EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean 2025
Forests are more than trees – they are stories of resilience, innovation, and people. In South-Eastern Europe, one of the most biodiverse and climate-resilient forest regions in Europe, the next generation of forestry professionals is reimagining the sector’s future.
As part of the EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean (YLP-MED) 2025, a group of 17 young professionals joined in Croatia for an immersive week of scientific seminars and soft skills workshops on communication, storytelling and filmmaking. During these sessions, they set out to challenge outdated perceptions and reveal the real diversity and potential of the forestry sector.
Their work led to the creation of four original story packages, each addressing a different stereotype through blog articles, short films and photography. These stories aim to inspire conversation, attract young professionals, and reflect the evolving nature of forestry in the context of climate change and innovation.
Explore their work below and discover the voices helping to shape the future of forests!
Breaking stereotypes in the forest sector
🌱 Stereotype 1 – Forestry is only for older generations
By: Ivan Horvat, Andrija Jukić, Nikola Perendija, Tea Sidorov, and Songül Sönmez
Forests thrive through renewal, and so does forestry. This story challenges the idea that the sector is only for older professionals, highlighting the need to welcome young talent to secure a sustainable future.
🎬 Watch the video: Breaking the age stereotype
🤖 Stereotype 2 – Forestry lacks innovation
By: Edoardo Nevola, Eva Groznik, Andrija Barisic and Andro Kokeza
Far from outdated, forestry today embraces cutting-edge technology. This story showcases how digital tools, sensors and AI are helping protect and manage forests more effectively than ever before.
📖 Read the blog article: What if we could have an entire forest in our pocket?
🎬 Watch the video: Breaking the technology stereotype
🎓 Stereotype 3 – Only specific academic backgrounds belong in forestry
By: Zala Uhan, Tatjana Sabljić, Stojanka Bilić and Pamela Elias
Forests benefit from a broad mix of skills and disciplines. This story highlights how professionals from various backgrounds, from law to communication, play an important role in shaping a sustainable forest-based sector.
🎬 Watch the video: Breaking the educational background stereotype
🧪 Stereotype 4 – Forestry work only happens outdoors
By: Ivana Zegnal, Marija Majnarić, Barbara Škiljan and Olivera Kalozi
Forestry work is diverse, from fieldwork to office-based research and policy. This story challenges the idea that forestry is limited to outdoor labor, revealing a sector rich with varied professional roles.
🎬 Watch the video: Breaking the workplace stereotype
About YLP-MED 2025
The EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean 2025 brought together young professionals from across the region to deepen their knowledge of sustainable forestry and strengthen their leadership and communication skills. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops and field visits, participants explored how to promote innovation and resilience in forest management.