International Model ForestNetwork imfn.net

How Landscape Approaches Support National Programs and Goals

Peter BesseauNovember 16, 2013Warsaw, Poland

Landscape approaches: why this, why now?

We have policies.

We have science.

We have regulations.

We have authority and mandates

We have problems.

Landscape approaches: Why this? Why now?

Status Quo

Fragmentation and degradationOpportunity cost – status quo is too expensiveStatus quo outcomes contrary to interestsIntersecting crises: Food-fuel-fibreAvoidable conflictsReal / Absolute scarcity

Integrated Landscape Approach

Workable scaleReplicableResearch and knowledge creationInnovation & EfficiencyGenuine stakeholder engagementUnderstanding tradeoffs: making informed choicesA more robust process to better address the actual level of complexity

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.

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

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

The IMFN

National Forest Programs

• 3 core “clusters” of principles:• National sovereignty and country

leadership• Consistency within and integration beyond

the forest sector• Participation and partnerships

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

Participatory Watershed Mgt. in Ulot Watershed Model Forest, Philippines

Shaping Policy in Tierras Adjuntas Model Forest, Puerto Rico

From the first Biological Corridor to a Robust Law

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

THANK YOUwww.imfn.net