Forests have always been critical to human existence. They sustain life and are also at the centre of a web of human demands - demographic growth and urbanization, agriculture, economic development, cultural values and environmental concerns. For forests to remain a source of life we need to plan our interdependence. The XII World Forestry Congress, taking place from September 21 to 28, 2003 in Qu?bec City, Canada, will provide people with the opportunity to create innovative ways to balance human needs with forests? capacities. The XII World Forestry Congress is being organized through a partnership between Natural Resources Canada, the Minist?re des Ressources Naturelles du Qu?bec, and the sponsoring agency, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As a national facilitator and through Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian Forest Service brings to the table scientific excellence and its ability to forge strategic alliances and partnerships with a wide spectrum of client groups and partners. These include provincial and federal governments, forest industries, Aboriginal communities, academia, labour groups, private woodlot owners, and environmental, conservation and special interest groups.