Project validation and verification

Over the past eighteen+ years, we have developed a proprietary verification methodology to maintain excellent affiliated project standards

Before you are able to sponsor projects on the Tree-Nation platform, each project owner must complete a validation process to certify that they are compliant with our project criteria. The criteria have been designed to select initiatives which integrate scientific research into their operations while employing the most innovative methods. Projects demonstrating a proven track record and meeting our standard requirements will attain affiliate status, enabling them to begin fundraising within our community.

Project verification strategy

Our strategy relies on a combination of physical and digital analysis methodologies, which result in an official Tree-Nation Verification Quality Score (VQS) assignment to each project. To join and maintain their relationship with Tree-Nation, all projects must meet a minimum VQS score. Those with high scores are granted enhanced exposure to our sponsor base, serving as an incentive for quality improvement.

We advocate for the affiliation of projects of all sizes and sort them into categories based on tree-planting volume, to be validated and verified  according to their category’s requirements. These requirements are progressively more demanding as projects increase in scale.

Moreover, every affiliated project owner has signed our code of conduct, affirming their commitment to our environmental, social, and labor standards.

Species selection

As part of our verification process, we request detailed information about the tree species selected for each project. Should any non-native (exotic) species or species with invasive potential be included, we inquire about the rationale behind this choice and the benefits those species offer. This information allows us to assess their compatibility with the project's goals and local ecosystem.

Our evaluation ensures that only the most suitable species are incorporated into our projects, ultimately contributing to their success and environmental sustainability. Following initial assessment, we reserve the right to approve or reject the selection of non-native species based on their alignment with our project objectives and their potential impact on the ecosystem.

Verification elements

Our list of verification elements includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Project location

2. Administration of the project's legal entity

3. Interviews with key project personnel

4. Project mission

5. Project strategy

6. Project activities and planting methods

7. Project documentation

8. Project planting reports

9. Species selection

10. Planting sites

11. Tree survival rates

12. Tree maintenance strategy

13. Proof of planting (via geo-tagged photos)

14. Environmental benefits

15. Social benefits

16. Voluntary greenhouse gas standards (VCS/CCB, Gold Standard, PlanVivo, REDD+), if applicable

17. Cross-checks with local forestry authorities

18. Expert reviews

19. Site visitor reviews

20. Satellite project time-lapse photos

21. On-site audits

22. Planting action data exchange with other reforestation organizations

Onsite visits

Regardless of size, all of our affiliates are required to host an onsite Tree-Nation audit. The frequency of these visits varies depending on volume, with larger projects requiring more frequent visits. Tree-Nation’s target is to visit each project at least once a year, serving to update our platform and bring you the most up to date content from each site.

The primary objective of a Tree-Nation audit is to physically verify data which has been provided digitally by project owners. In instances where the provided data deviates from our evaluations, the project is required to rectify any discrepancies on their project website, and its VQS score is lowered in the process.

Projects are subject to Tree-Nation audits for a period of ten to twenty years, the average lifespan of a tree, to ensure that trees are allowed to reach maturity without their terrain being repurposed for other uses.