringPlanhasbeenchecked.Rolesandresponsibilitiesinregardtoprojectmonitoringhavebeendemonstratedappropriately.MonitoringPlanincludescapacitybuilding,Trainingandhardware(informationmanagementsystems)asrequiredduringmonitoring.

ThisClarificationRequestisCLOSED.A. Requirement 2.8 PlanVivos

Aretheplanvivos(orlandmanagementplans)clear,appropriateandconsistentwithapprovedtechnicalspecificationsfortheproject?Willimplementationoftheplanscauseproducers’overallagriculturalproductionorrevenuepotentialtobecomeunsustainableorunviable?


On-site inspection and interviewing with Project Coordinator and ProjectOwner reveals that community groups were heavily involved in preparingcommunityforestmanagementplan.Section1.1.5oftheTechnicalSpecificationsModuleclearlyspecifiesthattheprojectperiodforallprojectsusingtheModuleshallbenolessthan30yearswithperpetualrightofrenewal.Thisindicatesthatland-usepatternshallnotbechangedduringprojectcycle.From on-site inspection and interviewing with Project Owner reveals thatimplementation of the project will not cause Project Owner’s overallagricultural production or revenue potential to become unsustainable orunviable.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


X

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Theme 3. Ecosystembenefits


A. Requirement

3.1 Plantingnativeandnaturalisedspecies

Aretheplantingactivitiesoftheprojectrestrictedtonativeandnaturalisedspecies?Ifnaturalisedspeciesarebeingusedaretheyinvasiveandwhateffectswilltheyhaveonbiodiversity?Havethespeciesbeenselectedbecausetheywillhaveclearlivelihoodsbenefits?


DuringvalidationavisualinspectionswascarriedoutatLoruForestProjectsites.LoruForestProjectprotectedareaisabiodiversityhotspot/38/.TheLoruForestProject involvesavoidingbaselineactivitiesofcopra,cattlegrazing, loggingandagricultural activities. These activities protects habitat for native plants. Inaddition improved understanding and practices for management of invasivespeciesalsoprotectsendangeredspecies.

During validation interviewing with Project Owner and Provincial Governmentreveals that avoiding baseline activities appeared enhancing protection ofremainingforestsandhavepositivebiodiversityandlivelihoodbenefits.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement

3.2 Ecologicalimpacts

Havethewiderecologicalimpactsoftheprojectbeenidentifiedandconsideredincludingimpactsonlocalandregionalbiodiversityandimpactsonwatersheds?


DuringvalidationavisualinspectionswascarriedoutatLoruForestProjectsites.TheforestofLoruConservationareacontainshighdiversityofbiodiversityandisregarded as one of the best lowland forest to be found in the Eastern part ofSanto/40/.TheLoruForestProjectinvolvesavoidingbaselineactivitiesofcopra,cattlegrazing,loggingandagriculturalactivities.Theseactivitiesprotectshabitatfor native plants. In addition improved understanding and practices formanagementofinvasivespeciesalsoprotectsendangeredspecies.

During validation interviewing with Project Owner and Provincial Governmentreveals that avoiding baseline activities appeared enhancing protection ofremaining forestsandhaspositivebiodiversitybenefits.LoruForestProjectwillact like an ecological bank improving access to food and indigenous plants insurroundingareas.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A

X

X

25


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Theme 4. LivelihoodBenefits

Ensuringthattheprojectmeetsrequirements4.1-4.14,7.1-7.5and8.1-8.10ofthePlanVivoStandard(2013)

A. Requirement 4.1 Community-ledplanning

Hastheprojecthasundergoneaproducer/community-ledplanningprocessaimedatidentifyinganddefiningsustainableland-useactivitiesthatservethecommunity’sneedsandpriorities?


ProjectCoordinatorhasactivelyengagedSerakarClanCommunity inprojectplanningandidentifyingland-useandforestconservationactivitiesthatservethecommunity’sneeds.

Review of Project Owner Entity Participation Report /34/ reveals engagingcommunities and landowner during pre-project agreement and post-projectagreement activities. Such activities are recorded in Project OwnerParticipationReport/34/andLive&LearnVanuatuFieldTripsReports/25/,whichisinaccordancewithNakauMethodologyFramework/4/.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 4.2 Socio-economicimpactassessment/monitoringplan

Istherearobustsocio-economicimpactassessmentandmonitoringplaninplacethatcanmeasurechangesagainstthebaselinescenario?


A robust socio-economic impact assessment andmonitoringplan is in placethat can measure changes against the baseline scenario in regard to LoruForestProject.

A community impactmeasurement frameworkhasbeendeveloped for LoruForest Project that includes a community impact survey instrument /1/.Reviewingcommunity impact survey instrumentandsamplesofhardcopiesofcompletedsurveyquestionnaires/52/,revealsthatinterviewedindividualsincludedyouthandwomen/1/.ProjectCoordinatorfacilitatedmeetingswiththe Serakar Clan between 1 and 4 July 2014. The Serakar Clan at this timegave their approval for theCommunity LivelihoodsAssessment to go aheadandendorsedtheindicatorstobeused/24/.

Reviewing indicators as per Community Impact Survey Instrument includedreveals that selected livelihoods indicators can effectivelymonitoring socio-economicchangestakingplace.

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27

Project Coordinator will monitor any negative impacts that may present asgradualshiftsinwaysoflivingwithintheclanandwillprovideeducationandawarenesstomitigatenegativeimpacts/1/.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 4.3 Saleagreementsandpayments

Doestheprojecthaveclearproceduresforenteringintosaleagreementswithproducers/communitiesbasedonsaleablecarbonfromplanvivos?

Doestheprojecthaveaneffectiveandtransparentprocessforthetimelyadministrationandrecordingofpaymentstoproducers?


The Project Area encloses the land owned by the Serakar Clan anddemarcatedasaCommunityConservationArea.Asperlocalcustomlaw,landpassesthroughpatrilineallines.ChiefSerakar’sgrandson,ChiefStephenSkip,is the current landowner of Loru. During on-site inspection and interviewcustomarylandownershipwasconfirmedbyChiefStephenSkip.Ser-Thiac,theProject Owner was formed in 2014 /18/. Ser-Thiac Board consists of arepresentativefromthefivechildrenoftheOldChiefSerakar/16/.

Atthetimeofvalidation,bothProgramAgreementbetweenNakauProgramPty Ltd and Live & Learn Environmental Education – Vanuatu (D1.2 v1.0,20151009) /7/ and PES Agreement between Live & Learn EnvironmentalEducation – Vanuatu and Ser-Thiac (D1.2 v1.0, 20151009) /8/ have beensigned.

PESAgreement/8/indicatesshareofcarbonfinance,relevantadministrationandineffectiveandtransparentwayamongProjectCoordinatorandProjectOwnerduringthelifecycleoftheLoruForestProject.

According toClause3.1 (f)of theProgramAgreement /7/grantspermissionfortheProgramOperatortoenter intoaSaleandPurchaseAgreementwithpurchasersforPESUnitsactingasSalesAgentonbehalfoftheProjectOwner– Ser-Thiac. The first Sales and Purchase Agreement signed at the ProgramLevelwithZeroMission/51/betweenNakauProgramPtyLtdandZeroMissionAB.Thesalesagreementclearly laysoutrequirements inregardto issuance,monitoring,andreportingofemissionreductionscertificates.

TheNakauProgramOperatorhasestablishedasalesregistertorecordallPESunit sales income and project related transactions /1/. During validationprocess,notransactionsweremade.Onceprojectbeginstrading,arecordofcash flow, profit and less and the project financial balance sheet will beincorporatedintoAnnualProjectManagementreports.

X

28

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


A. Requirement 4.4 Benefitsharingandequity

Willtheprojecthavelivelihoodsbenefitsforthelocalcommunity?Arethesebenefitslikelytoaccruetoallcommunitymembersand/orarebenefitstargetedatparticulargroupswithinthecommunity?Whatotheractionsistheprojecttakingtoensurethatdisadvantagedgroupse.g.women,landlesshouseholds,poorpeoplewillbenefitfromsalesofPlanVivocertificates?


TheLoruForestProjectwillhavelivelihoodsbenefitsforthelocalcommunityincludingdisadvantagedgroups.

A community impactmeasurement frameworkhasbeendeveloped for LoruForest Project that includes a community impact survey instrument /1/.Reviewingcommunity impact survey instrumentandsamplesofhardcopiesofcompletedsurveyquestionnaires/52/,revealsthatinterviewedindividualsincludedyouthandwomen/1/.TheSerakarClangavetheirapprovalfortheCommunityLivelihoodsAssessmenttogoaheadandendorsedtheindicatorstobeused/24/.

Analysis of indicators reveals that Loru Forest Project will offer ecosystemsbenefits, community benefits, biodiversity benefits and co-benefits. Duringon-site visit at the community, interviewwith several communitymembersrevealedthatthebenefitsfromLoruForestProjectwillbesharedamongthecommunity members including youths and elders. Some co-benefits (nutprocessing know-how and nursery) will assist income generation of elders.Neighbourswillbebenefittedfromknow-howandeducation/trainings.

C. Conformance

Yes

No

N/A


X

X