Konference "EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN FORESTRY: CHANGING THE IMAGE OF FORESTRY", Portoro? 24-25.November 2024

I am delighted that together with my colleagues from the Slovenian Forestry Institute, Fem2forests partners and members of the WOFO internastional , we have managed to organise an outstanding event "EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN FORESTRY: CHANGING THE IMAGE OF FORESTRY", which brought together 114 experts from 19 countries.

?

Extended summaries of the 13 presentations and a recording of the full conference are available on the FB page (https://www.facebook.com/Fem4Forest). Presentations and photos from the event will be available shortly on the Institute's homepage (www.gozdis.si).

The event was above all a unique opportunity for socialising, networking and making new connections. Most valuable were the presentations and discussions with women foresters who have a long tradition of association with many women representatives who do not yet have an association but would like to establish one. In short, the conference brought together many women experts in forestry and offered us a place to talk and exchange views.

The first day of the conference (24.11.2024) was divided into 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.

Do you know the main stereotypes among girls about jobs in forestry? The first insights from inquiries done in the Fem2forests project were presented at the conference.

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 field trip was organised by colleagues from the Slovenian Forest Service (Bo?tjan Ko?i?ek and Branka Gaspari?). I believe that the trees we planted will be a reminder and a memory of our gathering.

The members of the organising committee of the Slovenian Forestry Institute, the Fen2forests consortium and the members of the WOFO international ( would like to thank you for being with us and we hope that we will stay connected and meet again at the conference to be held in Iceland in October 2025.