IMFN Global Forum - daily summaries

Day 5: Friday 20th June 2008

The last day of the IMFN Global Forum for 2008 was an opportunity for delegates to reflect on an intense week of knowledge sharing, and to consider the future directions of the Network.

This morning's session provided delegates with a final opportunity to learn from, and provide their input to, a round of interactive workshops. Delegates broke from the traditional 'classroom' style of the previous workshops to discuss the significant issue of knowledge management in a circle, which represented the equality of all members of the Network. Participants noted some of the issues associated with dissemination of knowledge, such as the need to ensure information is presented in formats suitable for various audiences, and to consider ways of providing information in rural areas where internet access is difficult.

The closing plenary session was a time to consolidate all the lessons learned during the week, and to think ahead to the next Global Forum. Mr Ronnie de Camino Velozo noted that the IMFN presents a major opportunity for sustainable development in a world facing many challenges, as it takes the landscape management approach from the social and economic perspectives. In his closing address, Mr Peter Besseau also noted the uniqueness of the IMFN lies in its regard for local people as part of the solution to our sustainability challenges.

Day 4: Thursday 19th June 2008

Following three intense days of presentations and workshops, today provided the opportunity for delegates to see theory turned into practice on a field trip of the Foothills Research Institute.

The Foothills Research Institute covers around 27,500 square kilometres, including working forest and areas of Jasper National Park. With a range of forest types and uses, delegates were able to learn first-hand how complex environmental, social and economic values are managed in Canada.

Key points of interest on the field trip included a visit to an Aboriginal cultural site, which is managed in accordance with First Nations customary law; and an extensive tour of areas in which fire is being re-introduced as a management tool in Jasper National Park.

Over a picnic lunch, delegates were also treated to a spectacular display of aerial firefighting techniques by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development's elite firefighters. The highly skilled crew demonstrated how they rappel from helicopters to drop into fires burning in inaccessible terrain, and how they mount aerial attacks on forest fires using their fleet of water bombers.

As Day 4 of the conference came to a conclusion, delegates were treated to a Canadian cultural evening, featuring Aboriginal and Ukrainian dancers and vocal performers from the local Hinton community.

Day 3: 18th June 2008

The third day of the IMFN Global Forum was devoted to the principles of knowledge sharing and capacity building. Further interactive workshops were held this morning, followed by a lively Knowledge Fair during the afternoon.

One of the key issues explored in this morning's session was the importance of strategic planning. Delegates representing model forests at various stages of development shared their strategic planning experiences, such as developing a vision, undertaking stakeholder engagement and establishing baseline information. Workshops were also held on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, carbon accounting and resource mobilisation.

The afternoon's Knowledge Fair allowed delegates to mingle at information stations focusing on themes such as ecosystem services, bioenergy, non-timber forest products, indigenous involvement and conservation areas. The session was one of the key networking opportunities of the Forum, providing the opportunity for practitioners to learn about shared areas of interest across the Network.

Day 2: 17th June 2008

Following yesterday’s information-filled plenary sessions, Day 2 of the IMFN Global Forum was given over to interactivity. Delegates could choose to participate in a range of workshops focusing on the key issues arising at various stages of the model forest development process, ranging from the establishment of the initial concept, through to strategic planning, scientific programs, eco-cultural tourism development, and assessing lessons learned.

Key themes explored in today’s sessions included the value of networking and the dynamic nature of partnerships within model forests. Participants noted that networking across the IMFN brought benefits at several levels, particularly as many forestry-related issues are global in nature. They also noted that networking provided a means to translate global principles, such as sustainable forest management, to local applications.

The issue of sustainable development was also explored in today’s eco-cultural tourism workshop. Participants learned to consider critical aspects of the tourism development process, such as defining the market and ensuring products and services meet customer needs, to ensure that tourism is suited to a particular site and will bring appropriate community benefits.

A discussion forum this afternoon allowed all delegates to participate in defining the IMFN’s strategic directions, from its guiding principles and values through to a vision for the future. A report from this session is being prepared.


Day 1: 16th June 2008

Model forest practitioners from around the world converged today on the Rocky Mountain community of Hinton, Alberta Province, Canada, for the opening of the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum.

Over 170 delegates are attending the Global Forum, which is held once every three years. Several speakers today noted the success of the model forest concept owed much to its ability to be adapted to a diversity of settings. This observation is well illustrated by the countries officially represented at the Forum:

Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Finland
Germany
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Japan
Korea
Morocco
Philippines
Poland
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United States
United Kingdom

Regrets were also received from Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Keynote addresses

The significance of the Global Forum was reflected in today’s program of speakers, who represented key Canadian federal, provincial and local government agencies. Following an opening prayer by Chief Jimmy O’Chiese on behalf of the Foothills Ojibway, welcoming remarks were provided by:

Mr Jim LeLacheur, President, Foothills Research Institute
Mr Mike Jodoin, Deputy Mayor of Hinton
Mr Robin Campbell, MLA, West Yellowhead
Dr Ted Morton, Minister, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Mr Jim Farrell, Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Forest Service (Mr Farrell also read an address on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources).

Mr Peter Bridgewater, IMFN International Advisory Council, gave a keynote address exploring the role of the IMFN in the international landscape of organizations dealing with sustainable forest management. He noted that one of the strengths of the IMFN is its ability to demonstrate successful outcomes against sustainability goals, and challenged the IMFN to increase its influence at the policy level by finding commonalities and forging strategic linkages with key IGOs and NGOs.

Mr Peter Besseau, Director, IMFN Secretariat, gave a second keynote address focusing on the successes of the IMFN, and the opportunities and challenges created by its continuing growth. He outlined a number of topics to be addressed at this week’s Forum, including the new IMFN networking committee, continued expansion and the development of strategic alliances. Mr Besseau also urged delegates to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Forum for networking and knowledge sharing.

The opening plenary concluded with a panel presentation by representatives from regional IMFN networks in Africa, the Mediterranean, Europe, Ibero-America, Canada, Asia and Russia. Speakers noted the role of support at the local and government levels in advancing the development of the model forest concept in their respective regions, as well as some of the key challenges, such as funding, to be overcome in order for regional networks to meet their full potential. Speakers also focused on the positive role of the regional networks in dealing with international sustainability issues, such as climate change and poverty alleviation.