The forest needs to be preserved in a sustainable and respectful way

4 October 2022 Forests in photos

As autumn arrives in Geneva and the leaves start changing their colours, let’s look at Sonia Fantini’s colourful image ‘Autumn at Federa Lake’ – one of the runners-up in our 2021 PEFC Photo Contest.

Sonia told us more about the place where she took the photo, and what she loves about it.

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

As a mountain hiker for many years, I think that the forest environment needs to be preserved and "lived" in a sustainable and respectful way.

Sport is a driving force that can help raise people's awareness of respectful enjoyment of nature. I think that the principles on which PEFC is based point in this direction.

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

I am pleased to have taken this photo in a beautiful place in Italy: Lake Federa in Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Ampezzo Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a very suggestive place, that becomes even more magical when the larch trees turn yellow in autumn. To be able to walk and photograph such beauty is truly a blessing. The Dolomites are like forests, fragile and strong at the same time. It is here that the Winter Olympics will be held in Milan/Cortina 2026.

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 are important to start the change.