Development of sustainable forest management in Kyrgyzstan

Forests in the Kyrgyz Republic are one of the most important types of natural resources and play a major role in developing the economy, improving the environment, and enhancing the well-being of the people. In Kyrgyzstan, 40.4% of the territory is land unsuitable for forest growth (water, rocks, glaciers); 59.6% of land used in agriculture and forestry (arable land, orchards, pastures); forests occupy 5.6% of the total area of the Republic. The role of non-timber forest products in realizing the economic potential of the lands of the State Forest Fund is increasing. In 2015, the Kyrgyz Republic joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which expanded the regional market to include Russia and Kazakhstan, with high export potential for agricultural and forest products. Currently, there is a need to find a reasonable balance between the economic and environmental objectives of the forestry industry.