In 2023, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, in collaboration with the Agency of Protected Areas, took a notable step towards preserving the environment and fostering sustainable progress when it abolished a controversial hunting farm license in the Oni municipality in Racha region. This move marked a pivotal opportunity for the region’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
With the hunting farm license no longer in effect, in 2024 attention has shifted towards the expansion and enhancement of the existing Racha National Park (RNP) within Oni municipality. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to establish new protected areas in Ambrolauri municipality, demonstrating a holistic approach to conservation across the region.
Crucially, this endeavor has seen the active involvement from various stakeholders, including local communities, governmental bodies, and donor organizations including CNF. CNF’s partnership in the development of RNP underscores the international support for the conservation initiatives in Racha region.
A series of meetings, spanning two rounds in Oni and Ambrolauri municipalities, served as a platform for robust discussions and constructive dialogue between government representatives and the local communities. These gatherings, convened across 11 communities and over 35 villages, have facilitated comprehensive engagement with stakeholders at a grassroots level.
The composition of the official working group to present the plans for expanding RNP was meticulously structured to ensure representation from diverse decision-making entities. Key state organizations, including the Agency of Public Registry, have been integral in addressing sensitive issues such as land registration, which emerged as a primary concern for local communities.
Working group meeting in Ambrolauri despite initial concerns, particularly regarding local community activities that will be restricted within protected areas – like hunting and fishing – and land ownership issues, the prevailing sentiment among local municipalities and residents has been overwhelmingly positive. There is a palpable eagerness to collaborate in the planning and development processes, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
The series of meetings conducted in Oni and Ambrolauri municipalities has facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement, setting the stage for tangible progress in the development of protected areas in the Racha region. Moving forward, the plan involves maintaining ongoing consultations and working meetings, slated for May-June of this year, with active engagement from local stakeholders. This proactive strategy demonstrates a collaborative and community-centered approach, laying a solid groundwork for future conservation efforts in the region. The upcoming steps will capitalize on the progress achieved through these initial discussions, further advancing our shared objectives.
