MMFN Secretariat Grants – Call for Promotion and Dissemination Events

Funding Results for the Call 2025

The Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) Secretariat carefully analyzed all proposals submitted to the MMFN Secretariat Grants 2025 – Call for Promotion and Dissemination Events.

All proposals we received were of excellent quality and value. For this reason, we have decided to secure additional resources so that all six eligible proposals can be funded.

Below are more details on the projects funded this year!v 

IFRANE MODEL FOREST - Development of a Grazing Course Based on Ancestral Nomadic Practices in the Middle Atlas of Morocco

This project, led by AFMI, focuses on preserving and revitalizing traditional nomadic grazing knowledge in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. By creating a training course in Tamazight, it will equip more than 200 herders with skills in biodiversity-friendly grazing, carrying capacity assessment, plant identification, and seasonal pasture management.

The course will combine ancestral wisdom with ecological data, using workshops, field demonstrations, and illustrated guides. It also promotes the revival of the Agdal system, a traditional practice of managing seasonal pastures.

Expected outcomes include reduced overgrazing, stronger biodiversity conservation, and enhanced collaboration between herders, researchers, and the Mediterranean Model Forest Network.

Download the full proposal

ISTRIA MODEL FOREST - Festival of Forests and Forest Products 2025

On November 16, 2025, the Model Forest Istria Association, in partnership with the Municipality of Lanišće, will host the fourth Festival of Forests and Forest Products in Brest pod Žbevnica.

This vibrant event celebrates the richness of Ćićarija’s forests through a forest fair, creative workshops, expert lectures, hiking, forest gastronomy, and cultural performances. Visitors will discover local products, crafts, and traditions while engaging in educational, recreational, and artistic activities for all generations.

With more than 2,000 participants expected, the festival strengthens community identity, preserves endangered heritage, promotes the innovative “From the Forest” brand, and highlights Ćićarija’s ecological, cultural, touristic, and economic potential.

Download the full proposal

ATLAS-MIDELT MODEL FOREST INITIATIVE

The Atlas Midelt Model Forest Association (AFMAM), together with local and international partners, will host a two-day cultural and environmental event in Itzer, Midelt Province. The initiative aims to showcase local achievements of the Atlas Midelt Model Forest, strengthen the visibility of the Mediterranean and International Model Forest Networks, and raise awareness on sustainable forest management.

Activities will include a local products fair highlighting women’s cooperatives, an information and awareness workshop, traditional cultural performances, and a field visit to restoration sites and the Ramsar wetland of Aguelman Sidi Ali.

With over 150 participants expected, including many youth and women, the event promotes shared responsibility for forest conservation and community development.

 Download the full proposal

PROVENCE MODEL FOREST - Weekend du chêne-liège

The Provence Model Forest will host the 9th edition of the Cork Oak Weekend on October 18–19, 2025, a flagship event celebrating the regional cork oak heritage, the wood sector, and local artisanship. Drawing around 3,000 visitors each year, the festival offers a rich program combining knowledge-sharing, creativity, and family-friendly activities.

Highlights include conferences, children’s workshops, culinary tastings of forest products, art and craft demonstrations, exhibitions, concerts, and a local market. The event also features the design project Sonomad by Yannis Negrel, showcasing innovative uses of cork.

With strong support from regional authorities, institutions, and private partners, the Cork Oak Weekend is a central meeting point for raising awareness of Mediterranean forest culture, traditions, and sustainable management.

Download the full proposal

VALLE DELL’ATERNO MODEL FOREST – Festa Foresta 2025

Each year, the Valle dell’Aterno Model Forest Association (FMVA) hosts Festa Foresta, a participatory event that brings together members, institutions, associations, businesses, tourism operators, and citizens to share ongoing projects and generate new initiatives. The celebration strengthens community engagement, promotes dialogue with local administrations, and reinforces the participatory spirit of Model Forests.

The 2025 edition will feature project presentations, children’s workshops, demonstrations of MMFN-provided tools, a guided walk to monumental trees, a social dinner with local products, live music, and proposals for adopting unmaintained trails.

Building on previous editions, which attracted 70–80 participants, the event aims to expand involvement, foster collaboration, and inspire future projects for sustainable territorial development.

Download the full proposal

WESTERN MACEDONIA MODEL FOREST- Inclusive Forest Experience in Velventos

The Western Macedonia Model Forest will host a field trip in the Forest of Velventos Municipality, highlighting the value of non-wood forest products such as fruits, mushrooms, and aromatic plants. The event combines environmental education with wellbeing activities, including forest therapy and forest bathing, to foster deeper connections with nature.

To ensure inclusivity, the activity will feature the Joëlette all-terrain wheelchair, enabling persons with disabilities to join guided hikes. The program also includes video documentation for wider dissemination, mushroom-based tastings, and participant gifts.

This initiative promotes sustainable forest use, inclusivity, and community engagement, while strengthening appreciation for Western Macedonia’s forest heritage.

Download the full proposal

Call 2025

The call to support promotion and dissemination events and activities of the Model Forest and the Mediterranean Model Forest Network is now closed. Eligible activities include workshops, festivals, awareness-raising initiatives, courses and outreach actions at the local level, organized by the Model Forests, which must be carried out by December 31.

The funding can cover up to 50% of the total event costs, while the remaining 50% must be covered through co-funding. Internal costs (in-kind contributions) can account for a maximum of 20% of the total. The maximum funding that can be requested is € 2,500, with possible adjustments by the Secretariat. The total available budget for this call is €10,000, which will be allocated to selected proposals until funds are exhausted.

To apply

Send a formal application letter together with a draft program of the initiative and a

calculation of the costs for which the funds are to be used.

The letter should include:

• Brief overview of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
• Present a detailed budget for the initiative.
• Specify the costs for which you are requesting funds.
• Indicate any other sources of funding or co-funding, if applicable.

Deadline

The deadline to apply is August 31st.

Requests should be sent to:

Toni Ventre: MMFNs General Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Silvia Vannini: MMFNs Program Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.