Forestry
Forestry is defined as managing and using trees, forests and their associated resources for human benefit (FAO, 2007).
Women in forestry
Women have significantly contributed to the management of the world’s forests either through traditional forest management or scientific forestry; however when it comes to the field of formal forestry, the focus has been on timber production, which is traditionally viewed as men’s work. The characterization of forestry as a male profession may shut out women from jobs in the field of forestry that they may have been willing to undertake but because of cultural views they are not afforded the opportunity. Not surprising there are limited opportunities in forestry for women’s voices to be heard although there are some hints that gender marginalization may be beginning to change.
Shift in management
There is currently a shift towards a more multidisciplinary approach to management of the world’s forests. This shift coincided with a change from timber extraction to forests being managed for its environmental services. As a result more and more attention is placed on the value of the forest ecosystems as a unit inclusive of ecosystem biodiversity (different types of animals and plants in one location) and the link to current social and economic issues such as livelihoods, poverty alleviation and human health. Interestingly if some of forestry’s features, such poverty alleviation was more commonly talked about more women might surface as supporters and/or career professionals in the field. We have not fully experienced this shift in Caribbean Forestry!!
Women in forestry
Women have significantly contributed to the management of the world’s forests either through traditional forest management or scientific forestry; however when it comes to the field of formal forestry, the focus has been on timber production, which is traditionally viewed as men’s work. The characterization of forestry as a male profession may shut out women from jobs in the field of forestry that they may have been willing to undertake but because of cultural views they are not afforded the opportunity. Not surprising there are limited opportunities in forestry for women’s voices to be heard although there are some hints that gender marginalization may be beginning to change.
Shift in management
There is currently a shift towards a more multidisciplinary approach to management of the world’s forests. This shift coincided with a change from timber extraction to forests being managed for its environmental services. As a result more and more attention is placed on the value of the forest ecosystems as a unit inclusive of ecosystem biodiversity (different types of animals and plants in one location) and the link to current social and economic issues such as livelihoods, poverty alleviation and human health. Interestingly if some of forestry’s features, such poverty alleviation was more commonly talked about more women might surface as supporters and/or career professionals in the field. We have not fully experienced this shift in Caribbean Forestry!!