The International Forestry Students’ Association is a worldwide organization, consisting of students in nature related sciences coming from 141 local committees spreading across 64 countries. Every year, there are several meetings all over the world that any member can attend. You can find out more on our site: https://ifsa.net/. This year, the Northern European Regional Meeting took place in Finland, and Álmos, Avar and I were lucky enough to participate.
Let the Journey Begin
First of all, I have to tell you something: if you take a look at my Instagram, you can see, we didn’t go straight to Finland. That’s because of one simple thing: It’s cheaper to fly to Estonia, then take the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. And we did exactly this on the way there, and back. I know, I know, now the topic is Finland, not Tallinn, but I should add just one comment here: Tallinn is so beautiful, it’s one of the best-preserved old towns I have been to, with lots of great museums, programs, close to the Baltic Sea… Definitely a must visit place.
The ferry set sail – I mean engine – and we were in Helsinki in just two short hours. First, we checked into our hostel, and the event, then went out to see Helsinki. It’s definitely a bigger city than Tallinn, different age, different style, but still absolutely pretty. Check out my pictures here.
Also, one important thing to mention: both Finland and Estonia are more expensive than our little homeland, Hungary. Estonia, not too much, however Finland… The fast food places and buffets have pretty average prices, the shops have a little bit higher ones.. One thing that would be a complete red flag for an average university student from central-europe: the alcohol prices. It’s cheaper to take that damn ferry back to Estonia, buy your beloved booze there, and go back. Well, we weren’t there to not remember anything, so we weren’t disturbed by this.
The first program of the week was just a quick get-to-know each other, also get-to-know the week ahead of us. Then we wandered around the city a little more, and went to sleep, because we knew we’ll have a long and eventful week.
Meet the Student Side of Helsinki
The first program of the week was at the University of Helsinki. We visited the Viikki campus, where the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located. We had a short presentation, then got shown around the campus. It’s pretty modern, which is really cool. They have study/chill rooms for the students, where they can stay between lectures. We also had the chance to take a look at a student’s room. It’s actually not like a dormitory, more like a rented flat.
The next program was at the Finnish Forest Industries office. We had a presentation there about the present and future of Finnish forestry, and how they could make it more sustainable. In the afternoon we departed from Helsinki and set off to the countryside. Our destination was Hyytiälä Forest Station, which is a place where the forestry students of Helsinki spend two months in summer, as a practice. We are also going to spend the next few days there.
Deep in the Woods
We visited several interesting places around Hyytiälä. We went to the university’s research station, SMEAR II, where they research the flow of matter and energy between the forest ecosystem and the atmosphere. This place includes a 128 meters high measurement mast, and several measurement towers, one of them 40 meters high, which we were able to climb.
We also visited a different part of the profession, the JPJ-Wood sawmill. It was really interesting to see all the modern, digital solutions for the processing of timber. After that we took a little hike on a bog field, where the pallets for the trail were laid down by the university students. Some parts of the water surface were still frozen, despite being 15 °C midday.
Right next to the forest station there is a beautiful lake. Of course, Avar and I couldn’t sit still, and had to get around it, which was a great decision, because we saw the most beautiful sunset of the trip on this hike. Also, we got more familiar with the local fauna, seeing traces of moose and grouse, and befriending a little legless lizard.
Evening Programs
We weren’t bored at all in the evenings either, we were able to try out the traditional Finnish sauna, including diving in the freezing lake, and we also participated in the usual IFSA activities: the auction and the international night. At the auction you can bid on stuff brought there by all the participants, and the money goes to IFSA’s development fund. The international night means that all countries get their tables, where they can present their traditional foods, drinks, and if they are brave enough, a dance or song can be taught to the others.
More About the Finnish Forestry
We then set off for other interesting programs, now towards the eastern part of the country, to the region Karelia. First, we visited the Metsa Group’s bioproduct mill, which was extremely modern. They make all kinds of items from wood and recycled materials. Then we headed to a State-owned forestry, where we got more familiar with how they manage these kinds of forests in the country. More than 60% of the forests in Finland are privately owned.
Then came one of my favorite programs of the week: the John Deere forestry machine factory in Joensuu. It was extremely interesting to see all the steps of such a huge 20-ton harvester or forwarder being built and assembled. The factory itself was smaller than I imagined, still 8 of these machines can roll down the line each day.
Getting to the end of our trip, we also visited the Forest Museum in Lusto. Here, we got even more familiar with all the things the Finnish forests can offer. They also have one of the three prototypes of the Timberjack walking harvester, which was so amazing to see in person. But unfortunately, this was the last program during our trip in this Nordic country. After this, we took a long bus ride back to the capital Helsinki, where we said a sad goodbye to everyone,while spending our last night there. The next morning we had an early ferry back to – well you know – Tallinn.
Final Thoughts
It was an amazing week, with lots of wonderful people. I am speaking on behalf of the three of us, we absolutely enjoyed it. I’m grateful for all the organizers – you guys did such a great job – and also for the Pannónia Scholarship Programme for sponsoring our attendance. Special thanks goes to my beloved girlfriend, Facsar Eszter, for helping me in my first article.
Last, but not least, I must mention this year’s Southern European Regional Meeting, which is going to take place here, in Hungary. So be prepared, a report is coming from that too.
