In autumn, the forest comes to life again

25 September 2018 Forests in photos

As autumn arrives in Geneva, Marco Bertolini’s appropriately named ‘Autumn in the forest’ is this month’s photo in the spotlight. A runner up in our 2017 ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest, Marco shares the story behind his photo and explains why for him autumn is the most fascinating time of the year.

Autumn in the forest

How do you feel about forests?

My love for forests intersects both my personal and professional life. Since my early childhood, I have loved to hike, and today I work as a hiking guide and accompany groups of people on the trails of the Ligurian natural parks in northwest Italy. For me, forests are sanctuaries of peace that reconcile humans with the most intimate essence of nature.

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

I have always loved walking in the woods, especially during the misty days of autumn. This time of year makes me feel safe and, above all, it allows me to live and know nature in a different way.

Thanks to humidity and mild temperatures, amphibians and fungi return to activity, and the forest comes to life again after a long summer break. When I came across this fire salamander, the inspiration was immediate: what is more romantic than to immortalize the scene of the lively amphibian as it peeps over a trunk during a wonderful day of mist in the forest?

What you think of the work that PEFC does to care for forests?

I think PEFC takes care of forests in an exemplary way! Conserving forest ecosystems and, consequently, biodiversity means reconciling human impact with nature. It also protects workers' rights, encourages short production and distribution chains, and guarantees rights to indigenous peoples.

These forward-looking and admirable actions should be the basis of any organization that exploits natural resources.