On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the town of La Serna in Palencia hosted a training workshop titled "The Forest Resources of Palencia Model Forest: Management of Poplar Plantations as an Income-Generating Alternative in Rural Areas". The event brought together a diverse audience, including public and private forestry owners, forestry companies, and representatives from public administration, with the aim of promoting sustainable practices and unlocking the economic potential of poplar plantations in the region.

Last week, the MMFN Secretariat was proud to participate in the EFI 2024 Annual Conference in Bonn, Germany. The event offered an enriching platform for exchange and dialogue. Toni Ventre, our secretary, took part in two significant sessions: the "Network of Networks" event organized by the Horizon Europe project TRANSFORMIT, and the Scientific Seminar on Integrative Forest Management: Perspectives from Science, Policy, and Practice hosted by EFI.

The Palencia Model Forest Project was presented on Tuesday, September 17, alongside 17 other initiatives funded by the Biodiversity Foundation of Spain's Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, which manages the EU Next Generation funds.

The 2025 Quercus Suber Contest, hosted by Provence Model Forest, seeks innovative and sustainable projects related to cork oak forests. Open to individuals, associations, companies, and public bodies, the contest fosters collaboration and promotes the biodiversity and economic vitality of these forest ecosystems. Projects may focus on environmental protection, improved forest management, climate adaptation, or fostering local economic development.

The 27th FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO), took place in Rome last week at the same time as the 9th World Forest Week, attended by delegations from more than 100 countries, with 800 delegates, 20 ministers and deputy ministers, and around 60 non-governmental and research organisations.

The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) will be hosting a Global Forum based in Kemptville, in the Eastern Ontario Model Forest in Canada, from May 26-30th, 2025 and will attract up to 200 delegates representing over 60 Model Forests from around the world.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has just published a special issue of its Unasylva journal on the restoration of Mediterranean forests, which are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change and human activity.