 ID: 95291
Added: 2006-03-23 15:32
Modified: 2006-04-11 15:21
Refreshed: 2007-03-23 08:14
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| Regional Model Forest Networks |
The IMFN is currently active in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and Russia. Recent, strong growth in the Network has necessitated discussion on how members could more effectively participate in terms of governance, funding, program planning and strengthening of Network activities. The creation of regional networks was seen as the best way to achieve this goal. The main purpose of IMFN regional network offices is to define, articulate and manage a regional program of sustainable forest management (SFM) that reflects the priorities, strengths and opportunities that are unique to the region. They also facilitate regional communications and knowledge exchange, capacity building, and funding opportunities for existing model forests, as well as those expected to join the Network. Latin America
The Regional Model Forest Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC-Net), established in 2002 and headquartered at CATIE in Costa Rica, represents the largest cluster of model forests in the IMFN, with 12 sites in six countries. Europe
With the launch of the Vilhelmina Model Forest in Sweden in 2004, several countries in Europe turned their attention to the model forest approach to SFM as an innovative way to think about issues such as participatory processes, landscape-level approaches, biodiversity and economic health of resource dependent communities. Since that time, a consortium of northern European countries has agreed to apply the model forest approach as a way to enhance development in the Baltic Sea Region. Participants in the “Baltic Forest” Initiative, as it is known, will establish and apply cross-sectoral and trans-boundary forest sector cooperation based on the sustainable management and use forest resources. The strategic focus is on small-scale state and private forest units. Canada
As the originators of the model forest approach, the Canadian Model Forest Network is considered an important regional initiative of its own. With 11 sites stretching from coast to coast, Canada’s model forests are living laboratories where leading-edge techniques and approaches to SFM are researched, developed, applied, monitored and then shared with others. Asia and Africa
Model forests were initially established in Asia through funds from the government of Japan, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Work is now well-advanced to establish a regional network there. Africa is represented by two pilot sites now being developed in Cameroon with potential expansion within the Congo Basin. IMFN Secretariat Support
The IMFNS supports model forests through a limited program budget for regional networks or sites, through technical support, communications, regional training, and as a facilitator of networking opportunities. Where there is no regional network in place (e.g., France, Russian Far East), the IMFNS supports site-level activities through nationally designated representatives, or in conjunction with other institutional players who actively promote model forests, such as the FAO and CIFOR.
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