National and International NGOs
The role of the non-governmental sector in the environment (biodiversity) protection
sphere considerable increased in the 90s.
On the main directions of the Georgian NGOs activities is to increase environment
protection public awareness. They have started the implementation of important
projects in direction of research, monitoring and conservation of biodiversity
as well. Several public organisations conduct their activities in this direction
in Georgia.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
From 1990 the WWF largely contributed in promoting preservation and development
of the protected areas in Georgia (about 90% of the entire volume of technical
and financial assistance). From July 1990 there is implemented the conservation
programme of protected areas (WWF Project 3998 - Conservation Programme for
the Caucasus, 1992 - WWF Project GE0001 - Georgia, Conservation Programme),
the main aim of which is to assist in preserving natural territories (ecosystems)
and to promote formation of a new system of the Protected Areas.
The WWF has been efficiently assisting the State Department for Protected
Areas, Reserves and Hunting Farms (managerial boards of the protected areas,
Lagodekhi, Vashlovani, Akhmeta, Borjomi reserves and so on). From 1995 the WWF
along with Russian representation works on establishing a co-ordinated system
for transboundary protected areas on the East Caucasus; on the basis of Lagodekhi
(Georgia) and Zakatala (Azerbaijan) reserves, Tliarti strict national reserve
(Daghestan/Russian Federation).
In 1999 the WWF-Georgian representation executed the first project within the
alliance of the World Bank and WWF in the sphere of forest sustainable development
and conservation. The relevant recommendations were worked out; a poster and
a leaflet were published; corresponding video clips were prepared and broadcasted
on Georgian TV Channel I. The WWF implements sustainable development demonstration
projects (e.g. a model project of "CADISPA" type being conducted in the village
Shenako); it assist Akhmeta reserve (including the former reserves in Tusheti
and Batsara) in preserving the wild nature;
The WWF has worked out the project on forming a national park in Tusheti.
International Centre for the Recovery of Endangered
Species "Noah's Ark" (NACRES)
The Centre was founded in the end of the 80s and is now one of the most important
organisations in the Sphere of biodiversity protection in Georgia.
NACRES implemented in 1989-94 the project on wolf restocking. It is financed
from Switzerland by the Caucasian wolf supporting fund "MGELI". In 1995-96 a
programme was made for evaluating Caucasian striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) population.
In 1995-96 the "Georgian Biodiversity Country Study Programme" was executed
on support of UNEP and co-ordination of the Ministry of Environment (GMoE),
the programme was published in two languages (Georgian and English) and so on.
Now the centre works on the monitoring of endanger species in Georgian reserves,
and on preparing biodiversity protection strategy and action plan.
Georgian Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife (GCCW)
It was founded in 1994. The GCCW is an especially intensive NGO the main activities
of which are as follows: to educate of the society, to conduct bioecologic research,
to develop ecotourism, to promote sustainable development.
The main projects implemented: faunistic inventory and video surveys; research
of predatory fowl; The Black Sea education project.
The main ongoing projects: lambkite (Gypaetus barbatus) study in Georgia;
the Georgian-Azeri non-governmental ornithological inventory along Baku-Supsa
oil pipeline; monthly newspaper "Khanchali"; foundation of national parks in
Georgia.
Marine Association "Poseidon"
The major goals of the organisation are: to develop and popularise mariculture;
to study the ecological problems of the Black Sea Georgian territorial and internal
waters and to promote rational use of bioresources; to restore and protect valuable
and reduced species of fish.
The main projects implemented: Georgian Black Sea region socio-economic programme
(1993); aquaculture development national programme (1994-95); a documentary
"The Black Sea Perish or Revival?"; ecoaudit of the joint stock company "Poti-Tevzi";
the chapter "Fish and Fishing" in the report on the environmental impact assessment
of the oil pipeline and Supsa terminal; two business-projects (artificial spawning
of midias in the open sea and arrangement of trout fry spawning; the latter
is among the 15 best projects of UN/ASTFISH).
Current projects: the Black Sea salmon spawning project; the project on artificial
spawning of midias; trout fry spawning and salmon mariculture centre restoration
- reconstruction.
Georgian Greens
They are implementing activity programme on "Save Georgia's Biodiversity" the
part of which is "Samegrelo Highland Biodiversity Protection and Preservation".
The aims of the programme are: apprehension of biodiversity importance and protection
by the society, getting acquainted with Samegrelo landscapes, vegetation cover,
including endemic species biodiversity and high value, teaching the society
of careful attitude. A booklet is published "Relict and Endemic Plants of Samegrelo"
written by Marine Zhordania. From 161 rare and endangered species enlisted in
Georgia's Red Book 32 are representatives of Samegrelo. The booklet (of 15 pages)
generally describes Samegrelo highland region biodiversity, the photos made
by the author are given illustrating relict endemic plants.
Biological Farming Association "Elkana"
It was founded in 1993. Since 1996 it has been a member of International Federation
of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM). The projects implemented: publishing
of the journal "Biofarmer" (5 numbers); booklets (5 issues) on biofarms; a textbook
for farmers. Consulting for farmers is being conducted: 5 advisors regularly
work with the association member-farmers, "Advisory paper" are being distributed.
It implements the programme of assistance for the farmers; sustainable development
programme through promoting rural development. "Elkana" tries to protect the
biofarmers' interests: biofarmers promoting legislation lobbying in the power.
Proposed projects: there is worked out "Biological Agriculture Production Standards"
and it is planned to establish peasants' farms certification system; formation
of marketing service for promoting sale of biofarmers' production; working out
of legislative issues on biosecurity and biofarmers.
Agrobiodiversity Protection Society "Dika"
It was founded in 1998 by «Elkana», Khobi and Bodbe eparchies, experimental-demonstrative
biofarm «Biome 96» and several scientists.
The major aims are: to preserve cultural plants endemic and local species to
restore and introduce them in the peasants' farms; conservation of genetic resources
and training; education and dissemination of information.
The project is underway: «Preservation and restoration of Georgia's agrobiodiversity»,
the aims of which are: to avoid endanger of genetic resources; to show economic
potential of local species (local bread baking with the best brand of wheat);
to show the potentials of long forgotten species (kili wheat, Italian millet,
millet, flax and so on); to select for biofarmers seeding material suitable
for the farms and to conduct minor selection work, legislative work and to lobby.
Georgian Culture and Nature Protection Society "Kuna
Georgica"
It was founded in 1992. Its priority is to take care of Georgian culture; nature
protection and development of agricultural branches oriented to ecology (especially
in the places where great areas are used); promotion of environment protection
organisations (WWF) activities. It is GTZ contact addressee in Georgia.
The Society has held seminars: "Plans for Management of Georgian National Parks"
(March 1993, financed by WWF/GTZ); promotion in working out the law on environment
protection in Georgia (1994, GTZ); the journal is published "Kaukasische Post";
it co-operates with "Elkana" in developing ecological gardening; in 1994-99
it implements a long-term project "Improvement of Using Medicinal Herbs in Georgia"
(database; - spreading, frequency, botanical and pharmacochemical data; spreading
of knowledge and publications on growing the medicinal herbs, their gathering,
processing and use; search for local and foreign business partners), and so
on.
Association of Plants Conservation
It was founded in 1997 the main aim being protection of rare and endangered
plants and ecological education. In direction of education: an ecoschool was
founded; a booklet was published on rare plants with photos. In direction of
conservation: a joint project is underway with the Azeri NGO "Protection of
some rare and endangered species in Caucasus".
Georgia's Protected Areas Program (GPAP)
Address: Evdoshvili St. 3,
Dedoplistskaro District,
383250, Georgia
Tel/Fax: (+995 32) 99 80 97; (+995 32) 33 25 35;
E-mail: gpap.paata@caucasus.net
Contact Person: Mrs. Mzia Gabunia
E-mail: mzia@ti.net.ge
Georgia's Protected Areas Programme (GPAP), as a country wide movement for enhancement
of protected areas network was lunched in 1993 and acted with support of different
international organisations (The World Bank/GEF, WWF, IUCN, IFLA) and registered
as a non-governmental non-profit organisation in 1998 to safeguard Georgia's
natural and cultural legacy and to promote conservation through sustainable
development in rural regions. GPAP is a member of the EUROPARKS Federation,
has 5 affiliates in different regions of Georgia and international members such
as a vice chair of IUCN/ WCPA for Europe.
General Activities
a) drafting the protected areas legislation for parliamentary consideration
and lobbying the Government to designate new national parks and other protected
areas
b) elaborating and introducing methods of comprehensive management plans for
protected areas
c) promoting pilot actions to demonstrate model practices of sustainable living
and wise use of renewable natural resources (alternative energy, sustainable
agriculture, pasture conservation and handicrafts rehabilitation, on-farm restoration
of agrobiodiversity, community based ecotourism, etc )
d) lunching public awareness campaigns and carrying out various education activities,
establishing regional television and radio programs, and publishing articles
in the national and local press
e) networking with US and European GO's and NGOs responsible for protected areas
List of Some Accomplished and Ongoing Activities
1. Management plan For Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park ( funded by WWF )
2. Management Plan for Air Plateau Protected Areas ( funded by WWF )
3. Management Plan for East Caucasus Protected Areas ( funded by WWF )
4. Management Guidelines for Kolketi Wetlands Protected Areas ( GEF/World Bank
)
5. Draft law on designation and management of Kolkheti protected areas 6. Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan-ongoing (GEF/World Bank )
© UNEP/GRID-Tbilisi, 2000
1, M. Alexidze St. Tbilisi, 380093, GEORGIA
Phone/Fax: (995-32) 942808
E-mail: grid@gridtb.caucasus.net
Last Updated: 24/02/2000