Did you know that forests have managers?

With growing emphasis on sustainable development in our country, the need for professionals in the field who can balance ecological, economic and socio-cultural principles of the forest ecosystem is only growing day by day.

“The role of forest managers is not just confined to the management of forests. It has become a holistic approach for the management of entire forest ecosystem including biodiversity conservation and management, forest dynamics, natural resource management, wildlife habitat management, industrial plantation for timber produce and wood based industries and also issues related to climate change,” says Dr Arvind Bijalwan, assistant professor (technical forestry), Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

Currently, forests are managed by the Indian Forest Service and the state forest services officials. In addition, the candidates with post graduate degrees in forestry management, graduates and post graduates in forestry from various universities are considered to be the second row of forestry professionals and managers in India managing industrial plantation, trees outside forest and natural resources management.

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Forest managers apply scientific inputs for the sustainable management of forests such as application of silviculture systems including nursery management, selection of suitable tree species, plantation/afforestation, transplanting of seedling and measurement of dimension of trees, says Bijalwan.

So, what’s exciting about being a forest manager? AS Bijalwan says, “Being a forest manager gives me an opportunity to do my bit towards saving the nature and contribute towards sustainable development. Our job is to ensure we meet the demand for forest goods like wood and timber, without disturbing the nature.”

A fresher can earn Rs 5 lakh per annum onwards depending on qualification.