Mediterranean Model Forest Network

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Mediterranean Model Forest Network

• An instrument of Rural Development in the
  Mediterranean

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From a Canadian program

• Canada established a network of 10 model forests
  in 1992
• Concept was designed to bring diverse groups
  together to explore new and innovative approaches
  to resource management conflicts

to a vibrant international network

• International model forest challenge was
  announced by Canada at UNCED (1992)
• International Model Forest Network Secretariat
  (IMFNS) was created in 1995 in Ottawa
• Partnerships developed with organizations such as
  FAO, UNDP, CIFOR, RECOFTC, GEF, NFP Facility, and
  others

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Model Forests involve
A Model Forest is as much about the people who
sustain themselves from the forest, the effects
they have on its resources, and their human
development as it is about trees and forest
products
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Model Forests involve
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Main areas and common problems
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Members of the Mediterranean Model Forest
Network -Regions in the European Union and
candidate countries and, in other countries,
national government bodies having competencies
over forest-based development, who are parties to
the MoU, -Model Forests in the Mediterranean
Region.
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Members share a will to increase quality of life
in rural areas on the Mediterranean environment.
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Chiloé Model Forest, Chile
Model Forest ActivitiesExamples

• Rural Tourism Project Support and training to
  develop agro-tourism activities provided to local
  farmers involved in slash-and-burn activities who
  are now caring for their forested lands for their
  tourism potential
• Environmental Education Programs have been
  introduced in a majority of schools throughout
  Chiloé, highlighting the importance of
  sustainable management of forest resources

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Ngao Model Forest, Thailand
Model Forest ActivitiesExamples

• Improving Community Forests Local communities,
  government agencies and researchers brought
  together to improve local bamboo forests which
  were closed to harvesting
• Forest conditions have improved, sustainable
  harvesting has resumed and other areas are
  copying the work done
• Local Capacity Building Field manuals and
  guidelines for local and national stakeholders
  were developed for
• bamboo and charcoal processing
• economic diversification of the Rain Tree
• utilization and cultivation of paper mulberry
• edible insect rearing

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Many times forests are forgotten when we talk
about rural development and they are a very
important resource for the rural population. We
must consider forests if we want to assure a
sustainable rural development. The experience
of the Model Forests all around the world and the
different networks they work in can be used in
the Mediterranean basin and the Mediterranean
Model Forest Network is the very useful tool for
that objective.
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Contact information

• Mediterranean Model Forest Network
• Ms. Pilar Valbuena
• Calle Teresa Gil, 22, 1º Dcha, Oficina B. 47002
  Valladolid, SPAIN
• Email pilar.valbuena_at_cesefor.com

• IMFN Secretariat
• Natural Resources Canada
• 580 Booth Street
• Ottawa, Ontario
• CANADA K1A 0E4
• Tel [phone]
• Email imfn_at_nrcan.gc.ca
• www.imfn.net

For further information http//www.bosquesmodelo.
net/ http//www.imfn.net/ http//www.modelforest.n
et/cmfn/en/