In the coming years the forest industry stands to be re-shaped by several emerging trends. Here are three of the biggest changes coming to forestry.
Changes in Demands
Gone are the times when forests were viewed primarily as a source of timber and managed solely for this purpose. Other values from forests are being increasingly recognized. Management now needs to account for all ecosystem services like wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, water and air quality as well as social and cultural values.
While often viewed as a constraint on the main source of economic value from forests, these changes will have a positive impact on forestry overall. Hidden within these new management demands are additional sources of value.
However, these intertwined and often contradictory objectives make effective forest management more difficult.
The number of values that need to be managed, and the public pressure to do so are certain to increase in the coming years, along with that comes the need for skilled practitioners able to balance these new demands.
Changes in Technology
Computers have been a fixture in the business world for decades. In that time the pace of technological change has only accelerated. From tiny devices affixed to a harvester head, to high resolution satellites orbiting the earth, every aspect of forestry is being affected by exciting new technologies.
Technology creates data. Data creates opportunities. But to truly harness these opportunities managers need to have a solid understanding of the underlying technology. Relating a sensor reading to an informed decision requires aligning forestry expertise with technology. Those who possess both the understanding of the forest, and the understanding of the technology will have a distinct advantage.
Changes in People
Globally forestry has one of the highest median ages of all professions. For example Australian foresters have a median age of 45 compared to the median age of 40 for all other professions.
This is a tremendous asset to the industry as these people have decades of collective experience. Real world experience that can only be gained with time.
At the same time as older workers retire in increasing numbers, freshly trained foresters are taking their places. These younger workers will bring a next generation perspective along with more recent training.
Provided that industry can find them. In many areas there is a shortage of new, skilled workers to replace those retiring.
No matter how long you’ve been in the profession it is never a bad time to learn a new skill. Whether you’re looking to adapt to a changing industry or up your skills to get your first job in the industry, a great way to augment your forestry skills is to learn some digital skills.
Sawfly’s Python Foundations course is the ideal place to start. In this self-directed course you’ll not only learn the basics of programming, but also work through practical exercises dealing with real world tasks.
Because the course is self directed you can work through the material at your own pace on your own time.
All courses come with lifetime access to the material and a one year guarantee.
So why not take the first step? Get Sawfly’s Python Foundations for Forestry Professionals today