Page 64 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Forestry Protecting forests, rebuilding balance

Jaspar Albers

CONNECTING THE DOTS BETWEEN FORESTS,

FOOD AND FUNDING

For Jaspar Albers, becoming a UN Volunteer was a natural
continuation of something that had always guided him: doing
purposeful work. “Volunteering was how I spent my time
meaningfully, even as a student,” he shared. So when the chance
came to apply his skills in forestry to support FAO, Jaspar didn’t
hesitate.

60 From 2013 to 2016, he served as a Forestry Specialist with FAO’s
Subregional Office for Central Asia in Ankara, Türkiye. He
worked on forest management in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan,
biodiversity and desertification in Türkiye, and desert ecosystems
in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. “The range of topics
combined with the variety of countries was truly exciting, but
what I loved most was working with like-minded people.”

He helped secure funding from donors and show how forests are
part of the food solutions. “Forests may not cover much of Central
Asia, but they matter: providing soil conservation, drinking water
and pasture for livestock. Firewood remains an important source
of energy, and non-wood forest products like nuts, fruits and honey
are a significant source of food and income,” he explained.

Now back in Germany as a Forestry-IT Coordinator, Jaspar reflects:
“These experiences helped shape how I see my work and the world.
I am grateful that I had this opportunity.”

Jaspar Albers, UN Volunteer Forestry Specialist, during a
field trip in Türkiye. [Jaspar Albers, 2014]