Core Points - The law aims to implement the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," focusing on the protection, cultivation, and rational use of forest resources, accelerating land greening, ensuring forest ecological safety, and building an ecological civilization for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature [3][4]. Group 1: General Principles - The law applies to all activities related to the protection, cultivation, utilization, and management of forests, trees, and forest land within the territory of the People's Republic of China [3]. - It emphasizes respecting and conforming to nature, prioritizing ecological protection, and adhering to sustainable development principles [3]. - The state implements a responsibility system for forest resource protection and development goals, with assessments conducted by higher-level governments on the performance of lower-level governments [3][4]. Group 2: Forest Ownership - Forest resources are owned by the state, except for those legally designated as collectively owned [7]. - The ownership and usage rights of forest land and trees are to be registered by real estate registration agencies [7][8]. - The law protects the legitimate rights and interests of forest land and tree owners, prohibiting any infringement by organizations or individuals [8]. Group 3: Development Planning - Governments at or above the county level must incorporate forest resource protection and forestry development into national economic and social development plans [12]. - They are required to establish forest resource protection and development goals to improve forest coverage and quality [12][13]. Group 4: Forest Protection - The state strengthens forest resource protection, highlighting the multiple functions of forests, including water conservation, climate regulation, and biodiversity maintenance [13]. - Financial resources are allocated for the establishment, nurturing, protection, and management of public welfare forests [13][14]. Group 5: Afforestation and Greening - The state promotes large-scale afforestation and greening actions, encouraging urban and rural residents to participate [22][23]. - Local governments are responsible for organizing afforestation activities on state-owned and collectively owned lands [23][24]. Group 6: Management and Supervision - The law mandates strict control over annual timber harvesting volumes, with local governments required to set limits based on sustainable practices [34][35]. - It establishes a system for monitoring and inspecting forest resources, allowing government departments to take necessary actions against violations [46][47]. Group 7: Legal Responsibilities - Violations of the law, such as illegal logging or damage to forest resources, result in administrative penalties, including fines and restoration obligations [48][49]. - The law outlines specific penalties for various offenses, including unauthorized changes to land use and failure to complete reforestation tasks [50][51]. Group 8: Implementation - The law came into effect on July 1, 2020, and is intended to guide the sustainable management and protection of forest resources in China [55].