Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili met with the management of the National Forestry Agency
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili met with the management of the National Forestry Agency. The Head of the Agency, Archil Nikoleishvili, presented to the Minister a report on the already implemented and ongoing projects in the forestry sector. Levan Davitashvili discussed the details of the future work plans of the National Forestry Agency with the participants of the meeting.
At the meeting significant attention was paid to the issue of forest use development, and, due to the high dependence of the population on firewood, material and non-timber resources, encouragement of the use of alternative sources, in connection with the winter season. From 2020, the development of relevant infrastructure has started across the country - business yards and construction of forestry roads are being set up, which will facilitate the smooth use of timber resources by the population.
Another novelty of the Code - the development of forest recreational potential and ecotourism were discussed at the meeting. Until now, Georgia has had a successful practice only in protected areas, after the adoption of the Code, the forest ecotourism development plans began, which will significantly contribute to rural development and create additional opportunities for the population.
The priority of the National Forestry Agency, as in previous years, remains the ecological, economic and social areas: reforestation, improving the sanitary condition of the forest, forest inventory and preparation of management plans. Every year, afforestation of at least 150 hectares and promotion of natural renewal in additional areas, fight against pests, forest cleaning of timber residues, fire prevention measures, institutionalization of the inventory process.
Also, organized forest use and access to legal timber is increased. Multipurpose forest use - recreation, tourism, non-timber resources. Promoting forest education, creating jobs in the region - in 2022 will be a priority of the National Forestry Agency.
Deputy Ministers of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Yuri Nozadze, Nino Tandilashvili, Gela Khanishvili and Otar Shamugia attended the meeting held at the National Forestry Agency.
