European agriculture and rural development commissioner Dacian Ciolos introduces our cover feature on the EU forest strategy, writing that, “Forests are a key resource for improving quality of life and creating jobs, especially in rural areas”. According to the Romanian official, “Sustainable forest management means using forests and forest land in a way and at a rate that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfil relevant ecological, economic and social functions”. “The contribution from forests and the forest sector to major societal objetives is the heart of the strategy,” but, he says, “There are a range of other issues which feed into this”. Finally, the commissioner stresses that forest information research and innovation, as well as communication and coordination are also essential.