For the purpose of creating new protected areas in Georgia, at the initiative of the government, two draft laws were prepared - "On the creation and management of the Nugzar Zazanashvili Samukhi Multipurpose Use Protected Area " and "On the creation and management of Racha National Park". Nino Tandilashvili, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, presented the draft laws at the plenary session. 

Parliament of Georgia adopted the draft law "On the creation and management of the Nugzar Zazanashvili Samukhi Multipurpose Use Protected Area" with 76 votes, and "On the creation and management of Racha National Park" with 85 votes, in the first reading.

Nowadays, the protected areas of Georgia cover almost 800,000 hectares and are almost 12% of the country's territory, and by the end of the year, it is planned to increase the protected areas by 100,000 hectares.

Nugzar Zazanashvili Samukhi Multipurpose Use Protected Area is created on the extension of Vashlovani protected areas and covers a total area of 13 000 hectares. This is the first protected area named after the Georgian scientist and famous environmentalist  Nugzar Zazanashvili.

The creation of Nugzar Zazanashvili Samukhi Multipurpose Use Protected Area will help to restore the gazelle population and spread the policy of protected areas to the territories distinguished by biodiversity.

Concerning the establishment of Racha National Park, according to the decision of the government of Georgia, the Racha National Park will be created in the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti region, on an area of 50,894 hectares.

The establishment of protected areas will contribute to the protection and conservation of unique biodiversity, ecosystems, landscapes, and natural-cultural values of the region.

Once the establishment of Racha National Park, an administrative center will be created, and the region will receive economic benefits by creating new employment opportunities for the local population; Tourist services and infrastructure, hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas will be developed as well.

The grant agreement signed between the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the German Development Bank (KfW), within the framework of which, 16.25 million euros will be used for the establishment of protected areas, including the Racha National Park, the equipping and development of protected newly established areas administrations, as well as the financing of socio-economic projects for the local population.