Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Within the project "Save Nature - Georgia", the parties discuss the conservation and development of the biodiversity of the Rustavi floodplain forest.

During the working meeting, the representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, relevant Agencies included in the system of the Ministry, the representatives, and experts of the City Hall and City Council of Rustavi Municipality discussed the issues of strengthening the institutional framework for the conservation and development of the biodiversity of Rustavi floodplain forest.

The parties thoroughly examined the issues stipulated by Georgian legislation on the status of floodplain forests and their management, as well as the actions planned for the development of the Rustavi floodplain forest within the scope of the project.

The working meeting aimed to thoroughly inform the relevant services of the Rustavi municipality, whose direct competence and obligation is to be involved in the development process of the Rustavi floodplain forest, about the process and outcomes envisaged by the project. 
Floodplain forest restoration and development is the second of seven key components of the "Save Nature - Georgia" project, one of the goals of which is the management and development of the Rustavi floodplain forest by the City Hall of Rustavi Municipality.

"The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, with the financial support of the International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, within the framework of the project "Save Nature - Georgia", the strategy and plan of historical significance were developed for the residents of Rustavi and visitors to the city, which is unique for restoring the floodplain forest,  incorporating the development and conservation.

 Sustainable management of the outstanding ecosystem of Rustavi floodplain forests is a prerequisite for restoring biodiversity, providing the city's population with clean air and recreational spaces," said the Head of the Department of Biodiversity and Forestry of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Carl Amirgulashvili.

According to the Mayor of Rustavi municipality, Mrs. Nino Latsabidze, restoration of the floodplain forest is being launched in Rustavi city. The floodplain forest located within the borders of Rustavi municipality is an important resource for improving the ecological situation in the city of Rustavi.

"In the 1990s, during the energy crisis, the floodplain forest suffered serious damage. It is important to mention that, with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Swedish Development Agency (Sida), within the project "Save Nature - Georgia", a strategic development document for the Rustavi floodplain forest was created, which includes a detailed plan for the development of the floodplain forest. To carry out the mentioned project, it is also vital to bring together Rustavi residents and those who believe that improving our city's and nation's ecological state is a top priority" said the Mayor of Rustavi Municipality, Mrs. Nino Latsabidze.