Finding harmony between the environment and humanity: an introduction to the thematic issue of the Silk Road

The Silk Road initiative is both exciting and controversial, as it may bring environmental degradation and water resources concerns, and at the same time it promotes swift economic growth in poverty-stricken areas along the Silk Road. Finding a balance between environmental protection and economic growth is the motivation for publishing this thematic issue. The Guest Editors introduce the background of the Silk Road in this editorial and the papers included in this thematic issue. These studies represent only some preliminary efforts toward establishing the harmonious relationships required to address these issues and to encourage further investigations.