Tbilisi: The representatives of territorial administrations of the Protected Areas Agency presented the report of the current year’s activities at a working meeting.As the representatives stated, the year 2022 was outstanding in terms of achievements of the Protected Areas Agency.
 This year, the area of protected areas has increased by 116 720 hectares, five new protected areas have been created, including the “Nugzar Zazanashvili Multi-use Area”, which is the first landmark in Georgia. Meanwhile, IUCN is the sixth category of the International Union of Nature Conservation, which was first established in Georgia.
The meeting highlighted the achievements in the conservation of nature, which included measures for reforestation and pest control. The discussions covered the forest inventory, which covered more than 33,665 hectares this year, as well as the drafting and approval of forest management plans.
During the meeting, Special attention was paid to the implementation of SMART patrolling system in protected areas of Georgia, which is one of the main achievements of 2022. SMART patrolling and monitoring system makes ranger patrolling even more operational and effective.
The working meeting also emphasized on the development of ecotourism and the results achieved towards the growth/restoration of visitor numbers. It is noted that the growth dynamics of visitor numbers in 2022 is positive and will increase by 54% compared to last year. Important projects carried out by the Agency of Protected Areas to develop ecotourism were highlighted.
As updated by the territorial representatives, 2022 year has been distinguished in infrastructure development as well – Tsalki Canyon unique ecotourist space, which is very popular and is the center of attention of many international media outlets, including Pshav-Khevsureti National Park Rki International Standard Visitor Center, Navenakhevi Cave; Machakhela National Park a new exhibition space, Mtirala National Park – Ecotourist Infrastructure; 900 km of trails.
The network, including in Vashlovani National Park, Eagle Valley, Lagodekhi Protected Areas, Ninoskhevi Waterfall’s new trail and more.
The summing up was attended by Deputy Ministers of Environment and Agriculture, Yuri Nozadze and Solomon Pavliashvili, as well as the heads of the Agency and representatives of donor organizations.
