The IMFN Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Foothills Model Forest and the Canadian Model Forest Network will host the 2008 International Model Forest Network Global Forum in Hinton, Alberta, Canada.

In the two and one-half years since our meeting in Costa Rica, the IMFN has undergone unprecedented change and expansion. We now have 49 sites in existence or under development with many more exploring the concept, substantial progress on the development of a proposed Mediterranean Model Forest Network and an emerging Russian national network, an independent Canadian Model Forest Network, new sites in Latin America, sites in Cameroon acting as pilots for an eventual Congo Basin network, a strengthened Regional Model Forest Network for Asia, development of a Circumboreal Initiative and continued advancement of the Baltic Sea Initiative. All of these developments represent new opportunities for learning, innovation and progress toward the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes and natural resources.

Model forests have been registering significant impacts in areas ranging from forest certification to fire management to poverty alleviation, policy influence and education. The 2008 IMFN Global Forum will be an opportunity not only to network and learn from each other, but more importantly to demonstrate tangible results, or planned achievements, on-the-ground. Through five days of interaction we will draw upon your experiences and views to work toward building a stronger and more dynamic Network.

In planning for this meeting, a variety of interactive online tools through which you will be able to actively help develop the agenda and propose workshop themes have been created. Based loosely on the “open space” concept for meetings, through the Global Forum online collaborative tools noted below all model forest representatives and supporters are invited to share their valuable thoughts and expectations with organizers before the event, thereby maximizing their experience.

We look forward to a vigorous week of activities that will strengthen and support ongoing expansion of the International Model Forest Network. In the weeks ahead, the Secretariat will forward further details of the program along with registration materials.