The Project developer may apply the following interim measures in cases where physical stakeholder consultation meetings cannot reasonably be conducted by projects due to COVID-19, and the projects are submitted for preliminary review before the end date of the validity period of this guidance.

The project developer may postpone physical meetings and the stakeholder feedback round for a Gold Standard project/Programme of Activity (PoA)/Voluntary Project Activity (VPA) until the COVID-19 situation eases. However, PoA Design Consultations shall proceed as normal since design consultation does not necessarily require a physical meeting.

In cases where stakeholder meetings have been postponed, the project shall conduct the physical meetings and stakeholder feedback round before the project is submitted for Gold Standard design review. 

Relevant comments received on the project design, Sustainable Development Assessment and Safeguarding Principles, etc. during the postponed physical stakeholder consultation meeting shall be accounted for and reflected in the project documentation submitted for Design Review.

The project developer may submit the project/CPA/VPA for Preliminary Review without conducting the physical meeting and stakeholder feedback round. 

The project developer shall submit the draft Stakeholder Consultation Report with the self-assessment of Sustainable Development Goals and safeguards assessment with other required documents for preliminary review.