Forestry is the science and art of managing forests, tree plantations, and related natural resources to meet the needs of present and future generations. The management and conservation of forests and forested lands. It includes the provision of forest products, recreation, environmental protection, and land conservation. Forestry is practised in every part of the world. In some countries it is a government ministry, in others, it is a profession, and in still others, it is a way of life for millions of people.

There are many different types of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate deciduous and evergreen forests, and boreal (northern) coniferous forests. Each type of forest has its own unique characteristics, which determine the types of plants and animals that live there, as well as the human activities that can take place.

Forests are important for many reasons. They provide homes for wildlife, help to regulate the global climate, purify the air and water, and are a major source of timber and other forest products. Forests also play an important role in human culture and have been used for centuries as places of recreation and retreat.