Baseline Description

The baseline represents the "before" scenario, reflecting the state of the ecosystem prior to any restoration activities. Since the focus is exclusively on Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects, only areas where new mangroves are being established are considered. As such, the baseline carbon stock is assumed to be zero, as these areas were either previously barren, degraded, or not historically covered by mangroves. This baseline serves as a reference point for calculating the net carbon benefits of the project and ensuring additionality—confirming that carbon sequestration would not have occurred without the ARR intervention.

To ensure accurate carbon accounting, any existing mangrove areas within the proposed project boundary must be excluded. Developers are responsible for identifying and excluding these areas during project planning and submission to ensure the focus remains solely on the establishment or restoration of new mangrove ecosystems.

2.2.1 Baseline Validation

To validate that the area was non-forested at the baseline period, the following steps are required:

1. Official Certification: Project developers must submit a certificate from the landowner or relevant government entity, confirming that the land was not classified as forested during the baseline period.
2. Carbontribe Land Cover Analysis: If an official certificate is unavailable, Carbontribe will conduct a land cover analysis using historical remote sensing data. This analysis will verify land use and vegetation cover up to 5 years prior to the baseline period, ensuring that the area meets the eligibility criteria for ARR projects.