Model Forest Purpose

The Model Forest Program is based on overcoming three basic impediments to the achievement of sustainable development in practice:

1. The need to recognize all of the values that are represented by forest ecosystems. In the past, short term economic opportunities tended to be viewed as the central value of forests and all other values were viewed as constraints on the ability to exploit economic products. Yet, we increasingly recognize that an integrated approach is needed to manage for the conservation of all goods and services represented by forests. 

2. A need for the creation of a common vision and set of objectives that are shared by all stakeholders in the forest. Change is necessary from the past tendency of institutions, communities, industry, and different levels of government to pursue their goals in isolation from one another. That change is toward partnership and common purpose. 

3. Attitudes and knowledge in the public. Solutions to forest degradation, social inequality, and long term economic growth must be achieved through education and broadened awareness of the values of forests in the general public. Farmers, forestry workers, community leaders, hunters and fishermen, and local businesses must all understand the forest and how their activities impact on its sustainability.

The challenge in designing the Model Forest Program was to address these impediments without preaching dogmatic solutions. 

A Common Philosophy

Each model forest is established as a working-scale model aimed at effecting a transition from conventional forest management to management for sustainable forest production and environmental conservation. Each model forest attempts to demonstrate sustainable and integrated forest management, to transfer the knowledge to forest managers, and to apply technological advances when appropriate.

Each model forest is managed through a partnership of stakeholders in the area and demonstrates the integrated management of key resources through ecologically sound forestry practices. 

While sharing a common philosophy, model forests sites have different sets of activities and objectives relating to conservation of biodiversity, cross-cultural awareness, economic diversification, public education, and agricultural improvements, as examples.