Building Integrity into Digital MRV: Continuous Improvement Work Launched

As part of the Continuous Improvement Work Program (CIWP) on Measurement, Reporting and Verification (including digital MRV), the Integrity Council conducted a survey of carbon market stakeholders to better understand how digital measurement, reporting and verification (DMRV) is used and what integrity opportunities and risks it brings.

Respondents included project developers, digital and data service providers, NGOs, researchers, and community leaders across all major regions.

The survey will inform the scope of work for the CIWP working group that will start meeting in March 2026.

What we heard

Digital MRV promises efficiency gains and increased scale, so adoption is picking up. Most survey respondents work with DMRV solutions like geospatial tools, remote sensing, and digital data platforms, especially in forestry and other nature‑based sectors. Among cited integrity advantages are improved accuracy, more transparent audit trails, and earlier risk detection.

Yet significant challenges were flagged. The top risks identified relate to data integrity, model or algorithmic bias, and “black box” systems with limited transparency. Respondents emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight, ensuring local knowledge is not lost in digital workflows, and addressing equity gaps affecting smallholders, Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, and projects in data‑sparse regions.

Addressing integrity challenges

Stakeholders called for clearer roles and responsibilities across the MRV cycle, along with principles‑based guidance that sets expectations for accuracy, transparency, uncertainty treatment, and auditability – without dictating specific technologies. Respondents also highlighted opportunities for the ICVCM to support good practice on digital evidence, model governance, and verification of digital systems.

This feedback will inform the CIWP over the coming months as we explore how the ICVCM can help strengthen integrity in an increasingly digital carbon market. The working group will begin meeting in March and continue over the following months, focusing on key areas identified through the survey, including data quality; algorithms, models, AI and machine learning; accountability, security; equity and access; and the evolving role of VVBs.

For any further inquiries on the CIWP, please contact us at info@icvcm.org.