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.