Rustavi Riparian Forest Restoration Project Officially Launched

The restoration and afforestation project of Rustavi’s riparian forest has officially been launched.

At the project presentation, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Nino Tandilashvili delivered opening remarks.

“The restoration of Rustavi’s riparian forest is a vivid example of successful cooperation between the central government and the municipality. As a result of this collaboration, a restoration plan has been developed, and ₾900,000 has been allocated from the Environmental Fund. The large-scale project will rehabilitate the forest ecosystem and include recreational infrastructure,” Tandilashvili stated.

She emphasized that the restoration and afforestation of Rustavi’s riparian forest will be a significant step forward in improving the city’s air quality.

The project was presented by Rustavi Mayor Nino Latsabidze, and the event was opened by Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Maia Bitadze, Member of Parliament Irakli Shatakishvili representing Rustavi and Gardabani constituencies, and Kvemo Kartli State Representative Levan Kharabadze. Deputy Ministers Kakha Kakabadze and Solomon Pavliashvili also attended.

“This is the first project financed by the Environmental Fund, which was established a few years ago to implement ecological projects using compensation payments for environmental damage,” noted Maia Bitadze.

Mayor Latsabidze emphasized public involvement in developing the strategic plan:

“The natural riparian forest is one of our city’s greatest ecological assets. That’s why each of us must contribute to its restoration and development.”

So far, around 900 saplings have been planted on the site. The full development plan includes the afforestation of 320 hectares, planting of 20,000 endemic species (including oak, elm, and ash), the installation of tourist infrastructure and informational displays, as well as camera traps for monitoring birds and wildlife. Additionally, water filtration barriers will be installed to prevent pollution from solid waste in the Mtkvari River.

The project document was jointly developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Rustavi Municipality under the “Save Nature – Georgia” initiative. The implementation is funded by the Environmental Fund.

Rustavi’s riparian forests span both banks of the Mtkvari River, between the old and new bridges, within the city limits. These areas were severely damaged during the 1990s energy crisis.