Forests play a crucial role both environmentally and economically. Forests form a habitat for thousands of species, protect soil from erosion, regulate water cycle, mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, etc.  In addition, forests provide humans with wood and non-wood resources. Forest is a natural resource that has an exceptional value for Georgia. It has a national, regional and global value and covers approximately 40% of the country area.

Forest in Georgia not only accounts for maintaining unique biodiversity, but also performs social and environmental functions of state importance, supplies local residents with vital resources and provides welfare, poverty eradication and sustainable development of such sectors of economy as agriculture, energy and tourism. The need for forest protection is a globally accepted truth. Georgia is a signee of a number of international treaties and agreements, thus committing to ensure forest management according to sustainable principles.