In this section you will find all current versions of the NFS documentation available for download. The Standard documentation will be updated from time to time, so please ensure that you refer to the most recent document versions where applicable.
Program Documents
Natural Forest Standard Requirements v 1.2.1 Published: 21st October 2024
The Standard document sets out all the normative requirements for projects working in alignment with the Natural Forest Standard and for the validation, monitoring and verification of projects. Please note: Version 1.2.1 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.2.1 está apenas em inglês
NFS Guidance for Standard Requirements v 1.4 Published: 21st October 2024
The Guidance document is available to assist project developers in meeting the requirements of the Natural Forest Standard and for validators and verifiers to assess the conformity of projects to the standard. Please note: Version 1.4 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.4 está apenas em inglês
Addendum I to NFS Guidance Sustainable Development Goals v1.0 Published: 21st October 2024
This addendum serves as an extension of our main guidance document, providing additional information and updates necessary for the comprehensive understanding and implementation of the Natural Forest Standard (NFS). Please note: Version 1.0 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.0 está apenas em inglês
Addendum II to NFS Alignment with Cancun Safeguards v1.0 Published: 21st October 2024
This addendum serves as an extension of our main guidance document, providing additional information and updates necessary for the comprehensive understanding and implementation of the Natural Forest Standard (NFS). Please note: Version 1.0 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.0 está apenas em inglês
Addendum III to NFS Environmental and Social Safeguards v1.0 Published: 21st October 2024
This addendum serves as an extension of our main guidance document, providing additional information and updates necessary for the comprehensive understanding and implementation of the Natural Forest Standard (NFS). Please note: Version 1.0 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.0 está apenas em inglês
NFS Glossary of Terms v1.3 Published: 21st October 2024
The Glossary of Terms document provides the definitions, terms and acronyms which are contained in all NFS program documentation. Please note: Version 1.3 is currently available in English only || Observe que a versão 1.3 está apenas em inglês
Program Procedures and Guidance Manuals
NFS Governance and Procedures Manual v1.0 Published: 21st October 2024
This procedure manual is available to help stakeholders understand the governance and program procedures of the Natural Forest Standard.
NFS Validation and Verification Guidance Manual v1.1 Published: 21st October 2024
This procedure manual is available to help project developers and Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) understand the expectations and requirements of the NFS in relation to the initial validation and verification processes for NFS projects. Please refer to the separate guidance manual for the periodic verification process.
NFS Periodic Verification Guidance Manual v1.2 Published: 3rd May 2024
This procedure manual is available to help project developers and verifiers understand the expectations and requirements of the NFS in relation to the periodic verification for active NFS projects. Please refer to the separate guidance manual for the vaildation and verification process.
NFS Credit Issuance Process v1.2 Published: 21st October 2024
This document outlines the process for Natural Capital Credit issuance under the Natural Forest Standard.
NFS Methodology Development Modification and Review Procedure v1.0 Published: 21st October 2024
This document outlines the process for Natural Forest Standard methodology development modification and review, including the provisions for stakeholder consultation, public disclosure and approval.
NFS Risk Buffer Policy v1.0 Published 21st November 2013
This document sets out the NFS Risk Buffer Reserve Policy mechanism that is applied by the NFS program across all NFS projects.
The Non-Permanence and Risk Buffer Reserve Overview provides background research and information.
NFS Annual Reporting Guidance v1.0 Published 27th March 2014
This document is available to help project developers understand the requirements and expectations of the NFS in relation to annual reporting.
Methodology
NFS Approved Methodology AM001.1b
This Risk Based Methodology for Quantifying Natural Capital Credits Issued to Projects Operating under the Natural Forest Standard, with application in Amazonia, approved by the NFS, can be used to quantify the number of Natural Capital Credits (NCCs) issued to a project. The methodology applies a risk approach to baseline quantification. This version of the methodology includes minor typing amendments. Published: 19th June 2014
Further information about the methodology is available on the Methodology page
Templates
NFS Project Design Document Template
A PDD is the document that must be compiled by the project developer and comprises all relevant information for how the project conforms to the Natural Forest Standard. It is an amalgamation of all evidential and supporting documentation. Current Version: V1.2 Published: 21st October 2024
NFS Project Idea Note Template
(October 2024: Updated template documents are coming soon)
A PIN is a short document that provides a brief summary of the intended project and identifies and determines the main features and objectives of the project, the parties involved and the proposed project activities. Current Version: V1.1 Published: 30th April 2013
Archived Documentation
Archived documents will be made available here shortly.
Information Requests
Occasionally, project or program information that is required to be present on the Natural Forest Standard website may be unintentionally missing. In such instances, anyone may contact the NFS on our Contact Us page to request that the information be made available. The procedure for handling these requests is as follows: 1. Upon receiving a request, the NFS team will acknowledge receipt within two weeks, including a determination on the public availability of the requested information. 2. Should it be necessary to make the information publicly accessible, the NFS team aims to publish it within four weeks of receiving the request. If external dependencies or data protection requirements extend this timeline, the NFS team will communicate any delays to the original requestor.