Peter Besseau (IMFNS Director) convened a meeting of the IMFN International Networking Committee (INC) together with hosts at CESEFOR in Valladolid, Spain in mid-March. Representatives from all regions, save Asia, were present to draw up plans for the IMFN Global Forum in 2011. It has been agreed that the Global Forum will be held March 24-27, 2011 in Burgos, Spain, the gateway to the Urbión Model Forest! 

The theme proposed for the 2011 Global Forum is "Networking." Based upon input from regional representatives at the INC meeting it was the one theme that generated the highest interest. From local level networking to global strategic initiatives that link many sites and countries the 2011 IMFN Global Forum will build a program that will support, encourage, and enable Network members to be fully engaged in the life of the Network.

The Global Forum will include programming expected to cover a wide range of Model Forest operational issues such as: criteria for membership, annual reporting requirements, and the role of regional and international networks. Throughout these meetings the theme of Networking will provide the framework for discussion. Various types of networking need to be explored, defined and understood as the IMFN matures and plans how to collaborate to better identify and implement strategic initiatives for the next three years. Model Forests will be asked by their respective regional Networks (coming soon! ) to prepare a document by September 2010 that will contribute to the planning discussion at the Global Forum.

We look forward to working with you all in the coming months in order to plan and carry out a memorable Global Forum that will launch International Model Forests into the next five years with renewed ideas and vigor.

For more information contact Pilar Valbuena or Deborah Luce