In April, the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) met in Lebanon on the margins of Mediterranean Foreset Week where the regional Secretariat of the MMFN was officially transferred from Spain’s Autonomous Region of Castilla y León to Tuscany.

MMFN meeting in Lebanon. April 1-4 2019 . Image: Pilar Valbuena

The International Model Forest Network Secretariat (IMFNS) would like to thank Spain, and specifically Cesefor, for their leadership and many contributions over an 11-year period as the Secretariat of the MMFN. We recognize Cesefor for their outstanding work to grow the regional Mediterranean network from one site (Urbión in Castilla y León) to what it is today – a network of seven Model Forests in six countries and growing.

We welcome and look forward to building a long and enriching relationship with the Tuscany region — a strong ally and voice for Mediterranean Model Forests as well as the International Network –with its dynamic Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest. Montagne Fiorentine has been a  champion in sustainable solutions for economic diversification, and mentor in the ongoing process of developing Italy’s second Model Forest – Media Valle dell’Aterno.

The meeting, organized by Cesefor with support from IMFNS, also provided a first-ever opportunity for representatives of the MMFN and  Model Forests in Northern Europe to hold bi-regional face-to-face discussions along with members of the Collaborative Partnership for the Mediterranean Forest and representatives from like-minded organizations to share progress on local landscape activities and work together to develop regional priorities of common interest. The 20 plus participants from 10 countries identified synergies in areas such as:  non-timber forest products and marketing; sustainable economic development initiatives; facilitating collaboration between protected areas, industry; and the application of research for improving natural resource management practices.

For more information contact Toni Ventre