The National Platform of Protected Areas, a new initiative to improve the management and conservation of Georgia’s natural heritage, held its first meeting at the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture on Tuesday.
The platform was created within the project “Save Nature-Georgia” framework, which is implemented by the ministry and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The project aims to develop the institutional capacity of the National Environmental Agency, the Wildlife Agency, and the Agency of Protected Areas and to support implementing the national strategy and action plan for protected areas.
The platform brings together representatives of various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, local communities, and donors, to discuss and coordinate all strategic issues related to the development of protected areas.
The platform also serves as a forum for sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of protected areas.
At the first working meeting, the participants reviewed the current situation and trends of protected areas in Georgia. They identified the main gaps and needs for improving their management and governance. They also discussed the platform’s vision, mission, objectives, and functions and agreed on the principles and procedures for its operation.
The meeting was attended by Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Erik Illes, the Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden in Georgia, and other high-level officials and experts from relevant sectors.
Shamugia welcomed the establishment of the platform and expressed his gratitude to Sida for its continuous support of Georgia’s environmental sector.
He said the platform was a valuable tool for enhancing the collaboration and coordination among different actors and ensuring the effective implementation of the national policy and legislation on protected areas.
Illes congratulated the ministry and the platform members for their initiative and commitment to improving the conservation and management of Georgia’s biodiversity and natural resources.
He said Sweden was proud to partner with Georgia in this critical endeavour and would continue to assist the country in achieving its national and international obligations and goals on protected areas.
