Forest-based employment research: Taking stock and looking ahead

The labour market in the forest-based sector sits at the intersection of three pressing challenges: demographic changes, deficits regarding decent work, and climate vulnerability. These challenges are further exacerbated by the demands of intensified resource use and global conservation pledges. Given the diversity of labour markets in the forest-based sector worldwide, policy strategies to tackle long-standing challenges can vary by context. A state-of-the-art overview of forest-based employment research is thus a prerequisite for advancing knowledge and informing policy decisions. The Special Issue on “Forest-based employment research: Taking stock and looking ahead” addresses this need. This introductory commentary provides an overview of key thematic areas of research in forest-based employment and examines in detail the main topics of the 29 articles included in this collection, which showcase current perspectives on the forest-sector workforce from multiple angles. Based on these articles, seven overarching themes of contemporary research on forest-based employment have been identified: i) education, training, and skills development; ii) employment creation and its development; iii) gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in employment contexts; iv) employment in social sustainability and bioeconomy transition contexts; v) occupational safety, health, and ergonomics (OSHE); vi) institutional and policy frameworks shaping forest-sector employment; and vii) distress-driven employment. These themes reflect both well-established research areas, such as OSHE, and emerging ones including employment in relation to social sustainability and bioeconomy transitions. The commentary concludes with key findings that highlight emerging challenges and potential pathways for policy and practice, followed by setting future priorities for research on forest-based employment.