Clics : 6134
Clics : 6134
The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) is organized into six regional networks, each coordinated (where possible) by a Regional Secretariat.
For over ten years, the Secretariat of the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) was managed by Castile and León (Spain), which played a key role in establishing, supporting, and consolidating the Mediterranean Network since its creation in 2008.
In line with the principles of the Network and the IMFN Secretariat’s commitment to rotating responsibilities among different countries, Tuscany Region proposed itself for the five-year period 2019–2023 (DGR 357/2019), supporting the Secretariat's activities through a dedicated financing plan.
In April 2019, Tuscany Region officially became the Mediterranean Secretariat (MMFN) with formal recognition in Brummana, Lebanon, during the periodic Mediterranean Network meeting (Med Forum), held alongside the 6th Mediterranean Forest Week organized by the FAO. To effectively fulfill its Secretariat role, Tuscany Region established an internal governance structure consisting of relevant regional offices, staff from the Union of Municipalities of Valdarno and Valdisieve, and support from the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association—a longstanding advocate for the development and expansion of the Model Forest concept.
At the end of its first term in April 2024, the International Secretariat (Government of Canada) and the Mediterranean Secretariat agreed—considering the excellent collaboration and significant growth of the Mediterranean Network—to extend the commitment for a second term until 2028. This decision was made official with Regional Council Decision No. 257 of 11/03/2024.
Activities
The Secretariat's main activities focus on coordinating the Model Forests within the Mediterranean Network by:
- Providing training, guidance, and other forms of support to applicants seeking Model Forest status in the Mediterranean.
- Disseminating information about Model Forests and the IMFN to a broader Mediterranean audience.
- Organizing regular exchanges of information, experiences, and best practices among network members.
- Coordinating EU, national, and other funding opportunities for joint projects.
- Supporting the preparation, implementation, and dissemination of collaborative projects on key topics related to sustainable Model Forests.
- Monitoring the progress of Mediterranean Model Forests to capitalize on shared experiences for the benefit of the network and the broader forestry sector.
- Encouraging innovation and experimentation to develop solutions tailored to Mediterranean ecosystems.
- Maintaining strong connections with other regional Model Forest networks and the IMFN Secretariat in Canada to foster international collaboration.
Beyond its ongoing engagement with the IMFN, the Secretariat also aims to strengthen ties with other regional networks, particularly the Northern European network (Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Finland), fostering potential collaborations through European funding programs.
Affiliation:Tuscany Region/Union of Municipalities Valdarno & Valdisieve
Website: www.regione.toscana.it www.uc-valdarnoevaldisieve.fi.it
He is a forest engineer. Since 2002 he has been Director of the Technical Area of UCVV where he mainly dealed with sustainable forest management, project management within EU programs (Horizon, LIFE, Erasmus +, etc.), training for forest worker, environmental planning and collaboration, partecipatory process with rural communities, valorization of RES, landscape restoration. In 2012 was among the founders of the first Model Forest in Italy. Since 2019 coordinates the MMFN on behalf of Tuscany Region.
Languages spoken: Italian, English, Spanish (intermediate).
Website: www.regione.toscana.it www.uc-valdarnoevaldisieve.fi.it
He is a forest engineer. Since 2002 he has been Director of the Technical Area of UCVV where he mainly dealed with sustainable forest management, project management within EU programs (Horizon, LIFE, Erasmus +, etc.), training for forest worker, environmental planning and collaboration, partecipatory process with rural communities, valorization of RES, landscape restoration. In 2012 was among the founders of the first Model Forest in Italy. Since 2019 coordinates the MMFN on behalf of Tuscany Region.
Languages spoken: Italian, English, Spanish (intermediate).
Antonio (Toni) VentrePosition: General Secretary
Affiliation:Tuscany Region
Website: www.regione.toscana.it
She is a forest engineer. Since 2002 she has been working in the Tuscany Region dealing mainly with forest legislation at regional and national level, forest planning and certification, sustainable forest management, renewable energy, European project management (Horizon 2020, LIFE). In 2009 she started the regional pathway for accreditation of Tuscany Region to the International Model Forest Network and in 2012 she was among the founders of the first Model Forest in Italy. Since 2019 she has been the technical manager of the MMFN Secretariat under the responsibility of the Tuscany Region.
Languages spoken: Italian, French, English (intermediate).
Website: www.regione.toscana.it
She is a forest engineer. Since 2002 she has been working in the Tuscany Region dealing mainly with forest legislation at regional and national level, forest planning and certification, sustainable forest management, renewable energy, European project management (Horizon 2020, LIFE). In 2009 she started the regional pathway for accreditation of Tuscany Region to the International Model Forest Network and in 2012 she was among the founders of the first Model Forest in Italy. Since 2019 she has been the technical manager of the MMFN Secretariat under the responsibility of the Tuscany Region.
Languages spoken: Italian, French, English (intermediate).
Elisabetta GravanoPosition: Vice Secretary
Affiliation:Tuscany Region
Website: www.regione.toscana.it
Sandro Pieroni is an Agronomist. He is the manager of the forestry sector in Tuscany Region since 2016. He attended the master in European planning in Brussels on sustainable rural development. He worked for consulting companies for the promotion of local development and he was responsible for international cooperation projects.
Languages spoken: Italian.
Website: www.regione.toscana.it
Sandro Pieroni is an Agronomist. He is the manager of the forestry sector in Tuscany Region since 2016. He attended the master in European planning in Brussels on sustainable rural development. He worked for consulting companies for the promotion of local development and he was responsible for international cooperation projects.
Languages spoken: Italian.
Sandro PieroniPosition: Accountability
Affiliation: Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Forest engineer, President of Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association (FMMF) since its establishment in 2012. From 1984 to 2020 he was first researcher and then Research Manager at CNR IVALSA (Trees and Timber Institute). Member of various Committees of project evaluation and research activities at national and international level, until 2019 it was Chairman of UNI (Italian Standardization Body) Wood Technical Commission. The research on Wood Technology and Forest Utilization and the transfer of the results to civil society are the main activities developed by Stefano Berti.
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Forest engineer, President of Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association (FMMF) since its establishment in 2012. From 1984 to 2020 he was first researcher and then Research Manager at CNR IVALSA (Trees and Timber Institute). Member of various Committees of project evaluation and research activities at national and international level, until 2019 it was Chairman of UNI (Italian Standardization Body) Wood Technical Commission. The research on Wood Technology and Forest Utilization and the transfer of the results to civil society are the main activities developed by Stefano Berti.
Stefano BertiPosition: Scientific Coordination
Affiliation: Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Graduated in Linguistic and Multimedia Communication from the University of Florence, she has been working since 2012 with the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association, the same year it was founded. In her roles as Executive Secretary and Program Officer, she manages project finances, member relations, and logistics. Since 2019, she has also been working with the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat team, where she carries out similar responsibilities, including supporting secretarial activities, managing logistics, and promoting collaboration across the network.
Languages spoken: Italian, English, French, German.
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Graduated in Linguistic and Multimedia Communication from the University of Florence, she has been working since 2012 with the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association, the same year it was founded. In her roles as Executive Secretary and Program Officer, she manages project finances, member relations, and logistics. Since 2019, she has also been working with the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat team, where she carries out similar responsibilities, including supporting secretarial activities, managing logistics, and promoting collaboration across the network.
Languages spoken: Italian, English, French, German.
Silvia VanniniPosition: Executive Secretary and Program Officer
Affiliation: Mediterranean Model Forest Network
Graduated at the University of Padova with a Master’s degree in Forest Science specializing in Forest and Land Management, he joined the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) Secretariat in February 2024 as a Technical Assistant through Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program. In this role, he supports MMFN’s diverse projects through planning, coordination, and implementation, while also contributing to the Secretariat's administration and operations. He serves as the MMFN representative of the Mediterranean Youth Task Force, the youth branch of the Silva Mediterranea Secretariat under the FAO.
Languages spoken: Arabic, French, English, Italian.
Graduated at the University of Padova with a Master’s degree in Forest Science specializing in Forest and Land Management, he joined the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) Secretariat in February 2024 as a Technical Assistant through Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program. In this role, he supports MMFN’s diverse projects through planning, coordination, and implementation, while also contributing to the Secretariat's administration and operations. He serves as the MMFN representative of the Mediterranean Youth Task Force, the youth branch of the Silva Mediterranea Secretariat under the FAO.
Languages spoken: Arabic, French, English, Italian.
Lazhari ChateurPosition: Technical Assistant
Affiliation: Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Agricultural Engineer, graduated from the Lebanese University Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences in 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in Landscape and Territory Planning and another in Engineering of Social and Cooperative Economy Projects, both from the Lebanese University. Currently PhD candidate in Landscape Conservation under the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, driven by a deep passion for forests, Mediterranean ecosystems, and sustainable landscape management.
Languages spoken: English, Arabic, French.
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Agricultural Engineer, graduated from the Lebanese University Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences in 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in Landscape and Territory Planning and another in Engineering of Social and Cooperative Economy Projects, both from the Lebanese University. Currently PhD candidate in Landscape Conservation under the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, driven by a deep passion for forests, Mediterranean ecosystems, and sustainable landscape management.
Languages spoken: English, Arabic, French.
Marianne FahedPosition: MMFN- FLR Scholarship Holder
Affiliation: Compagnia delle Foreste S.r.l.
Website: www.compagniadelleforeste.it
Graduated in Forest Ecosystem Management from the University of Florence, he spent four years specializing in remote sensing technologies for forest monitoring. Since 2020, he has been part of Compagnia delle Foreste (CdF), where he serves as a forestry communication expert and project manager. Within the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat, he coordinates the Network's communication efforts. Starting in 2024, he also leads the International Relations Commission of the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest.
Languages spoken: English, Italian.
Website: www.compagniadelleforeste.it
Graduated in Forest Ecosystem Management from the University of Florence, he spent four years specializing in remote sensing technologies for forest monitoring. Since 2020, he has been part of Compagnia delle Foreste (CdF), where he serves as a forestry communication expert and project manager. Within the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat, he coordinates the Network's communication efforts. Starting in 2024, he also leads the International Relations Commission of the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest.
Languages spoken: English, Italian.
Andrea BarzagliPosition: Communication Manager
Affiliation: CESEFOR Foundation
Website: www.cesefor.com
The Head of the Cesefor’s Project management, Cooperation & Fundraising Department. He has been member of the MMFN Secretariat since 2009. He’s a Doctor in Law and a Lawyer, with 15 years of field experience in International Cooperation and UE project design and management. He will foster the international relationships in the Network framework.
Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish, Italian.
Website: www.cesefor.com
The Head of the Cesefor’s Project management, Cooperation & Fundraising Department. He has been member of the MMFN Secretariat since 2009. He’s a Doctor in Law and a Lawyer, with 15 years of field experience in International Cooperation and UE project design and management. He will foster the international relationships in the Network framework.
Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish, Italian.
Riccardo CastelliniPosition: International Cooperation, Project design & management
Affiliation: Compagnia delle Foreste S.r.l.
Website: www.compagniadelleforeste.it
Graduated in Forestry Sciences and enrolled in the order of journalists. He founded Compagnia delle Foreste in 1995, an activity that deals with communication and innovation in the forestry sector: nationally and internationally. He created the forestry magazine Sherwood, the online library Ecoalleco, the magazine Tecniko e Pratiko, EUFORMAG and FormaFor. He also deals with project management, communication and dissemination within EU programs.
Languages spoken: Italian, French, English (intermediate).
Website: www.compagniadelleforeste.it
Graduated in Forestry Sciences and enrolled in the order of journalists. He founded Compagnia delle Foreste in 1995, an activity that deals with communication and innovation in the forestry sector: nationally and internationally. He created the forestry magazine Sherwood, the online library Ecoalleco, the magazine Tecniko e Pratiko, EUFORMAG and FormaFor. He also deals with project management, communication and dissemination within EU programs.
Languages spoken: Italian, French, English (intermediate).
Paolo MoriPosition: Knowledge Management, Communication & Dissemination
Affiliation: Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest Association
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Graduated in forestry science in 2015 and in landscape architecture in 2018 in Florence, in 2023 he obtained a Master's degree in Outdoor Education in Bologna and completed a higher education course in the design of inclusive outdoor spaces. He began working in environmental education first with the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department in Vallombrosa between 2018 and 2023, then as Project Officer for the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest. He is also involved in the Network of Outdoor Schools and the research institute INDIRE.
Languages spoken: Italian, English.
Website: www.forestamodellomontagnefiorentine.org
Graduated in forestry science in 2015 and in landscape architecture in 2018 in Florence, in 2023 he obtained a Master's degree in Outdoor Education in Bologna and completed a higher education course in the design of inclusive outdoor spaces. He began working in environmental education first with the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department in Vallombrosa between 2018 and 2023, then as Project Officer for the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest. He is also involved in the Network of Outdoor Schools and the research institute INDIRE.
Languages spoken: Italian, English.
Matteo MazzoniPosition: