With love for the forest

Pia Björstand is a lawyer at Omnia Law Firm and one of Natural Heritage's longest-serving board members. It's been six years since she stepped into the role, but her commitment to the forest goes back much further than that.

- I grew up in the forests of Småland. I played there as a child, ran on the paths and built huts. It was quite natural to have close contact with nature," says Pia.

Pia's grandfather was a forest owner, her father an environmentalist and her mother a journalist with a strong commitment to social issues. And already in high school, Pia joined a group at school that wanted to improve the environment. It continued on that path. Involvement in various environmental organizations over the years has meant that her drive and commitment to nature, and especially the forest, has only grown.

A concrete way to make a difference

Pia's love of nature shines through in everything she does. Over the years, she has built up a large network and often appeared in the debate on environmental issues. So when she was asked to be a board member of Naturarvet , she didn't hesitate for a second.

- I was delighted when I was asked. Naturarvet provides a concrete and simple way to protect the forest. You put money in and then you protect the forest directly," she says.

- Many organizations are working on ideas to change society. That is also needed. But here you can see the results directly. You can even go and visit the forest and see where your money has gone.

Protecting what you love

Since Pia became a board member, Naturarvet has acquired several forests in Jämtland, Halland and on Gräsö outside Uppsala. She describes herself as a stable force on the board. Someone who contributes both knowledge and a large network in forest issues.

"The concept of natural heritage is clear and long-term. We know that what we protect today will be there forever," she says.

As a resident of Nyköping, Pia misses areas of old-growth forest in her neighborhood. But among the nature reserves that exist, she has found her favorite place - Stendörrens nature reserve.

- It's where sea and forest meet and it's beautiful. I go there to hike," says Pia.

She concludes with a wish for all those who follow Naturarvet:

- Please spread the word about Naturarvet , and help more people find it. It's a wonderful way to protect forests, and it also makes you feel good to protect something you love. I wish all Swedes would support Naturarvet, so we can preserve all the old-growth forests that are left.