Through the lens of RMFN–Asia’s strategic plan for 2025–2030, their contributions can be seen across four focal areas:
Resilience to climate change
Ngao Model Forest in Thailand presented its community-led wildfire management system, where local patrol groups, supported by satellite data, construct check dams and firebreaks to prevent and control wildfires. This approach combines traditional knowledge with modern tools to build climate resilience.
Forest landscape restoration and livelihoods
In the Philippines, the Ulot and Carood watershed Model Forests demonstrated how ecosystem restoration is linked with livelihood generation and food security. Community-based ecotourism initiatives in Ulot have transformed former illegal loggers into river guides while creating new opportunities for women who lead birdwatching and eco-trail initiatives.
Gender, youth and social inclusion
Sessions on gender and youth highlighted how Model Forests empower underrepresented groups. In Carood, youth councils formally participate in forest landscape governance, while in Ulot, women have taken the lead in sustainable tourism ventures. Kyoto Model Forest in Japan has also invested in reconnecting younger generations with forests through its Forest Education Hub.
Sustainable finance
Both Kyoto and Margowitan Model Forests highlighted innovative financing models. Kyoto’s forest carbon certification programme and transparent corporate donation system provide reliable funding for community-driven projects. Margowitan emphasizes mutual collaboration with landowners, communities and local institutions to foster long-term private sector partnerships.
The power of global collaboration
Beyond these focal areas, Asian Model Forest representatives reflected on the value of learning from peers across continents. Similar challenges such as underused forests in both Japan and Italy offered opportunities for mutual learning. For many, the IMFN Global Forum felt less like a conference and more like a family gathering, where experiences were exchanged warmly and openly.
The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum was organized in Ottawa, Canada from 26 to 30 May. It brought together representatives from Model Forests around the world to reconnect, share experiences and inspire one another. Over 179 in-person participants from 44 countries joined the event, with women accounting for 54 per cent of attendees and 41 per cent of panelists. RMFN–Asia sent 24 delegates, representing seven of Asia’s eight Model Forests as well as two in development – Bhutan and Viet Nam.
The event helped reaffirm the strength of global collaboration while spotlighting the innovative practices of Asian Model Forests. By linking their local actions to the focal areas outlined in the RMFN strategic plan, Asian Model Forest members showed how landscape restoration, inclusive governance and sustainable finance are not just regional priorities but global pathways towards resilient and sustainable forests.
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Chertalay Suwanpanich is communication and knowledge management officer at RECOFTC.
The Regional Model Forest Network–Asia is supported by the Global Leadership Program under the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Canada. RECOFTC is the Secretariat of RMFN–Asia.
