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Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture presented report on the implementation of the " Rural Development Strategy 2017-2020" at the International Conference “Rural Development Policy 2020+. Translating European practice into Georgian reality”
The Strategy comprising of three priority areas - Imrove Competitiveness, Increase Social Level and Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, as well as projects implemented in each direction - was brought forward by the Minister while addressing the audience. According to the Minister, results are important in all three directions, although more financial resources are needed to achieve more effective results.
The Minister stressed the importance of financial assistance provided by donor organizations and non-governmental sector in the implementation of the strategy and expressed gratitude and appreciation for their support.
" Young Entrepreneur was one of the donor assistance projects supported by IFAD and funded by the Danish government. It is important, that we provided grants and funded 114 young entrepreneurs to encourage economic activities in rural areas. I would like to note, that new strategic document includes an important component of youth policy "said Levan Davitashvili.
During the presentation, the Minister drew his attention to the cultivation of perennial crops and stressed the importance of irrigation projects.
"We have started rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems that haven’t been restored in the country since 60-70s. As a result, we have irrigated land areas including up to 6600 hectares over the last two years. The Prime Minister had a significant new project - construction of water reservoirs. Each year, Georgian Government spends significant financial resources on the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, "said the Minister.
Levan Davitashvili has been focused on the supporting projects in the fields of agrotourism, tourism, cultural heritage, rehabilitation of hotels and museum infrastructure.
During the report, the Minister brought forward Georgian language training program as well, and noted, that 1150 beneficiaries received benefits under the program.
While speaking about the development of innovations, Levan Davitashvili emphasized the issue of funding two innovations and innovation hub in the regions.
"Education is the basis of our economic development and our main priority. Under the new legislative initiative, important financial resourses will be provided in the educational system of Georgia "- Levan Davitashvili said.
Levan Davitashvili declared environmental protection as the top priority issue and drew his attention to the reforms implemented in terms of sustainable management of forests.
"Maintaining ecosystem and natural resources in the country is very important, furthermore, sustainable use of natural resources might play an important role in the reduction of poverty" the Minister said.
Levan Davitashvili was focused on the importance of protected areas, and noted, that approximately 10% of the total area of the country belongs to the protected areas.
Georgia has an ambitious plan to further extend protected areas in which the European Union and international community express their full support .
The International Conference “Rural Development Policy 2020+. Translating European practice into Georgian reality”was supported by the European Union (EU) and UNDP (UNDP).