Protected Areas of Georgia

The protected areas of Georgia are designated regions that have been established to conserve the country’s unique natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems. These areas play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, preserving wildlife habitats, and safeguarding plant species, especially those that are endangered or at risk. The significance of these protected areas lies not only in their environmental protection but also in their contribution to scientific research, sustainable tourism, and the well-being of local communities.

Nowadays, the protected areas in the country cover a total area of 927,751 hectares, constituting approximately 13.3% of the nation's overall territory. Central to the Agency’s responsibilities is managing diverse protected areas; precisely, it oversees 100 protected areas classified under various IUCN categories, including strict nature reserves, national parks, managed reserves, natural monuments, protected landscapes, and multiple-use areas. This extensive network is fundamental to Georgia's environmental conservation strategy.

These protected regions are vital for conserving Georgia’s rich biodiversity, which includes numerous endemic species and habitats found in the Caucasus region, one of the world's most biologically diverse areas. Additionally, these areas provide essential ecosystem services such as water purification, climate regulation, and soil protection. Furthermore, they foster ecotourism, helping to generate income for local communities while promoting environmental awareness. In summary, the protected areas of Georgia are fundamental to the country’s conservation goals, offering environmental, economic, and cultural benefits while ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from its natural heritage.

The Key Role of the Agency for Protected Areas in Conservation and Management

The Agency of Protected Areas (APA) of Georgia, operating under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country's natural and cultural heritage. Its primary mission is to preserve Georgia's unique biodiversity and habitats of global importance, ensuring their long-term protection and ecological balance. The APA focuses on restoring natural ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and conserving critical water resources and areas impacted by natural disasters. In addition to environmental conservation, the agency is dedicated to preserving historical and cultural landscapes for educational and scientific purposes. With a growing network of protected areas, the APA employs innovative conservation measures, such as a smart patrolling system, to monitor and enforce protection efforts more effectively. Through these combined efforts, the APA works tirelessly to ensure that Georgia's natural treasures are preserved for future generations while fostering deeper public understanding and appreciation of the nation's environmental and cultural wealth.

Racha National Park

As part of the policy developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the network of protected territories across the country is steadily expanding. On November 16, 2022, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the law on the establishment and management of the Racha Protected Areas. This law came into effect on January 1, 2023, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance the protection of its natural heritage.

Racha National Park is situated within the administrative boundaries of the town of Oni, in the western part of Georgia. The park spans an expansive area of 50,835 hectares, making it one of the largest protected areas in the region. Its establishment serves multiple essential purposes, primarily focused on the preservation and management of the natural environment. The park’s primary objective is to protect, restore, and conserve the region's diverse ecosystems, landscapes, wildlife, and plant species, with particular emphasis on those species that are at risk or endangered. In addition to safeguarding the park's biological diversity, Racha National Park plays a significant role in ecological restoration, aiming to enhance the resilience of the environment and contribute to the long-term sustainability of natural habitats.

Furthermore, the park is designed to facilitate the integration of conservation efforts with sustainable development. It creates favorable conditions for recreational activities that are in harmony with the natural environment, providing opportunities for visitors to engage with nature in a responsible manner. By promoting eco-friendly tourism, the park supports the local economy and encourages environmentally conscious tourism practices. Overall, Racha National Park serves as a vital hub for biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and the promotion of sustainable tourism, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of its ecosystems while offering valuable experiences for visitors.

Currently, Racha Protected Areas include the following categories: Racha National Park (50,835 ha) and the Racha Multiple Use Area (Buffer zone)—550 ha.

Management/Operation of Racha National Park

The staffing process for Racha National Park's administration is currently progressing. A total of 27 positions have been officially approved, ensuring that the park's operations are effectively managed. These positions include the Director of the Administration, Head of the Administrative Division, Senior Specialist for Visitor Services, Accountant, Head of the Protection Division, Senior Specialist for Natural Resources, 4 District Senior Rangers, and 17 Rangers. Each staff member plays an integral role in the park's day-to-day functions, contributing significantly to the conservation, monitoring, and management of the park's unique and diverse biodiversity. Through their dedicated efforts, these individuals ensure the sustainable protection of the park’s natural resources and ecosystems.

Modern Equipment and Vehicle Support for Racha National Park

Racha National Park has been equipped with a range of modern vehicles and technologies. The acquisition of specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles, off-road trucks, quadracycles, and heavy machinery, has greatly improved the park administration's ability to maintain access to remote areas, facilitate effective monitoring, and support sustainable park operations. The financial contributions from Global Conservation, the Caucasus Nature Fund, and the state budget have played a vital role in ensuring that Racha National Park is equipped with the necessary tools to carry out its mission efficiently and sustainably.

Existing Vehicles:

Snowmobile and Trailer—As part of Global Conservation's contribution, a snowmobile and trailer were procured for the park administration in order to facilitate safe and efficient movement of park staff through snow-covered areas. The total cost of this acquisition amounted to 38,400 USD.

Toyota Hilux—A Toyota Hilux was purchased with the support of Global Conservation. The total cost of this acquisition was 30,200 USD.

4 Quadracycles—These vehicles were purchased with the financial support of the Caucasus Nature Fund.

Buggy—The buggy was purchased with the financial support of the Caucasus Nature Fund.

Bulldozer—A bulldozer was procured for Racha National Park with the financial contribution of the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF).

Mitsubishi L200 – Acquired through the state budget.

Uniforms

Rangers at Racha National Park are provided with high-quality uniforms, which have been procured with the financial support of Global Conservation (GC) and the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF). These uniforms are designed to meet the operational needs of the park’s rangers, ensuring they are equipped to perform their duties effectively and efficiently in challenging and diverse environments. The high standard of these uniforms reflects the commitment to maintaining professionalism and safety for the staff while enhancing their ability to navigate and monitor the park's vast and often rugged terrain. Through this contribution, both GC and CNF have played a significant role in supporting the rangers, enabling them to carry out their essential responsibilities in the conservation and protection of Racha National Park's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Essential Needs for the Effective Management of Racha National Park

To enhance the operational capacity and ensure the effective management of Racha National Park, several key pieces of equipment are required:

Essential Outdoor and Operational Equipment

· Tents: Essential for providing shelter during overnight stays or extended field operations within the park, ensuring that staff remain safe and protected from the elements while conducting their work.

· Backpacks: Necessary for park staff and field teams to efficiently carry tools, documents, and equipment during outdoor operations and research activities.

· Sleeping Bags: Required for park staff and conservation teams who may need to stay overnight within the park during extended fieldwork or wildlife monitoring tasks.

· Paralon: This insulation material is vital for ensuring comfort and protection for park staff during outdoor activities, especially when camping or working in challenging environmental conditions.

Technology and Surveillance Equipment

· Thermal Drone: This advanced tool will significantly improve wildlife monitoring capabilities, help assess park ecosystems, and provide real-time surveillance, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas. It will also aid in detecting illegal activities, contributing to the park's overall protection.

· Mitsubishi L-200 for Senior Ranger: A durable, off-road vehicle is necessary for the District Senior Ranger to navigate the park’s rugged terrains. The L-200 will ensure efficient transportation for the ranger to monitor the park, conduct patrols, and manage conservation activities in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

Challenges Facing Racha National Park

· Disagreement with Local Communities—Racha National Park, like many protected areas around the world, faces a number of challenges in its management and conservation efforts. One of the most significant challenges is the ongoing dispute with some local communities. Many local people of the surrounding areas are resistant to the existence of the national park due to concerns that it will impose restrictions on their traditional ways of life. A common belief among these communities is that the establishment of a national park will result in prohibitions on key activities such as agriculture, grazing, hunting, and the collection of forest products, which are essential to their livelihoods. This resistance is often fueled by a lack of clear and accurate information regarding the benefits and goals of the park.

Despite efforts to communicate the park’s objectives and the potential advantages for local communities, such as opportunities for sustainable tourism and improved conservation of natural resources, misunderstandings and misinformation persist. This lack of trust can hinder the cooperation necessary for the successful management of the park.

The Agency for Protected Areas (APA) is actively engaged in addressing the challenges related to local opposition to Racha National Park. Representatives from the APA and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) regularly meet with local communities to engage in dialogue, providing clear and transparent information about the park’s goals and benefits. These ongoing efforts have proven to be largely successful in fostering cooperation and understanding between the park authorities and many community members. However, despite these significant efforts, there remain some individuals and groups who continue to oppose the existence of national parks. This persistent opposition highlights the need for continued engagement and efforts to ensure that the park's objectives align with the concerns and needs of the local population.

Funding and Resources: Maintaining and managing protected areas requires substantial financial resources. Georgia relies on both government funding and international donations to sustain and expand these efforts.
Climate Change: The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent in Georgia, particularly in mountainous regions. Shifting weather patterns, temperature increases, and changes in ecosystems may require adaptive management strategies in protected areas.
Staffing and Capacity Building: Racha National Park faces a shortage of trained personnel to effectively manage its large and diverse landscape. While the park has staff, the number of rangers, administrative staff, and conservation experts remains insufficient to adequately monitor and protect the park’s resources. Ongoing capacity building and training are needed to enhance staff expertise in areas such as biodiversity monitoring, law enforcement, and sustainable tourism.

GC Annual Report: Racha National Park 2024