What happens to a forest when no young trees can grow?
It weakens. It stagnates. Eventually, it collapses.
The same risk is taking hold of the forestry sector. Not because of wildfires or deforestation, but because of a growing generational gap. Across Europe, particularly in the Balkans region where forestry is especially important, the field is increasingly dominated by older professionals, while fewer young people are entering the profession.
In Sweden, more than 36 percent of those earning income from forestry are aged 65 or older. According to the Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering, between 2000 and 2010, the proportion of forestry workers over 50 increased by 30 percent across Europe. In France, Germany and Norway, that increase ranged from 15 to 46 percent.
This is not just a demographic shift. It is a challenge to the long-term sustainability of the sector. Like a forest ecosystem, the forestry profession needs renewal. Without it, we risk losing innovation, diversity and continuity.
If we want forestry to thrive, we need to create space for the next generation. Young professionals are not just the future of the field. They are part of the solution today.
Innovation and technology
Born into the digital age, younger generations bring essential technological skills to forestry. They introduce advanced tools like drones for aerial surveys, GIS for mapping and data analysis, and innovative software for better forest management decisions. These technologies are crucial for monitoring forest health, early detection of pests or fires, and managing resources efficiently in response to climate change.
In Spain, young professionals are actively contributing to drone-based wildfire detection projects that identify risks before flames appear. In Croatia, researchers are exploring the use of handheld personal laser scanning (H-PLS) technology to improve forest inventory accuracy. While still in the development phase, this method shows strong potential to make forest data collection more efficient and support smarter decision-making in the near future. These examples show how innovation led by young professionals is already reshaping the field.
But for these tools to reach their full potential, the sector needs to attract and support young professionals who can help put them to use.
Resilience through diversity
Forests are more resilient when they host a variety of species and ages of trees. In the same way, the forest sector becomes stronger with generational diversity. Senior professionals contribute deep-rooted experience and wisdom, while younger ones offer adaptability, energy and new ideas. A workforce that includes both generations is better equipped to handle ecological threats, policy changes and evolving public expectations.
Continuity of wisdom
In an old-growth forest, mature trees create stable conditions where young trees can take root and thrive. In forestry practice, experienced experts play a similar role. Their years of knowledge about local ecosystems, species behaviour and landscape changes provide a foundation for new ideas to grow. Unless mentorship and collaboration are built into the profession, we risk losing this wisdom as older professionals retire.
A sector at a crossroads and a chance to act
According to UNECE/FAO (2020), between 2008 and 2016, the number of forestry workers in Europe decreased by 18%. At the same time, public sector jobs have been replaced by unstable and seasonal private jobs that often lack long-term security, fair pay or clear career paths.
These changes are making the sector less attractive to young people. Combined with shrinking rural populations, delayed retirements and outdated perceptions of the profession, it becomes clear why generational renewal is stalling.
Like a forest without natural regeneration, the sector risks becoming hollow – more vulnerable from within. Many young people are still drawn to the forest. But more and more are asking themselves: How can I build a future in a profession that isn’t appealing or secure enough to keep me there?
To shift this narrative and ensure the sector’s resilience, we need urgent, concrete action:
- Promoting forestry education in both rural and urban areas
- Creating mentorship programmes that connect young professionals with experienced ones
- Improving job quality and providing stable, fair employment
- Changing public perceptions by showing forestry as a modern, purpose-driven profession
We don’t need to start from scratch. Programmes like the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) or national youth internships already show what is possible when young people are trusted, supported and given opportunity to grow.
Let’s open the canopy
Forests thrive when young trees are given light and room to grow. The forestry sector must do the same. Let’s open the canopy. Not only in our forests, but in our institutions. Let’s create space where generations can grow together, learn from one another and protect the ecosystems we all depend on.
Because in every young professional, there is the potential for a forest. And in every forest, a future worth growing.
YLP Mediterranean 2025 – Breaking stereotypes in the forest sector #1
As part of the broader story package developed within the EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean (YLP-MED) 2025, this video explores the theme Breaking stereotypes in the forest sector.
Created during the programme’s soft skills sessions on communication, storytelling, and filmmaking, the video specifically challenges the stereotype around age, addressing the perception that the forest sector is unappealing or inaccessible to younger generations.
This story package (article and video) was originally produced by Ivan Horvat, Andrija Jukić, Nikola Perendija, Tea Sidorov, and Songül Sönmez as part of the EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean 2025.
