Cameroon is home to Africa’s only two model forests established under the International Model Forest Network, an initiative hosted by Canada’s International Development Research Centre. The term 'model forest' refers to partner-based approaches to sustainable forest management in areas large enough to contain the forest’s total uses and values. There are about 40 model forests around the world.

At the heart of the model forest is the belief that forests are for people. Its success requires all stakeholders to establish a shared understanding of sustainable forest management. During her visit to Cameroon CIFOR’s Director General took the opportunity to visit Akom II, one of six municipalities of the Campo Ma'an Model Forest, in the south of the country.

Cameroon’s leading newspaper, the Cameroon Tribune, provided extensive coverage of Ms. Seymour’s visit. It described the Director General’s Campo Ma'an visit as "a veritable think tank where CIFOR officials, the local administration, traditional chiefs, the local population and other stakeholders brainstormed on the whole concept of Model Forest… it was a good occasion, as underscored by the august guest, Frances Seymour, to understand what the local population is thinking about the project." According the Tribune, the local chiefs raised a number of concerns about the project, saying they did not really understand it.

CIFOR’s responses to these valid questions were relevant and practical, according to the Tribune, quoting a statement from CIFOR’s Dr Chimere Ciaw as an example: a ' "model forest is a platform for exchange of views and sharing of experience. A model forest means putting actors together to talk sustainable forest management."

'The Tribune also reported favorably on Ms. Seymour’s response, saying: "The Director General of CIFOR explained in very clear terms what CIFOR sets out to achieve.' "CIFOR focuses on working with many kinds of people to see how forests can be used to better the life of the people', Seymour said."

The Tribune also reported Ms. Seymour as saying ' "CIFOR tries to learn from what is happening elsewhere and share with other people" ' . . . adding that the Campo Ma'an region is a pilot project and will serve as an example for others to emulate.