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Module 3: Development and Design (for PDD)

Developing a high-quality blue carbon project is complex—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Our latest module breaks down the entire process of developing and writing a rigorous Project Design Document (PDD), and implementing on-the-ground actions like ecological site assessments, participatory workshops, FPIC, and building robust carbon and financial models.

We've teamed up with leading blue carbon experts—TerraCarbon, Nika, and Capital Continuum—to bring you exclusive deep-dive lessons on some critical aspects of project development.

This module makes developing a PDD and accreditation under Plan Vivo or Verra more accessible, providing practical guidance, tools, and templates to help you confidently navigate the journey.

Designed to be pragmatic and actionable, it empowers project proponents to create financially sound, community-driven, and ecologically impactful projects.

Fair Carbon is committed to simplifying the complexity of developing blue carbon projects, which is why this resource is entirely free.

Feeling generous? Should you have the means to support our work, we encourage you to donate. This will allow us to continue improving our content to support an ever-growing number of high-quality blue carbon projects reaching the market.

Module Outline:

1. Project General Information

Project Proponent and Grouped Projects
Project Goals, Design, and Activities (Theory of Change)
Mangrove Ecosystems: Going Deeper
Well-Designed Restoration Activities
Ecological Site Assessment
Additionality
Project Mapping
Eligibility & Applicability Conditions (VCS)
Project Crediting Period & Implementation Schedule
Sustainable Development Goals (VCS)

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder & Community Engagement: The What
Land Management Plan & Project Agreements (Plan Vivo)
Stakeholder & Community Engagement: The How

3. Risk Management

4. Project Benefits

Understanding a Carbon Project's Impact
A Project's Carbon Impact
A Project's Community Impact
A project's Biodiversity Impact

5. Legal Requirements

6. Governance and Management Capacity

Governance Structure, Key Technical Skills & Team Experience
Financial Planning, Strategy & Management
Benefit Sharing Agreement

7. Bringing It All Together