Forests, encompassing approximately 31% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface (UN, 2021), stand at the forefront of addressing global environmental and societal challenges, representing an essential connection between ecological balance, economic development, and social welfare (Basak et al., 2022; Baumgartner, 2019; Fujimori et al., 2020). The critical role of forests in terms of providing oxygen supply and carbon sequestration, enhancing climate resilience, supporting biodiversity, and providing essential livelihoods for millions underscore the urgency of aligning research in the field of forestry sciences with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Basak et al., 2022; Baumgartner, 2019; Fujimori et al., 2020). This alignment presents a strategic pathway to employ the comprehensive capabilities of forests in tackling pivotal issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and achieving sustainable economic growth (Balvanera et al., 2014; Bose, 2017; Hagenbo et al., 2022). Fulfilling the ‘third task’, which is about research benefitting society, necessitates forestry science to extend its reach beyond academia, directly influencing policy frameworks and societal practices aligned with the SDGs. By harmonizing forestry research endeavors with the objectives outlined in the SDGs, there is a profound opportunity to harness the inherent potential of forests to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global future (Baumgartner, 2019; Bennett et al., 2023; Hagenbo et al., 2022).

The SDGs represent a comprehensive framework adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, aiming to address a wide array of global challenges and achieve a better, more sustainable future for all by 2030 (Baumgartner, 2019; Ma et al., 2022). These goals underscore the importance of not only targeting regional issues but also aligning them with broader, global sustainability objectives (Baumgartner, 2019; Ma et al., 2022). Forestry sciences play a key role in tackling various environmental challenges, such as preserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, reducing climate change through carbon capture, and improving ecosystem services. It is important to keep up with progress and pinpoint areas that need more research in this field (Baumgartner, 2019; Ma et al., 2022).

Forests are vital ecosystems that significantly contribute to the planet’s biodiversity, housing over 80% of terrestrial species (UN, 2021). Their role as carbon sinks is crucial in climate change mitigation and climate action priorities (SDG 13) (Basak et al., 2022; Brown, 2020). Additionally, their influence on water cycles is essential for ensuring clean water supplies (SDG 6) (Pavlidis and Tsihrintzis, 2018) and protecting against natural disasters, fostering resilient communities and ecosystems. Moreover, forests are lifelines for countless individuals, especially in rural areas, where dependence on forest resources for food, fuel, and income is prevalent, thereby directly supporting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), food security (SDG 2), and health and well-being (SDG 3) (Basak et al., 2022; Baumgartner, 2019). It is our collective responsibility to preserve these invaluable resources through sustainable forest management practices, ensuring that the benefits derived from forests are available for present and future generations, in alignment with SDG 15, which calls for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Ma et al., 2022).

By incorporating a comprehensive approach, research on biodiversity conservation has reinforced the objectives of SDG 15, which aims to manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and enhance biodiversity (Feng et al., 2015; Jandl, 2020; Ma et al., 2022). Insightful studies by Adler et al. (2018), who explored the dynamics of plant competition, and a study by Anderegg et al. (2016), who focused on the hydraulic traits influencing tree mortality under drought, highlight the understanding required to predict biotic and abiotic stresses in forest ecosystems. Barney et al. (2015) standardized methodology for assessing the ecological impacts of invasive species and highlighted the importance of innovative strategies in forest management and conservation. The integration of advanced technologies, as demonstrated by Bubnicki et al. (2023) through the application of image processing and artificial intelligence (AI) in wildlife ecology and exploration of population genomics in conservation (Hohenlohe et al., 2021), signifies the multidisciplinary nature of forestry research toward addressing complex ecological challenges. Hendricks et al. (2018) focused on computational methods and next-generation sequencing in populations and conservation genomics data analysis. Heuertz et al. (2023) stressed the role of genomics in biodiversity and ecosystem service (ES) management, proposing a framework to bridge the gap between applications and benefits.

Recent studies in the field of afforestation and urban forestry have highlighted various ecological and social aspects, emphasizing the protection of biodiversity-rich areas, an effort closely aligned with SDG 15 (Escobedo et al., 2019). Within the sustainability domain, the integration of urban forestry has focused on enhancing resilience and livability (Escobedo et al., 2019), addressing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by exploring the potential benefits of small-scale forestry initiatives. The development of integrated models for accurately quantifying forest carbon sequestration potential supports SDG 13 (climate action) by improving carbon management in the urban forestry sector. However, as highlighted by Abeli and Di Giulio (2023), a significant limitation is that many large-scale tree-planting initiatives compromise crucial ecological aspects, such as impacts on biodiversity, potentially leading to the planting of nonnative species that limit biodiversity. Additionally, to incentivize future carbon-neutral initiatives aligned with sustainability goals, there is a need for carbon-neutral assessment models that account for high regional variability in urban settings (Dian et al., 2024), further supporting SDG 13 by promoting informed and region-specific climate actions. Addressing research gaps in biodiversity conservation is crucial for enhancing our understanding and effectiveness of conservation strategies. Abas et al. (2022) emphasize the imperative of integrating indigenous knowledge with conservation policies, highlighting the need for research that ensures the inclusion of local wisdom in restoration efforts. Barney et al. (2015) emphasized involving a broader range of study species and ecosystems within the Global Invasive Impacts Network (GIIN) framework. Collectively, these studies call for a broadened research scope to fill critical gaps in our knowledge, facilitating more effective conservation practices and policies.

Recent advancements in restoration ecology have enhanced our understanding of ecosystem restoration dynamics, which is crucial for achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land). Liu and Yu (2023) advocated for a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration through multiple ecosystem services synergistically. Another study by Lu et al. (2018) stressed the importance of sustainable water management in large-scale afforestation projects. The integration of remote sensing and modeling in forestry, as demonstrated by Abbasi et al. (2023), and the work on modeling the impact of land-use changes on carbon storage (Cao et al., 2022) highlight multidisciplinary research convergence in forest ecosystem research. Similarly, Francini et al. (2023) applied machine learning approaches to analyze dendrometer data, and Luo et al. (2021) utilized machine learning to understand forest diversity, indicating that some research has been conducted through multidisciplinary approaches. However, in alignment with the SDGs, future research trajectories emphasize key areas such as the effective management of invasive species (Segelbacher et al., 2022) and the integration of conservation strategies across countries and regions (Fady et al., 2022; Sun et al., 2019).

The role of forests in mitigating climate change aligns closely with SDG 13 (climate action) through their capacity to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations and act as carbon sinks (Arifanti et al., 2022; Svensson et al., 2021). In terms of urban environments, forests and green spaces contribute to SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) by cooling cities, improving air quality, and providing recreational spaces (Chen et al., 2023). Significant progress has included initiatives such as mangrove conservation for carbon sequestration (Arifanti et al., 2022). To address the impacts of climate change on forests, current research employs multidisciplinary approaches that integrate machine learning and robotic platforms for the assessment of forest health (Estrada et al., 2023). Additionally, studies are exploring the interactions between native plants, microbial endophytes, and invasive species under different climatic conditions (Fang et al., 2023) and improving remote sensing for accurate vegetation index assessments (Hilker et al., 2015). Genomic advancements include understanding the genetic responses of tree species to environmental changes and conservation strategies in relation to climate change (Fernández, 2016; McKown et al., 2018). However, research gaps remain. Touchette et al. (2021) noted the necessity of integrating traditional ecological knowledge, particularly with the participation of indigenous communities.

Agroforestry significantly contributes to SDGs 2, 13, and 15 by improving agricultural resilience, food security, biodiversity, and climate action through the integration of trees with crops and/or livestock. Agroforestry enhances soil fertility, crop yields, and climate resilience (Zerssa et al., 2021), promotes carbon sequestration, and introduces sustainable crop production systems (Zerssa et al., 2021). The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into agroforestry research has significantly advanced the field by increasing the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis, prediction models, and decision-making processes (Eskandari et al., 2020; Silva et al., 2020; Wei and Cheng, 2022). Modeling applications in agroforestry range from integrating artificial intelligence and remote sensing for monitoring plant health and growth and predicting environmental impacts to improving crop yield through optimized resource management (Eskandari et al., 2020; Wei and Cheng, 2022). Despite these advancements, a review revealed that many AI models have limited predictive potential (Araújo et al., 2021).

In addition to its contributions to SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 13 (climate action), this study highlights the direct impact of integrating gender aspects into forestry research, which significantly contributes to SDG 5 (gender equality). Research shows that when women are actively involved in decision-making processes related to forestry, there is a notable improvement in the adoption of sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation efforts (Begum et al., 2022; Maleknia and Salehi, 2024). Studies reveal that the underrepresentation of women in forestry initiatives compromises their effectiveness and outcomes, highlighting the necessity for gender-responsive forestry practices (Samndong and Kjosavik, 2017). Furthermore, there is a significant gap in ensuring the participation of women, local communities, and the application of indigenous knowledge in forest management efforts, which is critical for the inclusivity and sustainability of these initiatives (Kamelamela et al., 2022; Wendiro et al., 2019). These studies highlight serious gaps in gender and community participation, emphasizing the need for more inclusive forestry practices. Moreover, by addressing gender disparities in access to land, resources, and training, forestry research can further empower women, leading to broader socioeconomic benefits that indirectly support SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) while also enhancing community resilience and promoting sustainable practices within SDG 15.

Although various studies have linked forestry sciences to the SDGs, no comprehensive systematic review has provided a holistic and integrated analysis that directly maps forestry sciences research to all 17 SDGs. Our research is the first to map the forestry sciences via the SDG mapping framework, which uses innovative machine learning algorithms to map publications accurately to the 17 SDGs, thereby enhancing our ability to identify SDG-related research. A unique contribution of this study is that through a systematic review and in-depth analysis, it aims to highlight significant research contributions within the forestry sciences that impact biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainable forest management, urban and agroforestry practices, and more, all of which are interlinked and collectively contribute to the overarching aims of the SDGs. By mapping current research trajectories and future priorities, this work seeks to provide a valuable blueprint for how forestry science can continue to contribute effectively to global well-being and sustainability, ensuring that research efforts are well aligned with the SDGs and equipped to address future challenges.

Accordingly, this study addresses the following research questions:

The paper unfolds systematically, beginning with the methods section that outlines the research design and analytical techniques, followed by the results, where the interdisciplinary connections between forestry sciences and the SDGs are explored through network analyses and the examination of influential publications in thematic clusters. The discussion interprets these findings within the broader sustainable development context, while the conclusions provide key insights, propose future research directions, and acknowledge study limitations.

Our methodology adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, ensuring a systematic and transparent approach to identifying and selecting relevant publications from a global perspective (Page et al., 2021; Raman et al., 2023; Raman et al., 2024a; Raman et al., 2024b). This includes applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to refine our dataset, thereby ensuring that our analysis is both focused and relevant to the study objectives, as seen in the research framework (Figure 1).

The analysis across three SDG networks reveals a multifaceted perspective on the role of forestry sciences in advancing the SDGs amidst the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for sustainable urban development. The implications of these findings are significant, as they highlight where forestry sciences are making the greatest impact in terms of SDG contributions and where there may be opportunities to broaden the scope of research to address other critical dimensions of sustainable development.

The analysis of the highly cited papers indicates that SDG 15 and SDG 13 receive the most attention in forestry science research. This is evident from the frequent focus on topics related to biodiversity conservation, forest management, climate change impacts on forests, and carbon sequestration. On the other hand, SDGs such as SDG 4, SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) appear to receive less attention, as these areas are less directly related to the core subjects of forestry science research. The implementation of the SDGs presents new challenges for forestry practitioners, such as the need for sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. However, it also provides opportunities for capacity building and valuable synergy effects through cooperation in teaching and research (Baumgartner, 2019). Forests are vital for human wellbeing and sustainable development, and their contributions to the SDGs need to be systematically assessed to understand potential synergies and trade-offs between goals (Aguayo Lopes da Silva et al., 2023). Forestry plays a crucial role in achieving several SDGs, such as SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land) (Ma et al., 2022; Walentowski et al., 2020).

Ecological and environmental sustainability underscore the critical impacts of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and species distributions. This highlights the necessity for integrated conservation and adaptation strategies to mitigate anthropogenic effects, such as increased forest fires and disturbances, while emphasizing the importance of soil microbial diversity for ecosystem multifunctionality and climate regulation. This cluster is closely aligned with SDG 13 and SDG 15, which focus on biodiversity conservation and the preservation of ecosystem services.

Sustainable energy and industry explore innovative approaches to utilizing forest resources for sustainable energy production and climate mitigation. This study highlights the importance of forests in the water, energy, and carbon cycles, advocating for sustainable land use and the development of carbon-neutral energy solutions through practices such as lignin pyrolysis. The research within this cluster supports SDGs 7, 13 and 15, offering insights into policy development for sustainability and climate change mitigation. Higher education institutions are integrating the SDGs into forestry and wood industry educational programs and research, which is seen as an important step toward achieving the SDGs (Uhan et al., 2024).

Social development and urban planning emphasize the social dimensions of forestry sciences, illustrating how urban greenery and forest management contribute to public health, well-being, and sustainable cities. It addresses the resilience of urban parks during health crises, the role of soil health in carbon management, and the benefits of green spaces for mental health. This cluster aligns with SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 and 15, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability with urban planning and social welfare. A recent study by Boshoff et al. (2024) highlighted geographical inequalities in the global forestry sciences; revealed persistent disparities in scientific, collaboration, and funding capital; and underscored the mismatch between research focus and regional needs, emphasizing the importance of place and context. The development of a research model of the role of forestry in the national economy, which is based on the example of the development of forestry in Kazakhstan, can provide insights into the role and importance of forestry in the economy and the assessment of trends and prospects for sector development within the country (Abayeva et al., 2024). A methodological framework for quantifying impacts on climate change, biodiversity, and social and economic values in forestry scenarios is needed, emphasizing the importance of tailored assessments and long-term evaluations (Mattsson et al., 2024).

The interdisciplinary nature of the forestry sciences demonstrates its pivotal role in addressing global sustainability challenges. The findings advocate for integrated approaches that bridge conservation, sustainable energy production, and urban development, ensuring the alignment of forestry research with the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. By highlighting the connections between forestry science and the SDGs—particularly SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 15—these studies emphasize the critical need for integrated approaches that prioritize ecological integrity, social well-being, and sustainable economic development.

Research in forestry contributes to SDG 15 by advancing the knowledge of sustainable forest management practices, conservation strategies, and the role of forests in maintaining biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. Highly cited papers within the clusters explored topics such as biodiversity redistribution under climate change, the impacts of anthropogenic activities on wildfires, and the importance of forests in water and climate regulation. These contributions emphasize the necessity of integrating ecological knowledge into land management practices to conserve biodiversity, manage forests sustainably, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, thereby directly supporting the objectives of SDG 15.

The most highly cited papers in forestry sciences share characteristics such as a focus on pressing environmental issues (e.g., climate change, biodiversity loss), innovative methodologies (e.g., large-scale data analysis, modeling studies), and relevance to policy and practice. These papers are mapped to specific SDGs by addressing topics directly related to these goals, such as SDG 13, through studies on the impacts of climate change on forests, and SDG 15, through research on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Mapping to the SDGs highlights the critical role of forestry sciences in addressing global environmental challenges and underscores the multidisciplinary nature of the research.