Biodiversity Conservation in Walnut Forests

The walnut forests in southern Kyrgyzstan are of high economic importance for the local population as traditional forest-pasture systems (haymaking, harvesting walnuts and use of natural pastures). Furthermore, forests serve as protection against erosion and avalanches, regulate watershed hydrology and are important for maintaining genetic resources. Due to an increasing population, intensive pasture use and climate change, these forests and their natural regeneration are endangered. UNIQUE was contracted by the GIZ for the implementation of a 3 year project with the aim of maintaining biodiversity, adapting to climate change and safeguarding long-term sustainable income. Sustainable management models should be developed together with the local population and the state forest enterprises and be implemented in selected communities.