#WomenInForestry – meet Sonia Du Buisson
Merensky Hardwood
Nursery Manager
Qualifications
Forestry career: 34 years
My journey with Merensky began in 1986 when I was offered a job by Dr Lindsey Milne, as a Nursery and Tree Breeding Manager. During my 30 years of service to the organisation and industry my team and I have acheived many goals which I am proud of. These include securing Merensky’s own fully-fledged breeding programme for sawn timber for a number of species. In addition to leading the E.grandis material (which the team is currently taking to the next level of improvement), we have also advanced generation E.urophylla orchard seed for solid wood products, as well as a series of new hybrid saw timber clones which are in the pipeline.
WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR
I enjoy what I do because I am involved in a large part of the wood value chain, which includes breeding, growing seedlings and cuttings for commercial production and the establishment of new plantations. Apart from this, I am also involved in the training of students, providing guidance to small farmers, and the marketing of our Eucalyptus seed, which I find very rewarding.
MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY
My advice to women wanting to join the industry, you have to have good human relations, a passion for your work and faith in what you do as these elements are extremely important to make a success.
Always take the time to remember why you are doing what you do. Focus on your passion as in the long run bringing passion to your work can lay a foundation for success. The materialistic aspects will fall into place if your passion is visible through your work. “
