This book provides an introduction to forestry science. It covers the principles of forest management, forest resource utilization, the role of forests in climate change mitigation, forest conservation and rehabilitation, forestry policy and law, social forestry and indigenous communities, the economic impacts of the forestry sector, and global issues in forestry.
A forest is an ecosystem dominated by trees that serves ecological, economic, and social functions for life. Forestry is a forest management system that encompasses the planning, utilization,
protection, and preservation of these natural resources for their sustainability. In this context, forests are not merely spaces filled with vegetation, but also a vital part of environmental balance and a source of livelihood for communities.
In Indonesia, forestry has strong regulations and management structures because the country has one of the largest tropical forest areas in the world. Forest management is carried out through sustainability principles, including biodiversity conservation and reducing deforestation. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, forestry focuses on planned forest management with certification and sustainable logging systems, particularly because forests provide important economic resources such as timber, palm oil, and ecotourism.