Today the Regional Model Forest Network—Asia (RMFN-Asia) has launched their new website and strategic plan for the next five years identifying poverty alleviation, livelihoods and food security, forest restoration and biodiversity conservation, water security, landscape governance, climate change and gender equity and equality as priority focal areas.

Map of the RMFN-Asia

Inside or adjacent to forests the world over we find farms, rivers, towns, businesses, protected areas and other sectors competing for limited resources. The RMFN-Asia, a regional initiative of the International Model Forest Network (IMFN), brings people across Asia together to help them sustainably manage their landscapes. These landscapes include not only forests, but other features and activities important to peoples’ lives and livelihoods. With eight Model Forests across China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand, the regional network also welcomes efforts in Vietnam and Cambodia where two Model Forests are currently in development.

While each Model Forest has its own program of activities, they all seek to address the six key issues identified for the region. The 2020-2024 strategic plan outlines how these Model Forests intend to address these issues in partnership with others. Actions in these Model Forests also contribute to implementation of a number of globally and regionally significant commitments, such as the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Agreement and the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Sydney Declaration.

The Regional Model Forest Network for Asia was originally established as an informal network in 2000 through funds provided by the Government of Japan and coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Chair of the RMFN-Asia is now based at the Royal Forest Department in Bangkok, Thailand.

With almost two decades of experience in partnership building and sustainable approaches to natural resource management, the RMFN-Asia and its members know what it takes to “get people to the table” and how to change the way we view our natural resources.  New and existing partnerships will be crucial in these endeavours.

Learn more about these initiatives by visiting the new RMFN-Asia website, and download the Regional Model Forest Network-Asia Strategic Plan 2020-2024  for more details.