5 South African Women Driving The Future Of Forestry Through Science

To mark the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Forestry South Africa (FSA) has launched two initiatives celebrating women in forestry, encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM, and challenging outdated perceptions of the sector.

Modern forestry is far more than planting trees. It spans a wide range of STEM careers, including genetics, climate science, ecology, data science, engineering, logistics, planning and applied research. Across South Africa, women are leading critical research that improves forest productivity, strengthens climate resilience and delivers tangible social and economic benefits, particularly in rural communities.

“It’s not enough to recognise women in science – we need commitment and transformation across all industries and sectors,” says Dr Yolandi Ernst, climate scientist and senior lecturer at the Global Change Institute. “It sends a message to young girls that careers in environmental science, climate research and forestry are not only possible, but vital. Climate-resilient landscapes are built through science-based decision-making, and women are already central to that process.”

Professor Ilaria Germishuizen

One of the campaign contributors, Professor Ilaria Germishuizen, Research Director at the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR), highlights how applied science underpins the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s plantation forestry sector. ICFR’s collaborative research spans tree improvement, forest protection, soil and site resilience and advanced spatial technologies, providing evidence-based solutions to manage finite land and water resources, adapt to climate change, and mitigate growing pest and disease risks. By translating complex science into practical decision-making tools, ICFR supports sustained productivity across multiple planting rotations, credible carbon reporting, responsible forest management, and stronger rural livelihoods while contributing to national economic growth and climate resilience.

“Forestry research is a space where women can, and increasingly do, make a meaningful difference,” says Professor Germishuizen. “It is interdisciplinary, applied and closely connected to society’s future needs. For young women considering STEM pathways, it offers the opportunity to combine scientific excellence with tangible environmental and economic outcomes.”

Professor Sanushka Naidoo – Programme Leader of the Forest Molecular Genetics – Eucalyptus and Pine Pathogen Interactions group at FABI

At the Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Professor Sanushka Naidoo, Programme Leader of the Forest Molecular Genetics – Eucalyptus and Pine Pathogen Interactions group, focuses on how molecular genetics and genomics help the sector respond proactively to climate change and resource constraints. Through advanced genetic tools, researchers are identifying trees with greater resilience to drought, heat, pests and diseases, enabling faster breeding cycles and smarter deployment of planting material across South Africa’s limited plantation landscape. This precision approach reduces operational risk, improves long-term productivity and strengthens ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, ensuring future forests are better adapted to a changing climate while supporting sustainable economic growth and rural livelihoods.

Dr Yolandi Ernst – Climate Scientist and Senior Lecturer, Global Change Institute

Dr Ernst’s own work underscores the importance of forward-looking climate science for forestry planning. While historical weather data remains useful, it is no longer sufficient in a world of shifting rainfall patterns, rising heat extremes and highly localised climate risks. She emphasises the need for strong partnerships between research institutions, industry and public bodies to translate complex climate data into decision-ready insights embedded in strategy, operations and regulation. Climate-informed forestry, she notes, supports jobs, stabilises supply chains, strengthens rural economies and plays a vital role in national development and climate-resilience strategies.

Dr Noxolo Ndlovu – Forestry Research Scientist, NCT Forestry

Another contributor, Dr Noxolo Ndlovu, a Forestry Research Scientist at NCT Forestry, shares her personal journey from a 15-year-old unsure of her future to earning a PhD in Forestry. Her story highlights how engaging with STEM subjects at school opened unexpected and meaningful career opportunities in forestry science. Through her research, she demonstrates how forestry is grounded in evidence-based science, contributes to climate mitigation, supports rural communities and drives sustainable land management. Her message to young people, especially girls, is that curiosity, persistence and confidence in STEM can lead to careers with real-world impact.

From 11 February to 11 March, FSA is also running a social media campaign where women working across forestry share what they do, why they chose STEM careers, and words of encouragement for young people considering similar paths.

Jacqui Meyer – Coordinator of the Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG)

Jacqui Meyer, Coordinator of the Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG), explains how science-led pesticide research is strengthening the sector’s social licence to operate while protecting human health, ecosystems and market access. Through coordinated research and stewardship, the industry is moving towards a transparent, cradle-to-grave approach that prioritises worker safety, community wellbeing and environmental protection. By generating credible, independent data and translating complex science into practical standards, training and operational guidance, this work enables forestry to meet evolving regulatory and public expectations, reduce reputational risk and adopt safer, lower-hazard alternatives, while protecting biodiversity and water resources and maintaining South Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.

“For young women considering a STEM career, the sector offers far more pathways than many expect,” says Meyer. “It is diverse, impactful and globally connected. Forestry creates local benefits while contributing to global sustainability goals.”

At the heart of both campaigns is a shared commitment to visibility, mentorship and confidence-building.

“The future of forests and the communities that rely on them will be shaped by our willingness to integrate scientific insights with purpose, inclusiveness and shared responsibility,” says Professor Naidoo. “It is important that we encourage girls to engage with STEM, as this field opens tremendous opportunities. Seeing relatable faces succeeding in science helps young women believe they belong.”

Through these initiatives, Forestry South Africa is not only celebrating women in science, but also investing in the next generation of researchers, innovators and leaders who will shape resilient landscapes, sustainable forestry and thriving rural communities for years to come.