Ostrom Climate Applauds New Methodology For Rice Methane Reduction And Provides Leadership Update
Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc. ("Ostrom" or the "Company"), a leading provider of carbon project development and climate solutions, applauds Verra, a leading global standards organization that certifies greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects through the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), for releasing VCS Methodology VM0051 Improved Management in Rice Production Systems, v1.0, and commences registration of the Company's Upper Pampanga River Climate-Smart Agriculture Rice Project (UPRIIS) in the Philippines. Verra's update enhances the credibility and impact of carbon credit methodologies for rice methane reduction and aligns with Ostrom's ongoing commitment to high-integrity climate action.
Highlights:
- Ostrom welcomes Verra's VM0051 methodology as a major step forward in ensuring robust, science-based quantification of emission reductions in rice cultivation.
- New Verra methodology update reinforces the legitimacy of rice methane reduction projects, aligning with global standards for high-quality carbon credits.
- Ostrom strengthens its presence in the Philippines with a recently incorporated Philippines operating subsidiary focused on delivering large-scale emission reductions through Climate-Smart Agriculture practices.
- Ostrom to commence project registration for UPRIIS under the new Verra methodology to maximize impact and secure high-integrity carbon credits.
- Ostrom has onboarded Raniela R. Rabe as Project Director for UPRIIS and announces other leadership changes.
Ostrom Applauds Verra's Enhanced Methodology
Verra's newly released VM0051 Improved Management in Rice Production Systems, v1.0 replaces the previous Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology AMS-III.AU., which was inactivated in March 2023. This update introduces a broader range of eligible project activities, enhanced monitoring techniques, and improved baseline calculations, strengthening the integrity and impact of rice methane reduction projects. Notably, it allows for increased scalability and a more precise assessment of emission reductions using digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) tools.
CEO Tejinder Virk commented, "Ostrom welcomes Verra's updated methodology, which reinforces the scientific rigor and credibility of climate mitigation in rice systems. This framework not only ensures that our Climate-Smart Agriculture initiatives, such as the UPRIIS project in the Philippines, deliver measurable, high-quality carbon credits while supporting farmers and local communities but also sets a new benchmark for precision in monitoring and impact assessment. We are moving swiftly to complete project registration under this methodology, ensuring that the UPRIIS project leads the way in sustainable rice cultivation."
UPRIIS Climate-Smart Agriculture Carbon Project
The UPRIIS project, a flagship initiative of Ostrom, is designed to transform rice cultivation across approximately 100,000 hectares in Central Luzon, Philippines. By implementing Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices, the project aims to reduce methane emissions by up to 48% per hectare, while improving water and fertilizer efficiency. With Verra's methodology update, these reductions will now be quantified with even greater scientific accuracy, ensuring that stakeholders can trust the credibility of the Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) generated.
CEO Tejinder Virk added, "The adoption of Verra's latest methodology is a game-changer for Climate-Smart Agriculture. By incorporating best-in-class digital MRV systems and advanced quantification models, VM0051 provides a clear pathway for scaling sustainable rice cultivation. This methodology introduces an unprecedented level of data transparency and rigor, ensuring that farmers, investors, and global stakeholders can confidently support climate-smart rice production. Our in-country operational team remains committed to delivering high-quality carbon credits that meet the highest environmental and integrity standards."
Leadership Update
The Company is pleased to announce that Raniela R. Rabe has joined as Project Director for the UPRIIS in the Philippines. Raniela joins Ostrom from Klima 1.5 Corp., where she was a Project Manager overseeing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects. Raniela brings extensive expertise in carbon project development and sustainability strategies, further strengthening Ostrom's leadership in the region. Klima 1.5 Corp. is the Ayala Group's platform for its carbon management business through nature-based solutions. Publicly-traded Ayala Corporation ("Ayala"; PSE: AC) is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.
The Company also announces Phil Cull is no longer serving as an officer of the Company and has resigned as a director of the Company. His responsibilities have been reallocated internally to ensure continuity and execution of Ostrom's strategic objectives. The Company wishes Mr. Cull well in his future endeavours.
Source: Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc.