Youth have a vast unrealized potential to play a bigger part in reducing deforestation and achieving sustainable natural resource management across the world. EdenWorld Conservation Initiative hosted Gene Kodama (SAF Immediate Past President), Terry Baker (SAF CEO), and Sam Cook (VP for the Society of American Foresters) on the topic of Behavioral Change; Enhancing Youth Opportunities for Participation in Forest and Natural Resources Conservation Actions, to raise youth awareness and provide them with opportunities to become active members of our society’s efforts to manage our world natural resources.
“I have gained the chance to network and learn from individuals through the Society of American Forestry,” said Gene Kodama, who has worked in the forest sector for over 30 years (SAF Immediate Past President).
It might be quite challenging to find oneself in an area where you have no prior knowledge, especially when it includes the natural environment, where passion is required to make a difference. This has led to the misnomer of “the poor people program” when it comes to forest and forest-related fields. Careers in the forest and related fields are crucial for the long-term viability of our natural environment, and the role of youth is not negotiable. While passion is needed in Forest and related fields, it is insufficient. Networking and Experience are needed.
Preserving the world around us entails paying attention to all forms of life, including plant, animals, and their habitat. Nature is important for the sustainability of humanity, but we are destroying them through cutting down trees, clearing forests, driving species into extinction, ruining ecosystems, producing pollution that we are changing the global climate. We are on the verge of extinction, and there are several innovations and opportunities for youth to make a difference in the world.
Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), spoke about his forestry career and journey. “I had no idea the forestry existed,” he explained, “but I discovered something that resonated with my interest.” “The more I deal with this field, the more I appreciate it,” he continued. He went on to discuss how joining the Society of American Foresters has changed his career by connecting him with others who share his interests and exposing him to opportunities in the field. It’s amazing to learn about the Society of American Foresters from Terry and to see how they’ve created capacity through crediting forestry programs. They collaborate with university partners to enhance forestry education so that students can put their theoretical knowledge of natural resources into practice. Professional certification programs are also available for those working in the business who want to expand their expertise in a changing world toward sustainable management. Finally, they are also an advocacy organization that acts as a voice for the forest by providing scientifically sound and sustainable solutions.
Beyond tree planting, other things need to be in place. For example, the effectiveness of a tree-planting effort may be influenced by a country’s national policy, particularly when it comes to other development issues. This means that the relevant individuals in the policy sector must have a strong understanding of natural resources. Similarly, saving a species goes beyond taking data, they need good habitat, research, technology, financing, human behavioral change among others to see the impact we desire in the natural world. This has resulted in a variety of programs aimed at equipping students with information and increasing their potential beyond planting trees. However, as we gain experience, we develop a greater interest in areas of specialty and passion.
“Students want to be involved, but they also want to accomplish something,” Sam Cook, vice president of the Society of American Foresters, said. It’s fascinating to hear from Sam about how SAF has used motivation, capacity building, and the formation of a network for young people to put their enthusiasm into action in new and unique ways. Sam said, “I had no idea that forestry was a career, I got involved just by my sister taking me through a Tuskegee where foresters provide an opportunity to get more foresters and students plugged in as a career part”. And from his experience in SAF involvement, there has been more participation of youth and young professionals in the field. They now see a new opportunity for students to get involved by including them in committees and assisting them in leading things. The young professional award is one of the incentive and encouragement programs offered by SAF. “Let youngsters do what they like and express themselves in ways that we haven’t been able to do in the past,” Sam continued.
Career Prospects
Passion isn’t enough in the field, similarly, acquiring the degree isn’t enough either. Experience is needed. The forest and forest-related fields are becoming more competitive, and most times countries nationals’ economic agendas do not leave potential opportunities in the field. Do not wait till you get a paid job before you can utilize your skills as this can limit your potential and opportunity to be seen. Here are some lists of how to increase your chances for opportunities.
- Volunteer in your community to create the change you want
- Join youth network in your field (national and globally)
- Attend training, conferences, workshop, etc.
- Build your cv and cover letters
- You can start blogging
- Never stop networking
- Never stop learning
Possible career opportunities among others
- Scientist
- Lecturer
- Researcher
- Tech. programmer (creating an app, and tools to solve problems)
- Natural resource manager
- Naturalist / Program Assistant
- Blogger
- Policymaker
- Consultant
- Ngo owners
- Communication catalyst
- Ranger
- Forest officers
- Educator etc.
Author: Temitope R. Abisoye
Learn more from the experts:
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdu7wuGmdUI&t=12s
SAF website: https://www.eforester.org/
Publication: https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?m=61654&i=725814&p=2&pre=1&ver=html5
