The tranquillity and natural beauty of the forest inspire me

2 April 2024 Forests in photos

This month’s photo in the spotlight is ‘Digging Bamboo Shoots in Spring’, taken by Kyoko Harada in eastern Japan. The photo was the winner of our 2018 Experience Forests, Experience PEFC photo contest and a runner up in the 2023 Best of the Best Contest.

In our interview, Kyoko told us how the forest continues to inspire her and what has changed since she first won the contest.

How does the forest continue to inspire you and your photography?

The tranquillity and natural beauty that I feel in the forest, as well as the vitality of the creatures and plants that inhabit it, inspire me.

How has your photography journey continued since you participated in the PEFC Photo Contest?

In recent years, I haven’t been taking as many photos because the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted me from going out. However, I still enjoy taking photos of landscapes during my travels and family activities outdoors.

What can each of us do to safeguard our forests?

We can make efforts to purchase products that have obtained third-party certification, actively use recycled paper, and refuse excessive packaging such as paper bags and wrapping paper. In addition, I think it’s good to participate in volunteer activities for forest conservation and afforestation.

Have you discovered anything about PEFC and/or certification over these past years that you didn’t know before?

I have discovered that PEFC certification is a necessary certification system to maintain the world’s forest functions, protect ecosystems, and protect the Earth from global warming. I have also come to realize that by consciously choosing products with forest certification, we can support efforts to protect the world’s forest environment.