Ambassadors for safe work in the forest

The Slovenian Forestry Institute (ZGS) hosted its annual national logging competition during the International Forestry Conference in Gornji Radgon on Saturday. The event featured 42 participants competing in six different disciplines, including chain saw change, log turning, precision cutting, combined cutting, tool sharpening, and felling. The competition was organized as part of the institute’s efforts to promote safe, efficient, and sustainable forestry practices while showcasing modern equipment and techniques. The competition began with a symbolic act, cutting through a thick wooden beam, a tradition that symbolizes the start of the event. This year, the task was performed by Simon Resman, the director-general of the Directorate for Forestry and Hunting under the Ministry of Agriculture, and Gregor Danev, director of ZGS. Following this, individual competitors demonstrated their skills, with Nik Rovan from the Tolmin Forestry Unit emerging as the fastest and most accurate. He took first place in the individual category, followed by Mihael Brlec from the Ljubljana Forestry Unit and Matjaž Butolen from the Maribor Forestry Unit. In team competitions, the Ljubljana Forestry Unit won, consisting of Uroš Šuštar, Nejc Močnik, and Mihael Brlec. The Tolmin unit came second, made up of Miha Tominec, Marko Žgavec, and Nik Rovan. The third-place finishers were the Nazarje Forestry Unit, composed of Dani Avbreht, Andrej Goličnik, and Klemen Mazej. Notably, Nuša Tomšič Mežnar from the Sežana Forestry Unit received special recognition as the sole female participant. All participants were awarded practical prizes, and the event attracted high-profile attendees, including executive director of the Pohorje Congress Center Boris Nicolas Erjavec, president of the Slovenian Forest Owners Association Rok Sedminek, and the forestry queen Neja Kokot. The top three individual winners were celebrated by Danev and Sedminek, highlighting the significance of the event beyond mere competition. Gregor Danev emphasized that the competition aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper tree felling, which is often misunderstood by the public. He stressed that selective logging is essential for maintaining healthy, stable, and resilient forests capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. According to Danev, the event not only showcases skilled professionals but also promotes knowledge, respect for forests, and understanding of logging as a responsible practice. Velislav Žvipelj, state secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the ministry has long supported investments in modern forestry machinery, infrastructure, and safety training. He reiterated the commitment to continuing such initiatives, ensuring both worker safety and improved forest management efficiency. “Our goal is not just to have well-managed forests,” he said, “but also to ensure that everyone who goes into the woods in the morning returns safely home in the evening.” The competition highlighted the blend of skill and sport in forestry, with participants demonstrating expertise in various tasks. The event served as a platform to introduce advanced tools and methods, reinforcing the role of professional foresters in preserving Slovenia’s natural resources. With 70 ZGS employees involved in organizing the event, the scale of the operation underscored the institution's dedication to promoting best practices in the sector.