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Forestry is a rewarding career, especially for those who have a passion for nature. Be it a student seeking a good career choice or anyone looking for meaningful work, forestry is an excellent option. It’s a field not only exceedingly in demand and is further expected to rise, but also immensely beneficial for mental and physical health.
The forestry sector provides various environmental goods, building materials, medicines, food, fuel, and so much more for various sectors in the market. Forestry and logging contributed Indian rupees 1.96 trillion in FY2019 a contributor of 1.7 percent to the country’s GDP.
Following are some of the various reasons why working in the forestry sector is a viable career option to be pursued.
Endless career opportunities
A forestry degree provides one with many career opportunities, be it land conservation specialist who is a technical expert providing conservation assistance to agricultural and private landowners, an environmental biologist who monitors environmental conditions and conducts on-site research to develop a strategy for wildlife management or a consulting forester who represents landowners in all forestry matters, seedling to harvest, sale negotiation, contract preparation, and enforcement. The consulting forester can improve the quality of the forest, increase production and skillfully balance the management of water, wildlife, and ecosystem services.
Learn new skills
Forestry essentially helps in enhancing, managing, and conserving forests. Natural disasters such as wildfires, etc, in forest areas, are on the rise. Besides due to the increasing development of forests and land-use conversion, one is required to learn various skills like knowledge about the species of wildlife, trees, and their habitat.
A career in forestry makes one gain practical knowledge in soil health, hydrology, ecosystems management, agriculture, wildlife preservation, the timber supply chain, and many more.
Emerging field
A career in forestry has been in India for ages now and its demand is expected to grow further shortly. Due to the unwanted and destructive effects of climate change, specialized foresters and conservation scientists are in demand worldwide to help protect the forests and trees.
The forest industry is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, particularly in the area of wildfire management, which includes wildfire prevention, mitigation, and suppression.
Improves mental health
It is proven by many studies that spending time outdoors amidst nature with trees and greenery, helps reduce stress, and anxiety and improves mental health. The positive and calm atmosphere cools the mind from daily hassles and boosts the mood of an individual explicitly.
Living in an area free from pollution and noise helps the cognitive part of our brain to focus better. It increases mental clarity, one feels more energetic, and can understand others’ perspectives. So forestry is a career that not only promotes a healthy planet, but also a healthy mind.
Save forests for the future
Scientists and environmentalists have been debating and explaining how trees and forests play an important role and how their degradation rapidly increases the climate change effects. Forests and trees play a major role as human life depends on them explicitly for the absorption of carbon dioxide, the need for oxygen, water, vegetables, fruits, nuts, raw materials like timber, etc.
As of 2021, India has a total of 24.62% of the geographical area of forests and tree cover. Pursuing a career in forestry is a prestigious job as you are not only protecting biodiversity but also providing food security for future generations.
Pays well
The demand for jobs in this sector is available both in the public, private, and government sectors. Due to an increase in the frequency of natural disasters caused by deforestation, global warming, and climate change effects, there is huge demand and hence jobs in the forestry sector command a handsome amount for the services provided.
Lifelong health benefits
As mentioned earlier, living in an environment that is surrounded by trees and greenery is a blessing as it is a kind of health insurance that one gets for free. Opting for a career in forestry means a healthy body both physically and mentally as a green environment reduces stress hormones like adrenaline that lead to inflammations and poor immune systems.
Besides, living outdoors in forests reduces a variety of health disorders like skin cancer, obesity, and even respiratory diseases. Phytoncides a chemical produced by plants have an antibacterial effect that has the power to fight off diseases and is immensely beneficial for the immune system.
Overall, for someone with a career in the forestry sector, the benefits of working outside, exerting one’s body, and protecting a resource that’s invaluable to our life on earth, are extremely rewarding and honorable.