This document summarizes the main causes and reasons for deforestation globally and in Turkey specifically. The key drivers of deforestation discussed are population growth, agriculture expansion, logging, fuel needs, and grazing. Deforestation results in declines in habitats, biodiversity, and forest resources. While forest management practices could help mitigate deforestation, many developing countries lack strong forestry institutions and local cooperation is sometimes lacking. The document also provides a brief overview of Turkey's forestation policies and goals to increase forest coverage from its current level of around 27% of land.