When exploring the connection between Model Forests and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of the best places to look is in Latin America.

Park ranger in Chiquitano Model Forest, Bolivia. (c) Daniel Coimbra

The Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM for its acronym in Spanish), comprised of 34 Model Forests in 15 countries, represents the largest regional membership of Model Forests in the International Model Forest Network (IMFN). Covering 39 million hectares, these 34 Model Forests are home to a diverse mix of agricultural, livestock, forestry, tourism and conservation livelihoods.

Given this land-use diversity, and the alignment of Model Forests’ six guiding principles with the aims of the SDGs, the RLABM launched a study to better understand how Model Forests in Latin America are supporting SDG progress.

The results were both clear and encouraging. The RLABM study, supported by IMFN’s RESTAURacción initiative, found that Model Forests in Latin America are contributing to at least 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with some Model Forests found to be contributing to all 17 SDGs.

“Model Forests and the SDGs are clearly aligned in their focus on human actions and landscape integrity,” says Natalia Ruiz-Guevara, Co-Chair of the RLABM and lead author of the study. “They both take into account the protection, management and sustainable use of landscapes and ecosystems, and they both promote the establishment of vibrant networks and alliances.”

In the area of governance, the study found that Model Forests in Latin America are contributing to SDG 16 ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ and SDG 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals’ through a variety of local multi-sector alliances, South-South and North-South cooperation, and the creation of multi-stakeholder dialogue spaces within Model Forests.

“We know that governance is the DNA of Model Forests, not only inside a Model Forest but also between them,” says Fernando Carrera, Manager of the RLABM Secretariat.

Related to the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, the RLABM study found that SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’ and SDG 15 ‘Life on Land’ are supported by a wide range of Model Forest actions. These include sustainable forest management, conservation and restoration, biological and ecosystem monitoring, protected areas and biological corridors, REDD+ climate governance, and forest fire prevention.

On sustainable production, the study found that Model Forests are supporting SDG 8 ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’, SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, and SDG 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ through several areas of work. These include sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, fair trade certifications, and the advancement of renewable energy within Model Forests.

Finally, the study found Model Forests support four SDGs related to well-being, equity and inclusion, namely SDG 2 ‘Zero Hunger’, SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’, SDG 5 ‘Gender Equality’ and SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’. Model Forests do this through initiatives such as the recovery and use of ancestral knowledge, water sanitation, food security promotion, and capacity-building for women.

“Many of the Model Forests we assessed in our study promoted, for example, healthy eating, food sovereignty, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. This work acknowledges that we cannot separate the human aspect from ecosystem protection,” says Ruiz-Guevara.

Since the RLABM SDG study was published in 2021, Ruiz-Guevara says it has also been instrumental in helping Model Forests to assess gaps in their work plans and identify where further alignment with the SDGs could be fostered. She says these insights have contributed to advancements on a wide range of Model Forest initiatives, including in the areas of technological innovation, finance mechanisms, and youth inclusion.

“The RLABM’s SDG study is a compelling example of how Model Forests are contributing locally to the achievement of national and global objectives,” says Émilie Sasseville, Knowledge Management and Research Analyst for the IMFN Secretariat. “We hope the study inspires other Model Forest Networks to reflect on their own actions, and capture how they too are supporting broader development goals.”

• Read the RLABM’s SDG study (in Spanish)  
• Read CATIE’s study on the contribution of Guatemala’s community forest concessions to the achievement of the SDGs (Manejo Forestal Biosfera Maya Model Forest) (in Spanish)
• Visit RLABM website (in Spanish)
• Learn more about the RLABM’s work on the SDGs (in Spanish)