Changing human–environment interrelationships in Kyrgyzstan's walnut-fruit forests

Abstract

Human–environment relationships and natural resource management are embedded in political and institutional regimes. Thus, political and socio-economic transitions often lead to remarkable changes in the interrelationships between forests, people and livelihoods. Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan has been shaped by several comprehensive system transformations; consequently the interpretation, utilisation and management of its scarce forest resources have changed significantly. Kyrgyzstan's globally unique walnut-fruit forests are esteemed for their vital role in controlling erosion and balancing the water cycle, for delivering forestry goods such as timber, nuts and fruits, as a genetic pool and for their recreational functions. The value of the forests was perceived already under Russian colonial rule, resulting in the establishment of specific management and protection regulations. During the Soviet era, the forests were handled accordingly in a strict top-down approach, with local people involved only in carrying out orders to fulfil plans drawn by superior bureaucrats. Political and socio-economic transformations after 1991 require modifications of livelihoods in which the forests play a major role. Economic liberalisations not only offer chances for income generation but also threaten the very existence of the forests: extensive pasturing, firewood extraction and illegal timber cutting lead to degradation. Based on a political ecology approach, the paper explores the changing interrelationships between Kyrgyzstan's walnut-fruit forests and local societies.

Keywords:

• human–environment relationships
• forest use history
• natural resource management
• political ecology
• post-Soviet transformation
• Central Asia