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The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF)
The Memorandum of Understanding on expanding and financial stimulus to the protected territories of Georgia has been signed between the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr Levan Davitashvili and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF), Mr David Morrison and Mr Tobias Munchmeier, Executive Director of the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF).“The grant assistance amounts into several million USD and will be donated to Georgia by the Caucasus Nature Fund and through the WYSS Foundation. Such assistance will complement creation of the new protected territories, enhancing and developing infrastructure and implementation of projects, which apart from conservation objectives – also ensure advancement of balanced social approached and economic capacities for the local dwellers” – Minister Davitashvili stated.
In frames of the MoU, space of Georgia’s protected territories will be expanded, which will span across five new territories of Racha, Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti, Shida Kartli and Guria regions. The Caucasus Nature Fund will award Georgia with a grant ranging between 6 – 10 million USD, which will fall in compliance with newly established protected territories in Georgia. Apart from practical matters of managing protected territories, the CNF will also complement the process of shaping legislative base.
“The MoU signed today will open the door to one of the strongest private American foundations, which will enter Georgia and the whole region for the first time. This will be a step forward, which will assist Georgia in expanding-enhancing protected territories’ network, as well implementation of international obligations, which will increase visibility of Georgia at an international arena” – Mr Morrison stated.
As Mr Tobias Munchmeier, Executive Director of the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) stated – it is crucial to safeguard protected territories, which will result into attaining biodiversity as well as endangered spaces. The Caucasus Nature Fund will join forces with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia to enhance five new protected territories and manage these in a way to safeguard Georgia’s wild species from dangers and that will also stimulate Georgia to further develop environmental and biodiversity protection; these efforts of Georgia will be especially vital amidst the ongoing struggle of the world with the Climate Change.
The Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) and the Agency of Protected Territories under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia have been cooperating since 2008 though providing financial assistance to rangers, as well as enhancing-developing infrastructure. The CNF has provided assistance to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan for safeguarding biodiversity and eco-systems in the country.