Become a member

We have set ambitious goals and can only achieve them in partnership with others. We strive to work more effectively as we continue to evaluate how best to support stakeholders on the ground while also responding to global challenges. We will continue to provide a forum where marginalized people and communities will have access to decision-makers and put forward sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. New and existing partnerships will be crucial in our endeavours. New members and partners are always welcome!

If you are interested in joining the RMFN-Asia and the IMFN, please read the Model Forest Toolkit or contact us.

Why join?

In joining the Network country representatives can:

• Access a dynamic global community that shares knowledge, collaborates on research, and exchanges ideas and experiences locally, regionally and internationally
• Access the social processes already developed for consensus-building in existing Model Forests. In fact, demonstration of social elements—e.g., empowerment in decision-making, respect for cultural differences, equity and sharing of benefits—is one of the most tangible benefit of Model Forests to date
• Create on-the-ground platforms for meeting international environmental obligations (ie. Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on Biological Diversity, , National Forest Programs and others)
• Scale up best practices in the sustainable management of forest landscapes beyond the Model Forest boundary

Locally, Model Forest stakeholders can:

• Participate in a regional network where they can freely obtain real-world expertise about Model Forest initiatives from other sites and share their own lessons learned with others
• Accelerate their progress toward inclusive, innovative and sustainable management practices locally
• Challenge existing approaches and influence existing institutions, policies and legislation
• Enhance community capacity- and consensus-building through trust-based processes and open dialogue

Donor agencies are also potential beneficiaries because key elements related to sustainable development are found within Model Forests:

• Sustainable community development
• Increased participation of women and indigenous peoples
• Food security and energy availability
• Conflict mitigation
• Biodiversity conservation
• Capacity building, education, training and exchanges
• Landscape scale of operation