A I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

1992-2012

I M FN 2011 Annual ReportThe International Model Forest Network on the world stage

B I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

International Model Forest NetworkThe 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 Model Forests. Since it was announced at UNCED in 1992, the IMFN has grown to include almost 60 Model Forest in

30 countries covering over 100 million hectares.

Model Forests are based on a flexible approach to natural resource 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, but not exclusive, feature. By design, they are broad-based initiatives linking

stakeholders with a diversity of values and interests within a given landscape to identify and put in place locally relevant solutions to sustainability challenges.

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

The IMFN aims 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.

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2011 Year in Review

Executive Summary

Global Conversations International Symposium on

Ecosystem and Landscape-level Approaches to Sustainability

2011 Global Forum

IMFN Charter

IMFN Circumboreal Initiative

Regional Highlights African Model Forest Network

Regional Model Forest Network – Asia

Mediterranean Model Forest Network

Ibero-American Model Forest Network

Northern Europe and Russia

Canadian Model Forest Network

Table Of Contents11

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IMFN Response to Key Global Challenges IMFN Strategic Initiatives

Community Sustainability Strategic Initiative Climate Change Strategic Initiative Ecological Goods and Services Strategic Initiative

IMFN Fellowships

Communicating Results Newsflashesfrom2011:ExcerptsfromtheIMFNE-News

Noteworthy Promotional Items

Regional Network Contact Information

Acronyms

1 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

January• IMFNhighlightedattheofficialopeningof theInternationalYearof ForestsattheUN,includinglaunch

of its work in Rwanda together with the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)

February• AMFNfacilitatesREDD+workshopinKinshasa,DemocracticRepublicof theCongo)

• Finalworkshopof theIAMFN’sKnowledgeforEffectiveLearningandDevelopment(KEDLAP)project

March• InternationalSymposiumonEcosystemandLandscape-levelApproachestoSustainability,Burgos(Spain)

• 2011IMFNGlobalForum,Burgos(Spain)

• IAMFNBoardof Directorsmeeting

• ChorotegaModelForest(CostaRica)joinstheIMFN

• AMFNfacilitatesREDD+workshopinCameroon

2011 Year in Review

2 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

June• CMFNAnnualGeneralMeeting

• TrilateralCooperationAgreementbetweentheAraucariasdelAltoMallecoModelForest (Chile,PrinceAlbertModelForest(Canada)andtheVilhelminaModelForest(Sweden)signed

• KyotoModelForest(Japan)joinstheIMFN

July• ChileandHondurasinitiatedevelopmentof nationalModelForestnetworks

• FirstIAMFNfacilitatedregionalworkshoponparticipative methodologies for linking interested parties in National Forest Programs (Costa Rica)

• IMFNandAMFNsecretariatsparticipateinRwanda’snationalworkshoponthedesign of a Forest Landscape Restoration Program together with GPFLR partners

September• IMFNSecretariatjoinstheGPFLRduringtheBonnChallengemeetinginGermanyto

begin to map out the Partnership implementation plan

Meeting of members of the Colinas Bajas Model Forest,

Dominican Republic

3 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

October• RepresentativesfromtheAMFN,CMFNandIAMFNparticipateinacommunityforestryandREDD+workshopinQuebec

• RMFN–AsiacollaborateswithIUCNinasideeventonforestlandscaperestorationduringAsia–PacificForestryWeekinBeijing

• DemocraticRepublicof theCongoandAMFNSecretariatestablishnationalcoordinationgrouptosupportModelForestdevelopment

• TheCentralAfricanRepublicPrimeMinisterestablishesinterdepartmentalworkinggrouptodevelopaModelForestinthecountry

November• SecondIAMFNregionalworkshoponparticipative methodologies for linking interested parties in National Forest Programs (Bolivia)

• IAMFNworkshoponModelForestsandlocalimplementationof nationalREDD+strategies(Bolivia)

• IAMFNBoardof Directorsmeeting

• IfraneModelForest(Morocco)andYalovaModelForest(Turkey)jointheIMFN

• MedForum2011takesplaceintheproposedProvenceModelForest(France)

• MontagneFiorentine(Toscany,Italy)acceptedasCandidateModelForest

December• CMFNholdsstrategicplanningsessiontoexplorefuturedevelopmentscenarios

Meeting in Rwanda to discuss using Model Forests for landscape restoration program

4 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

TheIMFNhadanexceptionallybusyandproductiveyearin2011.ItstartedwiththeUnitedNationsdeclarationthat2011wastheInternationalYearof Forests(IYF),whichprovidedanexcellentopportunity to raise awareness of the important role forests play in conservingbiodiversity,aswellasinoursocialandeconomicwell-being.TheIMFNSecretariatattendedtheofficiallaunchof theIYF,duringtheninthsessionof theUnitedNationsForumonForests,andpresentedsomeof theNetwork’sachievements.Mr.TomRosser,AssistantDeputyMinister,CanadianForestService,representedtheIMFNSecretariatandsharedthestagewithH.E.Mr.JosephDeiss(Presidentof the65thsessionof theUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly),ProfessorWangariMaathai(2004NobelPeacePriceLaureate),Ms.JanMcAlpine(DirectorUNForestonForestsSecretariat),H.E.Mr.StanislasKamanzi(Ministerof EnvironmentandLands,Rwanda),andseveralotherdistinguishedguests.

InMarch,theIMFNSecretariatcollaboratedwithourModelForestpartnersinSpain—Cesefor,UrbiónModelForest,theregionalgovernmentof CastileandLeónandtheSpanishMinistryof Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs—to deliver the International Symposium on Ecosystem and Landscape-level ApproachestoSustainability.Theeventbroughttogether400expertsandpractitionersof ecosystem-basedmanagementfrom around the world to learn about current and cutting-edge approachestosustainabilityonalargescale.TheSymposium

provided many opportunities to engage in debate on Symposium themes—ecosystemgoodsandservices,inventoryandmonitoring,governanceandfuturedirections—andarriveatspecificconclusionsand recommendations concerning the value of ecosystem approaches inthecontextof globalpolicyobjectivesinthisarea (http://www.globalforum2011.net).

ImmediatelyfollowingtheSymposium,the2011IMFNGlobalForumwasheldwith225participantsfrom32countries,thelargestGlobalForumsofar.InadditiontodiscussionsonStrategicInitiatives,akeyoutcomewassupportforanIMFNCharter. TheCharterwillprovideastructuralframeworkforadvancing theNetwork’skeyobjectives,definingmemberrolesandresponsibilities,andfurtheranchoringtheIMFNasadynamicgloballearningnetwork.

AlthoughnotofficiallystartinguntilJanuary2012,twosignificantnewinitiativeswereannouncedas2011drewtoaclose.ThefirstisfundingfortheBalticLandscapeNetworkthatwillfacilitateModelForestexpansioninthreecountriesinnorthernEurope,Belarus,PolandandFinland.AlsobasedonfundingfromtheEuropeanUnion,anew4-yearecoAdaptprojectwillinvolveseveralModelForestsin the Ibero-American Model Forest Network in strengthening REDD+capacitiesof LatinAmericanforestmanagers.

Executive Summary

5 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

SeveralModelForestsjoinedtheIMFNinboththeMediterraneanandIbero-Americanregions,anddevelopmentof newModelForestsintheCongoBasinwasinitiated.InJune2011,atrilateralagreement was signed between the Araucarias del Alto Malleco (Chile),PrinceAlbert(Canada)andtheVilhelmina(Sweden)ModelForeststoshareknowledgeandexperiencesbetweenindigenousstakeholdersonarangeof sustainablelanduseissues.

AsREDD+becomesanincreasinglyimportantclimatechangestrategy,throughout2011ModelForestssupportedregionalworkshopsintheDemocraticRepublicof theCongoandBoliviatoraise awareness and build capacity for local stakeholders to engage inREDD+activities.Theseworkshopsbuiltonsubstantialwork thathasbeendevelopedtodescribeandoperationalizeaREDD+niche for Model Forests and the Network in support of national REDD+strategies.

InSeptember,theIMFNSecretariatwasinvitedtojointheGPFLR,throughthe“BonnChallenge”meetinginGermanythatbroughttogether a number of high-level leaders and prominent international organizationstodiscussforestlandscaperestoration.Withinthe

contextof theCBD2020targetof restoring150millionhectaresof forestglobally,theIMFNandotherpartnersinvolvedinthe“BonnChallenge”begantoplotouthowthischallengemightbemet.TheIMFN,with20yearsof experienceinmanaginglargelandscapesbasedontheecosystemapproach,continuestoshareitsexpertiseinsupportof theCBD’sforestrestorationgoal.

Inaworldwhereknowledgeexchangeistoutedasthefirststepininnovation,theIMFNcontinuestocontributesignificantlytocreating a global platform for the sharing of knowledge in favour of findinginnovativesolutionstotoday’schallengesinnaturalresourcemanagementandgoodgovernance.2011wasanimportantyearfor Model Forests as the IMFN played an active role internationally todemonstrate,share,experimentandinnovateinsupportof thesustainablemanagementof ecosystemsandlargelandscapes.TheIMFN will continue to build on this momentum as we move into 2012,the20thanniversaryof ModelForestsandtheIMFN.

In a world where knowledge exchange is touted as the first step in innovation,

the IMFN continues to contribute significantly to creating a global platform for

the sharing of knowledge in favour of finding innovative solutions to today’s

challenges in natural resource management and good governance.

6 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

International Symposium on Ecosystem and Landscape-level Approaches to SustainabilityBurgos,Spain.FortwodaysinMarch2011,over400peoplefromaround the world gathered to learn about current approaches and engageindebateontheSymposiumthemes:ecosystemgoodsandservices,inventoryandmonitoring,governance,andfuturedirections.Theeventwasco-organizedbyFAO,IUCN,CIFORandtheCBDSecretariat.Akeyconclusionwasthattheecosystemandlargelandscape-levelapproachisessentialinunderstandingsocial,economic and ecological processes required for the achievement of sustainablenaturalresourcemanagement.InitiativessuchasModelForestsandBiosphereReservesaregoodexamplesof thetypeof approach required to promote and contribute to the sustainable managementof forest-basedlandscapes.

2011 IMFN Global ForumBurgos,Spain.Thetriennialmeetingof theIMFNwasheldimmediatelyfollowingtheInternationalSymposium.Theeventgathered225participantsfrom32countriesrepresentingModelForestsinCanada,Africa,Europe,andRussia,Asia,andtheAmericas.TheGlobalForumprovidedIMFNmembersanopportunitytomeeteachother,sharetheirexperiencesanddebateandagreeonthestrategicdirectionsof theNetwork.Highlightsincluded discussions on an IMFN Charter and planning for the IMFNStrategicInitiatives.(http://www.globalforum2011.net).

IMFN CharterTheIMFNCharterisdesignedtobuildastrongandhealthyfoundation for the ongoing institutional development of the IMFN byestablishingastructuralframeworkformovingforward.ThedocumentwasformulatedtohighlighttheIMFN’skeyobjectives,definerolesandresponsibilitiesof membership,formalizegeneralIMFNprocedures,andreinforcetheexistingFrameworkof ModelForestPrinciplesandAttributes.Thedocumentwaspresentedatthe2011IMFNGlobalForumandfinalizedinDecemberwithinputandagreementfromnetworkmembers.

Global Conversations

7 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

IMFN Circumboreal InitiativeIn2011,theIMFNCircumborealInitiativesupportedseveralactivities designed to enhance collaboration between Model Forests intheborealregionandbuildknowledgeonkeyborealissues:

• Themulti-yearVilhelminaModelForest(Sweden)–PrinceAlbert Model Forest (Canada) Learning from our Elders projectexploresclimatechangeadaptionstrategiesamongCreecaribou hunters in Canada and Sami reindeer herders in Sweden.In2011,ateachingunitwasdevelopedthatcanbelinked to resource management courses taught at institutions affiliatedwiththeUniversityof theArctic.

• LeBourdonModelForest’s(Canada)climatechangevulnerabilityprojectdevelopedmodelingtoolstoassessthebiophysical and socio-economic impacts of climate change oncommunityvalues,andtesttherobustnessof identifiedadaptationstrategies.LinkstotheemergingBergslagenModelForest(Sweden)werealsobeingexploredin2011.

• TheCanadianModelForestNetworkdevelopedandtestedametadata collection framework that will be used to document availabilityof keyGISandotherdatabasesinModelForests.Thiswillfacilitatepromotionof ModelForestsaskeyplacesto undertaken research on topics and issues relevant to stakeholders.

Bamboo nursery,

Lin’an Model Forest

8 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

African Model Forest Network • TheGovernmentof theDemocraticRepublicof CongosignalleditsintentiontodevelopthreeModelForests—TumbaLake,MayombeandNorthKivu—withthesigningof aMemorandumof UnderstandingwiththeAMFNSecretariat.Aswell,thePrimeMinisterof theCentralAfricanRepublicestablishedaninterdepartmentalworkinggrouptodevelopaModelForestinthecountry.

• TheIMFNSecretariatcommittedtoassistingRwandawithitsForestLandscapeRestorationprogram.Theprogramaimstorestoredegradedlandscapes,whileimprovinggovernanceof thelandscapeandnaturalresources,usingtheModelForestapproach.TheLakeGiswhatiareaof RwandawassubsequentlyidentifiedforModelForestdevelopment.

• TheAMFNSecretariatistrainingModelForestmembersthroughaMobilePracticalModelForestSchoollaunchedin2011.Thegoalistosupportentrepreneurshipbydevelopinglocalleadership,valuinglocalknowledgeandusinglocalnaturalresources.

Regional Model Forest Network—Asia • TheKyotoModelForestofficiallyjoinedtheIMFNinJune,bringingthetotalnumberof ModelForestsinAsiatoseven.

• RMFN-AsiasharedasideeventonforestlandscaperestorationwithIUCNduringAsia-PacificForestryWeekinBeijing.RMFN-Asia’sparticipationofferedanopportunitytodemonstratehowModelForestsareimplementingforestrestorationandusingthisactivityasatoolforimprovingconservationandlivelihoods.

• SevenrepresentativesfromKodagu(India),UlotWatershed(Philippines)andCaroodWatershed(Philippines)visitedLin’anModelForest(China)tolearnabouttheirsuccessfulhigh-yieldbambooharvestingandprocessingtechniques.

Regional Highl ights

9 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Mediterranean Model Forest Network• Ifrane(Morocco)andYalova(Turkey)ModelForestswereacceptedasIMFNmembers,andtheMontagneFiorentineModelForest(Toscany,Italy)wasacceptedasacandidate.

• The2011regionalmeetingof theMediterraneanModelForestNetwork(MedFORUM)tookplaceinMarseille(France)incooperationwiththeCollaborativePartnershiponMediterraneanForests.

• Threeregionalprojectswereinitiaited:forestproductsmarketingandtraceability,developmentandpromotionof tourisminModelForests,andwebGIStofacilitatespatialdatacollection.

Ibero-American Model Forest Network• Afinalworkshopof theKnowledgeforEffectiveLearningandDevelopment(KEDLAP)projectwasheldatCATIE.SponsoredbyIDRC,CUSOInternationalandtheIMFNSecretariat,KEDLAPwasdesignedtoenhancetheknowledgesharingcapacityof ModelForests.

• TheChorotegaModelForestinCostaRicawasformallyacceptedintotheIMFN.

• TheIAMFNdeliveredaregionalworkshopinBoliviaonParticipative Methodologies for Linking Interested Parties in National Forest Programs,fortheFAONationalForestFacilityProgram.Participantsweretrainedtofunctionasfacilitatorsintheuseof participatoryprocessesinthedevelopmentof forestpolicies.

• TheIAMFNseedfundinginitiativehasbeenusedbyModelForeststobuildcapacityinareassuchasgovernance,forestfireprevention,paymentforenvironmentalservices,monitoringandevaluation,andcorporatesocialresponsibility.In2011,thefundssupportedModelForestexchangesontheconservationof naturalresources(LosAltosandLachuáModelForestsinGuatamala)andthedevelopmentof acommunitytourismstrategy(AraucariasdelAltoMalleco,ChileandUrbión,Spain).

Saw mill in Ifrane

Model Forest, Morocco

10 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Northern Europe and Russia• TheBalticLandscapeInitiativeledbytheSwedishUniversityof AgriculturalSciencesinUmeåwasannounced.The3-yearinitiativewillbeofficiallylaunchedin2012andfinancedbytheEUInterregBalticSeaRegionandwillfocusonfurtherdevelopmentof theModelForestconceptinnorthernEurope.Sweden,Finland,Poland,Belarus,Estonia,LatviaandNorwayareinvolved.

Canadian Model Forest Network• PrinceAlbertModelForesthostedtheCMFN’s2011AnnualGeneralMeetinginJune.

• CMFNheldastrategicplanningsessiontoexplorefuturedevelopmentscenarios.

• Anewgovernancestructurewasimplementedforthenetwork.VicePresidentpositionswerecreatedfocusing onscienceandresearch,internationalprograms,communications,businessdevelopment,policyandpartnerships,memberservicesandfinance.

• Fourinternationaldelegationswerehosted:Cameroon,SwedenandtwofromIndonesia.

11 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

IMFN Strategic InitiativesStrategic Initiatives support collaborative efforts between Model Forestsandregionalnetworkstoaddresskeyglobalissues.IMFNmembersidentifiedthreeStrategicInitiativesatthe2008IMFNGlobalForum,whichwerereaffirmedatthe2011forum:

• ClimateChange:1)adaptationtoclimatechange,and2)ReducingEmissionsfromDeforestationandForestDegradation(REDD+)

• EcosystemGoodsandServices:1)methodologiesformeasurement,valuationandpaymentforecologicalservices, 2)capacitybuilding,knowledgesharingandintegrationof policyandpractice,and3)landscapeandwatershedmanagement

• CommunitySustainability:1)commercializationof localproductsandservices,and2)investmentandcapacity building of local human resources and leadership

Community Sustainability Strategic Initiative

Model Forests are involved in a wide range of community sustainabilityprojects.Someprojectsfocusondevelopingandmarketing value-added products from non-timber forest products (NTFPs),whileothersfocusonthedevelopmentof ecotourismasaway to conserve forest resources and enhance community economic development.

TheIMFNe-directorypilotprojectwasstartedin2010toprovidea platform for promoting the products and services that support the sustainablemanagementof naturalresources.Duringthepastyear,information from Model Forest-based small and medium enterprises wasgatheredtocreateadatabaseforthee-directory.Aswell,earlyin2011,aCUSOInternationalvolunteerwasassignedtoactasacommercialandmarketingadvisor.ThepilotprojectincludednineModel Forests in the Ibero-American region and two in Asia and will beexpandedinthecomingyears.

AformerCUSOInternationalvolunteerbasedintheChiloéModelForest (Chile) prepared A guide to evaluating the tourism potential of your community or Model Forest to help stakeholders identify opportunities andbuildlocalcapacitytoengageinecotourismactivities.

I M FN response to key global chal lenges

12 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Climate Change Strategic Initiative

Climate change has far reaching implications for sustainable livelihoods,foodsecurity,health,wateravailabilityandbiodiversity.Thesuccessof climateadaptationprojectsreliesonextensivedialogueandstakeholderengagement.ModelForests,withtheirlandscape-scaleplatformsandbroadstakeholderengagement,areideallysuitedtocarryoutclimatechangeresearch,developcommunity adaptation strategies and monitor such efforts over thelong-term.

Thispastyear,nationalgovernmentpolicymakers,internationaldonors,andModelForestmembersfacilitatedthreeregional forest-climateeventsinLatinAmericaandAfrica:

• Co-sponsoredbyFAO,REDDNet,CATIEandtheIMFNSecretariat,athree-dayworkshopinBoliviainNovemberbroughttogetherover70localstakeholders,experts,privateinstitutionsandnationalgovernmentsfrom15countriesintheregiontoexchangeinformationonREDD+.Theworkshopresulted in enhanced collaboration between the IAMFN and nationalandregionalbodiesinchargeof REDD+,animprovedunderstandingof howREDD+appliestolocalcommunitiesand local governance and how the Model Forest approach can assistinimplementingREDD+.

• TheAMFNSecretariatfacilitatedworkshopsintheDemocraticRepublic of the Congo and Cameroon to enhance Model Forest stakeholderawarenessof REDD+opportunitiesandchallenges.

Aswell,threepilotprojectsintwoCanadianModelForestsaretesting the CMFN Climate Change Adaptation Community VulnerabilityGuide

Ecological Goods and Services Strategic Initiative

Model Forests support the provision of goods and services essential to meet basic human needs by encouraging activities and research that fosters conservation as well as the monetary valuation of natural resources.InOctober,representativesfromacrosstheRMFN-Asiaattended a capacity-building workshop on payment for ecosystem services(PES)attheCentreforForestsandPeople(RECOFTC).Theworkshopwasdesignedtobuildcapacityamongstakeholders,andexplorehowPEScouldactasasourceof incomeandresourceconservationinModelForests.

Vilhelmina Model Forest,

Sweden

13 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

IMFN FellowshipsThe2011IMFNFellowshipssupportedtraining,knowledgeexchangeandothercapacitybuildingactivitiesrelatedtothe threeIMFNStrategicInitiatives:communitysustainability, climatechange,andecologicalgoodsandservices.Over 25Fellowshipswereawarded,including:

• TenrepresentativesfromnineModelForestsinIAMFNattendedamonth-longcourseatCATIEonForest management and climate change.

• TwostakeholdersintheKodaguModelForest(India)attendedaproposalwritingworkshopinBangkokheldattheCenterforPeopleandForests(RECOFTC).Athirdmemberundertookastudy tour to the Philippines to learn about their payment for ecosystem services program for upland areas to further thinking inhowthePhilippineexperiencecouldbeappliedtowatershedmanagementinimportantcatchmentareasinKodagu.Theknowledge from the study tour coupled with the skills gained from the proposal writing workshop were intended to be used to developaproposaltotheGovernmentof IndiatouseKodaguasapilotsiteforaPESscheme.

• AstakeholderintheproposedModelForestinTunisiaspenteightdaysattheUniversityof ExtramadurainSpaintolearnabout the approaches and methodology used to evaluate the effect of climate change on the vulnerability of the English oak (Quercus robur),animportantspeciesintheregion.

Algerian farmer from proposed Tlemcen Model Forest shares his knowledge on local plants

14 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Throughout2011,theIMFNSecretariatproducedseveralproductsto highlight and promote the practical work of Model Forests to internationalorganizationsandpolicymakers(imfn.net/publications):

• The International Model Forest Network. A global approach to ecosystem sustainability

• Proceedingsof the2011IMFNGlobalForum

RegionalNetworkpublicationsincluded:

• Developing sustainable forests and communities in Canada (www.modelforest.net)

• Model Forest experiences in Ibero-America: A 15-year journey (www.bosquesmodelo.net)

Twonewissuesof Connections were published focusing on the InternationalSymposiumandtheIMFNGlobalForum,and IMFN activities on climate change adaptation and mitigation (www.imfn.net/connections).

IMFN website statistics indicate widespread knowledge sharing

TheIMFNwebsitereceivedmanymorevisitorsin2011.Sincethe improvementstoaccessandinformationontheIMFNwebsite,visitstothesitehavedramaticallyincreased.Thispastyear19,949visitscamefrom151countriesorterritories;78.36%werenewvisits;andtherewere52,958pageviews.

Communicating Results

15 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Newsflashes from 2011: Excerpts from the IMFN E-NewsModel Forests promoted at the Ninth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests

InJanuaryattheNinthsessionof theUNFF,theIMFNSecretariatpresented the achievements of the IMFN to the Panel on Regional andSub-regionalPerspectivesonForestsforPeople,LivelihoodsandPovertyEradication.TheIMFNSecretariatalsoorganizedapanel discussion on Model Forests and Sustainable Livelihoods: A Successful Partnership Approach.Thisdiscussionhighlightedthesuccessof the Model Forest approach in contributing to global sustainable development goals through improving livelihoods in forest-based communities.

The Model Forest Approach to Support Rwanda’s Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative

InFebruary,attheUNinNewYork,Mr.TomRosser,AssistantDeputyMinisterfortheCanadianForestServiceannouncedthatCanada and the IMFN Secretariat would be working with the Governmentof Rwanda,theUNFFSecretariat,IUCNandotherinternational partners to use the Model Forest approach in support of theRwandaForestLandscapeRestorationInitiative.

IMFN’s first Trilateral Collaboration Agreement Signed

InJune,anhistoricaccordwassignedattheCMFNAnnualGeneralMeeting.TheTrilateralCollaborationAgreementlinksthreeModelForests:AraucariasdelAltoMalleco(Chile),Vilhelmina(Sweden)andPrinceAlbert(Canada).Theagreementoutlinesthebasisof workingtogetheronjointpriorityareassuchasecologicalgoodsandservicesandindigenouspeopleswithinthecontextof sustainablelandscapeplanningandgoodgovernance.

International Workshop on Community Forestry and REDD+ Implementation in Quebec, Canada

InOctober,representativesfromtheAfricanandIbero-Americanand Canadian Model Forest Networks participated in a workshop on communityforestryandREDD+implementationorganizedbytheUniversityof Laval(QuebecCity)andMcGillUniversity(Montreal).Morethan40participantstookpartindiscussionsrangingfromAboriginal approaches to community forestry in Canada to implementingREDD+strategiesinAfrica. http://www.ihqeds.ulaval.ca/16265.html

16 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Noteworthy Promotional Items• Model Forests and the International Model Forest Network:

A global approach to ecosystem sustainability.InsertproducedforUNESCO’sWorld Heritagemagazine.http://www.pfdheritage.com/wh61en/

• IMFN: Local-level Solutions to Landscape Restoration Challenges – Best Practices for Biodiversity Conservation through Model Forest Partnerships.PosterpresentedattheCBDSBSTTAmeetinginMontreal,QuebecinOctober.

• AshortvideoontheIMFNiscurrentlyavailableon theIMFNwebsite,VimeoandYoutube.

• SixpostersontheIMFN,regionalactivitiesandStrategicInitiative themes and knowledge sharing were produced for theGlobalForum(http://imfn.net/strategic-initiatives).

17 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

Network Contact InformationAfrican Model Forest Network

QuartierDragages CarrefourMinistèredelaVille P.O.Box33678,Yaoundé Cameroon

www.africanmodelforests.org

Canadian Model Forest Network

P.O.Bag2150 10CampusDrive Kemptville,OntarioCanadaK0G1J0

www.modelforest.net

Ibero-American Model Forest Network

DivisióndeInvestigaciónyDesarrollo CATIE7170, Turrialba,CostaRica

www.bosquesmodelo.net

Mediterranean Model Forest Network

PlazadelaUniversidad Numero4-Entreplanta1 47002Valladolid Spain

www.mmfn.info

Regional Model Forest Network—Asia

Chinese Academy of Forestry WanShouShanP.O.Box38 Beijing100091 People’sRepublicof China

Russia c/o Komi Model Forest

P.O.Box810 Syktyvkar,Komi Russia16700

www.komimodelforest.ru

Northern Europe c/o Vilhelmina Model Forest

Volgsjövägen27,S-91232 Vilhelmina,Sweden

www.vilhelminamodelforest.se

18 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

AMFN African Model Forest Network CATIE TropicalAgriculturalResearchandHigherEducationCenter CBD ConventiononBiologicalDiversity CIFOR Centre for International Forestry Research CMFN Canadian Model Forest Network FAO FoodandAgricultureOrganizationof theUnitedNations GPFLR Global Partnership for Forest Landscape Restoration IAMFN Ibero-American Model Forest Network IDRC InternationalDevelopmentResearchCentre IMFN International Model Forest Network IUCN InternationalUnionforConservationof Nature KEDLAP KnowledgeforEffectiveLearningandDevelopment MMFN Mediterranean Model Forest Network NRCan–CFS Natural Resources Canada–Canadian Forest Service PES Payment for ecosystem services REDD+ ReducingEmissionsfromDeforestationandForestDegradation RMFN–Asia RegionalModelForestNetwork,Asia UNFF UnitedNationsForumonForests

Acronyms

19 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

In creating a Model Forest, individuals, governments, businesses and other interest groups supporting a wide

range of forest values (social, cultural, economic and environmental concerns) agree to collaborate to devise

and demonstrate ways to manage forest-based landscapes and natural resources using approaches that are

both locally acceptable and nationally relevant. They also develop a shared understanding of sustainable

development and of how to put this new knowledge into practice through collaborative activities.

Since 1992, forest-dependent stakeholders around the world have been translating sustainable natural

resource management priorities and policies into action on the ground through the Model Forest approach.

The IMFN Secretariat, based in Ottawa, Canada at Natural Resources Canada–Canadian Forest Service

coordinates support and development services to the Network and works to strengthen and expand the IMFN.

20 I M F N 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t — Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Mo d e l F o r e s t N e t w o r k o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e

This report has been published with the support of the Government of Canada.

International Model Forest Network Secretariat580 Booth Street Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0E4

imfn@imfn.net Fax: +613-947-7399

imfn.net

1992-2012