29 June 2017 - The IMFN map changes again this month! As of June 2017, and as the Network celebrates its 25th anniversary, three new candidates join the list of Model Forests members. The latest additions are located in South America and Europe.

Learning from Each Other - AMFNA LANDSCAPE CONVENING METHOD FOR INTEGRATED LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA

"Integrated landscape management (ILM) approaches are on the rise, and this is good news for Africa. Africa needs to make its economic and social transformation in ways that will be greener and significantly more inclusive and collaborative than previous models of industrialization or emergence; ILM approaches offer models of cross-sector, ecological and economic integration that are key to more sustainable transformation."

This policy note by Mariteuw Chimère Diaw, General Manager of the African Model Forest Network (AMFN), focuses on one aspect of the question, namely that of the delivery model for ILM. In other words, what is the approach to the approach?

Inspired by international policy developments and a national strategy for long-term sustainable land use, Sweden developed a national forest programme in 2016. The intent is to increase wood and biomass production, but also to bolster biodiversity conservation and rural development.

CSR Kyoto-StyleIn 2006, the Kyoto Model Forest Association (KMFA), a public-interest, incorporated association, was formed to serve as a catalyst for sustainable forest management activities under the supervision of the Model Forest Promotion Division of Kyoto Prefecture.

Community at Chocó-Andino Model Forest, Ecuador This last 11 May, The Chocó-Andino Model Forest, as part of the Commonwealth of Rural Parishes of the Chocó-Andino Bioregion, won Ecuador’s top Green Prize for Sustainability, for local administrations of more than 100000 inhabitants.

PAMF RCE Award May 2017On 3 May, 2017, the efforts of Prince Albert Model Forest in bringing together youth and elders to better understand landscape changes, to prepare youth for future careers, and to improve food security, were recognised.

Mediterranean Forest Week Opening24 April, 2017 - Participants at Mediterranean Forest Week (March 2017), including participants from the Mediterranean Model Forest Network & the International Model Forest Network, added their names to the Agadir Commitment to Improve Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR), Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and biodiversity conserva

6 April, 2017 - The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF, Canada) has been selected by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as one of seven sites around the world to take part in a leading-edge ecosystem services pilot project.

Through certification, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes responsible forest management. The objective of the pilot project is to demonstrate the positive impact of responsible forest management, and of the many benefits that accrue for society as a whole.

30 March, 2017 - The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) was notified last week of the impending dissolution of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN).

The CMFN began in 1991, with the launch of Canada’s Model Forest Program. Upon conclusion of the Model Forest Program in 2007, members formed the CMFN as an independent not-for-profit national organisation.

Palencia Model Forest was formally inducted into the International Model Forest Network, as a candidate-member during the Mediterranean Model Forest Network annual regional meeting, this last 21 March, in Agadir, Morocco.

palencia
Scenery in Palencia

With over 4000Km2 and comprised of 92 municipalities, this landscape borders the Palentina Mountain Natural Park to the north and the Camino de Santiago, a world-renown pilgrimage route, to its south. The topography is one of transition between lowlands and mountains, where valleys and moors, along with pine forests, are common features.