Akhmeta, Georgia: The stakeholders were acquainted with the document on reducing tourism’s impact on biodiversity at the information meetings held in Akhmeta on 24 October 2024.
Georgia’s important priority is tourism development. Nature-based tourism is one of the most growing and promising destinations in the industry, but it poses some environmental challenges.
The aim of the document developed is to help reduce the negative impact of the rapid development of the tourism sector on biodiversity,https://georgiaonline.ge/georgia-tea-akhvlediani-visits-akhmeta-municipality-in-kakheti-region/ protect natural and cultural heritage, and ensure that the necessary actions are taken based on recommendations and guidelines based on the best international experience for sustainable and high-quality tourism development.
The guide to reducing the negative impact of tourism on biodiversity is designed for various groups involved in developing and implementing tourism infrastructure and products. It fully assesses and considers the risks associated with biodiversity, ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent and/or mitigate them.
The Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the Swedish government’s program “Save Nature- Georgia” developed a guiding document for reducing tourism’s adverse effects, with the participation of interested organizations, “Geonature Corporation.”
In the meeting between the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the relevant agencies in its system, the program “Save Nature – Georgia“, the Ministry of Tourism, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Municipal Development Fund, Resort Development Association, I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgian Technical University, World Nature Foundation (WWF), Investor Association Global Network, European Investment Bank, Hiking Society, Akhmeti Municipality Hall, Tusheti and Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Areas, Tusheti Development Fund, various local and international NGOs Several representatives were in attendance.
Participants expressed their opinions and recommendations, which will be reflected in the final guide document.
Akhmeta
Akhmeta is a town in Kakheti and the administrative center of Akhmeta Municipality. It is situated at 567 m on the left side of Alazani, close to the Pankisi Gorge. In 1966, it received the status of Kalaki.
