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

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Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture holds a working meeting with the Members of the Advisory Board of the Agency of Protected Areas.

The participants addressed the Baldi Canyon development project. As mentioned, a special temporary commission has already been created, and a group has been recruited to conduct an on-site assessment of the impact of the tourism infrastructure project on the canyon.

The 12-person commission established under the decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture embraces specialists of the Department of Biodiversity and Forestry of the Ministry, Protected Areas, National Forestry Agency, and National Environmental Agency, including representatives and experts of the Union "Kampeseter" working in the field and the Ecotourism Association. Members of non-governmental organizations interested in the Baldi Canyon can also participate in the activities of the commission.

During the meeting, the Board representatives learned about the temporary commission's mandate and activity. As mentioned, an outdoor event will be held shortly in the Baldi Canyon area, involving information about environmental impact issues.
The assessment will include the following activities: a study of biodiversity, water/river, soil, waste, noise, and light pollution-related issues, a discussion of potential hydrological changes, the determination of both direct and indirect impacts, and the assessment of short-term/long-term impact on biodiversity at the natural monument within the existing small-scale project. The Ministry extended an invitation to board representatives to participate in the regional event as non-commissioned members.

It is worth mentioning that the Ministry needs to ensure the sustainable development of Baldi Canyon, which will contribute to biodiversity preservation, provide an extra source of income for people, and establish another appealing and attractive tourist destination in the region.


Representatives of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Agency of Protected Areas, environmental Organizations, specialists, associations working on ecotourism, and independent experts attended the meeting.