Georgia steps up efforts to protect cultural heritage
The sign at the Jvari Monastery, saying that the "cultural property is under enhanced protection". Photo: Heritage Protection Agency
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Georgia is taking steps to protect monuments of cultural heritage in cases of armed conflict, announces the Agency of Protection and Development of Cultural Heritage of Georgia
After a meeting with UNESCO in 2016, a number of Georgia’s most treasured historical sites and monuments were placed under protection in case of armed conflict.
The Ministry of Defence of Georgia began trainings on cultural heritage for Georgian military personnel on 26 September to support the effort. Photo: Ministry of Defence
In case of armed conflict, the government is obligated to safeguard UNESCO World Heritage sites and prevent their being used as sites for military activity.
UNESCO has established special emblems and symbols to ensure the recognition and identification of cultural monuments in such instances. The symbols were presented at a ceremony on 26 September near Jvari Monastery.
Some of Georgia's most cherished monuments will be protected in case of conflict after a special meeting of UNESCO granted three sites in the country's ancient capital Mtskheta the status of 'enhanced protection'.
Georgia’s ancient capital Mtskheta, a high-profile tourist area in the country, is the first of several Georgian cities to enjoy new areas accessible for tourists of all abilities.
Historical monuments of Georgia's ancient capital Mtskheta are no longer recognised as being in danger of deterioration by UNESCO.
Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns in Georgia, has been named among the 20 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites by the US-based online publication Condé Nast Traveler.
Cultural Heritage Centre of Ilia State University has received the grant the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) for restoration of ancient cave town Uplistsikhe.
The Jvari Monastery, which was closed on Monday by its clerics “due to the insanitary conditions and disorder” created by vendors near the site, has reopened to visitors.
Parish and tourists have not been allowed today to enter the Jvari Monastery in the town of Mtskheta today. The Georgian Patriarchate says that the reason for the temporary measure is “disorder created by vendors” at the entrance to the historic place.
Navenakhevi Cave located in the Terjola region of western Georgia has been reopened on 25 November with the support of the Agency of Protected Areas and Terjola City Hall.