# Project Proposal Process A Project Developer can **propose a new project** using **any approved OCP methodologies**. If they wish to propose a project with a new methodology, [they must propose a new methodology](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/methodology-development-process.md) and get it approved with the expert panel before starting project proposal. #### **Project Proposal, Validation and Verification, and Credit Issuance Process:**

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#### **Project Lifecycle / Status:**
## Submitting a Project Proposal Draft The OCP currently requires Project Developers to submit a Project Proposal Form accompanying their PPD. The Project Proposal Form includes: * **Basics** * Attestation on only registering project on OCP * Project Title * Summary * Removal / Reduction * Primary + Secondary Sector Scope - see list of [approved scopes](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/methodology-basics/ocp-sectors-and-sub-sectors). * Location: Country, Specific Locations + Purpose * Collaborators * Start Date & End Date * Estimated Total Emission Reductions - range, indicative * **Methodology** - see list of [approved OCP methodologies](https://pilot.ocp.earth/all-methodologies). * **Safeguards, Co-Benefits and SDGs** - [see this section for more detail on our approach](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md). * **Evidence of Validity:** * Ownership + Compliance with Laws, Statutes & Other Regulatory Frameworks * Eligibility / Applicability * Project Boundary * Methodology Deviations * Baseline Scenario * Permanence * Additionality * Leakage * Previous Public Engagement / Consultations * Other (Optional) - may include uncertainty assessment, reversal risk explanations etc. * **Monitoring:** * Monitoring Dates, when monitored data will be requested for credit issuance - see more detail in [Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#data-verification) * Buffer Pool Contribution * Parameter Selection and Monitoring Plan * **GHG Emission Calculation**: input set variables, and monitored variables for projects doing[ data verification in tandem with validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#selecting-from-the-3-verification-pathways).
All documents, APIs, and communications are **publicly and transparently stored on the blockchain** as a single source of truth for future reference. We are moving away from long spreadsheets and pdfs, making sure all documentation and ingested data relating to the project proposals is publicly accessible. To preview the Project Proposal form, click here: {% file src="/files/7BYuywbTVuC8judIxSOm" %} **Project Validation:** In order for projects to be approved and registered on the OCP Registry, they must go through **Project Validation** and be approved by an independent VVB/Auditor. [This process is documented in the Project Validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#project-validation) section of the OCP Handbook. A project must be approved before credits can be issued. **Data Verification and Credit Issuance:** In order for credits to be issued for an approved project, data must be verified by an independent Validator. This process is documented in the [Data Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#data-verification) and [Credit Issuance](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/~/revisions/PA2zn8paHwt56IWiDbyy/registry/credit-issuance-process) sections of the OCP Handbook. *** ## Project Public Commentary and Stakeholder Consultation While a proposed project is undergoing [third-party project validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md), the project proposal will be published on the OCP for 15 days of public commentary via the OCP website. The Project Developer must respond to all public commentary and make any necessary changes to the project before validation is complete. The VVB will assess all comments and responses as part of the [project validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#project-validation) process. All comments and responses will be made publicly available with the project page on the registry. Project developers must also design and implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process in line with the [OCP Robust Stakeholder Engagement Process](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md#have-a-robust-stakeholder-engagement-processes). This must be documented under the '**Stakeholder Engagement Process and Response**' field of the Project Proposal form. Implementation must include conducting local public meetings and stakeholder consultations to assess social and environmental impacts prior to project implementation. These meetings must be documented, and comments and feedback must be resolved and followed up on before the project start date. The VVB will review the Stakeholder Engagement Process and documentation of meetings and feedback as part of the '[Minimum Requirements for Project Validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#minimum-requirements-for-project-validation)' in the [project validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md) process. *** ## OCP Project Specific Policies ### Adherence to International Conventions and Agreements, National and Local Law All projects must adhere to all relevant international conventions and agreements, as well as national and local laws. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of projects and credit issuance. ### Project Eligibility The Open Carbon Protocol has the flexibility to incorporate a variety of activity types, though the primary focus is project-based. [Please refer to this list of sectors with OCP methodologies either approved or in development](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/methodology-basics/ocp-sectors-and-sub-sectors). Sectors without methodologies are currently out-of-scope for projects until a methodology is developed and approved. REDD+ projects are currently out-of-scope and we do not allow any methodologies in this sector to be proposed. The OCP is geographically agnostic, however, as a US-based company, we cannot legally work with projects in [US-sanctioned countries](https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information). ### **Renewal of Crediting Period** The maximum crediting period allowed on the OCP is **20 years**, although some methodologies will set shorter crediting periods. Once an initial crediting period is complete, the project developer will have to submit a new project proposal if they wish to 'renew'. This project proposal will include reassessment of baseline scenarios and will need revalidation by a different third-party Validator than any previous projects using the same methodology. This process greatly reduces the chance for low-integrity projects or project fraud to operate on the OCP. In today's frequently changing carbon markets, we ask project developers to consider all projects as 'new', even if some of the underlying documents and information will be the same. ### Project Deviations If a project deviation is noted in the Project Proposal Form, there will be a 4-step escalating process: 1. ***VVB approved deviation***: If the validator is convinced that the deviation was (a) unavoidable (b) addressed in a manner consistent with industry best practices, and (c) doesn't impact the belief that the action conservatively reduces or removes one tonne of carbon, then the project can be validated through a normal process. The deviation will be noted as approved under this method in the validation report. 2. ***OCP Precedent***: If the VVB is unable or unsure of attesting under step 1, the OCP team can point to previous deviation precedents within other OCP-approved projects to allow for approval. 3. ***OCP Expert Review***: If there is no precedent, the OCP will convene an Expert Review panel of at least two (2) experts to consider the deviation in one round of review. A super-majority (80%) of experts must approve the deviation within one (1) round of review. The decision will be published along with the validation document. 4. ***Methodology Module***: If an Expert panel does not agree that this deviation fits under the current methodology, a module of the Methodology can be proposed. This commences a new methodology review process as described in the Methodology section above. This will require a panel of a minimum of four (4) experts, two (2) rounds of feedback, public commentary, and a super-majority positive decision. The methodology module will be published and no deviation will be required. If a deviation request impacts core integrity safeguards (eligibility, additionality, baseline or project emissions), the deviation will require escalation to at least step 3 (OCP Expert Review). ### 'Land Use' Project Monitoring Requirements Projects under the **‘Land Use’** sector are required to monitor for permanence and other reversal risks for **at least 40 years**, in line with accepted best practices (ICVCM, ICAO etc.), given the sector's unique risk of reversal. The OCP reserves the right to run its own monitoring without Project Developer agreement if the project crediting period has ended. If a reversal event is identified during the 40 year monitoring period, [the OCP will compensate from the OCP buffer pool or via project specific insurance](broken://pages/sXzbmdk3NTxvmCPu9AfB). Land Use sub-sectors include: * Regenerative Agriculture * Enhanced Terrestrial Weathering (incl. Enhanced Rock Weathering) * Improved Forest Management (IFM) * Afforestation, Reforestation, and/or Revegetation (ARR) REDD+ projects are currently out-of-scope and we do not allow any methodologies in this sector to be proposed. Other sectors have a lower risk of reversal, so are only required to monitor for the length of the crediting period. *** ## Data Partnerships We are proud to work with **RMI** on integrating their [Carbon Crediting Data Framework](https://rmi.org/our-work/climate-intelligence/carbon-markets-initiative/the-carbon-crediting-data-framework/) into our data schema, especially their work on [safeguards and co-benefits](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md). We are also working closely to integrate with the [Climate Action Data (CAD) Trust](https://climateactiondata.org/) and [CDOP data standardization](https://www.cdop.info/) efforts. *** ## Deep Dives
Safeguards, Co-Benefits & SDGs/pages/GVbnlEdjEzLW3MPfV9Lz/files/PTpGKAZphGZnzVKRUzps
MRV: Monitoring, Reporting and Verification/pages/QttFpl4OIxYhtzJTS8Vd/files/ogZZRs2oMp99JrPFB89G
Third-Party Project Validation/pages/4bR9kGbfi6m9UhbLApaD/files/T2aBKKZYHCbvndB2OJxA
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