News
The new project will be launched through financial support of the United States to support the development of Georgia's protected areas
With the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a new project "National Parks and Eco-tourism" will be launched in Georgia.
The project will be implemented by the US Department of the Interior. The new project aims to support the development of infrastructure, improve management and promote sustainable ecomonic development of the country.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili, USAID Mission Director, Peter Weibler and the Project Officer of the US Department of the Interior, Peter Keller signed the agreement.
The Acting Ambassador of the United States, Elizabeth Rood attended the meeting.
At the meeting, Levan Davitashvili expressed his gratitude to the Acting Ambassador for the support to Georgia and underlined the importance of strategic partnership between the two countries.
“Strategic cooperation between the United States and Georgia encompasses a number of areas, including support for the management of protected areas. The new project will support the Agency's capacity building, as well as implementation of different economic projects in the protected areas, which will significantly improve the economic situation of local community”said Levan Davitashvili.
According to Elizabeth Rood, the signing of the new project will enable parties to step into the next stage of partnership, the Ambassador noted, that bilateral close cooperation through bilateral agreements will be further continued.
“Within the frame of Georgia-US strategic cooperation, the US Embassy is pleased to assist Georgia in the sustainable economic development in the long run. One of the main components of the economic development is the protection and development of natural sites.
I am pleased, that, with the support of the USAID, we are launching a new project that will support the development of protected areas in Georgia, improve the management system and sustainable development. The project will play an important role in local economic development and respond the need of the local community of achieving sustainability ”Elizabeth Rudd said.
As USAID Mission Director, Peter Wiebler noted, the agency has key goals and objectives in relation to Georgia, which means a capacity-building support to the country.
“Protected areas are natural treasures of Georgia that need protection and development. The new project is important in terms of creation of new jobs and promotion of economic growth in the country. This is another clear example of the US assistance provided through USAID to Georgia ”Peter Wiebler said.
The Deputy Ministers Yuri Nozadze, Khatia Tsilosani and other officials of the Ministry attended the meeting.