New protected area to be established in western Georgia’s Imereti region

A new protected area will be created in western Georgia’s Imereti region to protect biodiversity and endangered species in the locality, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture announced on Tuesday.

Comprising a 14,797-hectare territory in Kvereti, located in the Sachkhere municipality, the area will address the needs of sustainable management of local natural resources.

The creation of a new protected area will ensure the protection and preservation of unique biodiversity, ecosystems, endangered wildlife species and landscapes in the upper Imereti region, as well as sustainable management of natural resources,” the state body said.

The creation of the new area will be facilitated by the Agency of Protected Areas, designated with establishing and developing natural reserves and parks across Georgia in accordance with best international practices.

In the last 10 years, the area of protected territories has increased by 300,000 hectares.

A total of 31 new protected areas have been created and three expanded between 2012-2021 throughout the country, with