Working meetings with local government representatives were held at the municipalities of Racha, Ambrolauri, and Oni Municipality.
The meeting was held to discuss the possibilities of developing protected areas in Racha, Ambrolauri, and Oni municipalities in the coming years as well.
During the meetings of all these three municipalities the discussion touched upon the importance of exploring the development of protected areas in Racha as well as the potential of creating new protected areas.
“It is to be added that the Racha region is distinguished by its special biodiversity and other special characteristics. It is important for all of us to contribute to the protection of unique ecosystems, landscapes, and development of the region’s economic and tourist opportunities in the areas of these municipalities as well,” said the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture’s Biodiversity and Forestry Head of the department Karlo Amirgulashvili.
On the other hand It should be noted that the 6-year program “Biodiversity and Sustainable Local Development in Georgia” ( funded by the German Government) has been implemented by the Agency of Protected Areas. That particular project provides initiatives tailored to the needs of the community within the socio-economic component. Meanwhile within the framework of this information meetings with local community representatives and stakeholders are planned to identify community barriers and implement socio-economic projects tailored to their barriers.
Similarly, meetings were attended by representatives of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture and Agency of Protected Areas along with the representatives of local municipalities’ Town Hall, City Council, local communities, and government.
The representative and other key speakers also said that the Georgian government needs to make all possible efforts to protect the natural environment. They also agreed that there is a need to enhance the area under the protected area. The role of central and local enviornement protection agencies was also discussed.
