Postrzeganie zawodu leśnika we współczesnym społeczeństwie
Perception of the forestry profession in the contemporary society

Summary/Abstract: The article was developed on the basis of a preliminary survey on the role of foresters in forest management and governance, their competence, and their motives for taking up forest work. Furthermore, the opinions of the respondents on the perception of foresters in society and their forest management were analyzed. A standardized free interview technique was chosen. The study was conducted among 27 people representing various social groups and three foresters. The concept of empirical research was based on an analysis of the sociology of work and profession, ecosystem services, and available statistical data on forest management in Poland. The collected research material did not show representative characteristics, but interesting results were captured, which can become a leaven for in-depth analysis in this area. The synthesis of the collected research material showed a peculiar bipartisan attitude towards the functioning of forests: respondents living in cities and those living in rural areas had decidedly different opinions about foresters. The former were guided by rather moderate knowledge drawn from media messages, while the latter showed greater knowledge of the structure of forests and their functions. Most of the respondents showed interest in the work of foresters, the way forests are managed, as well as verification of their practical activities (afforestation, animal protection activities, or green areas). More than half of the respondents positively evaluated the work of foresters, stating that forests are properly managed. Respondents felt that privatization of forests is currently out of the question.

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