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Geopark planning on the example of Racha region, and several alternative locations in Georgia

Tamar Chichinadze Ph.D. student of

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University,

Geography scientist of Vakhushti Bagrationi

Institute Of Geography

Conference on Geoparks, Geo-Education and Geo-Tourism

Příbram, Czech Republic

04/09/2022-07/09/2022.

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Georgia is a country located in the Caucasus, at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north and east, Turkey to the southwest, Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast. The country covers 69,700 square kilometers (26,900 sq mi) and has a population of 3.7 million.

Environmental protection in Georgia has a 110-year history.

The first protected area in Georgia was created in 1912 in the territory of Lagodekhi

Lagodekhi preserves a variety of rare local flora and fauna, their ecoregion is mixed forests of the Caucasus

Landscapes of protected areas of Lagodekhi

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Area – 793 000 ha;
Of the area of Georgia - 11.5%;
According to IUCN criteria

94 Protected Areas of 5 categories;

Protected Areas of Georgia

Racha region

State Nature Reserve - 14

Managed Reserve - 23

National Park - 14

Natural Monument - 40

Protected Landscape - 3

Mukhuri

Black sea

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Racha location

Tbilisi

260 km

Racha area

is 2,893 km²

Consists of 2

municipalities:

Ambroalar, Oni

Ambrolauri city

City Oni

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Racha population

Municipality	1989	2002	2014
Ambrolauri	17, 984	13, 929	9,139
Oni	12, 815	8, 311	6,130

Geographical zone	Population
	1989	2014	Number of villages
	Population	Population	Number of villages
381-799	8066	5,599	35
800-1199	9,142	6,090	99
1201-1799	2,484	1,419	33
1800>	19	7	1

Municipality	Population	A total population of 15 years and older	Economically active	employed	Working individually in your own peasant (farm) farm	Unemployed	Economically inactive
Ambrolauri	9,139	8,209	6,492	6,293	4,763	199	1,598
Oni	6,130	5,422	4,530	4,411	3,244	119	787

Population distribution by hypsometric indicators from sea level

Today there are two main reasons for the region's depopulation: socio-economic and ecological.

The migration of mass population began in the second half of the nineteenth century, Because the region is poor with agricultural lands.

The region is characterized by natural disasters: earthquakes, landslides, erosive processes, etc.

Due to constant migration, the region is experiencing "aging„

Mravaldzali

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Historical review:

People in Racha territory have been living since ancient times. After one of the archaeological excavations in Kudaro cave, it is determined that in the Mindel-Riss glaciation of the Quaternary period there have already lived people. In the Stone Age, the Cultural remains that they left behind corresponded to the stages of human evolution.
In the past, the climate here was warm and dry, which is confirmed by the bone samples: Porcupines or Hystricidae, Leopard, lion, jackal, lynx, rhinoceros, red deer, elk, bison, and others.
Upper paleolithic trace in this cultural layer has not been found, which we can explain by the Quaternary period – the last strict glaciation. The upper horizons layer contains Neolithic, bronze, and iron ages cultural residues. After the last glaciation, people have begun living in this highland zone.
Upper Racha, especially mountainous villages - Ghebi, Chiora, and Glola, by archaeological, historical, and literary sources are known from the middle ages of the 2nd millennium BC. Surrounding the territory of Oni is one of the oldest hubs of Georgian metallurgy. Here are discovered ancient metallurgical stoves, fossil waste, combat weapons, and equipment that was made here. The village of Ghebi (Oni municipality) was the color metal hub. near the village, the cemetery has discovered Iron's ovens.

Kudaro Cave

Prehistoric tools from

Kudaro Cave, Paleolithic Age

Brill, Racha. B.C. 16th-15th centuries.

Bronze Axes, Brill, BC year IV century

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Physical-geographical characterization

From a physical-geographical point of view, Racha is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus range, mainly within the river Rioni basin. The northern border is the main ridge of the Caucasus from the peak Phasis Mta (to the west) till the Zekari pass (to the east), and to the South is bordered by the Racha ridge.
The region’s territory is characterized by mountainous relief. The heights of the region vary between 500-4500 meters. The average height of the terrain is 1750 m. above sea level. The surface of the relief is strongly divided by the river Rioni and its tributaries. The lowest point is the bottom of the river Rioni in the Tvishi rock (300meter), and the highest peak is Chanchakhi (4462 meters). Depth of relief segregation in the Racha depression is 500-800 meters, in the Utsera-Glola section it is 2700-3000 meters.

Racha physical map

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Geology of Racha

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Climate: Racha is located in a humid subtropical climate zone. It is characterized by rather humid, moderately cold winters and relatively dry hot summers. High mountains are characterized by permanent snow cover and humid weather.
Forest: In the low mountain zone there are spread Mixed forests on the humus-carbonate soils (Oak, hornbeam, beech, chestnut etc.) On the upper border of the forest there is a spruce, fir.
Soils type: There are seven types of soil in the region.
landscapes: A humid climate of the mountain (by karst), Mountain-meadow (subalpine and alpine types, in some places karst) and glacier-nival landscapes.

Climate of the region

1. Quite humid, moderately cold winter and relatively dry hot summer;

2. Humid weather, with moderately cold winters and long warm summers;

3. Humid weather, with cold winters and long summers;

4. Humid weather, with cold winters and short summers;

5. The humid air of the highlands, devoid of true summer;

6. Humid highland air with constant abundant snow and glaciers.

5. Raw Hummus soils

6. Raw Hummus red soils;

7. Strong eroded soils and bare rocks

1. Mountain-meadow soils;

2. Brown forest soil;

3. Brown forest podsolic soil;

4. Yellow Brown forest soil;

Soils

Village Tlughi

Village Gogoleti

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Rivers

The main hydrographic artery of Racha is the Rioni River, which originates from the Great Caucasus Range, the peak of Pasismta (3805 m). The length of the river is 337 km, of which 115,555 km long section comes in Racha region. Rioni has more than a hundred large and small tributaries. The largest tributaries is Jejora - 52 km.

The tributaries of the Rioni are mainly mountain rivers and are characterized by complex characteristics, which are expressed in the speed of the river flow, the morpho-structure and morphometry of the bed.

The main source of food for mountain rivers is snow, glaciers that come from the Rioni basin glaciers: Edena, Zopkhito, Kirtisho, Notsarula, Boko, Buba, Tbilisi.

In karst areas karstian Rivers are fed by underground and rain water.

The maximum flow of the Rioni River and it’s tributaries in the low-mountain zone is in January-February, the average is in January. There are frequent floods and landslides in connection with the summer rains.
99% of water resources are used in electricity production.

On the rivers, in the upper reaches, in a narrow and deep bed, there are very beautiful waterfalls, which represent an important tourist potential.

1.Bubistskali

2.Dghviora

3.Rioni, Village Ghebi

4.Chveshura

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Znakva

Waterfall of love

Tkhmori

Shareula

Cholaga

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Lakes

The region is poor in lakes, most of them of glacial or karst origin. There is also a lake of rocky origin. Existing lakes should be considered recreational areas with great potential.

Racha has the only one reservoir - Shaori. It is located on the northern slope of the Racha ridge, in the Shaori basin at 1100-1200 m. The length of the reservoir is 8750 km. Maximum width – 4.253 km, minimum width – 250 m. The maximum depth is 14.5 m. The feeding area of the reservoir is groundwater, mineral springs and the surrounding Vaucluse. The Shaori reservoir was built as a result of the union of two karst lakes. The Shaori reservoir creates the main hydropower potential of the region.

Shaori reservoir

Udziro Lake

Shaori reservoir

Cholevi Lake

Sasvano Lake

Daji los Lake

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Racha is characterized by strong earthquakes. This is related to the strongly differentiated movement of the terrain. Here two structural units collide: The Caucasus Range and the Belt of Georgia. There is both vertical and horizontal movement in the region. For example, studies have shown that the central part of the Caucasus is growing vertically by 10-15 mm per year, while the Shoda-Kedela ridge is growing by 7-8 mm per year, and the wings of the Racha-Lechkhumi syncline are growing vertically by 4 mm per year. In addition to vertical uplift, the Racha Ridge is experiencing horizontal displacement to the northeast (thrust 2.9 mm).

The basins of Upper Racha and Lower Racha decrease vertically, 4-2 mm per year.

10-15 mm

4 mm

2 mm

4 mm

2.9 mm

7-8 mm

The destructive earthquake of Racha-Imereti occurred in 1991, the power of which was 7-8 bal. 46,000 houses were destroyed and 270 people died.

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I. lower Racha relief types and distribution areas

Geomorphological characterization of the relief and important areas

II) Types of relief and distribution areas of Upper Racha

III) Jejor and Gharuli Basin

Shoda-kedela ridge

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Racha limestone massif

Tskhradjvari

Murada

Racha limestone area is more than 590 km².

The highest point of the massif is 1700-2200 meters above sea level. The theoretical depth of land underground is 1000-1200 meters.

The massif of Racha is the largest of its spread area within the karst line completely in Georgia.

Today there are about 45 caves and gaps in the territory of the massive. Between them there are 32 speleo area, which are Researched and Studied.

Nikortsminda ,, Sakinule” - freezer

Skhvava ,, Sakinule” - freezer

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Sortuani

Notsarula

Utsera

Ghebi

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Utsera

Bugeuli

Khidikari

Uravi

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Historical and architectural monuments

Nikortsminda, 12th century

Zemo Krich, 10th century

Synagogue, 1895

Barakoni, 1753

Mravaldzali, 11th century

The Cathedral Synagogue is the third largest in Georgia after Tbilisi and Kutaisi Synagogues.

On November 7, 2006, by the decree of the President of Georgia, the synagogue was awarded the category of the immovable cultural monument of national importance.

Chelish desert, 9th century

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Traditional cuisine

Traditional kitchen

Local traditions, culture, and food are important approaches for the geopark.

Eating is not just taking food. I am eating? That is, I become a participant in other people's cultures, traditions, and I get an idea about people.

Because Racha is a mountainous country, the traditional cuisine is full of mountain-specific elements. More than two hundred traditional cooking recipes have survived in the region.

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Viticulture and winemaking

Winemaking and viticulture is the leading branch of agriculture.

In the region, viticulture and winemaking are widespread in both Ambrolauri and Oni municipalities and are a leading branch of agriculture.

The upper belt of vineyards in Upper Racha is 1100-1200 m above sea level, in Lower Racha is from 450 m, on both sides of the Rion river basin.

In terms of taste and quality, the right side of the river is the production area for naturally sweet wines, while the left side is the production area for table-quality white wines. Quality white and red table wines are also available in upper Racha .

There are about 60 local grape varieties in Racha, however, Many of grape varieties are unknown and forgotten.

Khvanchkara microzone is the main viticulture microzone and located in Racha, Ambrolauri Municipality, 450-750 meters above sea level, on the right bank of the Rion river, in a basin protected by high ridges. The wine won the grand gold prize at the European Wine Festival in Ostend, Belgium in 1907.

Kvevri - also known as Tchuri (Georgian: ჭური) in Western Georgia - are large earthenware vessels used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wine.

Noble Dimitri Kipiani created Khvanchkara wine.

A modern

kvanchkari bottle

Kvatskhuti village

Hotel Karse, continuing the

traditions of viticulture

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Migaria limestone massif

Migaria limestone massif, 17 km long, max. width 8 km, total area 75 km². Theoretical altitude 1500-1600 m. There are 16 mines, shafts, caves, among which the Shurubuma cave is worth noting.

Mukhuri planned Regional Park – Potential

for a Geopark

The village Mukhura is located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti area, in Tsalenjikha municipality, on the southern slope of the Egrisi ridge, on the Khobistskali river.

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Shurubum cave

Tobavarchkhili lake

Colchian forests

Colchian ivy

There are several Tobavarchkhili lakes here, located at 2650 meters above sea level, on the Egrisi ridge and creating beautiful alpine landscapes.

Samegrelo is rich in local, rare Kolkhian flora and fauna. should be noted: Grey Caucasian Honeybee. This bee, otherwise known as the Mountain Grey Caucasian Bee has a long tongue that is 0.2 millimeters longer compared to other species, so it is easier for the bees to reach the bottom of the flower pistil and take nectar from where others cannot reach it. The bee is therefore characterized by high productivity. It is also peaceful. It knows exactly the right time for defense and attack, and feels who is enemy and who is friend. It almost never attacks the bee-keeper, on the contrary, greets him gladly.