The Argentina Gran Chaco Region REDD+ Project (ID 4513) reached a new milestone in its certification process: the validation audit under VERRA’s Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards was successfully completed. The auditing firm AENOR evaluated the project’s design and its approach to generating additional benefits for the climate, local communities, and biodiversity. Chaguaral, the project’s first phase, preserves nearly 5,000 hectares of native Dry Chaco forest in Orán, Salta—a region of great environmental value that faces significant pressures on its ecosystems.
Unlike a verification, which evaluates results achieved over a specific period, validation is a preliminary step that analyzes the project’s design, objectives, and planned procedures prior to its registration. Under the CCB, this assessment examines how potential environmental and social impacts are identified, how stakeholders are engaged, and what mechanisms will be used to monitor benefits for the climate, communities, and biodiversity.
During the audit, AENOR reviewed the documentation and evidence submitted, as well as the clarifications and responses provided throughout the process. The favorable conclusion confirms that the Chaguaral design meets the evaluated requirements and allows us to move on to the next stage.
ProSustentia provided technical support to Vista, Aike, and the Aike Biodiversity Foundation throughout the validation process. The work included preparing and finalizing the environmental and social documentation, organizing supporting evidence, reviewing technical content, and drafting responses to the audit firm’s requests. This support initiative built capacity in biodiversity, community-related issues, and the certification of nature-based projects.
With the audit complete, the project is now moving toward registration under VERRA’s CCB, marking another step in a process aimed at strengthening the conservation of native forests and collaboration with communities tied to the territory.