Forestry Ambassadors programme

The international Forestry Ambassadors programme is part of the Fem2Forests project, which aims to increase the participation of girls and young women in the forestry sector. The goal of the programme is to train women who are already working in forestry to become ambassadors for equality, role models for girls and young women, and knowledge carriers at the national level.

The ambassadors act as pioneers and mentors who bring the forestry profession closer to girls, break down stereotypes and encourage discussion about the challenges women face in this sector.

The international training consisted of four online workshops on self-efficacy, fields of action (how to reach and motivate young women), impact analysis (how to recognise the success of activities), and personal development. It concluded with an in-person meeting focused on strengthening the ambassadors’ competences and sharing stories.

The second day of the meeting was dedicated to a technical excursion to Medvedica Nature Park. Local foresters presented forest management practices and the challenges they face: on the one hand due to climate change and its impacts on forests, and on the other due to the large number of visitors who come to the park’s slopes every day.

Through the training, the ambassadors gained theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as skills in communication, empathy, leadership and problem solving, and the confidence to act as mentors and promoters of forestry careers.

In the coming months, the ambassadors will act as multipliers at national level, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and raising awareness of the importance of equality and diversity in the forestry sector. In each partner country, the process of establishing a national ambassadors programme will begin, which will include:

• organising initial activities for girls and young women,

• collaborating in the development of local networks,

• sharing personal experiences and knowledge,

• encouraging discussion on equality and diversity in forestry.

The meeting in Zagreb was filled with inspiration, connection and concrete plans for the future. We look forward to continuing this work and spreading positive change in the forestry sector!