The animated film "Forest is my friend"

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The animated manga "The forest is my friend" premiere was held in the "Amiran" cinema. The story of a new animated film based on harmony and peace between man and nature was created with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Japanese Embassy, and the National Forestry Agency. The premiere of the animation was attended by Natia Iordanishvili, the Deputy Head of the National Forestry Agency, Nick Beresford, the Resident Representative of UNDP in Georgia, and Imamura Akira, the  Ambassador of Japan to Georgia.

The animated film "Forest is my friend" is based on the classic Japanese manga model. It tells an incredibly intense story of self-discovery, struggle, and friendship. The animation was filmed by the Georgian non-governmental organization "Laboratory of Democracy" on the arrangement of the United Nations Development Program. The film is part of a large-scale information campaign for forest protection and sustainable management.

"The Government of Georgia is taking important steps in the direction of sustainable forest management. Environmental awareness and education are important parts of this activity. People should have the opportunity to discuss environmental issues and get involved in solving problems themselves," said Natia Iordanishvili, Deputy Head of the National Forestry Agency.

"In Japan, manga is loved by people of all ages. I am glad that this unique part of our culture will contribute to the protection of Georgian forests, reduction of emissions, and mitigation of climate change", said the Ambassador of Japan to Georgia, Imamura Akira.

"We can't change the world if we don't change ourselves first. This difficult path begins with understanding how to move from ignorance to awareness, from reckless exploitation of nature to sustainable use of natural resources, and from the catastrophe of climate change to a green and secure future. UNDP promotes the dissemination and implementation of these basic principles of climate-smart development. We are happy to cooperate with various partners and supporters in this matter, including Japan, in order to make our message known to the whole of Georgia," said Nick Beresford, UNDP's Resident Representative in Georgia. After the first screening, the manga will travel to the villages of Georgia, where film screenings and discussions will be held for schoolchildren and youth.