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David Songulashvili: “The Development of Protected Areas Is One of the Key Priorities of Our Environmental Policy”
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, inspected the tourism and recreational infrastructure in Tbilisi National Park. The Minister reviewed the park’s infrastructure in the Sabaduri and Zedazeni areas and examined the facilities available to visitors.
“The new infrastructure in Tbilisi National Park will provide visitors with a more organised and safer environment. The development of protected areas is one of the key priorities of our environmental policy. Today, a significant part of Georgia’s territory is covered by the protected areas network. As we expand this network, we are also strengthening its management and allocating the necessary resources to ensure that Georgia’s unique natural heritage is properly protected,” said Mr David Songulashvili.
Tbilisi National Park covers territories within the municipalities of Mtskheta and Tianeti, as well as part of Gardabani Municipality.
The Agency of Protected Areas has implemented an ecotourism infrastructure development project in Tbilisi National Park, funded by the state budget. As part of the project, a new administrative building and visitor centre were constructed, while more than 30 picnic shelters, outdoor fireplaces, and benches were installed. The project also included a 55-kilometre network of hiking trails, along with the necessary supporting infrastructure.
Dedicated recreational, educational, and environmental education spaces for children were also created for visitors, along with an amphitheatre and accessible restrooms adapted for persons with disabilities. The project also included parking facilities for approximately 200 vehicles and bicycle parking. The total budget of the project amounted to GEL 7.2 million.
The First Deputy Minister, Mrs Nino Tandilashvili; Deputy Minister, Mr Lasha Avaliani; Mr Zurab Gozalishvili, Director of the Rural Development Agency; Mr Giorgi Iakobashvili, Head of the National Food Agency; and representatives of the local authorities accompanied the Minister.