Gazelle's Science team is excited to share our **whitepaper analyzing mainstream Avoided Conversion of Grassland and Shrubland (ACoGS) methodologies** and proposing an improved framework. Controversy around legacy mainstream methodologies such as Verra's VM9 presents both an opportunity for improvement in scientific rigor and integration with digital MRV solutions. The UN anticipates 24% of NBS credits to come from grasslands by 2050; in reality, grasslands, especially avoidance projects, have become a VCM pariah due to loopholes and oversight in methodologies.

**Grasslands cover approximately 40% of the Earth's surface and represent a significant carbon sink. The role of ACoGS activities in protecting ecosystems from commercial development, agriculture, and other drivers of conversion in high-risk will be crucial**. At Gazelle, we firmly believe the development of more rigorous protocols should go hand-in-hand with advancements in MRV solutions, enabling robust and transparent nature-based carbon projects.

Access the full (PDF) paper [<u>here</u>](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3zgEZttek_LAtV68VLjCdjuJ_lfljUm/view?usp=sharing)

Read the full paper on Substack [<u>here</u>](https://open.substack.com/pub/gazelleecosolutions/p/present-and-potential-future-for?r=29z0tc\&utm_campaign=post\&utm_medium=web)