‘’A New Protected Area Established in Shida Kartli’’

In the third reading, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the draft law "On the creation and management of Tana and Tedzami Protected Areas" with 91 votes.

The draft law, developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Agency of Protected Areas, envisions the establishment of Tana and Tedzami Protected Areas in Shida Kartli, Gori Municipality, with two categories: the total area of Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape is 21,864 hectares, and the total area of Tana Protected Landscape is 10,986 hectares.

Tana and Tedzami Gorges play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, harboring a rich variety of flora and fauna species, some of which are listed on Georgia's "Red List." Based on the foregoing, it is vital to establish a protected area in the Tana and Tedzami Gorges. The protected area will ensure the protection of unique ecosystems, the preservation of historical-cultural landscapes, the sustainable use of natural resources, the development of tourist-recreational infrastructure in the area, and the full utilization of recreational potential, which will be a source of significant income for the local community under the conditions of the creation and development of appropriate recreational infrastructure. Additional funding from donor organizations and the implementation of significant projects are planned for the development of the Tana and Tedzami Protected Areas.

The grant agreement signed between the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the German Development Bank (KfW) will use 16.25 million euros to establish protected areas, including Tana and Tedzami Protected Areas, equip and develop administrations, and finance socio-economic projects for the local population.

 The creation/expansion of protected areas is a top priority for the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Agency of Protected Areas. Georgia's protected areas cover almost 800,000 hectares or nearly 12% of the country's land area, and the total number of protected areas is expected to expand by 100,000 hectares by the end of the year.