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David Songulashvili: “The increase in the number of visitors to protected areas creates opportunities for the development of new tourist facilities and the involvement of the local population in economic activities”
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili met with the rangers of the Imereti Protected Areas Administration and observed their work on-site.
“The development of ecotourism in protected areas is becoming increasingly important. Our unique natural landscapes, supported by modern infrastructure and high-standard services, continue to attract growing numbers of visitors. This increase, in turn, creates opportunities for the development of new tourist facilities and the engagement of local communities in economic activities, ultimately contributing positively to the well-being of regional populations,” said Minister Songulashvili.
The Minister spoke about the vital role of rangers in protected areas, emphasizing that these territories and their unique biodiversity require constant care and protection. The responsibility that rangers carry in this regard is invaluable. In many cases, they perform their duties at the risk of their health and lives. Ensuring proper working conditions and social guarantees for rangers is a matter of state concern.
Currently, Georgia’s protected areas — the country’s natural treasures — are safeguarded by around 500 rangers across 25 territorial administrations. Their responsibilities include preventing poaching, managing natural and human-caused fires, monitoring biodiversity, and ensuring visitor safety when needed.
During his visit, the Minister also toured the Prometheus Cave, one of the Imereti region’s most popular natural monuments.
Prometheus Cave is one of Georgia’s flagship landmarks and an example of a successful ecotourism project. The cave welcomes tens of thousands of local and international visitors every year. According to data from just the first five months of this year, the cave has already been visited by 57,307 people, accounting for 24% of the total number of visitors to protected areas.
Since 2015, the state has invested GEL 4,555,000 in Prometheus Cave. The investment has enabled full rehabilitation of the infrastructure, the creation of a navigation section, updates to the visitor center, boats, lighting, and audio systems, as well as the construction of a cafeteria and installation of informational boards throughout the cave halls. The Agency for Protected Areas continues to annually update and enhance services to meet visitor needs.
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, and the State Representative in the Imereti Region, Mr. Levan Zalkaliani, accompanied the Minister.