Criteria for High Quality NbS
The SCeNe Coalition`s Criteria for High-Integrity Nature-Based Carbon Projects provide practical, implementation-focused guidance to help projects deliver credible climate, biodiversity, and social outcomes. They translate existing principles into clear, on-the-ground actions across the project lifecycle, complementing rather than replacing standards such as VCS, CCB, Plan Vivo, and Gold Standard.
The criteria are intended for:
Developed to address gaps in existing guidance - particularly on achieving high-quality biodiversity and social outcomes alongside climate outcomes - the Criteria outline minimum requirements and a progression pathway for continuous improvement in NbS project design and implementation.
Project‑level implementers
(e.g., project developers, local NGOs, frontline organizations) designing and managing NbS carbon projects;
Buyers and investors
Including financial institutions and corporate credit purchasers seeking high‑quality, durable outcomes;
Secondary stakeholders
Such as carbon standards, label initiatives, and accreditation bodies that shape market expectations for quality.