"When I came to Sweden and saw the incredibly beautiful nature, I felt that I wanted to work with it. I immediately searched SLU’s website and found the Forest and Landscape program, says Johanna.
Johanna is now studying the international bachelor’s program Forest and Landscape in Alnarp, where she combines her interest in forestry with an ambition to contribute to sustainable forest management. Her dream job lies in nature conservation within the forestry industry, with a particular focus on prescribed burning.
"I would love to work with, or even start, my own company specializing in prescribed burns. It’s a method that’s both close to nature and has been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. At the same time, it’s a relatively new approach in forestry that not many people are familiar with," Johanna says enthusiastically.
A Unique Program with Passionate Teachers
Johanna describes Forest and Landscape as a program that provides a holistic perspective on forests and landscapes, covering everything from research to practical applications.
"We have amazing teachers who are truly passionate about their research and have extensive knowledge. But what I love the most are the field trips. We’ve visited research stations and forests in both Norrland and Skåne. It’s an incredible experience to see and learn about forests on-site," she explains.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The program has also given Johanna insights into how forests can be adapted to address climate change.
"We’ve learned about measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, even in production forests. We also read many articles about new experiments investigating climate impacts. This is important because production forests make up such a large part of Sweden’s forested landscape," she says.
Johanna views her time at university as a foundation to build upon.
"The program provides me with a solid foundation, but I want to pursue a master’s degree to deepen my knowledge. I don’t feel entirely ready to start my career yet, but I know I’m on the right path," she concludes.
