The forestry sector plays a multifunctional role as a producer of renewable natural resources, provider of income and employment, manager of biodiversity, guarantor of in situ conservation of local tree species and provider of environmental services (such as soil and water protection) and recreational activities.

Biodiversity in Belgian forests is locally threatened by intensive management, pollution, changes in groundwater levels, fragmentation, recreational activities and high densities of big game (ungulates), exotic fallow deer and muntjac. Indirectly, the forest is also threatened in its function as a productive resource. To ensure that biodiversity is preserved in Belgian forests, it is necessary to work on both quantitative and qualitative aspects, focusing on 'internal measures' within forest and nature conservation policies and practices, as well as on measures outside the forest sector (e.g. environmental quality, spatial planning).

Biodiversity in forests contributes to the balance and resilience of ecosystems. Forests host a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are essential food sources for humans and animals. Forests provide a multitude of ecosystem services such as filtering water, regulating climate, preventing soil erosion, etc. Natural forestry practices ensure that forests are resilient in the face of climate change. One of the basic principles of this approach is to favour natural regeneration over planting. The aim is to create a working forest that is stable, resilient and productive while providing habitat for common species. To encourage biodiversity in forests, it is essential to take actions such as leaving dead wood and creating lightly mown edges. This forestry approach tries to mimic natural processes and limit human intervention.

Building on the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the new EU Forestry Strategy 2030 sets out a vision and concrete actions to improve and strengthen the protection, restoration and resilience of EU forests.