International Analog Forestry Network
Restoring the planet’s life support systems
Virtual trainings accompanied by accredited AF Women Trainers
IT’S TIME TO RESTORE FORESTS!!
The International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) as part of the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Actions (GAGGA) Program in collaboration with the Central American Women’s Fund (FCAM) and Tierra Viva Fund began to provide virtual training to women interested in becoming Analog Forestry Promoters.
Due to the pandemic, a pioneering course in Analog Forestry was organized 100% remotely, where 24 Promoters from 7 Latin American countries successfully graduated. The IAFN is currently developing English-speaking courses for local organizations in Africa and Asia. Our key partner organizations in these regions are Belipola Training Center and Earth Restoration Ltd. based in Sri Lanka as well as CENDEP organization in Cameroon.
Accredited Trainers in Analog Forestry (AF) will provide distance training and virtual personalized tutoring during the course. The basic course contains 12 modules in the form of audios and other didactic and audiovisual materials available to each participant. The virtual training can last up to 3 months and at the end of the course the participants may obtain a certification as the Analog Forestry Promoters if they meet the requirements.
The Distance Learning Course that we offer is a continuous process of learning, knowledge sharing and an exchange of experiences between the participants and Trainers and involves the broader Network of Analog Forestry Trainers and Practitioners who are joining the Analog Forestry designs presentations of the students.
Promoters graduated from this course in 2020 are carrying out projects on their plots and farms in different countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador and are active members of our Network of Analog Forestry Promoters.
These courses are also enriched by the contribution of the Promotoras themselves with their evaluations and comments to improve the process in the future.
What will you learn?
– What is Analog Forestry, its principles and why it is important to restore critical forests and ecosystems
– How to view the forest from a new perspective to include considerations of land use for economic, social and environmental benefit.
– Step-by-step Analog Forestry Methodology and how to apply it on your farm, garden and community
– How to do a Mapping, Ecological Evaluation and apply other practical tools in the management of a farm / site
– How to develop a design of a site and create a database of species that you select to use
Use our checklist to see if you qualify for our virtual training participation:
– Demonstrated interest in ecosystem restoration, agroecology, climate change adaptation practices or other related topic
– Have access to a plot of your own / family / of your organization or in the community
– Access to internet connection: whatsapp / zoom and if possible access to a computer (it is not necessary to have your own computer) but access would help you to see documents that may not open well on telephones due to their size (eg Excel based data, etc.)
– Have the support and backing of your local organization
– Motivation to put the course into practice and dedicate a minimum of 5 hours per week
Online Sessions
The classes include 12 audio modules that are complemented with practical examples, videos, written or audiovisual materials. You will have 3 months to carry out the practical tasks and develop an AF design with our tutoring.
The course takes 3 months and you will need a minimum dedication of 5 hours per week.
You will be able to listen to the weekly audio modules at your own times and schedule thus achieving the maximum understanding of each of the topics.
Every week, you will have regular classes- calls of approx. 2 hours in small groups of students (around 4 people per group) with the selected Trainer / teacher of the course to review the module, your field work tasks and AF design. The designated trainer will be available during the week to interact with you and answer any concerns. You will also connect with other accredited Promoters in your country and region.
Contact
If you are interested in taking the course or have more questions, contact us:
Lubi Bogantes, Capacity Building Coordination, IAFN Costa Rica: lubi.bogantes@gmail.com / media.iafn@gmail.com .
Introduction and welcome to the Analog Forestry remote course of the International Network of Analog Forestry (RIFA). This introductory audio will be followed by 11 more audio modules developed by trainers from Analog Forestry.
Listen and reflect on:
1) Situations of deforestation, monocultures, plantations in your country / territory / community
2) What are analog forests?
3) Why is it important to maintain ecological functions?
4) What are your goals for establishing an analog forest on your plot?
Listen
Principles of Analog Forestry-provides an overview of what are 12 AF principles is and how they are applied in the practice.
In this second module of the Analog Forestry course, you will learn about the 12 Principles of Analog Forestry (AF) and how they will help you in the process of applying the AF methodology. You learn to be observer of your surroundings, using these principles in practice. You can start to see your plots and surroundings with different eyes from a new perspective.
Listen and reflect on:
1) What principles have you applied in your plot and surroundings?
2) How well do you know your plot, the common names of plants and animals?
3) Think about examples of how to apply the AF principles in designs and in your future work.
What is a forest?-Covers forest functions and ecological succession
In this module you will learn about the forests and how ecological succession works and what are the functions of forests that are carried out in the environment.
The key questions to reflect:
A) What forest products or resources do you use in your communities? If you do not use them directly, just think what products of the forest are used or consumed in your locality.
B) In what seral stage is the plot that you are going to work on? Which principle of AF are you putting into practice to identify the seral stage?
C) Explain in your own words what relationship exists between the forest and the soil.
Physiognomic Formula-Introduces, explains and demonstrates how to use the physiognomic formula in the field.
In this module you will learn how to use a very valuable Analog Forestry tool called the Formula Formula. With it we can describe the architectural structure of any forest and site where it is desired to establish an Analog Forestry or "analog forest" system.
Homework tasks:
A) Try to observe a mature forest and write the F1
B) Make the F2 on your plot
C) Do a gap analysis
Watch video here
In this module, you will learn to do a quick analysis of the ecological conditions of the site where you want to create an analog forest and of the natural forest site, which serves as a reference or example.
Task: Use the Field guide format and the ecological assessment form to do the analysis to be able to compare the ecological conditions between the mature forest and the analog forestry implementation site.
Additional resources: Field guide 2020: Click here
Spider graphic video: Watch here
The objective of this module is to learn how to make the base maps that will guide you in your analog forestry design.
Task: Make the biophysical map and the current land use map on your plot.
In this module learn how to create a database of species based on your Analog Forestry specific objectives and how to use it in designing your Analog Forest.
To make a database you have to use the formula gap and think about what your objectives are.
Task: Based on the selected objectives (i.e.self-consumption, medicinal plants, flora and fauna conservation, water protection, etc.), let's make a database of species that could be used in the design of your analog forest site.
Listen to Audio: Database in Africa
or Listen to Audio: Database in Asia
Analog Forestry Design in Africa
Analog Forestry Design in Asia
In this module you will learn to use the tools and considerations necessary to design an analog forest on your plot.
Tasks:
1) Identify the goal you want to achieve with your analog forest
2) Make a quick diagnosis of the farm
3) Make the design of the plot.
Listen to Audio: Design in Africa
Listen to Audio:Design in Asia
Download the form: Socio-Economic Study of the Farm here.
Example of an Analog Forestry Design in Asia - read more here.
This module explains how soil ecology works, how to improve it and how to control pests and weeds with organic solutions inspired by Analog Forestry.
Questions to reflection on:
Think of two ways that the presence of living forest plants and trees improves soil structure and fertility.
Discuss the importance and function of mulch in the forest and its incorporation as organic matter in our growing areas.
Describe the basic process of making compost or fertile soil and mention any method to improve it.
In this module you will learn how to establish nurseries, and about their management and the collection and treatment of seeds.Some questions for reflection:1) Identify the area with the greatest potential to install your nursery and explain the reasons that justify the selection of the place2) List some of the main elements, materials, that you require to install your nursery3) How do you plan to acquire the seeds and what species would you prioritize to produce in the nursery for the first phase of your design implementation?4) How do you identify mother trees?
At the end of this module you will have the tools to prepare, maintain and enrich an Analog Forestry site.Some questions to reflect:1) What process should be respected and supported in the preparation and maintenance of the site?2) Indicate at least 2 activities that are recommended to carry out for the preparation of a site?3) How can the activity and diversity of microorganisms in the soil be increased?4) Name at least three good practices for soil conservation and enrichment
In this last module of the Analog Forestry Course, accompanied by our trainer Perry from Cameroon, you will learn how to monitor your Analog Forestry sites, how to evaluate your achievements and progress in time.Questions to reflect:List 3 ecological evaluation indicators on your AF plot / farm and describe how you would use this tool and information in the monitoring and evaluation process.Choose 3 AF Principles and explain how you would apply them in monitoring and evaluation.
