This guide provides the main steps to successfully create a project on Open Forest Protocol. For KML creation before registration, skip to Step 2.
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1. Create your Project
Sign into the Project Operator Dashboard (dashboard.openforestprotocol.org) by connecting your NEAR wallet. Click on "Create Project" and provide all project details.
NOTE: Please fill out all requested information diligently and as completely as possible as it will be publicly visible and will represent your project and organization.
2. Define your Project Area
There are two options to define your Project Area;
1) Create your KML/KMZ/SHP file before OFP registration, then upload once registered.
2) Draw your project area on the map interface provided within your OFP account when registering a project.
NOTE: This step cannot be edited in the future, so make sure the project area is accurately defined.
For option 1, creating a KML file before registration;
This is the recommended program to use to draw your project area > https://mymaps.google.com/ When drawing the area make sure you are accurate, the polygon is completely enclosed and only draw the areas you wish to monitor over the long-term (this may not include the entire property). Minimum size is 0.3 hectares. Once complete, export as a KML file and then you can upload this to your account. Screenshots for guidance below.
3. Applying for Carbon Financing
If you want to access carbon credits for your project, please verify that your project respects the high-level eligibility criteria listed here (Spanish here), also listed below;
Project is not registered on another carbon registry.
Project does not engage in timber harvesting.
Project duration is 40 years or more.
Project is not an existing forest and has forest cover of no more than 10%.
Project has not cut forest in the previous 10 years.
Trees have not been planted more than 5 years prior.
Project is not government funded or legally required to plant trees.
Project is economically unviable without carbon financing.
Project is not a monoculture farm - planting 5 species at a minimum.
Project is not planting invasive species.
Tree distribution or planting regime must be homogeneous.
If your project fits the eligibility criteria, please complete our 'Carbon Application'. You can access this two ways;
When on the homepage of your dashboard, click the three dots on the right side of your project (visual below).
Click on your project (eg. Forest Test 1 ^^ above) and you will see the 'Carbon' tab on the right of your screen (visual below).
Complete the carbon application form (visual below). OFP will analyze your responses and let you know if your project is approved for carbon financing.
NOTE: It is best to wait for this response before you 'Start Project'.
Start the Monitoring of your Project
When you’re ready to start the monitoring (measurement of trees) click on 'Start Project'.
IMPORTANT: ONLY click 'Start Project' when your project is ready to begin recording tree measurements, trees must already be planted. Once the countdown clock starts, you have 6 months before your first report is due.
Set up the Monitoring Zone
Click on 'Setup Monitoring Zone' and determine the area your organization will be collecting ground data from during this monitoring stage (monitoring stage = 6 months).
There are two options when determining your monitoring zone;
Entire Monitoring Zone - If the entire land area of your KML already has trees planted and it is operationally feasible for you to the measure all the sample plots within a 6-month period, you can select this option.
Draw a smaller zone - You can create a smaller monitoring zone within your KML for the initial 6-month stage. If for example, you are staggering your tree planting activity over several years and there are sections of the land area with no trees, you can include this land area in a later monitoring stage.
A monitoring zone should be a zone where trees have already been planted and of a minimum size of 0.3 ha. It can be the entire project area. It should NOT include buildings, lakes, etc.
Set up the Sample Plots
Provide the expected tree density once trees are mature. NOTE: Please be as accurate as you can with intended tree density as this number calculates the radius of your sample plots and determines how many trees you will measure.
The protocol will randomly place sample plots to monitor over the lifetime of your project duration.
IMPORTANT: You can move a certain percentage of generated sample plots that may of been placed in inaccessible areas or not located in a forested zone. It is important to ensure sample plots are in the best locations to measure your forest growth.
Assign Field Agents
Click on 'Assign Field Agents' and create Field Agents (with name and email) or assign existing Field Agents to sample plots for data collection.
Field Agents will receive an email (open email on mobile device) and will then be prompted to download the Forester Mobile App and will be able to see the project and sample plots to monitor.
Collect Ground Monitoring Data Please make sure your Field Agents follow the best practices to :
Prepare ground monitoring session and collect the ground data, see next page titled 'Data Collection Guide for OFP Field Agents'
Prepare and Submit Stage Report
Once forest data is collected, your Field Agents send the data back to the Project Operator Dashboard, by clicking 'Save'. It's best to do this in a wifi or strong 4G zone, including photos, it's a lot of data. Once data is uploaded to the Project Operator Dashboard, click on 'Submit Stage Report'.
IMPORTANT: Please check and verify that ALL the data is collected to a high standard, following the Standard Operating Procedures (next page), and visible before submitting the report. Coordinate and check with Field Agents if needed, submitting a report with missing or inaccurate data may result in a Denied validation.
You may add documentation and comments that could be relevant for validators. Once your stage report is ready for validation, click 'Submit Stage Report.'
Repeat this process every six months for the first two years, then annually thereafter. The following link is a video demonstrating the entire project creation process, Click Here.
