"Agency of Protected Areas holds working meetings with territorial administrations to review 2022 results and outline 2023 plans"

The Agency of Protected Areas works on the development of regions in accordance with the policy of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, both in terms of biodiversity protection, preservation, and monitoring, as well as in the direction of tourist development. Within the scope specified, the Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, Davit Iosebashvili, and the heads of territory administrations identify the needs and difficulties of each administration in the format of working sessions.

In 2023, there will be a significant increase in efforts to develop ecotourism, resulting in a substantial boost to tourist influx in protected areas and providing local communities with additional economic benefits. The budget for 2023 will allocate a substantial sum of 18 million toward the development of ecotourism infrastructure. This funding will be utilized for various purposes, such as the planning, cost estimation, and construction of a network of hiking trails and recreational-tourist zones. Additionally, several awareness-raising programs focused on promoting ecotourism will be carried out throughout the year. These measures aim to foster a sustainable and thriving ecotourism sector in the region.

During the meetings, particular focus is given to matters concerning natural resource management, encompassing forest preservation and regeneration, safeguarding and monitoring of species, conservation efforts, and species rehabilitation initiatives. Notably, this year, as part of the pilot program, cutting-edge SMART technologies for patrolling and biomonitoring are being implemented. Additionally, the significance of collaborating with international and donor organizations in territorial development is highlighted, as it not only provides technical and financial support but also facilitates the exchange of valuable international expertise.

It should be mentioned that several new ecotourism locations launched and underwent renovation in 2022. The Pshav-Khevsureti National Park Visitor Center, Tsalka Canyon, and Navenakhevi Cave were opened among them. A new ecotourism trail in the Eagle Gorge of Vashlovani National Park, a new Ninoskhevi Waterfall Trail in the Lagodekhi Protected Areas, a new exhibition space in Machakhela National Park, ecotourism infrastructure in Mtirala National Park, and others have been developed.