Public policies significantly influence global forest conservation, with national policies playing a critical role in protecting forests. A study using high-resolution satellite data and advanced econometric methods reveals that countries' policies reduce the risk of tree cover loss by nearly 4 percentage points globally. The effectiveness of these policies depends on factors such as policy enforcement, stringency, property rights, and the rule of law. The study identifies sharp border discontinuities in forest outcomes, indicating that national policies have a substantial impact on forest dynamics. Countries with stronger institutions and more stringent policies tend to be more effective in conserving forests. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation to support and improve national policies for forest protection and their implementation. While local initiatives can complement public policies, they cannot replace them. Effective governance, including strong environmental legislation and international cooperation, is essential for sustainable forest management. The study underscores the need for improved policies and enforcement to address deforestation and forest degradation globally.Public policies significantly influence global forest conservation, with national policies playing a critical role in protecting forests. A study using high-resolution satellite data and advanced econometric methods reveals that countries' policies reduce the risk of tree cover loss by nearly 4 percentage points globally. The effectiveness of these policies depends on factors such as policy enforcement, stringency, property rights, and the rule of law. The study identifies sharp border discontinuities in forest outcomes, indicating that national policies have a substantial impact on forest dynamics. Countries with stronger institutions and more stringent policies tend to be more effective in conserving forests. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation to support and improve national policies for forest protection and their implementation. While local initiatives can complement public policies, they cannot replace them. Effective governance, including strong environmental legislation and international cooperation, is essential for sustainable forest management. The study underscores the need for improved policies and enforcement to address deforestation and forest degradation globally.