The International Model Forest Network Secretariat extends our best wishes for a happy and healthy new year as well as success in all of your endeavours. Throughout 2016, we are looking forward to presenting you with new inspiring stories of activities taking place in Model Forests. Below you will find just a few of the many stories we are proud of and shared in 2015.
Bio-fertilizer nurturing local economic
growth in Cameroon
Bio-fertilizers provide eco-friendly organic agro-input and are more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers. To ensure long-term access to the bio-fertilizer, the African Model Forest Network helped to establish a Bio-fertilizer Production Centre which worked to increase food security and economic development for the community within both Model Forests. Read more…
Corporate Social Responsibility
and Kyoto Model Forests
Companies across the prefecture conduct forest conservation activities and in return, they are able to enjoy free use of the land. Kyoto Model Forest stakeholders have realized substantial mobilization of the private sector through their distinctive approach to Corporate Social Responsibility. Today, 41 private companies and more than 70 local organizations voluntarily participate in Kyoto Model Forest activities. Read more…
Model Forests and Sentinel Landscapes:
Living Laboratories for Practical Results
The research program uses a landscape approach to effect positive change for forest-dependent and farming communities across the region. Kodagu Model Forest participation in this initiative will bring valuable insight, particularly around questions regarding payments for ecosystem services and local land use. Read more…
Model Forest publishes guide book on traditional Aboriginal medicinal plants
Since time immemorial, plants have served people around the world for food, shelter, transportation and healing purposes. Through research, experimentation and communication, the Lac-Saint Jean Model Forest is committed to developing tools, knowledge and skills to enable communities to promote and integrate new practices in the development of the region. Read more…
Research demonstrates Model Forest effectively connects stakeholders
Building relationships between diverse stakeholders is an important element in reducing potential land and resource use conflicts. Like all Model Forests, the Vilhelmina Model Forest serves to bridge local and small-scale land users with national and international stakeholders. Providing a bridge can facilitate collective action among local users and may be important in the success of natural resource management. Read more…
Evidence-based stream restoration in Bergslagen Model Forest
Conservation of the brown trout is critical to the survival of the endangered fresh-water pearl mussel. Using the River Hedströmmen as a laboratory, the Bergslagen Model Forest used social-ecological concepts and a landscape approach to implement a project focused on the protection, management and restoration of streams in the catchment area. Read more…
Model Forests and Initiative 20×20
Initiative 20 X 20 is a country led effort to bringing 20 million hectares of land into restoration by 2020 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Ibero-American Model Forest Network has identified 17 Model Forests in 11 countries which combined hold 1.6 million hectares of degraded land area with potential for restoration, allowing countries that are not officially participating in the initiative to get involved, but also serving as pilots for territories in which the Model Forests have constructed good governance. Read more…
Canada and Chile join forces to manage forest fires
Year after year, thousands of hectares of forest are burned in Chile, mainly caused by the actions of people, damaging the economy, ecosystem and natural legacy for future generations. Chile’s three Model Forests are representative of three unique forest types and will be used as landscape level demonstration sites to build capacity, calibrate models and pilot landscape fire management plans for eventual use at a national scale. Read more…
Recorking the mighty oak in Provence
Production of cork oak is threatened by the lack of natural regeneration, overgrazing, climate change, deforestation and fire. Extensive research has been carried out by the Provence Model Forest on different technical procedures of cork oak restoration, including efficient harvesting techniques and best practices. Read more…
River Mirna Basin Model Forest develops Sustainable Truffle Strategy
The increasing number of illegal truffle hunters, inadequate legislation and unsustainable collection practices has led to the devastation of this precious mushroom. The River Mirna Basin Model Forest in Croatia has developed a Sustainable Truffle Strategy that will enable the continued growth of truffles in this region while protecting its habitat and raising its commercial value. Read more…
Food Security and Model Forests
World Day to Combat Desertification: This year’s theme focuses on the “attainment of food security for all through sustainable food systems.” Model Forests contribute to local, regional and global food security by strengthening local engagement and participatory governance over the natural resources within their territories. Read more…
Rural women, food security, eradication of poverty and Model Forests
Model forests play an important role in improving the standard of living of rural women by supporting them in producing more food for their community and foster female entrepreneurship in many countries. Most Model Forests are or have been involved in economic activities that support communities, livelihoods and reduce poverty. Read more…
Pathways to Climate Change Resilience
The Canadian Model Forest Network has developed a guidebook to help rural-based communities become more climate resilient. The Guidebook and the accompanying Community Resource Collection have been crafted based on the idea that rural communities in forest settings want guidance in understanding and acting to reduce community impacts from the changing climate. Read more…
What is a Model Forest?
Find out what is a Model Forest in 30 seconds in our new video! Read more…
