> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/methodology-basics.md).

# Methodology Basics

### TITLE

Traditionally, VCM methodology titles begin with “Methodology for the Quantification, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Removals from” before describing the activity. We allow you to enter a full title & a display title, which should be the shorter title.

Example from the OCP:

| Full Title                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Summary Title                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Methodology for the Quantification, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Removals from Early Decommissioning of Marginal Oil and Gas Wells in the United States | Early Decommissioning of Marginal Oil and Gas Wells in the United States |

### DESCRIPTION

Provide a 3-5 sentence explanation of the goal of the methodology and why the activity needs to take place. It should be written in language that allows someone without expertise in the topic to understand the methodology at a high level.

### SECTORAL SCOPE

Each methodology will be tagged with a Primary & Secondary Sector scope to make it easier for project developers, MRV companies, buyers and other stakeholders to find and compare methodologies. [You can see the full list of OCP sectors and sub-sectors here](/ocp-methodology-requirements/context/ocp-sectors-and-sub-sectors.md).

The OCP currently does not accept REDD+ Methodologies or Projects.

### AUTHORS

You can list any individuals or organizations that were involved in the development of your methodology, even if they aren’t a user on the OCP platform. You can also invite other co-authors to join the OCP platform and join the methodology development process, reading and responding to expert comments.

### ANONYMITY TOGGLE

You can select whether you would prefer to stay anonymous during the methodology process (i.e. double-blind set-up), or allow experts to know your identity. Curators should weigh the trade-offs internally before making a decision. The expert panel will always remain anonymous during the methodology development and voting process to reduce bias or any discussion or collusion offline.

### COPYRIGHT NOTICE

As per the methodology development cooperation agreement, the Curator keeps ownership right of the methodology. We provide a default copyright notice, but Curators are free to edit or remove.

*<mark style="color:$info;">Default Text:</mark>*

<mark style="color:$info;">`“All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without express written permission of the Author. For requests to license the publication or any part thereof for a different use, contact the Author.”`</mark>

### VERSIONING

On the OCP, there is no need to add version numbering.&#x20;

The methodology development and expert feedback process works in rounds (v0.1, v0.2, etc.), allowing any user to view previous versions of the draft methodology. Once approved, the methodology is published as v1.0.&#x20;

Updates, either during the annual review or triggered by the author will either trigger a minor update (v1.1) or a major update (v2.0) which will require expert panel re-approval. [Our handbook contains more information on the methodology update process.](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/methodologies/methodology-updates)


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