International Analog Forestry Network opens in Quepos

By Milo Bekins Faries, Chair IAFN-RIFA, 2777-7259

The International Analog Forestry Network  (IAFN), with a donation from the Government of Netherlands and Cordaid.org, has recently opened its worldwide secretariat office in Quepos, located in the new office building facing la Escuela de Corea. The IAFN network (www.analogforestrynetwork.org) is comprised of 27 CBO’s (Community Based Organizations) and several individual members in six continents; all working independently on biodiversity restoration through Analog Forestry (AF).   Founded in 1996, the IAFN has three Costa Rican members, CATIE in Turrialba, ARBOFILIA in Carára, and the Centro de Capacitación de Bosques Analogos of Milo Bekins Faries, in Londres de Aguirre.

Analog Forestry is a silvicultural system that seeks to replicate ecosystems analogous to the architectonic structure and ecological function of the original climax forest. It also strengthens rural communities both socially and economically, through the use of noninvasive native and exotic species that provide commercial products and self-sufficiency to the campesino or landowner.

The IAFN disseminates its methodology for capacity building workshops to professionals and campesinos alike, investigates the application of AF in different ecosystems, and processes the findings for distribution.  The IAFN, as holders of the International Standards for Certification of Forest Garden Products (FGPs), ensures the proper implementation, design, and management of analog forestry. Products vary around the world from commercial items such fruits, nuts, essential oils, and spices, in addition to the sale of carbon credits. Forest Garden Product certification helps producers market their goods and guarantees the consumer that the products go ‘beyond organic’, as FGP standards certify biodiversity and promise quality production.

We will be involving ourselves in local and national environmental causes, giving a voice to the Costa Rican flora and fauna and their protection.  We welcome any landowner, business owner, or tourist, to learn more about biodiversity restoration through analog forestry, and we can provide didactic material to this end. You can also visit our website above where there is ample information available.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.