The backbone of the IMFN is the model forests themselves. Model forest stakeholders and partners perform critical daily functions, primarily at the local and national levels, including:

Model forests are also committed to sharing their experiences and expertise to others across the Network, accelerating innovation toward sustainable forest management (SFM).

 

Regional networks were created to more effectively define, articulate and manage a regional program of SFM by those who know the area best. This regional program 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. Regional functions include:

 

The role of the IMFNS is to facilitate the creation and strengthening of a global network of model forests dedicated to managing the world’s forest-based landscapes in a sustainable manner. The Secretariat provides the central day-to-day coordination of support and development services to the IMFN as a whole, works to strengthen and expand the Network, maintains overall program integrity, and supports new and existing model forests in the following areas:

Support to model forests comes through regional and global meetings, training and extension work, specialized workshops, and the dissemination of information. While the Secretariat is not a grant-making institution, it does manage a small program fund earmarked for issues and areas of high priority.