Georgia;Tbilisi:Â Around 300 trees of varied species were planted in Krtsanisi Forest park under the large-scale greening action. Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, State Trustee in Kvemo Kartli, Giorgi Dokturishvili and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Georgia Ulrik Tidestrom participated in the large-scale greening action to restore Chala Forest.
 Within the framework of the action, about 300 Georgian red and evergreen species trees were planted, including Tela, Pshati, Eldar pine, Sakmli tree, Akaki, Yolghuni and others. A forest named environmental protection and agriculture was built in the forest park. The area will be covered, and the irrigation systems have been installed.Â
“We have started rehabilitation works in Krtsanisi Forest Park, in which our active supporter is the Swedish government, for which I would like to thank. Krtsanisi Forest Park is an area between Rustavi and Tbilisi that should become one of the main recreational areas and, at the same time, should have the function of raising environmental awareness. We, on the one hand, have to protect the area’s ecosystem, biodiversity and, on the other hand, make it the best place to rest. As a whole, this area will be developed as one of the most important zones for Rustavi and Tbilisi,” said the Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia.
 “I am very happy that today I am in Krtsanisi forest park and participating with hundreds of people in tree planting action. The Swedish side is really happy and supports the development of Krtsanisi Forest Park. The existence of accessible green space is important for both Rustavi and Tbilisi residents. This initiative, ultimately, serves to protect and restore the biodiversity of Georgia”, – said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Georgia, Ulrik Tidestrom.
 Restoration of Chala forest in Krtsanisi Forest Park is carried out by the organization of the National Wildlife Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the financing of the Swedish government within the framework of the project “Save Nature – Georgia”.
 Within the scope of the project, there are two important activities, namely “restoration of the degraded ecosystem of Krtsanisi forest and creation of the South Caucasus Ecosystems research and restoration centre” and “the species of the tree included in the red prescription and endangered Ebi ex-situ conservation”, as a result of which – 7.5 km road section in Krtsanisi forest park was restored; 150 ha fencing was completed, Landscaping and outdoor lighting work; decorative squares and irrigation systems.
 Also, about 5,000 different species of green mulch were planted and grass-covered. Large-scale greening works will continue in the spring of 2023.
 The project “Save Nature – Georgia” will be implemented in 2021-2024 and it will help the Wildlife Agency to improve management efficiency and promote sustainable management of Georgia’s wildlife. According to the project, the first public space dedicated to recreation and environmental awareness will be created in Krtsanisi Forest Park, which will preserve and restore the existing unique ecosystem.
 This action promotes within the framework of the project biodiversity strategy and action plan national goals, sustainable development goals (SDG 11 – sustainable cities and settlements, SDG 13 – against climate change Actions and SDG 15 – Life on Earth) and NEAP3 goals realization.
The project is in full accordance with Georgia’s priorities in the process of integration with the EU.
