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Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) allocates 4,160,000 GEL to support the Protected Areas in Georgia
At the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the memorandum was signed between the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) and the National Agency of Protected Areas, due to which , the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) allocates 4,160,000 GEL to support the protected areas in Georgia."Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of foreign visitors is significantly reduced in the country, moreover, considering negative impact of corona virus on global tourism, the Caucasus Nature Fund provides a timely and very important support to Georgia’s protected areas. Moreover, protected areas face certain challenges, the flow of foreign visitors is significantly reduced, which is the biggest source of revenue. Although, despite the current circumstances, ongoing works in the protected areas should be continued and carried out without delay. We are receiving a grant from the German government, which is the most important support and will help the National Agency of Protected Areas to cover operating expenses this year ” Levan Davitashvili said.
"Due to the corona virus pandemic, the tourism revenues has significantly decreased in the country, therefore, the Board of Directors of the Caucasus Nature Fund decided to increase funding to protect protected areas, ensure infrastructure, increase access to basic services and ultimately attract tourists in Georgia " said the CNF executive. Director, George Giacomini.
Amid the novel Coronavirus pandemic, the decline in ecotourism revenue has jeopardized the effective functioning of the National Agency of Protected Areas.
In response to the existing challenges, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has taken a timely and constructive works and effectively cooperated with the international donors. As a result, the Agency will receive a grant from the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) to finance the necessary operating expenses for the protection of the natural heritage of Georgia, including provision of necessary equipment and salaries for rangers.
In line with the best international practices, the Agency of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has been rapidly developed over the past few years.
Since 2013, the following activities have been implemented in the country:
• 23 new protected areas have been established
• The protected areas have been expanded by 87,028.4 hectares
• The number of visitors has been increased by 3.5 times and reached 1.2 million visitors
• The revenues hit a record high in 2019 and exceeded 11 million GEL
• New ecotourism facilities have been opened (Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, Okatse Waterfall, Navenakhevi Cave, etc.)
• New ecotourism destinations and services have been introduced and developed.
It should be noted, that in the post-pandemic period, it is very important to maintain the progress and ensure rapid development of protected areas in the country.