Georgia: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources discussed the draft law on the creation and management of the Machakheli Protected Landscape.
The draft law, initiated by the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, was submitted to the Committee for consideration by the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Davit Gabaidze.
According to him, the creation of an appropriate legal framework is necessary for the legal existence of the Machakheli Protected Landscape, for the protection, restoration and reasonable use of biodiversity, historically and culturally distinctive areas in the Machakheli Valley.
The bill was considered in the second reading.
Today, in the first reading, the draft law “On Establishment and Management of Kvereti Reserve” was discussed, according to which, in Upper Imereti, on the territory of Sachkhere Municipality, on the southern slope of the Racha Range, one of the categories of protected areas will be created.
According to the bill, in addition to the fact that the area is rich in diverse deciduous flora and red-listed fauna, the status will be important for the local population, as the conservation of the local population will allow the use of certain renewable natural resources.
According to Toma Dekanoidze, Deputy Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, 14797 hectares of the territory of Sachkhere Municipality will be granted the status of a sanctuary.
The bill will enter into force on January 1, 2023.
“The date was set taking into account the fact that the bill envisages the creation of the Kvereti Reserve Administration, which will require 23 staff members, as well as the purchase of additional equipment and infrastructure at the expense of the state budget,” – said the rapporteur.
The Committee supported the discussed bills.
