Granada, Spain: The Chairman of the Agency of Protected Territories of Georgia, Besik Kusid attended the event of the Council of Europe in Granada, Spain. The event was held on May 21st and 22nd, 2025.
The Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia shared glimpses of the event on its official Facebook Page on May 25, 2025, Sunday, The Agency also shared a short note about the event along with the photographs.
The event was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of one of the most prestigious awards – Eurodiploma and representatives of the governing structures of the protected areas of Europe participated in it. Notably, this event is an international platform to discuss modern challenges and opportunities related to environmental protection.
Notably, since 2015, Vashlovani Protected Areas represent the only territory with a European Diploma in Georgia, which again emphasizes its exceptional ecological importance.
“Georgia’s participation in such a scale event will contribute to deepening cooperation with international partners and involve the country in new projects. During the event, discussions were held on topical issues such as climate change adaptation, water management, ecotourism development, habitat, and species restoration, as well as the involvement of local communities in the protected areas management process,” said Besik Kusid, chairman of the Protected Areas Agency.
During the visit, the Environmental Declaration was signed, according to which the parties agreed on general principles, which will promote future sustainable cooperation in the field of environmental protection. At the end of the event, the participants visited the Sierra Nevada National Park, one of Venezuela’s largest ecologically significant protected areas.
The European Diploma is the highest recognition of the Council of Europe, which is awarded to areas of exceptional ecological and landscape value. The award aims to protect natural heritage, promote sustainable management, and share best practices.