PCS PDD NBS Project Design Document_v1.0

Document Control

Document identification

• Document code: PCS-PDD-NBS

• Title: Project Design Document (PDD) for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Track

• Scope: Primary project documentation template for NBS projects seeking registration under PCS, covering eligibility, baseline/additionality, carbon accounting, monitoring plan, safeguards, SDG integrity, and market/label eligibility selections.

• Outcome: Standardizes project design disclosures and supports validation, registration, and ongoing compliance.

Version history and change log

Table DC-1. Revision history

Version	Date	Status	Summary of changes	Prepared by	Approved by
v1.0	TBD	Draft	Release for public consultation	PCS	TBD

Superseded versions

No superseded versions for v1.0.

Governance note on versioning and archiving

Only the latest approved version of this template shall be used. Superseded versions shall be archived and retained for traceability and audit purposes. Printed or downloaded copies are uncontrolled; the PCS published version is the authoritative current version.

Purpose

This Project Design Document (PDD) serves as the primary template for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects seeking registration under the Planetary Carbon Standard (PCS). The PDD enables transparent project documentation and ensures compliance with PCS safeguards, methodology requirements, and host country regulations.

Section A – Basic Project Information

PCS Project ID (auto-generated)
Project Title
Project Reference Number
Version Number & Date
Host Country
Project Category	☑ Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) – Project Type C

Section B – Description of the Project Activity

Provide a concise overview of the NBS project, including its purpose, baseline scenario, and implemented measures. Ensure consistency with the registered PCS Concept Note and Methodology Reference.

Project Purpose & Objective
Location (Address, Region, Coordinates)
KML/SHP Upload Reference
Baseline Scenario Description
Measures Implemented by the Project
Anticipated Environmental & Social Benefits

Section C – Legal Framework & Ownership

Provide evidence of legally valid consent for the implementation of the project, including land tenure, ownership rights, and host country authorizations. Confirm that project activities comply with applicable laws and are free of legal disputes.

Legal Land Title / Consent Reference
Host Country Letter of Authorization (if applicable)
List of Project Owners and Focal Points
Ownership Distribution in PCS Registry (%)
Legal Compliance Declaration	☑ Confirmed ☐ Pending ☐ Not Applicable

Section D – Application of Methodologies

Identify the applied PCS-approved methodologies, tools, and standardized baselines. Justify their applicability and describe any deviations.

Methodology Reference ID and Title
Version
Applicability Conditions Met
Deviation from Approved Methodology (if any)	☐ Yes ☐ No – If yes, attach PCS Deviation Form

Section E – Baseline and Additionality

Provide baseline scenario information and demonstrate project additionality based on financial, regulatory, and common practice analysis.

Baseline Scenario Summary:

Additionality Demonstration:

• Regulatory Surplus

• Financial / Investment Barriers

• Common Practice Analysis

Section F – Carbon Accounting

Present key calculations and equations used to estimate baseline emissions, project emissions, leakage, and net GHG removals. Attach supporting spreadsheets as annexes.

Summary of Expected GHG Reductions / Removals (tCO2e):

Year	Baseline Emissions (tCO2e)	Net Reductions / Removals (tCO2e)

Section G – Non-Permanence Management

Summarize risk assessment results and mitigation measures to address potential carbon loss or reversals. Include buffer contribution percentage and reference to PCS Reversal & Non-Permanence Event Procedure.

Buffer Contribution (%)
Risk Mitigation Measures
Reversal Management Plan Reference

Section H – Monitoring Plan

Provide details of parameters to be monitored ex-post, sampling strategy, monitoring frequency, and quality control procedures.

Parameter	Unit	Monitoring Method

Section I – Safeguards and Sustainable Development

Summarize the project's compliance with PCS Environmental and Social Safeguards Standard and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Environmental No-Harm Assessment

• Social No-Harm Assessment

• SDG Contributions (list target SDGs and indicators)

Section J – Host Country and Market Eligibility

Tick applicable market and label eligibility:

☐ PCS Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) ☐ PCS Nature-Based Removal Credits (NRCs) ☐ ICVCM CCP+ Eligible ☐ Article 6.2 Corresponding Adjustment ☐ CORSIA Eligible

Section K – Appendices

Attach supporting evidence, including maps, data spreadsheets, authorization letters, baseline and monitoring calculations, stakeholder consultation summaries, and environmental assessments.