In a decision confirming Georgia’s commitment to environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture has announced a significant expansion of the Tusheti Protected Landscape. This move underscores the nation’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and fostering sustainable development practices.
The decision to expand the Tusheti Protected Landscape reflects the country’s comprehensive strategy to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. With this expansion, an additional 2,245 hectares of the village Tbatana and its surroundings will be brought under protection, creating vital connections between adjacent protected areas. Since 2023, the Tusheti Protected Landscape Administration oversees the management of the Samukhi Multipurpose Use Area (IUCN Category VI), encompassing 13,273 hectares. The total area of the Tusheti Protected Landscape encompasses 47,553 hectares.
The Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) has played a crucial role in supporting the Tusheti Protected Landscape since 2021, providing both financial and technical assistance. With the expansion of the Protected Landscape, CNF reaffirms its commitment to conservation in the region, pledging to continue its support in the expanded area.
The expanded Tusheti Protected Landscape will serve as a “connecting corridor” between the Batsara Nature Reserve, Ilto Managed Reserve, and the Landscape, ensuring the continuity of ecological processes across this vast expanse. Additionally, efforts will be made to restore the “historical appearance” of a settlement that once thrived in the area, preserving cultural heritage alongside biodiversity.
The expansion aims to promote sustainable use of natural resources and to enhance the potential for ecotourism, providing opportunities for local communities to thrive while safeguarding the delicate ecosystems of the region.
The expansion of the Tusheti Protected Landscape not only underscores Georgia’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also serves as a beacon for responsible conservation practices and sustainable tourism initiatives. Through collaborative efforts and continued support from organizations like CNF, Georgia is poised to lead by example in the realm of nature conservation and sustainable development.
