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

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The draft law on the expansion of the protected areas of Javakheti was sent to the Parliament for approval

The Government of Georgia discussed the draft law on expansion of Javakheti Protected Areas and sent it to the Parliament for approval.

The protection of unique ecosystems of Samtskhe-Javakheti region requires a unified approach for environmental protection and sustainable development of the region, which might be achieved by expansion of protected areas. According to the draft law on "Creation and Management of Javakheti Protected Areas", Javakheti Protected Areas will be expanded by  5152 ha. The expanded part is located within the Ninotsminda municipality and includes the lakes of Abuli, Sagamo, Paravani and their surrounding areas.

According to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili, considering high mountain wetlands and migratory path followed by birds migration
, Javakheti region attains special importance and a global significance. Javakheti National Park and 5 Managed Reserves, officially recognized  as protected areas have been operated since 2011.

It should be noted, that natural recourses create a favorable environment to develop livestock sector and agricultural farming in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. However, the areas in the region  were widely used for agricultural activities for a long time, which resulted in wrong activities including (inadequate use of lakes, intrusion into unwanted species of plants and animals, excessive grazing, mowing at wrong time, pollution of territories with domestic waste, inconsistent fishing, introduction of foreign species of fishes etc.) ultimately,  we admit that, eco systems are in urgent need  of protection in Javakheti region.

"Expansion of Javakheti Protected Areas Network will contribute to the development of ecotourism and further improve  socio-economic conditions for local population. About 10 000 visitors came to Javakheti Protected Areas by the year 2018. Therefore,  expansion of protected areas network, as well as introduction of appropriate eco-tourism services and improved tourism infrastructure will significantly increase the number of tourists "said the Minister. 

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia plans to implement the reproduction of ichthyofauna and restoration of fish populations in Sagamo and Paravani lakes and bring back those fish species that were found in these lakes before and help local residents to take advantage of natural resources.
The expansion of Javakheti protected areas will contribute to the development of natural processes, protection of natural diversity of outstanding Javakheti upland , especially wetlands and territories for  Waterfowl Habitat included in the Red List of Georgia  and conservation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, as well as protection and restoration of viable populations.