The Georgian Ministry of Forest management and Biodiversity has signed a memorandum on cooperation with the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church.
The signing ceremony was held recently in the presence of the Georgian minister of environmental protection and agriculture Otar Shamugia. The memorandum was signed by Otar Shamugia the Minister of Environment and Agriculture and the Crown of the Patriarchate Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku signed it on behalf of the church.
It is to be added that this memorandum provides for cooperation for the protection and management of forest areas around the church-monastery.
However a joint commission will be established by the ministry and church as well which it will ensure close cooperation within the powers granted by Georgian legislation for the establishment and development of a sustainable management system in the field of forest management and biodiversity of the country.
On this occasion the throne of the Patriarchate the Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Shio called the signing of the memorandum a historical moment and noted that as a memorandum has been signed the joint commission will deepen and make the cooperation more fruitful.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Otar Shamugia stated “The memorandum of cooperation considers cooperation in forest management and biodiversity issues that are very important. Notably the Georgian Church has a great contribution to the preservation, care, and protection of forests, including, in particular, the forests near churches-monasteries. Our cooperation will further contribute to this process. Our services like the Forest Agency, and Protected Areas Agency are actively cooperating to ensure that the goals outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding are achieved. We remind everyone that one of our important priorities in the country is sustainable forest management, which is important for the protection of forest areas”.
On another hand, Andria (Gvazava), Metropolitan of Gori and Athens says “Today’s document has a deep meaning for all. A very interesting stage of cooperation is beginning which will bring results not only in preserving the flora and fauna of our country but also in creating the best conditions for it”.
The event of signing the memorandum was held in the Patriarchate and was attended by Kakha Kakabadze, Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Georgian Orthodox Church, National Forest and Protected Areas Agencies, Environmental Education and Information Center, and Ministry’s officials.
