Harmonious Coexistence of Man and Nature - Biosphere Reserve to be Established in Tusheti
Georgia is the first country in the region where two biosphere reserves will be established simultaneously: three Alazani Biosphere Reserves in Tusheti and Dedoplistskaro Biosphere Reserve in Dedoplistskaro Municipality.
The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture started working on the creation of a biosphere reserve in Georgia before 2020. Studies have shown that Kakheti is the most suitable place for the establishment of a biosphere reserve.
Biosphere reserves are a kind of ecosystem, it aims to encourage a balanced interaction between man and nature. This is a UNESCO recognized area that will be granted the status of a biosphere reserve.
The establishment of the second biosphere reserve in Tusheti was based on the symposium "Nomination of the three Alazani Biosphere Reserve to UNESCO and further development of the region" held in the village of Babaneuri, Akhmeta Municipality.
"Biosphere reserves are being created in Georgia, which are the basis of harmonious coexistence of man and nature and allow us to use the potential of producing high quality products of ecotourism and agriculture as much as possible. All this is reflected in the well-being of local residents, improving their living standards, which is one of the main goals of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, "- said the Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Yuri Nozadze.
Anya Zeltser, a spokeswoman for the Mikhail Zukov Foundation, said that despite the pandemic, it was possible to hold a major event:
"We have collected signatures in support of the UNESCO nomination of biosphere reserves. The fact that two territories in Georgia will receive biosphere reserve status is crucial for the whole region''.
The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, in partnership with the Mikheil Zukov Foundation and the Caucasus Regional Environmental Center (REC Caucasus), as well as in close cooperation with Telavi State University, is implementing the project "Establishment of Tusheti Biosphere Reserve in Eastern Georgia"