As this website grows with the work of RFPF candidates, we will have many discussions about not just the development of curriculum for many different types of students of forest protection, but the process by which we also earn our many certifications that define the profession of forest protection.
One certification at the top of the list if you’re to be RFPF certified is likely going to be acquiring certification with the Ecological Society of America. Here’s the process that they require: https://www.esa.org/certification/how-it-works/
The main difference between this website’s focus and the ecological society’s is that a traditional forestry education is different than a traditional ecological education.
The process of indoctrination by which traditional forestry students are made experts in all the reasons for why cutting down a tree is good is the exact opposite of RFPF certification. Instead, we are here to become experts in all the science based reasons for why not cutting down a tree is good.
Antiquated and oppressive logging-based/tree farm solutions stifles the greatest possible diversity of innovation in the sciences of forest ecosystem management. From that lens, we support ESA’s diversity statement :
“We strive to cultivate a society built on mentorship, encouragement, tolerance and mutual respect, thereby engendering a welcoming environment for all. Ecologists believe in the need for interdisciplinary study, both in terms of disciplines and participants. We believe in biodiversity both in terms of ecosystems and membership. We will vigorously and proactively reject prejudice and stereotyping wherever it is encountered in our profession. ESA further promotes diversity in all areas of activity, including fostering diversity in membership, leadership, committees, staff, outreach, public engagement, recruitment, and all other areas of societal activity.” https://www.esa.org/about/esa-diversity-statement/