In the frame of National Forest Program a working meeting was held in Kutaisi
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Yuri Nozadze, informed the representatives of the legislative body, environmental non-governmental, and scientific organizations about the situation in Kutaisi oak grove, implemented and planned measures. Imereti Region Representative Zviad Shalamberidze and representatives of local self-government attended the meeting.
Endemic and red list species "Imereti oak" can be found in the oak grove near Kutaisi, which is known as "Sagoria Forest". Illegal logging, waste pollution, and other similar negative factors, which have been a problem in the area for decades, have significantly damaged the forest. In addition, the existing diversion canal in the area collapsed, causing partial flooding of the forest. In parallel with all the above, world-famous pest -oak big long-horned beetle, has spread in the oak.
"In order to improve the sanitary condition of the unique grove in so-called Sagoria Forest, specialists have developed a complex action plan, which includes sanitary felling, removal of pest-damaged trees and waste from the grove, and reforestation. The National Forestry Agency has been implementing these measures since 2017; of course, forest restoration measures will continue in the future, "- said Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Yuri Nozadze.
In 2018, in Sagoria Forest, 9500 seedlings of Imereti oak and ordinary ash were planted on an area of 2.4 hectares. In 2019, in order to increase the scale of forest restoration, two additional forest restoration projects were prepared, for a total area of 20.3 ha. These projects also include measures to support natural renewal.
In 2020, the area will be fenced to protect the young plants (in most cases, from cattle grazing).
According to Maia Bitadze, chairwoman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, improving the ecological situation in the country is one of the main priorities of the Georgian Dream. The measures to improve phytosanitary and related infrastructure are another step forward in improving the quality of life in each municipality.
It is noteworthy that in 2021, the National Forestry Agency prepared a restoration project for an area of 11 hectares to support natural forest renewal. The aim of the current and planned activities is to improve and sanitize the unique condition of this grove.
