Representatives from the Agency of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture recently held a meeting with the local municipality and other stakeholders to discuss the development issues of the protected areas in the Racha region. Notable attendees included Papuna Margvelidze, the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti State Governor, Kristina Kobakhidze, the First Deputy Governor, Sergi Khidesheli, the Mayor of Oni Municipality, and other local government representatives.

The establishment of Racha National Park in 2022, spanning an area of 50,835 hectares within the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region, aims to safeguard the biodiversity, ecosystems, landscapes, and natural-cultural values of the area.

Racha National Park stands out for its exceptional biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes of both national and international significance. It serves as a habitat for rare, unique, characteristic, and endangered wildlife species listed in Georgia's "Red List."

During the working meeting, Davit Iosebashvili, the Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, emphasized the significance of establishing Racha National Park and the development of ecotourism. Plans were discussed to set up an administrative center within the national park, create employment opportunities for the local population, develop infrastructure, introduce new tourist services, and establish hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas.

It should be noted that within the framework of the grant agreement signed in 2022, between the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the German Development Bank, 16.25 million euros will be used for the establishment of protected areas, including the protected areas of Racha. These funds will focus on equipping and developing the park administrations, as well as financing socio-economic projects benefiting the local population.