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