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Forest sector workforce in the UNECE region. Overview of the social and economic trends with impact on the forest sector

XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022

Year of publication 2022

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 9p.

Author Kacprzak, A.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Article

Synopsis (short abstract) The nature of forest work is changing. Over the last several decades, forest management priorities have been evolving from timber extraction towards a comprehensive ecosystem services management. Work structures have been adapting to the challenges of global economy such as globalization of commodity markets as well as pressures on productivity and on workers safety, health and wellbeing. In the last several decades, large companies have downsized, relocated or closed with substantial impact on forest workers and local communities. Many former corporations have outsourced work to a growing number of contractors who have different work, management and communication cultures. That created possibilities for innovation, for adapting to new niches, such as community-owner or worker-owned businesses, and for development of contractor associations. In the view of the transition of global economy to a green and sustainable model, forest sector needs to continuously look ahead to what the future of the forest work will be and where the new developments may come from, in particular, in the context of attracting a qualified and young workforce to fill in new jobs. Today the forest workforce in the UNECE region is very diverse, although still employing disproportionately few women. Further development of this trend will depend on the revision of existing curricula with a view to adaptation to new career paths and to offering modern careers ensuring inclusive transition of the sector to a green and sustainable economy model. A key element to that will be the emphasis on the aspect of natural resources management and the enhancement of all forest ecosystems functions. Keywords: employment, forest workforce, green economy, ecosystem services management, occupational safety and health ID: 3470667

Language English

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