Georgia to create new Protected Areas in Racha region, western Georgia

New protected areas  will be created in the Racha region, western Georgia, says the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Georgia. 

In particular, the ministry plans to create Racha National Park and Shovi Nature Reserve. 

The issue of creating new protected areas in the Racha region was discussed today between the representatives of the Agency of Protected Areas and the local citizens of the Oni municipality, Racha region.

Creating protected areas in Racha region is important as it supports protection of biodiversity and development of ecotourism.  Consequently it will improve the socio-economic status of the local population," said Toma Dekanoidze, the Deputy chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas.

Currently Georgia has 12 National Parks. 

• PM Gakharia: Protected territories to increase by 100,000 hectares in Georgia in 2020

The area of Georgia's protected territories will increase by 100,000 hectares in 2020, said Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia on February 19.