Racha National Park Expands by 4,759 Hectares

The Government has proposed a draft law “On Amendments to the Law of Georgia on the Establishment and Management of the Racha Protected Areas” , presented to the Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee by Mr. Zurab Ezugbaya, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

 
As a result of the expansion, a complex network of protected areas consisting of various categories will be established within the Racha region.


According to the draft law, the territory of Racha National Park—located within Ambrolauri Municipality—will increase by 4,759 hectares. The amendments also envisage the creation of the Ambrolauri Protected Landscape and five natural monuments: the Usholti, Kidobani, Sakishori, Muradi, and Shareula caves.

According to Mr. Ezugbaya, the project is of great importance for the development of Georgia’s protected areas system, including the enhancement of recreational spaces and tourism infrastructure in the region. It will contribute to both the further development of local traditional livelihoods and the restoration and preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Racha National Park is located in Oni Municipality, within the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. Established in 2023, the park currently covers an area of 50,835 hectares.

The committee members supported the draft law during its first reading.