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Otar Shamugia "The establishment of a hunting farm in Racha region will be transparent, with the engagement of the local government and the population, taking into account their interests to the greatest extent possible’’
After the session of the Government of Georgia, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia answered questions about the hunting license issued for hunting farms in the Racha region.
"I'll start by saying, that there was no alienation of territories, although certain powers were transferred to the company by the licence conditions, which included a set of legal obligations.
Firstly, It should be mentioned, that false information was spread that, the population would not have the right to enter the forest and use various forest resources. Under the license conditions, people are allowed to move freely in the forests and obtain non-timber resources. In addition, under the terms of the license, the licensee must protect the forest from illegal forest use, and fires, also to protect habitats and species, and make an investment of at least GEL 5 million within the first 5 years and, under the investment, the licensee should develop the appropriate infrastructure and employee local population.
There is a direct obligation under the license conditions, that 80 per cent of the employees must be local. Therefore, we believe that the license conditions will ensure the protection of the forest and our natural resources and, at the same time, create conditions for local residents and provide opportunities for the development of ecotourism and tourism destinations.
The company is obliged to submit a management plan for the hunting farm within a year after obtaining the license;
Until then, the company does not have the right to carry out measures, except for the measures for protecting the forest. The company should submit the complete list of activities and projects which will be implemented in the region, as well as the equity participation of a company’’- said Mr. Otar Shamugia.
According to the Minister, since 2003, the licences have been issued for 16 hunting farms across the country, in all cases, after obtaining the license, the company presents a management plan, which is reviewed by the Ministry and all relevant agencies.
Mr. Shamugia noted, that all interested persons and the local population will be involved in the aforementioned process to the greatest extent possible.
"The plan should be made in agreement with local residents, which will be later implemented by the license holder. Accordingly, the interests of local residents will be taken into consideration. This process will be open, and transparent. All local authorities and residents should be involved in the aforementioned process, taking into account their interests to the greatest extent possible’’ said Mr. Otar Shamugia.