13 FEBRUARY 2024 FORESTS IN PHOTOS

This February, our photo in the spotlight is ‘On Standby’, taken by Isabelle Modave. The photo showing a Kingfisher in an atypical place was a winner in PEFC Belgium’s 2022 photo contest, and among the top 12 photos of our 2023 Best of the Best photo contest.

In our interview, the photographer told us how the forest continues to surprise and inspire her.

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

I regularly visit the forests of my country, which are teeming with wild animals that I love to photograph, and I'm sometimes surprised to discover so many species so close to my home in Brussels.

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

The forests change with the seasons, and each season offers a different atmosphere for photography. The light and colours change constantly throughout the year.

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

I continue to take a lot of photos during my various trips and walks in Belgium, and when I'm out on the prowl in natural environments, which allows me to diversify my approach to photography.

What can each of us do to safeguard our forests?

You have to respect your environment: walk on marked paths, respect the flora and fauna and achieve a respectful balance with all the users of the forest.

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

Previously I didn't pay attention to the label, now I try to buy products with the PEFC label.