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Academic Study Programme in Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources

Forests are a particular living space, they help create ecological balance and, at the same time, provide the human population with a basic renewable resource, as well as numerous non-material benefits. Sustainable development is not possible without professional foresters. Almost two thirds of Slovenian territory is covered by forests, which is a particularity in Europe and is an excellent opportunity for development, since natural resources are scarce and Slovenia has a rich tradition of sustainable, close-to-nature forest management. The study programme qualifies students for complete ecosystem forest work in accordance with modern principles of close-to-nature, multipurpose and sustainable management. Such a scheme requires linkage among ecological, economic and technical sciences. It requires knowledge of forest ecosystems, social aspects of forest management, the various techniques and technologies used in forest management and familiarity with modern methodological tools. An advantage of the study programme is the emphasis on individual and seminar practice, which is partially carried out in the forest. The study programme lasts for three academic years (180 credits) and is provided as full-time, and occasionally as part-time, study. Students obtain a university academic degree in forestry. Graduates can obtain employment in public forestry services, organizations for wildlife management and nature conservation, economic organisations and schools (upper secondary and higher education). More and more opportunities are provided by self-employment - independent entrepreneurs (primary wood processing, forest construction, wood trade, arboriculture, ornamental tree production, ecotourism, private advisory agencies in forestry, biological engineering, spatial planning, mountain area management and sanitation of ecological points). There are also increased employment possibilities in (non)forestry secondary schools and in the sphere of extracurricular activities. The spheres of waste and communal management are also promising. Due to the abundance of forests and their importance in Slovenia, the demand for forestry professionals in administration, and in nature conservation governmental and non-governmental organizations is increasing. The tradition of close-to-nature forest management in Slovenia also provides employment possibilities abroad.

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