Forestry; wood; pulp and paper - Sectoral Activities

The Forestry Experts Network - "FORWORKNET"

What it is

Launched in September 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of around 300 individuals and institutions in some 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues.

What it does

The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. Specifically, the network endeavours to keep members abreast of new developments, new publications, data and research results, forthcoming events, new technologies affecting forest workers and other relevant news. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. In addition, the network regularly issues an "update" on relevant news and information. Specific topics include:

Human resources development:	supply and demand for forest work; recruitment; retention; changing nature of jobs; environmental connections; workforce development paths; contractors in forestry; women in forest work; migrant labour; training and extension.
Productivity:	work organization; mechanization; worker-technology interfaces; decision making in forest work; benefit/cost of improvements.
Social and labour issues:	employment in forestry; forest dependent communities; working conditions; pay and benefits; labour-management relations; occupational safety and health; ergonomics and human engineering.

The following updates are available on this site:

The database

Contingent on the responsiveness of its members, the network can serve as a "quick response" base for gathering specific international information. For that purpose it has started to develop its own specialised database for references and statistics. FORWORKNET's usefulness does depend entirely on the active participation and responsiveness of its members.

Network membership

Membership is free of charge. FORWORKNET is open to interested individuals and organizations world-wide. Members come from government forest services and labour administrations; employers' and workers' organizations; forest enterprises; forest contractors; forest owners; vocational schools and colleges, universities, research institutes; international organizations; technical assistance agencies and consultants.

If you wish to join FORWORKNET please fill out the registration form and return it to the ILO at the address indicated on the form. Feel free to pass on copies of this registration form to any colleagues who may be interested – please help us to spread the word.

Updated by EA. Approved EW/ET. Last update: 8 September 2008.