What is validation?

Validation is defined in 3/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 35 as follows:

Validation is the process of independent evaluation of a project activity by a designated operational entity against the requirements of the CDM as set out in decision 17/CP.7, the present annex and relevant decisions of the COP/MOP, on the basis of the project design document, as outlined in appendix B below (3/CMP.1, Annex, paragraph 35; previously 17/CP.7, Annex, paragraph 35).

Therefore, validation is the process of determining that the project is eligible to be registered as a CDM project, by confirming that the project meets the requirements of the CDM.

This decision for large-scale projects applies equally to small-scale projects:

The CDM modalities and procedures shall apply to small-scale CDM project activities except for its paragraphs 37 to 60 (4/CMP.1, Annex II, paragraph 11).