International Model Forest Network

The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) is a voluntary association of partners from around the world working toward a common goal— the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes and natural resources. It is comprised of all member Model Forests.

Model Forests don’t just happen by themselves. They involve complex relationships between people, communities, industries, governments, non-governmental organizations and other groups. Someone has to inform and assist the various stakeholders and support interactions among potential partners. That’s the rationale behind the IMFN. It is a global community of practice that converts the collective experience and lessons learned from member Model Forests into services that help new ventures begin and existing ones grow.

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 goal of the IMFN is to establish a global network of Model Forests that will represent most of the major forest ecosystems of the world. We also strive 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.

Our three key objectives are:

• To foster international cooperation and exchange of ideas relating to the working concept of sustainable forest management
• To support international cooperation in critical aspects of forest science and social science that underlie the search for new models of forest management
• To support ongoing international 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 all over the globe. Participating Model Forests will share their knowledge and encourage large parts of the world's forested areas to undertake management and conservation methods that ensure their continuous benefits for humanity.