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2011
It was not long ago that the Mediterranean
Model Forest Network (MMFN) was officially
launched at the 2008 International Model
Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum held in
Hinton, Canada. However, it has taken
important and firm steps forward, such as
the declaration of two new candidate Model
Forests in Ifrane (Morocco) and Yalova
(Turkey), which join the 2007 Model
Forest initiative in Urbión (Spain).
The MMFN continues growing enthusiastically
and at a constant pace with new additions
such as the Toscana and Venetto regions in
Italy and territories that are starting out with
us, such as Jordan and Syria or the Model
Forests of the Dehesa Charra, in Salamanca
(Spain) or the Serranía in Cuenca
(Castilla-La Mancha, Spain).
The European Union's INTERREG
"Forêt Modèle" project continues advancing in
order to consolidate model forest processes in
several territories and to draft strategic actions
for the common interest.
2010 and 2011 have been full of important
meetings, such as the MedForum 2010 held
in Ifrane (Morocco) on June 2010, which
involved the yearly meeting of all the model
forests being developed in the Mediterranean.
In 2011, the MedForum will take place in
November in the PACA region of France, and
will be an important gathering for all
Mediterranean agents working towards
sustainable forest management and rural
development.
The IMFN Global Forum held in Burgos
in March 2011 was a great success that
provided a glimpse of the contributions that
the Mediterranean network can make to the
international model forest community.
And so, I invite you to read our Newsletter,
where you will find the advances that have
taken place in the MMFN, important events and
news of the Mediterranean and some sketches
of the events that have taken place this year in
the IMFN.
Alvaro Picardo Nieto, Junta de Castilla y León (Spain). Red Mediterránea de Bosques Modelo.
Member of the:
International
Model Forest
Network
2011
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MedForum 2010
Annual Meeting Mediterranean Model Forest Network
The MedForum 2010, which was recently held
in Ifrane (Morocco) has been an outstanding
success with over 70 professionals attended the
event representing 12 between countries and
regions and over 20 active Entities of the
forestall sector of the Mediterranean basin.
The Secretariat of the Mediterranean Model
Forest Network is very pleased with the
organization of the Forum, which was a good
meeting point of ideas and projects for the
future, especially in the proposed themes.
During the first day of the MedForum 2010,
Ifrane Model Forest was officially nominated,
and during the act the Canadian Ambassador to
Morocco, His Excellency Christopher Wilkie,
handed the representative of the HCEFLCD
(Morocco) the certificate of such candidates.
The candidate Ifrane Model Forest will be the
second Model Forest in the Mediterranean basin
since the first Model Forest, Urbión (in Castilla
y Leon, Spain), started its activities in 2007.
Members
After an initial capitalization of work results, I
am pleased to inform you that the technical
issue of the Forum is available on our website
www.mmfn.info in the "File manager" of
the web, where you can download all the
documents presented during the
MedForum 2010.
of the MMFN
1. Castilla y León (Spain)
1.1 Urbión Model Forest
The Monte Modelo Urbión Association (MMU)
held their General Meeting on Saturday the
17th of April. In this meeting they showcased
the work carried out during 2009 and the actions
in progress and planned for 2010. From the
different activities of 2009 we can highlight the
creation of the work commissions, which
developed the strategic plan that laid down
the current schedule.
Thanks to the grant awarded in late 2009 by the
Biodiversity Foundation, the Association was able
to carry out the following activities in 2010:
- Application for the Urbión Biosphere Reserve.
The First Draft of the resources inventory is
now available. The issues of territorial scope,
management and participation workshops were
studied during the month of May 2010.
The first seminars on Biosphere Reserved
were held and the program will be further
developed during the summer to inform the
entire population of the proposal and to build
between us all a common vision and an inclusive
process. The Biosphere Reserve Participation
Seminar was held on the 17th, 18th and 19th of
June 2010 at the Casa de la Madera.
It also received visits from several delegations of
the Toscana Region (Italy), Turkey, and the
Region of Murcia (Spain).
The Global Forum held the National Tree Day in
Revenga (Burgos) and attendants were taken
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Castilla y Leon", ASFOSA organised an event to
present the region targeted for the sustainable
management model: the Dehesa Charra. Many
potential participants attended this meeting and
offered their different points of view on the
initiative.
Later, a first group of 8 strategic actors declared
their intention to start a Model Forest in the
Dehesa Charra. This group of actors is widely
represented in the territory and was defined as
a "driving group".
Recently, and after forming work groups
coordinated by ASFOSA, some priorities have
been chosen for the future strategic plan of the
Model Forest, which is still to be defined:
through the Urbión Model Forest and were
explained the forest management carried out
there. By visiting different companies and towns
in Soria and Burgos they were also shown how
economic, social and cultural interests are
integrated with the preservation of natural
resources in the area.
1.2 Initiative “Dehesa Charra” Model Forest
Work has been carried out in Salamanca
throughout 2010 in order to launch the creation
of a Model Forest in the Dehesa area (Southeast
area of the Castilla y Leon region).
Cesefor, within the framework of the "Forêt
Modèle" Med project, has invited Pablo Martín,
Salamanca's Forest Association's (ASFOSA)
Forest Engineer, to participate in the
consortium's activities in order to get this
company involved in MMFN activities.
With support from the Department of the
Environment of the Regional Government of
Castilla y Leon and with the agreement of
ASOFA's Management Board, the Model Forest
concept was introduced in the province of
Salamanca at a meeting held on 22 July 2010.
On 9 September 2010, on the occasion of the
"27th International Farming Trade Fair of
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1. Long-term ecosystem conservation.
2. Improving the profitability of the land (in uses
and products).
3. Information, communication and training in
life in the Dehesa.
4. Institutional organisation
ASFOSA is currently coordinating the drawing-up
of the Terms of the Dehesa Charra Model Forest,
which is in its draft version and will be discussed
and reviewed by the driver group in a workshop
in September 2011. Later, in October 2011, they
shall receive an evaluation visit from the
Secretariats of the International and
Mediterranean Model Forest Networks for a
possible appointment as an official candidate for
a Model Forest.
2. Murcia (Spain)
Background meetings were held to present Model
Forests, consisting in meetings from the 1st to
the 4th of March 2010 with the social agents
involved in the Model Forest project and with
representatives of the International and
Mediterranean Model Forest Networks. In these
meetings, the proposal of the Model Forest of
Sierra Espuña and Hills of Mula, Cehegín and
Bullas was presented, as well as the importance
and benefits involved in belonging to the
Mediterranean Model Forest Network.
The Bylaws of the Model Forest of Sierra Espuña
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and Hills of Mula, Cehegín and Bullas were
also drafted, defining the general articles of
association, the activities and purpose of the
association and its members, its operating
criteria, its management structure and its
internal, financial and asset regulations.
A document for the Analysis and Comparative
Study of all Model Forests comprising the
Mediterranean Network within the "Model Forest"
Med Project was also drafted, and a Comparative
Study was performed between the Sierra Espuña
Model Forest and the rest of the Model Forests to
be implemented in natural areas in the
Mediterranean. The objective is to analyse the
ecological and socioeconomic context of all these
territories in order to ensure that these
structures contribute effectively towards the
conservation of the species and the spaces
they protect.
As part of the process of developing the
future Model Forest, we have finished drafting
the Strategic Plan for the Model Forest of Sierra
Espuña and Hills of Mula, Cehegín and Bullas for
the 2010-2015 period, which is still to be
by the IMFN. To do this we chose the proposals
with the greatest acceptance amongst all those
submitted by the Model Forest partners in a
meeting held on 28 May 2010, in which the
actors involved in the future Model Forest of
Sierra Espuña and Hills of Mula, Cehegín and
Bullas voted on a series of proposals previously
chosen in different work groups (corresponding
to the 4 commissions established: Public Use,
Promotion of Territorial Participation,
Infrastructures and Management and
Conservation) from which the Work Plan plan
for the coming years was developed, establishing
the relevant objectives and goals for the
2010-2015 period.
A series of articles has also been published in
the media to promote all the activities that are
being organised, on online journals, scientific
magazines, newspapers, web pages, etc. Articles
and news reports are published in different
media such as web pages, digital dairies,
newspapers, journals, brochures, etc. in order to
inform about the events and meetings held, the
people attending, the agreements reached and
the strategies to be followed.
The "Umbría de Espuña" race was held on 20
June 2010 within the Model Forest to raise the
awareness of the general population to the future
Model Forest of Sierra Espuña and Hills of Mula,
Cehegín and Bullas.
In 2011 they are still working on developing the
Strategic Plan and giving the finishing touches on
defining the partnership. In October of 2011 they
shall receive an evaluation visit from the
Secretariats of the International and
Mediterranean Model Forest Networks for a
possible appointment as official candidates to
Model Forests.
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3. Corsica (France)
On the 24th and 25th of March 2010, a meeting
of the "Model Forest" MED Project was held in
the region of Corsica (France) to define the characteristics of the Mediterranean Model Forest. In
this meeting a document was drafted that will
define such characteristics and will become a
guide for the development of Model Forests in
the Mediterranean.
On the 26th of March 2010, ODARC organised a
regional event on the sustainable management of
forests. The issues discussed were:
The fundamental principles of sustainable
forest management and examples of
general tools.
Local forest management and examples
of suitable tools.
The Corsica Model Forest project, as well as
presentations on the Model Forest concept by
the Secretariat of the Mediterranean Model
Forest Network and other network members.
Almost 70 people attended this meeting:
land owners and forest administrators, civil
servants, elected leaders, academics, teachers
and students. After the presentations there was a
debate on the application of the Model Forest
concept in Corsica, including the choice of the
site. The importance of the coordination of local
actors for the success of sustainable local
development was highlighted.
The next steps are those of continuing
communication with local forestry actors and a
study to identify the areas that best meet the
Model Forest criteria.
4. Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur (France)
The MMF Secretariat was invited by the PACA
Region to participate in a series of meetings (2226 February 2010) with potential local partners
in order to explain the Model Forest concept, as
well as the basic characteristics shared by all
Model Forests, i.e. governance, association and
the strategic plan. The end result was the planning of a strategic workshop following the standard schedule: presentation of the concept, local
networks and the project for creating a Model
Forest. About thirty people attended, including a
of the MMFN
representative of the Ministry of Agriculture
(PACA Regional Office) and the President of the
AIFM (International Association of Mediterranean
Forests). In general, the message was delivered
effectively and the experts observed positive
technical and political reactions towards the
Model Forest system.
On the 9th of November 2010, a meeting was
held with the local consortium for the creation of
work groups dealing with specific issues and to
identify the first lines of action for the future
Model Forest. 3 work groups were defined by
subject matter:
Towards a new forest economy
Multifunctional management of
peri-urban natural areas.
Evolution and control of landscapes
considering natural risks.
Other meetings of the different work groups
have been planned for 2011, and a Workshop
extended to the entire potential consortium in
order to launch the drafting of the Strategic
Plan.
5. Sardinia (Italy)
Within the project of creating a Model Forest in
the Region of Sardinia, the MMFN Secretariat
received an invitation from the Region to
participate in a series of meetings with potential
local partners that were held on the 4th and 5th
of March 2010. The agenda of this visit started
with a visit to the territory included in the Model
Forest: the new "Arci-Grighine" forest district,
consisting of 21 forest areas. The rest of the visit
was dedicated to raise awareness between the
different attendees by offering a vision of the
Model Forest concept, as well as the basic
characteristics common to all Model Forests,
which are governance, association and the
strategic plan.
On the 9th of June 2010 another meeting was
organised in Cagliari to confirm the Regional
Government's determination to create the Model
Forest, inviting other Authorities with regional
competences in the chosen territory. On the 20th
of July an informative meeting was held in
Gusana, inviting all Public, Regional, Provincial
and Local Authorities, Associations and Private
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Organisations to attend. On the 16th of
November 2010 another meeting was held for
the 14 City Councils of the "ARCI" Area.
Participation in this meeting was quite low
(5 City Councils), but intense. The Mayors
understood the concept and supported the
decision of continuing the process and creating
the Model Forest.
In the end, the Regional Government confirmed
its intention of using the Model Forest tool to
increase its contact with the territory and to test
the best practices at the chosen site in order to
use these results for a better understanding of
the objectives of the Forest District, for which it
must draft a Management Plan.
6. Tuscany (Italia)
The Tuscany Region sent a delegation to
Castilla y Leon consisting of a representative of
the Tuscany Region, a representative of the State
Forestry Department, 3 representatives of the
"Montagna Fiorentina" Mountain Community, a
representative of the Caentinesi Forest National
Park and 2 representatives of logging companies
based in the "Montagna Fiorentina" Mountain
Community, to discuss how to proceed effectively
in the creation of the Model Forest (late April).
The meeting was also attended by a
representative from an important
agricultural region.
In the months of May and June several
meetings were held with the logging and/or
wood-processing companies in order to broaden
association and participation in the experience of
creating a Model Forest in the Region.
Therefore, the territory for the creation of
the first Model Forest in general terms will
coincide with the "Joint Valdarno and Valdisieve
City Councils", whereas the partnership currently
consists of the Toscana Region, Joint Valdarno
and Valdisieve City Councils (which will also
operate as the coordinator between the partners), the "Foreste Casentinesi" National Park,
the SOFEA Woodcutter's Association, the
Frescobaldi farm, important sawmills in the
area, and the Ivalsa NRC.
The diagnostic mission of the MMFN Secretariat
took place between the 6th-10th of December
2010. After the visits to several local actors
involved in the project, a conference was held
to present the process of the creation of the
"Montagna Fiorentina Model Forest" with the
participation of Alvaro Picardo from the
Castilla y Leon Regional Government and Sonia
Martel from the Urbión Model Hill Association.
More than 100 people attended the conference,
during which the Environmental Councillor of the
Toscana Regional Government confirmed the
Region's interest and its intention to create a
Model Forest.
Considering the success of the first initiative due
to its high local participation, some weeks later
(on the 20th of January 2011) a workshop was
held to create the Strategic Plan for the Model
Forest, held by a representative of the MMFN
Secretariat. Once again, many representatives
of the public and private sectors were present,
and sharing theme-based work groups they
expressed several opinions and points of view
on the future activities of the Model Forest.
Currently, the personnel in charge of the Joint
Valdarno and Valdisieve City Councils is reviewing
the results of the workshop in order to draft a
proposal for the Strategic Plan.
7. Istria (Croatia)
A meeting was organised on 12 July 2010
with representatives from several organisations
responsible for the territorial management of the
Istria Region and potential actors for the future
Model Forest.
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The diagnostic visit to the site chosen for the
Model Forest, the "Mirna River Basin", took place
from the 16th to the 20th of November 2010.
Representatives from the International and
Mediterranean Model Forest Networks
participated in this visit.
A workshop was organised in June 2010 to draw
up the Strategic Plan at the Local Council of
Motovun (Croatia). All the local actors visited
were present. They were all very excited about
the value of the Model Forest tool and many
opinions were stated on future actions to
be taken.
Amongst the activities carried out by this
development initiative in the month of June
2011 is that of combining art with nature, joining
other IMFN Model Forests in an attempt to bring
both these aspects together. Nine young artists
from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy were invited by
the Pazin city Art Museum, as part of the future
Model Forest, to express their ideas of the old
chestnut trees in the City of Motovun (Istria,
Croatia) from a different perspective using
environmentally-friendly paints.
of the MMFN
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A meeting of the "Forêt Modèle" MED project was
held in June 2011, during which they visited and
held meetings with interested partners. To finish
off the visit, a letter of intent was signed in
which the interested actors expressed their commitment to the initiative.
the first Greek Model Forest (despite the critical
economic times that make for a very difficult
situation throughout the country).
8. Magnesia Prefecture (Greece)
They have published several press releases
explaining the Model Forest concept within the
framework of the Forêt Modèle MED project and
they have also informed all local actors
interested in the project. Both official and
non-official meetings were organised with the
Magnesia Prefecture.
A technical meeting of the "Forêt Modèle" MED
project was held in Volos on 21 September 2010.
The Magnesia Prefecture organised a field visit to
the Pelion Mountain, the site that has been
pre-selected to test the Model Forest tool. A
Conference has also been organised inviting all
the Local Authorities, who have confirmed their
intention to continue with the project to create
9. West Macedonia (Greece)
The region has contacted the Forestry
Department of the region and certain
actors of the chosen area, Krania forest.
The actors were informed about the project
mainly by telephone. More information was
sent by mail and the interested parties sent in
questions that were then raised in the meeting
held in Kozani in December 2009 within the
framework of the "Forêt Modèle" MED project.
A visit was organised by the project consortium
in Krania Forest (Grevena Prefecture), explaining
the main activities in the territory.
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10. Turkey
The Yalova Model Forest has been officially
declared a Candidate during a ceremony held
on the 16th and 17th of February 2011.
Representatives of the International and
Mediterranean Model Forest Secretariats also
took part in the ceremony, as well as the
Canadian Ambassador to Turkey, who officially
claimed that the Yalova Model Forest is a
"candidate member" to the International
Network.
There has been much local satisfaction,
especially due to the new President elect,
Doctor Mehmet Ozdemir, for whom the MMFN
Secretariat wishes all the best for the future.
With respect to the creation of the Yalova Model
Forest in Turkey, representatives of the
International and Mediterranean Model Forest
Networks participated during the first week of
June 2010 in a workshop consisting in the joint
assessment of the Strategic Plan. All potential
local partners for the Yalova Model Forest
attended this workshop, and the two representatives of the networks observed the advances
in this Turkish project.
Moreover, a Turkish delegation visited the
Urbión Model Forest in order to complete
information for the creation of their Model
Forest in the region of Yalova.
They shall receive an evaluation visit in
September 2011 by the Secretariats of the
International and Mediterranean Model Forest
Networks for a possible final designation as a
Model Forest after working for some months
as a Candidate Model Forest.
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11. Tunisia
Within the framework of the AMFI Program, the
IMFN and MMFN Secretariats visited the territories
of Kroumirie-Mogods in Tunisia from the 8th to the
12th of February 2010 in order to participate in
the local development of processes and to help
draft the corresponding strategic plans.
During their visit to Tunisia, the group of experts
held meetings with the Forestry Department of
the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible
for the creation of the Kroumirie-Mogods Model
Forest. Finally, the work of drafting the strategic
plan for the future Kroumirie-Mogods Model
Forest was carried out with the Temporary
Committee.
They are currently writing the Strategic Plan and
choosing the government model for the future
Kroumirie-Mogods Model Forest. The external
Consultant has finished their consulting work on
the legal form of the Tunisian Model Forest and
the results have been presented in a meeting of
the main parties involved. The official creation of
an Association and the resulting start of activities
to establish the Model Forest should start soon.
12. Marruecos
The Ifrane Model Forest was declared a
candidate to the IMFN and the MMFN during the
2010 MedForum, after the creation of the Ifrane
Model Forest Association, approving its articles of
association and its Strategic Plan.
There has been a public call to find the first
workers, who have now been selected. The new
Association can now start the first activities laid
down in the Strategic Plan.
As background preparation, within the
framework of the AMFI Program, the IMFN and
MMFN Secretariats visited the territories of the
candidate Model Forest, the Ifrane Model Forest
in Morocco, from the 1st to the 5th of February
2010 in order to participate in the local
development of processes and to help draft the
corresponding strategic plans. During their visit
to Morocco, the group of experts played an active
role in the preparatory meetings with the work
groups created for this purpose in October of
2009. The work carried out during this period
was focused in particular on the creation of the
Articles of Association of the Ifrane Model Forest,
which led to the Incorporation Meeting held on
13 February 2010.
Several activities have been performed in
2011, of which we may highlight: a seminar on
Amazigh poetry (forest conservation: culture and
behaviour), forestry and pasture management
activities such as the distribution of cantons
(profit generation for the inhabitants of the
mountain areas in the province of Ifrane),
more efficient furnace distribution, valuation
of products such as medicinal plants and wool,
and awareness-raising actions on the value of
the environment. All these activities are aimed
at improving the living conditions of the
inhabitants of the work area of the Ifrane
candidate Model Forest.
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Conclusions International
Symposium highlights importance
of the ecosystem approach
The March 21-24 International Symposium on
Ecosystem and Landscape-level Approaches to
Sustainability brought together close to 400
delegates from over 65 countries in Burgos,
Spain to discuss sustainable approaches to forest
ecosystem and large landscape management.
With a mix of keynote speakers, case study
presenters, panels and small working group
discussions, participants had an opportunity to
both learn about current approaches and engage
in discussion and debate on the Symposium
themes: ecosystem goods and services,
inventory and monitoring, governance, and
future directions. The principal conclusions for
the event include:
Forests are essential for the economic, social
and cultural well-being of communities in
addition to their ecological value in conserving
biodiversity and ecological services
The ecosystem approach is critical in
advancing the sustainability of our forests
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Initiatives and approaches such as Model
Forests and biosphere reserves promote and
contribute to the sustainable management of
forest-based landscapes
All the approaches (and the organizations
advancing them) to ecosystem and
landscape-level management need to be
linked more effectively to facilitate the
sharing of information and experiences
The event organizers and co-organizers
will be inviting delegates and others to
participate in ongoing dialogue on the
Symposium themes in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more information on these
opportunities. As well, Symposium proceedings
will be available soon. In the meantime,
presentations and videos from both events
can be downloaded from the link below.
For More Information:
http://www.globalforum2011.net
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Activities IMFN
The African Model Forest
Network is expanding.
In pursuing their goal of developing
a pan-African network of Model
Forests by 2013, the AMFN
Secretariat (based in Cameroon)
has been actively encouraging the
establishment of Model Forests in
neighbouring countries.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), up to three new sites are
being considered, and potential sites
are also being explored in the
Republic of Congo (Congo
Brazzaville). The Secretariat has
established contacts in the Central
African Republic, Rwanda, Gabon
and Equatorial Guinea, and has held
meetings with political authorities
and NGOs in Ghana, Senegal and
Sierra Leone, where the interest and
demand for information on
establishing Model Forests is
significant. During the coming year,
the AMFN Secretariat will focus on
holding workshops in many of these
countries to provide guidance on
Model Forest development.
+ Info: info@africanmodelforests.org
New agro-forestry project in
Ulot Watershed Model Forest,
Philippines
The Philippine Department of
Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) has allocated P155 500
(USD 3 625) to support a 10
hectare agro-forestry project within
the Ulot Watershed Model Forest to
aid in reducing poverty and
deforestation in the region. Located
in Taft, Eastern Samar Island, the
project will be implemented by the
San Rafael Integrated Farmers
Cooperative, Inc. (SRIFC), a Model
Forest partner.
DENR will provide technical
assistance to the SRIFC including
the selection of site-appropriate
crops as well as the market
potential of the commodities. In
exchange the SRIFC will prepare
the site, cultivate the vegetable
crops and build a nursery shed.
As many local communities
currently rely on the charcoal
production for income, this project
will provide an alternative source of
income and aid in reducing
deforestation in the area.
+ Info: http://www.samarnews.com
http://www.pia.gov.ph
Fundy Model Forest promotes
diversifying the forest economy
through non-timber forest
products
The Fundy Model Forest has
produced a field guide to help
landowners identify opportunities to
earn additional income from their
woodlots through non-timber forest
products (NTFPs). "Our Atlantic
Woods: A Photo Guide to Non-timber
Forest Products," can be used to
identify trees, small shrubs,
mushrooms, and other plants that
could be developed into marketable
non-timber forest products. The
examples selected are among the
most common found in the
Acadian forest region.
Based on his 15 years experience in
researching NTFPs, Dr. Ron Smith
developed the guide to not only aids
the user in identifying NTFPs in the
forest, but also provide an overview
the marketing possibilities for each
species. For example, bunchberries
have a number of traditional uses
and research highlights their
potential medicinal use in combating
heart disease and some forms of
cancer in addition to their use in
beverages and landscaping.
+ Info: http://www.fundymodelforest.net
Successful wrap-up
of KEDLAP project
The Knowledge for Effective Learning
and Development (KEDLAP) Project
(November 2009 to March 2011)
was a joint effort of CUSO-VSO and
the Iberoamerican Model Forest
Network to examine how knowledge
management and sharing contributes to development processes. A
learning network was built with six
Model Forests to deepen and share
knowledge on topics of importance
to the Model Forests such as
governance, land use management,
sustainable production. Funding and
other support was provided by the
International Development Research
Centre (IDRC) and the IMFN.
During the three year project period,
six workshops were held - three in
Costa Rica and one each in Chile,
Bolivia and Guatemala. These
brought together Model Forest
representatives from across the
region to share ideas and lessons
learned on knowledge management
and sharing. The workshops
strengthened ties between the Model
Forests which has led to an increase
of activities both within individual
Model Forests and across national
boundaries.
The project improved participant
capacity for systematic knowledge
management and sharing-and
consequently better and more
relevant strategic planning and
implementation-though the
systematization of best practices.
As well, Model Forests across the
IAMFN engaged in more systematic
annual reflection and reporting with
more focus on lessons learned. With
financial security a key issue across
the entire IMFN, another key
outcome was the development of
Model Forest sustainability plans as
the result of online training in
resource mobilization carried out
through the project.
The IMFN Secretariat, in collaboration with CUSO-VSO and other
partners are examining approaches
to transfering the lessons learned
from this pilot to other IMFN regions
such as Africa and Asia.
+ Info: www.bosquesmodelo.net
http://kedlap.cebem.org
Vilhelmina Model Forest action
plan for preserving biodiversity
in River Ångermanälven, Sweden
The loss of habitat continues to be a
globally important factor affecting
the extinction of species both in
terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Connectivity (allowing free migration
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Activities IMFN
of species within aquatic habitat
networks) is a key issue, but there
are often many obstacles to
migration. For example, the large
dams at hydropower plants where
fish passage is not often maintained.
Swedish environmental legislation
favours the use of renewable energy
sources and it is often possible to
minimize the negative effects of
hydropower development with the
establishment of fish passages.
The Vilhelmina Model Forest,
Sweden, initiated a pilot project in
2010 to study the feasibility,
biological effects and costs of
establishing fish passages at four
dams in the upper part of
Ångermanälven River, the third
largest in Sweden. The project group
consisted of local, regional and
national experts.
The work resulted in precise plans
for establishing a fish passage. A
manual for local inhabitants and
communities was produced to guide
them through the legal documents
for water court processes, and to
advise them on what measures
could be recommended to enable
fish passage for biodiversity
conservation and local fishing.
Creating a fish passage was shown
to be highly cost effective as only a
fraction of the annual revenue of the
hydropower facilities would be
enough to achieve good ecological
status.
The Red Bird Houses
During the Global Model Forests
Forum held in Burgos, an event that
takes place every 3 years, the
Bergslagen Model Forest (Sweden)
raised a question: how can the
world's Model Forests keep in
contact? How can we establish a
permanent and continuous
relationship if we only meet in
person every three years?
This led to the following proposal.
Five members from different
countries and regions were invited to
participate in the "Red Bird Houses"
project. Each member was given a
International
Model Forest
Network
traditional bird house, and they each
committed to place them in a visible
place in the Model Forest and send
reports on the number of birds that
nest in it and on the social impact of
the project. The bird houses would
thus become a symbol for the
horizontal cooperation between the
Model Forests and would maintain a
common work relationship.
The first house has already been
placed in the Bergslagen Model
Forest in Sweden, with the
13
cooperation of Olle Ytterberg, the
Mayor of Arboga. During the
ceremony, an impatient blue tit
inspected the red bird house…
The Model Forest of Urbión held an
event in June 2011 to place its own
bird house and strengthen its
relationships with other
International Model Forests. To see
how the project progresses and to
find out about events in other Model
Forests, follow it on-line on Facebook
(The Red Bird Houses).
IMFN confirms strategic directions at 2011 Global Forum
On March 25-26 immediately following the International Symposium on
Ecosystem and Landscape-level Approaches to Sustainability, over 150 Model
Forest representatives from around the world held their tri-annual business
meeting. Hosted by Cesefor and the Urbión Model Forest, the 2011 IMFN
Global Forum provided IMFN members with an opportunity to share
experiences and knowledge, to explore opportunities for collaboration, and to
provide input into IMFN Strategic Initiatives.
A key area of discussion during the two-day event focused on development
of a Members' Charter designed to provide a foundation for the institutional
development of the IMFN. Discussion on the Charter will continue in the
coming months with the goal of finalizing the document by the end of the year.
Participants also provided input into the development of three Strategic
Initiatives focusing on key themes relevant across the IMFN:
Climate Change: Two main priorities were identified:1) adaptation to
climate change, and 2) mitigation/monitoring/REDD+
Ecological Goods and Services: Three main sub-themes: 1) examine
methodologies for measurement, valuation and payment for ecological
services, 2) capacity building, knowledge sharing and integration of policy
and practice, and 3) landscape and watershed management
Community Sustainability: Two focal areas identified were
1) commercialization of local products and services, and 2) investment and
capacity building of local human resources and leadership
Working Groups are being established for each Strategic Initiative to continue
the discussions started at the Global Forum and to focus on implementation of
activities in the coming months. Additional information on how Model Forests
can participate in the Strategic Initiative working groups will be distributed
shortly. Additional information on the 2011 IMFN Global Forum and the IMFN
Strategic Initiatives can be found on the IMFN website (link below).
+ Info: http://www.imfn.net
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14
Human Profile
Fidel Soria,
Former President of the
Urbión Model Forest
What do Model Forests mean to you? Model Forests
involve bringing together the different actors in a
territory to achieve a common goal. At Pinares we
have managed to achieve this unity to work on all
the issues affecting the rural environment and in
particular the specific
problems of pine forest areas: logging, tourism,
mushroom-picking, etc. A Model Forest means to
come together for the benefit of the local
population.
What advantages or contributions has the Model
Forest achieved in the territory? Our greatest achievement to date has been to bring together the
towns and other local actors in the territory to draw
up a common vision; there is a lot of work yet to
do regarding awareness-raising amongst the population.
Ideas and expectations for the future. The idea
is that we may work together in all sectors. For
example, in the tourism sector, to create our
own image and let the resources be known as a
whole, so that visitors may appreciate the entire
territory. This will facilitate distributing the
pressures created by tourism in the area. Another
project that we support is the
development of regulations that allow secondary
exploitations such as mushroom picking to
really benefit the local population.
Are all Model Forests the same? Not at all. In fact,
there are no two alike. The Model Forest was born
as a method for conflict solving and working with
an environmental, social and
economic commitment. Model Forests share the
principles I have just mentioned. Let's say that they
set the rules of the game; From there, each territory has its own peculiarities, its own local problems, its own resources and its own way of associating and working, and each one finds its own
way to achieve common solutions and to move for-
ward. Canadian forests have nothing to do with
Latin American or African jungles or with the large
forests managed in Sweden. This is exactly what
makes this network so interesting, the exchange of
experiences, the lessons learned from other territories, which must be adapted to the characteristics
of each forest.
The Model Forest of Urbión is one of these forests.
When was it created and what are its goals? Where
is this forest? The Model Forest
of Urbión was first thought of in 2006, and the
association was finally established in 2007. The
Model Forest of Urbión is in the Pinares area, midway between Burgos and Soria. It is the
largest continuous forest area in the Iberian peninsula. It is a territory with a very
characteristic culture, linked to forest
exploitation. In the 13th Century, the first Royal
Ordinances granting rights for felling pine trees to
people who came and settled in the territory were
granted in this area. This meant that many people
came to settle the area and this gave a boost to the
local economy, which was
stimulated. Finally, the forest became the basis of
the economy, of tradition, of festivals and local
camaraderie. Therefore, it is deeply respected:
More than 100,000 ha are currently certified by the
PEFC and have the Soria Burgos Pine Tree guarantee label.
And our goals are the following: the goal of
the Model Forest of Urbión is to achieve the
sustainable and multifunctional management of its
natural resources through a participatory method,
and ultimately to connect all the agents involved in
the management and exploitation of the resources
and to invite them to search for common solutions.
However, even though you create a Model Forest,
an association is also created as a legal entity.
Could you explain to us how this is possible?. A
Model Forest is the recognition of past work and of
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15
Human Profile
a commitment for the future. Undertaking the work
that such commitment entails requires a solid organisational structure, with clear,
transparent and effective decision and execution
mechanisms. Therefore it seems necessary for
there to be a management system that assumes
this commitment, by working according to
specific methods and with specific objectives. Why
an association? When studying the figure that best
suited the Model Forest requirements we compared
several legal entities: informal associations, associations, foundations and
companies. We were searching for a simple structure that would guarantee horizontal levels between
the members and transparency in its actions and
that could represent the territory
and have access to public tenders. We found associations to be the most suitable entity to
suit these criteria.
There have been different commissions created in
this association. Tell us what they are and what
functions they have.. The first step to be taken
after establishing a Model Forest is to
define its work plan, and the first premise to start
working is to gather all interested parties together.
To start, the General Meeting proposed three lines
of work: Forest uses and resources (including timber and non-timber resources, and also recreational
and tourism use); Climate Change and Promotion.
Each of these commissions was responsible for
developing this line, analysing its strengths and
weaknesses and proposing actions that would allow
improving some of the aspects involved. The work
commissions are created to deal with specific
issues, and as many work commissions can be created as necessary to respond to
proposals from the partners.
There is a main objective, "to create a system that
promotes trust and boosts the wood
market", would be a true help to the wood
sector in the region... How do you think this could
be achieved and how the project is
advancing in this respect. . This project was
created from the beginning based on forest use and
exploitation. When this project was defined we were
still unaware of the impact of the
collapse of the wood industry, and therefore this
project, which was important and representative,
has now become even more relevant. The
collapse of the sector has been brought about
by two events: the reduction in building, which
leads to a reduction of the demand of forest
products, and the Klaus tornado, which knocked
down a large area of pine trees in France, which
forced it to remove it quickly and brought about a
great drop in sale price. Conclusion: there is a great
increase in wood supply (with a great negative
effect on the City Councils, whose
income depended here on wood sales and on
its market price; many have chosen not to sell);
but there is no demand for manufactured
products to cover.
The aims of this project, on the one hand, to improve the demand for growing stock through information (a web platform will be created that will publish
the resources in the region and all useful information to facilitate access by the City Councils and
auctions will be held on certain
days at a certain place in order to increase
competition). A second aim is to adjust the
growing stock to market prices by collecting
real prices in the territory and a commitment to
meet ordinance plans by the town councils.
Finally, a single bidder registry will be established to
simplify administrative procedures for sale managers and businesspeople.
How has the mountain changed since it was
declared a Model Forest? and how have people's
lives changed? ? It is still too early for there to be
any obvious changes. There is still a lot of work to
do. Recognition by the International Model Forest
Network was the result of intense organisation and
certification work and the
creation of a brand offering guarantee, not because
this was a basic requirement, but because the
region is proud of its resources and wanted to show
it. This was the first process carried out by the
Model Forest and which has made our forests become an example of
management and local involvement. A
sociological study was also performed, and we worked a lot with the local people of the territory. For
these people, the Model Forest is proof that they
can be proud of their ancestral traditions and that
their commitment is the basis of future work; the
people here are more concerned about environmental problems, they comment on management
methods, they research on climate change and propose new projects. They are more involved, or
seem so, and that is fantastic.
+ Info: www.urbion.es
You can visit us on our website, www.urbion.es,
where you can download our newsletter or ask us to
send it at email address urbion@urbion.es. We are
also on Facebook and Twitter (@UrbionBM). If you
have any specific questions you can call the association on 610 636 902.
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Mare Nostrum
MedForum 2011
Ramatuelle
(Département du-Var, PACA Region, France)
The PACA Region and the MMFN Secretariat are pleased
to invite you to participate in the 2011 MedForum that
will take place in France. November 22, 23 and 24 2011.
The Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) was
officially launched at the 2008 International Model Forest
Network (IMFN) Global Forum held in Hinton (Canada).
The first MedForum of the MMFN took place in Valladolid
(Castilla y León, Spain) in March 2009, and the second in
Ifrane (Morocco) in June 2010. Following the candidature of
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur (PACA) Region and in
conjunction with the project timeline of the MED "Forêt
Modèle" Project, the MMFN Secretariat proposes that the
2011 MedForum be held in France in
November.Representatives from other countries, regions and
organizations that are not part of the MMFN but interested in
our activities will be invited to participate. In combination
with the MedForum, a Meeting of the MED Forêt Modèle
Project and the second Steering Committee of the
Collaborative Partnership for the Mediterranean Forest (CPMF)
will be organized (22/11/2011). During this week the first
Workshop for the preparation of the Integrated Strategy on
Mediterranean Forests, to be presented to the members of
Silva Mediterranea Committee by the end of 2012, will be
also organized in Ramatuelle (24/25 November 2011) with
the financial support of MAAPRAT.
A field trip on the proposed PACA Model Forest is also
expected to take place (23/11/2011).
For further information, please read the document of Terms
of Reference of the event that you can download here:
http://www.mmfn.info/sites/default/files/Root/public/MedForum2011/TdR_Me
dForum_2011_Eng.pdf
Otros eventos en el Mediterráneo
Cork Forest Management and quality of cork
October 17, 18, 19 - 2011 - Jijel (Argelia)
The University of Algeria represented by the University of
Jijel and industry of cork in the region in collaboration with
research laboratories (Tlemcen and Jijel), the General
Directorate of Forestry and the National Institute of Forestry
Research have celebrated this year , the International Year
of Forests, 2011, proclaimed by the United Nations General
Assembly in its resolution 61/193 of 20 December 2006, by
organizing the second meeting of Mediterranean cork
forests management and quality of cork.
This event offers another opportunity, after the meeting
in Tlemcen in 2009, for Mediterranean national actors to
work together on challenges to promote sustainable
anagement, conservation and sustainable development of
this forest type but also to upgrade the industrial cork and
other forest products for the benefit of present and future
generations.
http://www.rencontre-medsuber.com/
Usages, biodiversité et forêt méditerranéenne
17th and 18th November 2011
Foresterranée'11
Domaine départemental de l'Etang des Aulnes
(Bouches-du-Rhône) (France)
Para más información:
http://www.foret-mediterraneenne.org/evts2.htm
Mediterranean
www.mmfn.info
Model
Forest
Network
Plaza de la Universidad, 4 - Entreplanta 1
47002 Valladolid | Spain
Tel.: +34 983 304 181
Fax: +34 983 308 671
e-mai: mmfn@mmfn.info