Rising Visitor Numbers to Protected Areas Boost Local Economies and Tourism Development

Davit Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, visited the rangers of the Imereti Protected Areas Administration and observed their work on-site.

“The development of ecotourism in protected areas is of exceptional importance. Our unique nature, combined with appropriate infrastructure and modern-standard services, continues to attract more and more visitors. This growth, in turn, creates opportunities for new tourism facilities and local economic engagement, ultimately contributing to the well-being of regional populations,” said Minister Songulashvili.

He emphasized the critical role of rangers, noting that Georgia’s protected areas and unique biodiversity require careful protection and stewardship. “Rangers play an invaluable role in this process. Often, they fulfill their duties at the risk of their own health and lives. Ensuring proper working conditions and social guarantees for them is a priority of the state,” he added.

Georgia’s protected areas are guarded by nearly 500 rangers distributed across 25 territorial administrations. Their responsibilities include preventing poaching, responding to wildfires (both natural and human-induced), biodiversity monitoring, and ensuring visitor safety when necessary.

During his visit, the Minister also toured Prometheus Cave—one of the most popular natural monuments in the Imereti region and a flagship example of successful ecotourism.

Prometheus Cave is a key tourist destination in Georgia, welcoming tens of thousands of local and international visitors annually. In just the first five months of this year, the cave hosted 57,307 visitors, representing 24% of all protected area visits.

Since 2015, the government has invested ₾4,555,000 in Prometheus Cave. The infrastructure has been fully renovated, a boat route established, and the visitor center, boats, lighting, and audio systems updated. A cafeteria has been built, and each chamber has been equipped with informational panels. The Agency of Protected Areas continues to invest in service improvements as needed.

Minister Songulashvili was accompanied by Deputy Minister Kakhaber Kakabadze and State Representative in Imereti, Levan Zalkaliani.