October, 10 - Forester Day
On the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Forester Day was celebrated in the area surrounding Shiomghvime. The Deputy Minister, Kakha Kakabadze, congratulated foresters on their professional day and thanked them for their contribution to the development of the forestry sector. Successful foresters of the year were awarded and given symbolic gifts for challenging and risky work.
The forester profession has a long history in Georgia. The natural environment of Georgia increases the importance of the profession of a forester. 43% of the territory of our country is covered with forests. This unique natural wealth needs to be protected and preserved.
"It is important to note that the progress that the industry has made in recent years is already visible today. As a result of the great work done by the Ministry and the Agency: the legislation has been adjusted, the governance process has been improved, the National Forestry Agency has a specific development strategy and a multi-year action plan, the forest inventory and the preparation of management plans have become systematic, the scale of forest care and restoration measures has increased, the forestry infrastructure of business yards and forestry roads has been developed, the Agency has organized timber production which contributes to the formation of the timber market and the creation of jobs on the spot", - noted the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Kakha Kakabadze.
The Head of the National Forestry Agency, Irakli Mukniashvili, congratulated the foresters on their professional day. "Georgia's forest in addition to its main ecological purpose has a huge potential to significantly contribute to the country's economic progress. Strengthening the multi-purpose use of forests, together with the wise use of wood resources, allows the effective use of the non-wood resources of forests, and the recreational and tourism potential of forests, which is of the utmost importance for the development in rural areas. However, it will be impossible to receive these benefits in the long term without a proper institutional system, proper plannings, protection, care and restoration of forests, in which the role of foresters is of special importance", said Irakli Mukniashvili.
The Head of the Agency, for the work done to protect the country's unique resource, thanked the foresters and representatives of non-governmental and international organizations for many years of support. Over the years, the National Forestry Agency has implemented a number of projects with the support of GIZ, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), CENN, and other partners.
The event was attended by Davit Nozadze, State Trustee in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, and representatives of the local self-government.
