Working with the local population living in the vicinity of protected areas

Anzor Gogotidze

Network of Friends Association of Protected Areas of Georgia

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Network of Friends Association of Protected Areas of Georgia

Protected Areas Friends Associations

Involvement of local people in conservation activities of protected areas

Engagement mechanisms at the local level

Network of Friends Association of Protected Areas of Georgia

Subtitle

In 2019, the network of friends of protected areas of Georgia was established, the goals of which are:

Development and management of protected areas network

Promoting the establishment of modern practices in innovative research

and based on approaches and interdisciplinary

with cooperation

Natural, socio-economic and cultural environment policy

Promotion of development locally, nationally and internationally

level, through dialogue and partnership between different stakeholders

civil society, state institutions and private

Strengthening of the sector, institutional development, informing

and through awareness raising.

Activity of the network of friends of protected areas of Georgia

To increase the benefits for the population living in the vicinity of the protected areas, make a network of friends of the protected areas:

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• Cooperates and supports local associations of friends in planning and implementation of various projects, and provides them with consulting and expert assistance.

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• Contributes to the strengthening of the protected areas agency and local administrations.

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• It seeks to improve the awareness and attitude of the population living in the vicinity of protected areas by demonstrating the benefits of protected areas.

Examples of actions taken

Presently, we are collaborating with the Caucasus Nature Foundation, the Agency of Protected Areas, and Krokonosha National Park to assist local administrations and communities in their efforts to promote:

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In partnership with CNF, we conduct training sessions on sustainable tourism for representatives of communities residing around 12 protected areas, with the aim of fostering the economic development of the local population.

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Collaborating with the Krokonoše National Park in the Czech Republic, our joint efforts are directed toward advancing the development of the Aragvi Protected Landscape Administration through consultative assistance and diverse training programs.

Associations of Friends of Protected Areas

• In 2009, with the support of IUCN, the Association of Friends of Protected Areas began to be established in Georgia;

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• Currently, there are 9 associations of friends of protected areas;

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• Associations of Friends of Protected Areas:

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• Support the involvement of local stakeholders in the management of protected areas.

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• Associations of friends, by attracting various financial resources, carry out measures to promote protected areas, and spread knowledge and information about the importance of protected areas to the local population.

Engagement mechanisms at the local level

There are various forms of participation and involvement of local communities in the management of protected areas of Georgia:

• Local Advisory Councils. Created for the protected areas of Algeti, Pshav-Khevsureti, Kazbegi, and Kintrishi.

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• They participate in the development of management plans for protected areas, setting boundaries and communicating with the population in the process, implementing socio-economic programs related to protected areas, and more.

The gatehouse of Tusheti community

In 2018, the Tusheti community created the Tusheti Sabcheo, a prototype of traditional governance, in order to be involved in the decision-making process at the local level.

• Elections were held in the valleys of Tusheti and the population elected their representatives in the valley sabcheo according to the villages.

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• They participate in the management process of Tusheti National Park and Tusheti protected landscape.

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• They give advice to the leaders of the protected areas and Akhmet Municipality City Hall on the issues of managing the protected areas (Tusheti State Reserve, Tusheti National Park, Tusheti Protected Landscape and Samukhi Multipurpose Area) located in the settlement area of Tushebi community.

Involvement of local people in conservation activities of protected areas

Young Ranger Programs

Community Ranger Programs

Promotion of sustainable use of natural resources

THANK �YOU