Forests are an essential resource for our survival

25 September 2020 Forests in photos

This September, we hear from Sonia Fantini, the winner of our 2019 ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest.

Sonia tells us more about her photo ‘Autumn colours’, that she had taken just one week before most of the region’s forests were destroyed by a violent storm.

How do you feel about forests, both professionally and personally?

I love walking in the mountains and the forests. I believe these places are an essential resource for our survival. I am a nature photographer and a member of the Italian Nature Photographers’ Association (AFNI), so I think it is very important to protect the environment, fauna and flora.

How did the forest inspire you to take your winning photo?

I took my photo at Lake Bordaglia in Italy, one of the most beautiful places we have in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

Exactly one week after I took the photo, a violent storm cut down trees, flooded roads and isolated villages. Signs of this catastrophe are visible in almost every forest in the region. Even today, months later, every time I go hiking in the mountains I see tall trees that were bent by the fury of the wind as if they were twigs. I haven't returned to this magical place since the storm. I will go back there in the autumn when the remaining larches will turn golden again. I hope to still find it in all its beauty.

What do you think about the work that an organization such as PEFC does to care for forests?

I think that the work done by PEFC to care for our forests is an excellent example of how economy and environment can coexist in a sustainable way. I hope that together we will manage to treat our Earth with more respect, even the smallest daily gestures would be important to start the change.