Kyrgyzstan

Many of the world’s fruit and nut trees are seriously threatened with extinction, according to the newly released Red List of Trees of Central Asia. The list is published by Fauna and Flora International (FFI) in collaboration with BGCI as part of the Global Trees Campaign.

Throughout the world and over centuries, small-scale livestock keepers and pastoralists have developed animal breeds that are well suited to their local conditions. These breeds are hardy and disease-resistant; they can survive on little water and scant vegetation. They can continue producing meat and milk in areas where modern, imported breeds succumb without expensive housing, feed and veterinary care.

A collection of papers, many translated from Russian, originally presented at a seminar held in 1995 to increase international awareness about Kyrgyzstan's unique walnut-fruit forests. Subject matter includes the historical and present-day utilization and management of these forests, their ecological diversity and importance for biodiversity conservation, and measures adopted for the genetic improvement of walnut, Juglans regia, and other commercially important species.