text: Forests are hugely important for biodiversity, climate and water regulation, the provision 
  of food, medicines and materials, carbon sequestration and storage, soil stabilisation and 
  the purification of air and water. They are also a natural home for recreation and learning 
  about nature. Foresters have a key role to play in ensuring sustainable forest management 
  and in restoring and sustaining biodiversity in forests. 
  
  In addition to strictly protecting all remaining EU primary and old-growth forests,**the**
  **EU must increase the quantity, quality and resilience of its forests**, notably against 
  fires, droughts, pests, diseases and other threats likely to increase with climate change. 
  To retain their function for both biodiversity and climate, all forests need to be preserved 
  in good health. More resilient forests can support a more resilient economy. They also 
  play an important role in providing materials, products and services, which are key for 
  the circular bio-economy. 
  
  To make this happen, the Commission will propose a dedicated**EU Forest Strategy**in 
  2021 in line with our wider biodiversity and climate neutrality ambitions. It will include 
  a roadmap for**planting at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030**, in full 
  respect of ecological principles. This will create substantial job opportunities linked to 
  the collecting and cultivating of seeds, planting seedlings, and ensuring their 
  development. Tree planting is particularly beneficial in cities, while in rural areas it can 
  work well with agroforestry, landscape features and increased carbon sequestration. At 
  the same time, the Commission will continue to work with Member States to ensure that 
  the EU is sufficiently equipped to prevent and respond to major forest fires, which can 
  inflict significant damages on forest biodiversity. 