Riya Sharma
Riya supports the development and maintenance of carbon project validation and verification services under Verra (VCS and CCB), Gold Standard and Plan Vivo schemes, or other recognised carbon standards, including maintaining relevant accreditations and approvals. Working with potential clients and helping Preferred by Nature to become an approved validation and verification body for other recognised schemes. Collaborate in the development and updating of the carbon projects validation and verification service (QMS, Handbooks, Templates, Tools) and supporting team in carbon footprint, ecosystem restoration and carbon projects initiatives.
As Senior Carbon Projects Specialist, Riya plays a vital role in conducting validation and verification audits of carbon projects across forestry, agriculture and other land use sectors to ensure compliance with standards such as Verra (VCS and CCB), Gold Standard, and Plan Vivo. She collaborates in the development and continuous improvement of carbon project validation and verification services, leveraging remote sensing, GIS tools, and carbon accounting methodologies.
Additionally, Riya supports initiatives within the Climate and Restoration Programme, contributing to the strategic development of climate-related services and fundraising efforts.
"Being an auditor, provides the opportunity to learn, study and independently assess initiatives that aims to support restoration and conservation measures. The projects developed under carbon market schemes helps to unleash the potential of capturing carbon by avoiding or removing carbon from the atmosphere. The current role and its responsibilities help me to continue audit the carbon projects and become the part of nature-driven solutions to combat climate change."
- Master’s degree in Biodiversity & Conservation with a specialisation in forest carbon stock assessment.
- Audited carbon projects across various registries including VERRA, CDM, Gold Standard, GCC, Plan Vivo, ICR, and ORMEX (newest) for the past three years, with opportunities to travel to multiple countries.
- Strong understanding of forestry and agricultural practices, land use dynamics, and carbon accounting principles, with experience in forest landscape restoration and nature-based solutions projects.
- Travelled to over 10 countries to audit carbon projects globally.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
