Georgia: Working meeting held to discuss national plan for species restoration

In a significant meeting held recently, the National Plan for Species Restoration project was discussed. This was held within the framework of the “Save Nature-Geogria” project. 

The joint project “Save Nature – Georgia” is a program between the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the Swedish Government. The meeting discussed the National Plan for Restoration of Species from the Institute of Ecology of Ilia State University.

It is to be specifically mentioned that the species recovery document in accordance with the principles of the World Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) includes those species that should be restored at the national level. The National Species Recovery Plan will also guide the state, non-governmental, scientific sectors, and donor organisations in planning and implementing species recovery actions.

Karlo Amirgulashvili Head of the Biodiversity and Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture added that “Georgia will have a national plan for the restoration of wild animals and wild plants, and it is according to this document that we will continue to restore our rich biodiversity. Dozens of species have gone extinct or are at risk of extinction in the past century. Consistent policy, scientific support and mobilisation of necessary finances are the basis of the National Recovery Plan”.

It was noted that the working meeting included members of the Coordination Council of the State System for Monitoring Biodiversity, representatives of international and local NGOs, scientific and research institutes, and relevant agencies within the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture system.

The project “Save Nature—Georgia” is being implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture with the financial support of the Swedish government since 2021. The project also aims to improve the sustainable management of natural resources in Georgia, promote the protection and restoration of biodiversity, improve air quality, and strengthen the Ministry’s and its departments’ institutional capabilities.

The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture also shared this information on its social media handles. Many social media users also reacted to this and appreciated the Georgian government’s efforts to protect the climate.