VSO Bahaginan joins the International Model Forest Network in the sustainable management of watershed in Bohol
01/10/2010 11:03:00
In September, VSO Bahaginan officially launched the Carood Watershed as a permanent member to International Model Forest Network (IMFN). The Governor of the Province of Bohol, Hon. Edgardo M. Chatto, and the mayors of the different municipalities led the signing of the partnership agreement with VSO Bahaginan.
The Carood Watershed was assessed by the IMFN in March 2009. It was assessed against the principles of partnership, landscape, commitment to sustainability, governance, program of activities and knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking. IMFN concluded that the proposed Carood Watershed Model Forest has a strong potential to become a unique and innovative member of the network. A regional Model Forest team was created to spearhead the implementation of the Model Forest approach in the Carood Watershed. The Carood Watershed covers an area of 20,000 hectares.
IMFN is a global community of practice whose members and supporters work toward the common goal of sustainable management of forest-based landscapes through the Model Forest approach. The IMFN is comprised of all member Model Forests in existence around the world. Model Forests are based on a flexible approach that combines the social, cultural and economic needs of local communities with the long-term sustainability of forest landscapes.
VSO is not new in the Model Forest approach. CUSO-VSO has developed an exciting project in collaboration with the IMFN, which provides opportunities for Canadian volunteers to share their time and expertise in two tropical rainforests in Cameroon.
VSO Bahaginan is also involved in IMFN’s work in another watershed in Ulot, Samar Province.
VSO Bahaginan believes in the value of volunteering, and the role of volunteers in the conservation, protection and sustainable management of natural resources. VSO Bahaginan is working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Province of Bohol through the Bohol Environment Management Office, the municipalities and other public and private players to support the work of international and national volunteers for the conduct of programmatic activities that will strengthen the Carood Watershed Management Council. This collaborative work of local and international agencies will hopefully provide real long-term sustainable development for the people in the Carood Watershed.
