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Minister Davitashvili: “In 2020, amidst the pandemic, 200 kilometers of ecotourism sidewalks of the protected territories have been renovated”
The Nedzvi Protected Area of the Borjomi – Kharagauli National Park will now enjoy a new ecotourism sidewalk. Renovation works of the sidewalk were commenced recently, however, were launched in 2020. A newly arranged sidewalk is 13 kilometers, meanwhile – 19 kilometers of an existing sidewalk has been renovated.“The Nedzvi Protected Area of the Borjomi – Kharagauli National Park has been complemented with an exciting new sidewalk, which is located two thousand meters above the sea level and will attract significant attention from numerous visitors, who profess interest into ecotourism and beauty of our country. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, 200 kilometers of ecotourism sidewalks of the protected territories have been renovated. The Ministry will undertake renovation works in an incumbent year, as well as with regard to ecotourism infrastructure that is vital for economic stimulus of Georgia. For the next three years, a total space of 1200 kilometers on protected territories will be renovated” – Minister Davitashvili stated.
As set forth in the National Regulation – marked, circle and panoramic sidewalk will connect Akhaldaba, Mount Didi Karta, Mount Shuano and the village of Nedzvi. The sidewalk is of medium difficulty and can be hiked both, through walking as well as by horse. The sidewalk has been accompanied with signs, small houses, camping locations with requested infrastructure (WC, fireplaces); as for the Shuano mount – there will be a tourist cottage for 12 persons.
“Any person willing to visit the site – will end up at a beautiful landscape, which will amaze the person with an untouched natural beauty and fresh air. The Nedzvi sidewalk has resulted from a fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, thus has a great potential for tourism enhancement, as well as socio-economic wellbeing of the local dwellers” – Ms Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative stated.
Mr Tobias Muenchmeyer, Executive Director of the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) has stated that joint efforts will ensure success of the project and attract tourists as well cultivate new jobs. The efforts will be a joint success for ecotourism and social enhancement.
The Nedzvi sidewalk has been financially supported by the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) and the UNDP within the “Enhancing Financial Sustainability of the Protected Areas System in Georgia” project, which is also supported by the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) and the Global Conservation Fund. A total amount of financial assistance is 288, 500 GEL.
A new ecotourism sidewalk and entailing infrastructure will accelerate importance of the Borjomi – Kharagauli Park and will ensure an increased number of visitors. There are around 18 ecotourist sidewalks, while 12 out of these have been arranged and marked in compliance with international standards; 6 of the sidewalks are underway.