There are many advantages to developing a Model Forest, such as:

PARTNERSHIP AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

• Access to a global network of Model Forest practitioners
• Opportunity for collaborative projects
• Involvement in broader national and international dialogue on sustainable development policy and practice
• Added value of Model Forest brand recognition
• Shared resources and shared risk among stakeholders

SCIENCE AND BEST PRACTICES

• Developing tools to improve management and decision-making
• Testing and demonstrating innovative practices

COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

• Building the public’s interest in becoming involved in sustainable development
• Exchanging information on events and developments involving sustainable development at all levels.
• Regional and IMFN-wide information and events on specific themes (e.g., biodiversity, forest and landscape restoration, local-level indicators of sustainable forest management and many more)
• Access to case studies and experiences in economic diversification

NETWORKING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

• Contributing to the public participation processes
• Developing and sharing of tools that enable communities to integrate social, environmental and economic factors into decision-making
• Access to technology transfer initiatives
• Technical and expert exchanges between Model Forests