RUNNER-UP CATEGORY PLANTS AND FUNGI
Jarno Artika | Old and wise surrounded by treefield and melting snow

Name: Jarno Artika
Picture title: Old and wise surrounded by treefield and melting snow
Category: Plants and Fungi
Nationality: Finland
Occupation: Full-time photographer

Technical information
Camera: Hasselblad
Lens: L1D-20c
EXIF: 1/120 sec at f2.8 10mm (+1 e/v) iso 100
Accessories: Drone, tripod fly mode (dji Mavic pro 2)

Jarno Artika says:

The transformation of forests, in particular, has captivated my mind for a long time. I have been monitoring the state of forests, tree plantations, logging, and the decline in biodiversity. The signs of the climate warming and climate change are also one concern to document, as Finland’s climate is warming significantly faster than the global average. Finnish forests are beginning to resemble monoculture tree plantations, and finding diverse, multi-aged forests is becoming increasingly difficult, mainly possible in nature reserves and national parks.

This ancient pine tree grows amidst a mature pine forest on one of the most beautiful ridges and ridge roads in North Karelia, in Kontiovaara. And just this year, there are plans for logging operations in this unique landscape.

I often photograph from a bird’s-eye view with a drone. It allows for the detection of specific features within the larger landscape, revealing the tree within the forest.

In this image, I particularly appreciate the story it tells: the trees, all of the same age, that have missed their mark. Only the Ancient wise tree has found the core. In the photo the cloudy weather reflects the current prevailing winter conditions, with the sun rarely shining during winter and the amount of winter rain- and snowfall is rising. The melting snow from the bases of trees tells about the early spring and faster and faster snow melting. This is causing higher floods.

I thank the jury for highlighting these important observations and concerns about forests, climate, and biodiversity.