Personally, I see the forest as life

13 October 2022 International Day of Rural Women

15 October marks International Day of Rural Women, an occasion to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against gender bias, and take action for equality. Rather than speaking about rural women, we give the word to them, and asked them what the forest means to them.

Maria Emília Silva, a researcher in the field of wood technology at University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) in Portugal, told us what inspired her to work in forestry, and why for her the forest is life.

What does the forest mean to you, both personally and professionally?

The meaning of the forest for me is often confused, in many ways, on a personal and professional level.

Personally, I see the forest as life. Both for the life it contains, for the complex ecosystem that it is, as well as for the indispensable role it plays in our lives when we look at the changing scenarios to which the planet is subject, from climate change to energy issues, and even the problem of desertification.

At a professional level, and as my area of research is wood technology, I also see the forest as a source of raw material.

A renewable and carbon sequestrant source, which feeds an industry that is very important for Portugal's economy, and which could play a key role in the development and enhancement of the most disadvantaged rural areas.

Why did you choose to work in forestry?

I consciously chose agricultural sciences as a training area because I identified with this field.

I had family members who already worked as agronomists and the choice to become a forestry engineer had a lot to do with not being in the same field.

I didn't have any connection to the forest, therefore I can't say it was a vocation.

After finishing my degree, I started a teaching career at UTAD, and I have been teaching and researching about forests – tasks that I really enjoy.

What role does your work play for the development of the bio economy and sustainability?

The teaching of Forestry Engineering at UTAD has been adapting to new circumstances, and for many years now the concept of sustainability has been part of our classes in different areas.

Thus, the training of our students includes current topics such as Bio Economy, Circular Economy, and Sustainability. They are also part of our research and are a constant concern in the projects in which we are involved.

What is the impact of PEFC certification on your work?

It does not have a direct impact, but as I teach these Forest Management Certification subjects, I can say that the impact is related to the attempt to transmit these concepts, principles, and way of acting to my students.