Perspectives of the forest workers in Greece

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims at examining the perspectives of the Greek forest workers and the benefits that will be derived from the introduction of a forest workers’ training system. A postal questionnaire was distributed to 115 experts on forest operations nationwide, and personal interviews were conducted with 106 forest workers in 13 prefectures of Greece. The questionnaire was completed by 99 forestry experts with long experience on forestry issues all over Greece. The majority of the participants believed that there is a lack of interest on behalf of the State and that the most pressing problems are income-related. The results indicate that the number of forest workers will continue to decline unless specific measures are taken. Changes in the forest management systems are necessary since the present status has not lived up to the expectations. The introduction of a forest workers’ training system is expected to bring professionalism to the sector of forest operations, increase the overall productivity and improve the perspectives of the forestry workforce in Greece.