There are three major intergovernmental conventions that address forests and forestry at different degrees. Several intergovernmental and international organizations have forests as part of their mandates though at varying levels. It is clear that all global environmental aspects, whether climate change, biodiversity, or desertification are affected by forest management, and they also have a profound effects on forests.
Forests and forestry are part of the work of many organizations, ranging from core mandate, such as FAO, to general interests of many other UN organizations, as well as non-governmental organization and international research institutions.