A proposal for the improvement of rangeland management through the use of specially trained forest workers

Human factor is of central importance in the execution of protection, improvement and utilization works of forest and rangeland areas. The present study examines and analyzes the results of a questionnaire-based survey conducted with specialists and forest workers with regard to the problems of the forest operations sector and the contribution of a forest workers’ training system to the forest and rangeland management in Greece. The majority of the interviewed forest workers were very positive on participating in specialized training on works related to rangeland management because of the proximity of these tasks to their current occupational profile. A further reason for their willingness could be traced into their expectations for a future income increase. The existence of a specially trained forest workforce is expected to successfully cope with the modern and increased demands of multiple purpose rangeland management in our country.