After processing the initial inputs the Georgian Ministry of Environment and Agriculture prepares accurate statistical information about the situation and characteristics of Georgian forests. This was the first time the National Forest Census was held in Georgia. The data has been collected to get accurate information on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the forest of Georgia in a short time period.
It is to be specifically mentioned that this information regarding the forest was prepared on the basis of processing the results of the National Forest Census fieldwork.
According to the results of the national census of forests there are about 44% of the country’s territory that is covered by forests, and with these indicators Georgia is one of the countries rich in forests. therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is actively and continuously working on implementing sustainable forest management principles.
It is to be noted that the census of forest project was implemented with the technical support of the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ) and the financial support of the German government. This was held under the framework of environmental programs, namely “Integrated Management of Biodiversity in the South Caucasus (IBiS)” as well as “Natural Resource Management and Provision of Ecosystem Services for Rural Sustainable Development in the Southern Caucasusus (ECOserve)”.
It is to be noted that the field works of the national census of forests were carried out nationwide during the period of 2019-2021 and then during the year of 2022- 2023 the information obtained from the field works was processed by various agencies.
After this the preparation of relevant reports and recommendations based on the results were forwarded to the government.
The agencies used many methods to analyse the data, and Based on the data obtained from the national forest census, an online module was created using the Microsoft Power BI platform, which presents the census data and results in the form of dynamic graphics and images. This module, which includes data related to Georgian forests, is public information and is available to anyone interested in the issue.
The minster of agriculture while commenting on the forest census stated that this will give a basic idea to the government for the implementation of environmental policies. He also said that this would play a vital role in the success of the policies and programmes that have been launched in the past by the ministry, as well as for the programs which have been proposed for implementation in the future.
In the last one to two decades mitigating the challenge of growing global warming has been the biggest problem. The enhanced forest covers are considered an effective measure to counter this threat. Almost all countries across the globe have launched the plantation drive so that maximum forest cover can be ensured.
