Esther Lutz Studies Euroforester to Bridge the Gap Between Climate Action and Forestry
For Esther Lutz, pursuing the Euroforester Master’s Programme at SLU wasn’t just about expanding her knowledge—it was about filling a critical gap between climate action and forestry.
With a background in rural development and natural resource management, she had worked on carbon mitigation projects but found herself making key decisions without a solid forestry foundation.
“In Germany, I was part of a team working on an EU project focused on achieving climate neutrality, and I was responsible for writing the chapter on natural carbon sinks,” she recalls. “But I felt like no one at my company could thoroughly fact-check my work. That felt scary. I’m not a forester—if I got it wrong, the consequences could be serious.”
Realizing the growing overlap between forestry and climate action, she turned to SLU for an education that could bridge both fields.
A Global Approach to Forestry
One of the Euroforester programme’s key strengths, according to Esther, is its international and holistic perspective. While forestry education in Germany can at times be tailored to individual federal states, Sweden takes a broader approach.
“Here, you learn about forestry as a global and interconnected system, not just something tied to one region,” she explains. “It’s valuable because we don’t live in a bubble—what happens in one country’s forests affects the entire world.”
Hands-On Learning with Real-World Impact
Beyond theory, Esther appreciates the programme’s practical approach. “Each course includes an excursion, where we explore different forests, management strategies, and the challenges foresters face in the real world.”
This hands-on experience makes the learning process more engaging and directly applicable to future careers.
A Competitive Edge in a Changing Field
For Esther, Euroforester is more than just a degree—it’s an opportunity to gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
“The combination of local and global knowledge, practical experience, and diverse perspectives makes this programme unique.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to apply her education at the intersection of climate action and forestry, ensuring the two fields work together rather than in isolation.
With students like Esther bringing passion, curiosity, and a drive for impact, it’s clear why the Euroforester Master’s Programme remains a top choice for those shaping the future of forestry.
About the program Euroforester
Euroforester is a master’s program offered at SLU’s Alnarp campus. Students from all over the world enroll in the program, and the teaching staff is also characterized by diversity.
This program integrates multiple disciplines, providing students with in-depth and transferable knowledge that prepares them for a career in the international forestry sector.
The focus is on the Baltic Sea region and Central Europe, but the program also addresses globally significant issues, making it relevant for students from other parts of the world. As forestry has undergone major transformations in recent years, the curriculum takes a holistic approach that goes beyond just production and profit.
Learn more about the program and how to apply:
https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/masters-programmes/euroforester/