This presentation by Peter Besseau from the International Model Forest Network focuses on the why of landscapes approaches, what a model forest is, its framework and what was learned from working on a landscape scale.

1. How Landscape Approaches Support National
Programs and Goals
International
Model Forest
Network
Peter Besseau
November 16, 2013
Warsaw, Poland
imfn.net

2. Landscape approaches: why this,
why now?
We have policies.
We have science.
We have regulations.
We have authority and mandates
We have problems.

3. Landscape approaches: Why
this? Why now?
Status Quo
Fragmentation and
degradation
Opportunity cost – status
quo is too expensive
Status quo outcomes
contrary to interests
Intersecting crises: Foodfuel-fibre
Avoidable conflicts
Real / Absolute scarcity
Integrated Landscape
Approach
Workable scale
Replicable
Research and knowledge
creation
Innovation & Efficiency
Genuine stakeholder
engagement
Understanding tradeoffs:
making informed choices
A more robust process to
better address the actual
level of complexity

4. What is a Model Forest?
A Model Forest is based on an
approach that combines the social,
environmental and economic needs
of local communities with the long-term
sustainability of large landscapes in
which forests are an important feature.

5. Model Forest Framework
(Principles)
1. Landscape in scale
2. Partnership representative of the values and
interests in that landscape
3. Commitment to work toward sustainability
4. Program of work reflective of partner values
and interests
5. Governance structure that is accountable,
transparent, respectful
6. Networking – actively sharing and learning
from the local level up to international

6. Model Forests involve…
Sustainability
Explore approaches to sustainable development
•
Links conservation of resources and the landscape, local economic
growth, community involvement and needs of future generations
Develop, test and share innovative solutions to the
management, development and other SFM challenges faced by
participants
Help achieve locally defined solutions to global and national
sustainable development initiatives (i.e. REDD+)
Model forests are a process, not a project – it takes
time to build trust between stakeholders

7. The IMFN

8. National Forest Programs
• 3 core “clusters” of principles:
•
National sovereignty and country
leadership
•
Consistency within and integration beyond
the forest sector
•
Participation and partnerships

9. Climate change and REDD+
• REDD+ processes must be nationally driven
•
Must recognize value of forests beyond carbon
•
Require sustained communication and
engagement with stakeholders
•
Must recognize that the requirements for REDD+
are similar to the requirements for SFM (ie. good
governance)
The drivers of deforestation and degradation
must be addressed to achieve sustainable
results = landscape approach

10. Participatory Watershed Mgt. in
Ulot Watershed Model Forest,
Philippines

11. Shaping Policy in Tierras
Adjuntas Model Forest, Puerto
Rico
From the first Biological Corridor to a Robust Law

12. What have we learned about
working at a landscape scale?
•
Consider the work as a long-term process, not a project
•
Recognize that every landscape will need a customized
approach (people, culture, climate, history, resources,
governance and opportunity all differ)
•
Do it at a scale that reflects and draws in all of the problems
and opportunities typical in a landscape
•
Create a partnership as complex as the values and uses of
the landscape and a forum where open dialogue on tough
issues can be discussed
•
Put responsibility for success in many hands
•
Changing the way we think is a significant achievement

13. THANK YOU
www.imfn.net