Sustainable Forest Management in Georgia project summary
The representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the Embassy of Japan, and the United Nations Development Program summarized the results of the project Sustainable forest management in Georgia and support for climate-smart forest management practices.
The project was implemented with the funding of the Japanese Government and the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and its cost exceeded 920,000 US dollars.
Within the framework of the project, three business yards were fully equipped in Dzegvi and Kvemo Lisi in Jighaura; Foresters were retrained; Sustainable forest management information campaign was conducted.
"The ongoing forestry reform in the country is aimed at proper forest management and preservation of biodiversity so that, on the one hand, the needs of the local population are met and, on the other hand, the forestry sector contributes to the economic development of the country. It should be noted that the forest reform contributes to the fulfillment of the ambitious commitments taken by the Georgian Government within the framework of the Paris Agreement, which means that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to 35 percent. We welcome cooperation with international partners in the scope of sustainable forest management, raising environmental awareness and education", said Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Kakha Kakabadze at the event summarizing the project results.
The forest protection project was carried out from April last year until the end of March, 2023. Within its framework, a "business yard" was organized in the village of Jighaura, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The "business yards" of Dzegvi and Kvemo Lisi was equipped with 4 units of trucks, 3 pickup trucks, 1 tractor, and 3 electricity generators. Also, personal safety kits, 100 fire extinguishers, 30 special fire-resistant helmets, 50 radio transmitters (walkie-talkies), and 3 ATVs were given to the foresters, which will help to manage the risks of forest fires. 60 socially vulnerable families received energy-efficient stoves, and approximately 43,000 residents received sustainably produced fuel, biomass, for their daily needs.
"We are glad that the cooperation between Japan and Georgia contributes to the transition to a low-carbon economy and growth of a green economy," said Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Georgia Suzuki Toshiyuki.
It is important to note that the Japanese experts who visited Georgia developed practical recommendations for sustainable forest management and ecotourism development. The Forest is My Friend information campaign was carried out, the purpose of which was to spread information about forest protection and sustainable management. Meetings with residents were held in all villages of Mtskheti municipality.
"The example of Mtskheti municipality shows that the responsible use of forest resources brings benefits to people, nature, and the economy. We are particularly delighted that with our support, the involvement of young people in environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives has increased," said Nick Beresford, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Georgia.
