The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) is a global community of practice whose members and supporters work toward the common goal of the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes through the Model Forest approach. The IMFN is comprised of all member Model Forests around the world.
Model Forests are based on a flexible approach to landscape and ecosystem management that combines the social, environmental and economic needs of local communities with the long-term sustainability of large landscapes in which forests are an important feature. By design, they are broad-based initiatives linking a broad mix of stakeholders and sectors and other values and interests within a given landscape.
Three aspects central to a Model Forest are a large landscape, broad partnerships and a commitment to sustainability.
- Landscape: A large-scale biophysical area representing a broad range of forest values, including environmental, social, cultural and economic concerns
- Partnership: Each Model Forest is a neutral forum that welcomes voluntary participation of representatives of stakeholder interests and values on the landscape
- Sustainability: Stakeholders are committed to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources and the forest-based landscape
Our Vision
To support, through Model Forests, the management of the world's forest resources in a sustainable manner, reflecting environmental and socio-economic issues from the perspective of local needs and global concerns.
Our Mission and Objectives
The primary objective of the IMFN is to establish a global network of Model Forests that will represent most of the major forest ecosystems of the world. The IMFN strives to ensure that all partners, regardless of political or economic status, can contribute to and share in the benefits of the Network as they work toward the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes. IMFN’s key objectives are:
- To foster international exchange of ideas and solutions relating to the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes and natural resources
- To support cooperation in critical aspects of research that underlie new approaches to sustainable landscape and natural resource management
- To support ongoing international policy discussions on the criteria and principles of sustainable development
As a long-term goal, the Network will serve as a foundation for international cooperation on the sustainable development of forest landscapes and natural resources around the globe.
Find out more about International Model Forest Network here.
