International Analog Forestry Network

As a group of organizations working toward the goals of ecological restoration and community development, IAFN partners are involved in a wide variety of activities in 20 plus countries.

Three main programs define our work in promoting the adoption of restoration practices that can help to restore the planet’s life support systems.

Oursite development programhelps to plant the seeds of innovation by encouraging the formation of demonstration sites that serve as nuclei for the analog forestry method.

Through ourtraining program, we train diverse groups around the world in ecological restoration through the analog forestry method.

For those who successfully produce goods using a forest system, ourcertification programsallow them to reach a value-added market.

Finally, as the hub of a network of partners working around the world, we coordinate documentation, research, and knowledge transfer activities that form the core of ourknowledge managementprogram.

In line with IAFN’s mission of promoting the application of analog forestry techniques as a critical component of a new rural development paradigm, we manage aninternational capacity building programthat focuses on theanalog forestry methodology.

Analog forestry seeks to create a production system that protects and increases biodiversity and ecosystem functions, while not relying on external, chemical inputs. As such, analog forestry producers go above and beyond traditional organic standards.

To recognize the efforts of these farmers, IAFN has developed the Forest Garden Product (FGP) certification for the international market. While FGP certification is an asset in the international market, IAFN is also working towards national-level certifications throughParticipatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), where producers come together to reach agreements on which standards to follow and how to enforce them; based on the principles of analog forestry and the FGP standards. By avoiding the pitfalls of onerous inspections that can be unmanageable for small farmers, PGS ensure that environmentally responsible production can be less expensive, more democratic, and more local.

Demonstration sites are one of the most important tools for spreading sustainable land restoration techniques such as analog forestry. Through ournetwork of demonstration sites, local populations can observe how increasing biodiversity and regenerating forests can have a positive impact on the conservation of nature, quality of life, and economic well-being.