The Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) successfully co-hosted the Regional Model Forest Network–Asia (RMFN–Asia) 2026 Annual Advisory Committee Meeting from 3–6 February 2026 in Paro, Bhutan, in collaboration with RECOFTC, the RMFN–Asia Secretariat.
The RMFN–Asia is a community of practice dedicated to promoting sustainable forest landscape management through the Model Forest approach: a flexible framework that balances social, environmental, and economic needs of local communities with the long-term sustainability of large landscapes. Established in 2000, RMFN–Asia is one of six regional networks under the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) and currently includes eight Model Forests across six countries: Thailand, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Bhutan and Viet Nam are also exploring the establishment of Model Forests.
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Bhutan’s engagement with RMFN–Asia has grown steadily. DoFPS participated as an observer in the 2024 and 2025 Advisory Committee Meetings, as well as at the sixth IMFN Global Forum in May 2025. Recognizing the strong alignment between the Model Forest approach and Bhutan’s environmental policies, Bhutan accepted the request to host the 2026 meeting during the 2025 Advisory Committee Meeting in Bohol, Philippines.
With over 70% of its land under forest cover, Bhutan remains one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world. Its emphasis on biodiversity conservation, combined with the unique Gross National Happiness philosophy, offers valuable insights for RMFN–Asia members. Hosting the 2026 meeting provided an opportunity for Bhutan to share its experiences in sustainable forest landscape management while advancing national efforts to establish a Model Forest and join RMFN–Asia formally.
The 2026 Advisory Committee Meeting focused on:
- Exchanging experiences and lessons learned from Model Forests in Asia.
- Reviewing progress on the RMFN–Asia Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and identifying priorities for collaboration.
- Sharing achievements from Model Forests implementing IMFN Climate Contribution Agreements.
- Learning from Bhutan’s forest management practices and supporting Bhutanese stakeholders in developing a national Model Forest.
The meeting brought together representatives from RMFN–Asia Model Forests, the RMFN–Asia Secretariat, and the IMFN Secretariat. Strategic partners and observers also attended, including the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat, the European Boreal and Temperate Model Forest Network, FAO, APFNet, CIFOR-ICRAF, IUCN, and Kasetsart University Faculty of Forestry.
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