ABSTRACT
Humans have used forest genetic resources for a long time, but without understanding the necessity and methods of their conservation. Thus, over-exploitation and insufficient forest protection, misuse of forest lands, uncontrolled cattle grazing which continues until present, felling trees for firewood, over-harvesting of wild fruits and nuts, forest fires and other factors have adversely impacted forest resources. Consequently, the forest vegetation in Central Asian countries does not form large contiguous areas, and is represented with relatively fragmented forest lands, located far from human settlements, and often, in poorly accessible locations. Forest ecosystems are degraded and many plant and animal species are endangered to a great extent. The ecosystem services of forests are being compromised, many species are losing their natural habitat, and their gene pool is progressively impoverished under the influence of human activities. An important role in conservation of forest biodiversity can be played by a national system of creating protected areas, which include nature reserves (“zapovednik”), national parks, nature refuges (“zakaznik”), and nature monuments. However, the ratio of specially protected areas is on average about 5% in the region and this situation is a major concern for the future of forest resources in Central Asia.
