The HIFOR Standard is the set of rules and requirements to be followed by all participants in the process of generating HIFOR units. These rules and requirements cover, for example, the design, implementation, validation, verification and oversight of HIFOR projects and the tracking of HIFOR units.
The HIFOR Program Guide and Standard describes the program’s objectives, principles, governance, procedures, definitions, and other topics. It includes requirements for selecting Validation and Verification Bodies and provides a framework within which the methodology can be applied.
The HIFOR Methodology defines requirements that Project Proponents shall follow to design a project, quantify HIFOR Units and enable their issuance. Additional translations of the most recent version will be made available shortly.
The High Integrity Forest Investment Initiative (HIFOR) aims to mobilize finance for the protection of high integrity tropical forest landscapes and provide tangible incentives for the maintenance of their nature- and climate-positive attributes, through the issuance of tradeable HIFOR units.
This methodology defines requirements that Project Proponents shall follow to quantify HIFOR units and enable their issuance. The methodology must be read in conjunction with the HIFOR Program Guide & Standard which covers HIFOR objectives, principles, governance, procedures, definitions, and other topics.
The HIFOR Methodology was recently updated to version 2.1 in March, 2026. A detailed list of all revisions is available for download.
Templates define the required structure for certain key documents, including the Project Description Document and the Project Performance Report, that program participants must create.
Other templates coming soon.
The HIFOR Project Description Document Template provides a comprehensive structure for documenting forest-related projects aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation goals. It outlines all necessary sections for the submission, review, and ongoing monitoring of a project under the HIFOR program.
To ensure accountability, a robust monitoring plan is included, along with the quantification of expected carbon removals and social benefits. This structured approach facilitates transparency and ensures compliance with HIFOR’s rigorous standards, making it easier to track progress over time and adjust interventions as necessary.
Previous versions of the HIFOR Methodology and the HIFOR Guide and Standard are available for download and reference.
