Background

The Canadian Government first introduced the “model forest” concept in 1991.It was an innovative program aimed at developing broad-based partnerships between organizations and individuals to promote the practice of sustainable forest management (SFM) in large forested areas. In essence, each site was to be a model from which others could develop, learn and practice SFM.

The model forest approach was brought to the world’s attention at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development where Canada promised to internationalize its promising model forest program. At the time, model forests were leading-edge. Never before had a practical and  workable solution to SFM been instituted on such a large scale. Model forests are unique in several ways: the comprehensiveness and flexibility of their approach, the scale of operation, the breadth of their partnerships, the level of policy they aim to affect, and the importance placed on networking at all levels.

Photo footnote: Rural Tourism strengthening Quiao-Notue Path. Chiloé Model Forest

The International Model Forest Network Secretariat (IMFNS) was created in 1995 at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to facilitate the creation of a global network of model forests dedicated to managing the world’s forest-based landscapes in a sustainable manner. Other IMFNS donors are: Foreign Affairs Canada Natural Resources Canada-Canadian Forest Service The Canadian International Development Agency