The Socio-economic Importance of Natural and Planted Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Forests in the Silk Road Countries

In line with an increasing world demand for walnut kernels, the global area of walnut (Juglans regia) plantations has significantly expanded during past decades. At the same time, the natural walnut forests continue to be threatened by deforestation and forest degradation despite their global importance for biodiversity conservation. Which lessons can be drawn from the existing literature for further research, policy and practice of walnut forest management?