Fem2forests project partners meeting and international conference: “Equality and Diversity: Changing the Image of Forestry”

Project: Innovative pathways for efficient involvement of girls and young women in forestry sector (Fem2forests)

On October 23rd, 2024, the Fem2forests project partners gathered in Portorož, Slovenia, for their second partners' meeting, hosted by the Slovenian Forestry Institute, the project’s lead partner.

Representatives from nine countries convened to review the project's progress, discuss its objectives, assess its financial status, and highlight key achievements. This critical meeting set the stage for future activities, with partners aligning on next steps and deadlines. The meeting's collaborative atmosphere reinforced the shared commitment to empowering young women and increasing their involvement in the forestry sector.

The following day, on October 24th, 2024, project partners participated in the international conference

“Equality and Diversity: Changing the image of forestry”. Organized by the Fem2forests partnership and

organization WOFO International, the two-day event brought together 114 participants from 25

countries. The conference focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the forestry sector,

empowering young women, and fostering a shift towards a more inclusive sector.

On the second day of the conference, participants took part in a field excursion to the Slovenian Karst

region, which provided an opportunity to explore sustainable forestry practices used in Slovenia,

particularly post-fire restoration efforts. Participants visited areas impacted by forest fires, discussing the

environmental challenges faced and the ongoing efforts to restore ecosystems. A symbolic tree-planting

activity emphasized the conference's themes of hope, resilience, and collective action in protecting and

regenerating forests for future generations.

Throughout the event, participants had many opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and discuss new initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and promoting diversity within the forestry sector. The organizers expressed optimism that the collaborations fostered during the meeting and conference

would have a lasting impact, contributing to more inclusive and diverse forestry sector overall.