Eligibility is an essential element of the General Crediting Protocol. If restoration projects are going to offset real impacts, it is essential that they are additional, appropriate, and sustainable. Offset credits should also be a last resort after impact to the environment has been avoided and minimized as much as possible.

The Validation Checklist for Credits (pdf/word) records the proposed types of conservation and restoration actions, timeline, and location of credits. It checks for Ownership, stewardship, land protection, additionality, design quality, and agency approval.  The checklist should be filled out with some concept of a restoration or conservation design in hand. (Attached: Proof of Ownership, Project Design Documents or Bank Agreement, Land protection documents or stewardship plans, Wetland delineations, Proof of rights to credits, Approved bank prospectus documents, other agency-pre-approval notice(s))

The Validation Checklist for Debits (pdf/word) records permits and documentation of avoidance and minimization for impacts.   It records the types of impacting actions and the types of potential debited ecosystem function currencies. The Project Developer attests that he or she has the necessary permits and is in compliance with all laws and regulations. (Attached: permits and documents of avoidance and minimization)

Based on the information in the Checklist, the market administrator signs a Validation Notice signifying that the Project Developer will likely be eligible to create credits (pdf/word) or buy credits (pdf/word).