The issue of forest resources management, protection and development has always been of interest to the State and focused on for socio-economic development. However, in recent years, the Forest Resources Management major in particular and the majors in the fields of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in general have become less attractive to candidates.

The major is losing its appeal, businesses are "thirsty" for human resources but lack recruitment sources

Talking with reporters of the Vietnam Education e-magazine, Professor, Dr. Thinh Vu Tien, Head of the Faculty of Forest Resources and Environmental Management, University of Forestry, said: "Environmental protection and sustainable resource development are increasingly becoming top priorities in the current context. The Forest Resources Management sector not only plays an important role in protecting forest ecosystems and conserving biodiversity, but also contributes to responding to climate change.

According to Professor, Dr. Thinh, students majoring in Forest Resource Management have many job opportunities after graduation, such as being able to work as forest rangers/foresters at state forest resource management organizations or non-governmental organizations, protective/special-use forest management boards or forestry enterprises.

In addition, you can also become researchers participating in research at research institutes, universities, research organizations on ecology and conservation. Or you can work as consultants, providing consulting services to businesses, state agencies or international organizations on forest resource management and environmental protection.

In addition, according to Mr. Thinh, studying Forest Resource Management also gives graduates the opportunity to participate in and manage projects on conservation and development of forest resources, environmental protection and sustainable development; participate in the exchange of carbon credits in the market or become a lecturer at a higher education institution training in forestry and resource management”.

However, despite the wide range of job opportunities, the Forest Resource Management industry is still less attractive to candidates. Professor, Dr. Vu Tien Thinh also pointed out the reason for this situation: “In recent years, the appeal of the Forest Resource Management industry to young people has somewhat decreased. Candidates have mostly shifted to studying economics and finance because of the higher income potential and less pressure in the working environment.

In addition, some students and parents are not fully aware of the importance and career prospects of the Forest Resource Management, leading to a lack of interest in the industry and making it more difficult for the Forest Resource Management industry to compete with other industries”.

Agreeing with the above viewpoint, Associate Professor, Dr. Minh Nguyen Van, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, said: “The specific nature of the job and income are the reasons why students rarely choose the major of Forest Resource Management. Many students worry that studying this major will have to work far away in remote areas or face dangers in the process of managing and patrolling to protect forests. Therefore, students often choose majors that can “eat and wear well” instead of working in an environment with many difficulties and hardships.”

In fact, the Forest Resources Management industry is currently in great need of human resources, especially high-quality human resources. The situation of supply not meeting demand has caused many agencies and businesses to encounter many difficulties in the recruitment process.

Ms. Giang Tran Thi Quynh, Project Director at Forest Information System Joint Stock Company (FIS) said: “The number of human resources in the Forest Resources Management industry in particular and forestry in general is gradually decreasing.

The reason is partly due to the small number of students graduating from this industry. And mostly because students after graduation will have other options because the industry has a rather difficult working environment and the income is not as good as that of the economic and service industries.

The income of workers will be based on the capacity of each individual. For students majoring in Forest Resource Management who have just graduated, the average income ranges from 5-10 million VND/month."

According to Ms. Giang, businesses are currently in great need of human resources who can handle specific tasks in the forestry sector in general, requiring high expertise from workers. However, very few students who have just graduated can meet this requirement.

"In cases where businesses see potential and provide additional training, most of them find the industry difficult, hard and have low income, so they switch to other jobs, causing unnecessary damage to the business," Ms. Giang informed.

University strengthens connection with businesses, expands job opportunities for students

Sharing about the knowledge and skills that students will learn when studying Forest Resources Management, the Head of the Faculty of Forest Resources and Environment Management, University of Forestry said: “Students will be fully equipped with knowledge about ecology, forest ecosystems; knowledge about recognizing forest biological resources, methods of sustainable forest resource management, prevention of forest pests and forest fires, including conservation, development and restoration strategies. In addition, they will have a firm grasp of regulations, laws and state policies related to forest resources management and environmental protection.

In addition, students will also be equipped with knowledge about using geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning satellite systems (GNSS), remote sensing technology, UAV drone technology, artificial intelligence AI to manage and monitor forest resources.

In terms of skills, students will learn survey and field research methods, data analysis and scientific report writing. In addition, they will be trained in communication skills, presentation skills and teamwork skills”.

Currently, higher education institutions training in Forest Resource Management pay special attention to linking theory with practice through practical activities and internships to improve students' application ability after graduation.

In addition, Professor, Dr. Thinh also informed: “Students majoring in Forest Resource Management at the University of Forestry often go on field trips to conservation areas, national parks or conservation projects. Here, students have the opportunity to observe and practice the techniques and methods learned in the classroom in surveying, investigating biodiversity and managing forest resources.

Students are also encouraged to participate in internships at businesses, non-governmental organizations or relevant government agencies. The school has cooperative relationships with a number of businesses and organizations, creating opportunities for students to participate in projects and receive guidance from many experts in the industry. Through this, students can apply theoretical knowledge into practice, while building relationships with employers.

In addition, the University of Forestry also regularly organizes seminars with the participation of experts from agencies and organizations related to forest resource management, helping students update new knowledge as well as practices in the industry. With the mentoring program, students are also connected with alumni or experts in the field of natural resource and environmental management, thereby receiving guidance and sharing valuable experiences.

Similarly, the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University also has connections with agencies and businesses so that students majoring in Forest Resource Management have the opportunity to gain practical experience. Associate Professor, Dr. Minh informed: “Students majoring in Forest Resources Management are all introduced to forestry units and companies for internships.

They also often go to forest ranger stations to have the opportunity to learn and understand the nature of the work in practice, thereby helping students not to be confused when working in practice after graduation. Studying Forest Resources Management at the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, students also have the opportunity to intern and study in advanced countries such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and Belgium”.

Updating modern technology opens up opportunities to increase income

Issues of climate change and resource management often change rapidly, requiring the training program of Forest Resources Management to be flexible and constantly updated. In addition, the development of technology also has a significant impact on the field of study.

Professor, Dr. Thinh commented: “The development of information technology and data science will help forest resource management become more effective through the use of geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning satellite systems (GNSS), aerial imagery (drone/UAV), remote sensing, artificial intelligence AI, machine learning algorithms, camera or audio monitoring systems.

Support from technology makes the work in the Forest Resource Management industry less strenuous but also requires students to master knowledge and skills in technology to meet the increasingly high demands of the job.

In the future, the Forest Resource Management industry may increasingly cooperate with domestic and international organizations through projects on forest resource protection and development, biodiversity conservation, opening up many opportunities for learning and career development for students after graduation”.

Regarding the practical requirements of the Forest Resources Management industry, Ms. Giang said: “Enterprises need personnel in the Forest Resources Management industry who truly understand the industry and have a firm grasp of the knowledge they have learned in school, not just memorization and short-term memorization.

In addition, field skills such as map reading, using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and some soft skills also need to be given more attention by candidates. In particular, in the current period of technological development, understanding and mastering the Geographic Information System (GIS) will also help candidates easily meet the job requirements in the industry at present and in the future.

Personnel in the Forest Resources Management industry must have enough confidence, determination and a desire to learn as well as strive for the set goals to be able to work long-term in the industry. We have a saying "ability goes hand in hand with authority and benefits". If the candidate has enough background, enough capacity, and performs well the assigned tasks and roles, then not only in the forestry sector but in any field, there will be space to express and develop oneself.

Source: Vietnam Education Electronic Magazine