Isometric Registry and Nature-Based Removals

Updated 2026-11-02 · 3 min read · By the akar.earth specialist team

Isometric carbon registry explained: its removal-only model, the CCP-approved Mangrove Restoration Protocol and what it means for Indonesian blue carbon.

Isometric is a carbon removal standard and registry that certifies only removals, publishes its protocols and verification data openly, and now includes a nature-based Mangrove Restoration Protocol. For Indonesia the interesting part is that protocol: ICVCM has approved Isometric’s Mangrove Restoration Protocol v1.0 as CCP-Approved, giving mangrove developers a second labelled route next to Verra.

What Isometric is

Isometric started in engineered and hybrid carbon removal, such as biochar, enhanced weathering and direct air capture, and positioned itself around scientific review and data transparency. Its registry publishes project documents and the data behind each issuance so buyers can trace how each tonne was calculated.

Two features set it apart from older programs:

• Removal only. Isometric does not issue avoided-emissions credits such as REDD+.
• Open evidence. Protocols, calculations and verification results are published on the registry for each credit batch.

Check Isometric’s site for its current protocol list, as it adds and revises protocols frequently.

Nature-based removals at Isometric

The Mangrove Restoration Protocol v1.0 credits CO2 removed when degraded or converted mangrove areas are restored. ICVCM lists coastal and mangrove restoration among its CCP-approved categories, and named the Isometric protocol as CCP-Approved in a published batch of decisions.

How it compares with the main alternative:

Check the ICVCM status table for VM0033’s current CCP position and any conditions.

Who uses it

• Removal-focused buyers who want transparent, durable or well-monitored removals for net-zero claims.
• Mangrove and coastal restoration developers seeking a removal-only label.
• Engineered removal developers, including biochar plants, which may be relevant to agro-industry residues.

Key requirements for a mangrove project

Without restating the protocol clause by clause, developers should expect to evidence:

• Eligibility of land. Former mangrove sites, degraded areas or abandoned ponds, with clear tenure and permission to restore.
• Hydrological restoration. Planting alone often fails; restoring tidal flow is usually central.
• Measurement of biomass and soil carbon using field plots, soil cores and remote sensing.
• Conservative accounting for leakage, uncertainty and reversal risk.
• Community and stakeholder engagement, especially where ponds or fishing grounds are affected.

How it applies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia

Indonesia has the largest mangrove area of any country and extensive degraded mangroves, much of it converted to aquaculture ponds. That makes aquaculture pond rehabilitation and mangrove restoration major blue carbon opportunities. Soil carbon dominates mangrove stocks, so read our guide on mangrove soil carbon.

Indonesian-specific checks:

• Tenure and spatial planning. Coastal land may sit under forestry, marine or local government jurisdiction. Confirm who can grant carbon rights.
• Domestic carbon rules. Perpres 110/2025 is the legal anchor; exchange-traded units must be recorded in SRUK. Blue carbon policy is still developing; see blue carbon policy in Indonesia.
• Communities. Many former ponds are worked by smallholders. Benefit-sharing and livelihood transition plans decide whether restoration lasts.

Choosing a program for a mangrove project

Program choice should follow evidence, not branding. Before committing, a developer should:

1. Map historical mangrove extent and current land use, including ponds, with tenure for each parcel.
2. Assess hydrology: tidal range, elevation and whether flow can be restored.
3. Run a pilot soil coring and biomass survey to estimate carbon stocks and variability.
4. Model credit volumes under each candidate protocol, including deductions.
5. Test buyer appetite for each label.

Our feasibility and eligibility service runs this screen for coastal sites.

Common pitfalls

• Planting in the wrong place. Mudflats that never supported mangroves rarely succeed and may not be eligible.
• Skipping soil cores. Remote sensing alone cannot measure soil carbon change.
• Assuming one protocol fits all buyers. Some buyers know Verra better; others want Isometric’s transparency.
• Double registration. A hectare cannot generate credits under two programs for the same period.

Relationship to ICVCM CCP status

Isometric holds both ticks for mangrove removals: CCP-Eligible program and CCP-Approved Mangrove Restoration Protocol v1.0. Credits still need to be tagged under ICVCM’s tagging rules. See CCP label.

Next steps

Read our mangrove restoration guide, visit the blue carbon hub, compare engineered removals at Puro.earth, or return to the standards hub.