The two-day international conference entitled "Equality and Diversity in Forestry: Changing the Image of Forestry" brought together forestry experts, researchers and everyone involved with the forest in Portorož on 24 and 25 October 2024. The event was organised by Slovenian forestry institute in the frame of Fem2forests project – Innovative pathways for efficient involvement of girls and young women in the forestry sector (co-financed by the Interreg Programme Danube Region) and WOFO International (Women in Forestry International) – Association for Women in the Forestry and Wood Sector. The event focussed on empowering young women in the forestry sector while promoting a shift towards inclusion. The conference was attended by 114 participants from 25 countries.
The first day began with an engaging keynote speech from Dr. Zarja Muršič, who shared insightful perspectives on the topic of equality and diversity in science. We briefly summarize the closing thoughts of her presentation: “To foster a more inclusive scientific community, it’s vital to serve as role models for younger generations and encourage women to enter traditionally male-dominated fields, such as forestry. Elevating women’s perspectives not only enhances our understanding but also leads to more effective solutions for contemporary challenges. Ultimately, science and forestry benefit from the diverse voices and ideas of all individuals.”
The day continued in the framework of four sections, focussing on gender perspectives and promoting a more equitable forestry workforce. Discussions included topics such as the future workforce from a gender perspective, educational strategies for equity and diversity, and the important role of women in changing the image of forestry. A panel discussion emphasised that collaboration is crucial in achieving these goals. Distinguished speakers inspired participants with their insights, raising awareness of the importance of diversity in forestry and encouraging participants to imagine a more inclusive future for the sector.
Preglednica: Program mednarodne konference s predavatelji in prezentacijami.
| Title | Presenter | |
| Welcome speeches |
Mag. Alenka Korenjak, Ministry for agriculture, Forestry and Food Gregor Danev, Slovenia Forest Service Dagmar Karisch-Gierer, WOFO International Dr. Nike Krajnc, Slovenian Forestry Institute |
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Keynote speech |
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Rooted in Diversity: Women Changing and Shaping the Future of Science (and Forestry) |
Dr. Zarja Muršič, freelance science communicator and journalist | |
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SESSION 1: Workforce of tomorrow - a gender perspective |
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| Why not forestry? Comparative analysis of barriers and needs for inclusion of girls and young women in forestry | Mateja Karničnik, Fundation PRIZMA | |
| How a Massive Open Online Course ForGEDI can address students' motivations, hesitancies, and obstacles in forestry-related sectors | Dr. Todora Rogelja, University of Padova | |
| EDUCATION BASED ON EQUALITY – an example from adult education |
Dr. Nevenka Bogataj, Slovenian Institute for Adult Education |
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SESSION 2: Education based on equality and diversity in forestry |
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| The future of women's employment in peripheral industrial regions | Dr. Jani Kozina, Anton Melik Geographical Institute ZRC SAZU | |
| Uneven ground: navigating gender and diversity in the forestry sector |
Barbara Öllerer, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna |
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| Dr. Mersudin Avdibegović, Faculty of Forestry - University of Sarajevo | ||
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SESSION 3: Changing the image of forestry by the inclusion of women |
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| Rooted inequalities in Forest Education. Insights from a students' perspective |
Nikolina Mencin, International Forestry Students' Association |
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| Beyond Stereotypes: The Evolving Role of Women in Forestry | Marija Jakopin, Private forest owner | |
| EMBOSCADES. Dones i bosc (Women of the Forest): Creating new spaces and values through women perspectives in the forestry sector in Catalonia |
Michele Curel in Ester Blanco, Forest Land Ownership Center of Catalonia |
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SESSION 4: Networking of women as a key to change in forestry |
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| Dr. Birgit Homann in Maren Ammer, German Women in Forestry association | ||
| We can - a campaign of women foresters in Mongolia | Khishigjargal Mookhor, ‘Forest, sustainability, and women’ NGO, Mongolia | |
| WOFO – Opening the umbrella | Dagmar Karisch-Gierer, WOFO International | |
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PANEL DISCUSSION |
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| Cooperation is the key for success |
Alina Chifan (Egger Enterprise, Romania) Ragnhildur Freysteinsdóttir (Icelandic Forestry Association, Iceland) Iza Pigan (Polish association of Women in Forestry, Poland) Delgerjargal Dugarjav (‘Forest, sustainability, and women' NGO, Mongolia) Alenka Verbole (Slovenian Women’s lobby) Alexandra Sieber (Technical Forestry High School in Bruck/Mur, Austria) Lesya Loyko (NGO FORZA, Ukraine) |
On the second day, the participants took part in an excursion to the Slovenian Karst region. This excursion offered practical insights into sustainable forestry practises and highlighted ongoing post-fire restoration efforts. As participants walked through areas affected by forest fires, they discussed the environmental challenges and solutions. In a hands-on activity, participants planted trees as a symbol of hope and commitment to preserving the environment. This activity not only emphasised the conference themes of equality and diversity, but also highlighted the importance of collective action in restoring the affected ecosystems.
The conference offered participants the opportunity to network, socialise and learn, while encouraging them to develop new initiatives in the forestry sector. The organisers expressed optimism that the discussions and collaborations fostered during this event will have a lasting impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in the forestry sector worldwide. We believe that with this conference we sow the seeds of change in forestry!
Link to the Book of abstracts:
https://dirros.openscience.si/Dokument.php?id=29298&lang=slv
Conference video:
PICTURE GALLERY
