VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION
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Securing FIBER Credits: Immutable Blockchain Validation and Verification
Overview
Validation and verification are essential processes for maintaining the integrity and quality of projects registered within FIBER programs and program methodologies. These processes are carried out by validation and verification bodies (VVBs), which are qualified, independent third-party auditors empaneled by The Jute Foundation. VVBs possess expertise in the specific program and/or are technically qualified to perform audits.
During the validation phase, a VVB assesses whether a project complies with all applicable guidelines and regulations established by The Jute Foundation programs. Upon successful completion of the validation process, the project proponent is permitted to submit the project for registration under the corresponding program.
In the verification phase, a VVB verifies that the outcomes outlined in the project documentation have been achieved and quantified in accordance with the standards set forth by the respective program.
VVB Management
Approach
The Jute Foundation implements a robust performance management system for its empaneled VVBs by regularly assessing their adherence to guidelines and quality standards. This includes ongoing monitoring, audits, and feedback mechanisms to ensure VVBs maintain accreditation and deliver accurate, reliable validation and verification processes.
Accreditation
Each Jute Foundation program has specific guidelines that VVBs must follow to qualify as active auditors. A VVB’s accreditation can be suspended or revoked if its accreditation is terminated or if the Jute Foundation decides to end its agreement with it. Inactive or suspended VVBs cannot conduct audits or issue reports until their eligibility is restored.
Empanelment
The Jute Foundation will onboard VVBs by evaluating their qualifications, expertise, and adherence to program-specific guidelines. Successful applicants must demonstrate their auditing capabilities and commitment to maintaining quality standards. Continuous monitoring and performance assessments, supported by blockchain technology, will ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Governance
The Jute Foundation further strengthens VVB performance management by deploying blockchain technology as its underlying platform for registry operations. This enables transparent compliance tracking, real-time audits, and immutable record-keeping, fostering greater accountability and trust in the verification process while streamlining data access for stakeholders.
Support
The Jute Foundation is dedicated to supporting VVBs with clear, consistent guidance on high-quality audits as its programs evolve. It offers regular training to keep VVBs up to date, encourages dialogue on quality and performance, and provides direct feedback for continuous improvement. These efforts help maintain the integrity of the validation and verification process while respecting VVBs’ independence.
Sanctions
The Jute Foundation has the authority to impose sanctions on VVBs for non-conformances or performance issues identified during oversight activities. This may include actions such as issuing warnings, referring non-conformity reports to relevant accreditation bodies, suspending, or terminating VVBs, depending on the severity of the issues.
VVBs in FIBER Program
VVBs rigorously evaluate projects under the FBER Program rules and methodologies. They can operate globally once they are accredited by The Jute Foundation, have signed the required agreement, and have paid the annual fee. Qualified VVBs assess methodologies to ensure they comply with the FIBER Program requirements and are empaneled. The Jute Foundation does not allow VVBs, other than those approved and empaneled by it, to participate in the FIBER program. The VVB fees are paid by The Jute Foundation, and it does not allow project proponents to engage directly with the VVBs.
Please refer to the guidance document for VVBs in the Guidelines and Regulations section for more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Validation and Verification Body (VVB) and what is its role in the FIBER Program?
A Validation and Verification Body (VVB) is an independent, accredited auditor under ISO 14065, responsible for validating and verifying projects in the FIBER Program. Funded by the Jute Foundation, VVBs ensure a fair evaluation and avoid conflicts of interest with the developer, enhancing the integrity of FIBER Credits. During validation, VVBs check if a project complies with JWF program rules and methodologies. In the verification phase, they audit GHG reductions or plastic displacement achieved during a monitoring period before issuing credits.
How do I select a VVB for my FIBER Credits project?
VVBs are appointed by The Jute Foundation from an empanelled list. These VVBs are ISO 14065 accredited and possess relevant expertise in agricultural GHG accounting and/or Life Cycle Assessment. To maintain audit integrity, a VVB can verify a project’s emission reductions or plastic avoidance for a maximum of three consecutive years before the project is rotated to a different VVB. A site visit by the VVB is mandatory for the first verification of each registered project.
Can a VVB conduct a remote site visit for a jute project?
For the initial verification of a project, an in-person site visit to the jute farm or manufacturing facility is mandatory under TJF standards. This is necessary to ensure accurate physical verification of land records, crop conditions, and production data. For subsequent verifications of established projects, hybrid arrangements that combine remote data review with periodic in-person checks are accepted, subject to VVB’s professional judgment and TJF approval. Full rules are detailed in the TJF Program Standards document.
What happens during the public comment period, and who can participate?
When a project is first listed on the TJF registry, a 15-day public comment period begins. During this time, anyone—including local communities, civil society organizations, government bodies, competing manufacturers, and affected farmers—can submit comments on the project’s design, boundary, additionality claims, and potential impacts. The validating VVB must consider all substantive comments and address them in the validation report, ensuring that FIBER Credits are issued from transparent, community-consulted, and environmentally sound projects.
What are the safeguard requirements that projects must meet before validation is approved?
All projects under the FIBER Program must meet the TJF social and environmental safeguards framework for validation approval. This includes obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected local communities, providing a grievance redressal mechanism for farmers and workers, complying with ILO core labor standards (no child or forced labor), conducting a biodiversity impact assessment, and ensuring no displacement or coercion of farmers. These safeguards are verified by the VVB during the validation process and must be maintained throughout the project’s lifetime.
How are FIBER Credits protected from double-counting between the carbon and plastic credit markets?
Double-counting prevention in the FIBER Program occurs at three levels. First, every FIBER Credit (TCU or TPU) is uniquely issued and tracked on the JWF blockchain, and once retired, it is burnt to prevent reuse. Second, the TJF0003 protocol prevents the same tonne of jute from generating both a TCU and TPU from the same activity; carbon sequestration and plastic avoidance are recorded separately but linked by the same batch ID. Third, the JWF registry aligns with ICVCM Core Carbon Principle 7 on no double-counting and includes Article 6 adjustment labels for credits used in India’s NDC or in international compliance markets such as CORSIA.