Vito's experience in Iceland

My name is Vito, I am 28 years old and I come from Sicily. In May, I landed in Iceland, where I spent almost four months living in the southwest of the island. Working with a local NGO brought me into close contact with nature, supporting the Icelandic Forestry Service and helping small organizations involved in reforestation efforts.

Iceland is a wonderful yet fragile land, shaped by a turbulent past: today, less than 2% of its territory is covered by forests, a figure that reflects centuries of deforestation and environmental challenges. In my own small way, I helped plant trees and carry out immediate, concrete actions for small local communities, traveling along the perimeter of almost the entire island and exploring it from east to west.

Compared to global numbers, my contribution may seem tiny, but to me it represents a step toward a different future. Moving through untouched plains, vast lakes, eroded lands, active volcanoes, powerful waterfalls, and breathtaking glaciers deeply moved and marked me. These are emotions that stay with you and are accompanied by the sincere gratitude of the communities I helped.

Thinking that in a few years, when I might start having my first midlife crises, somewhere in Iceland there will be a small forest that also grew thanks to my hands is something I still can’t fully grasp. But I already know that in the future, looking back, I will be certain that it was worth it, and I will remember this experience as a true turning point — an important chapter in my life journey.