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Twinning Project Fiche
1. Basic Information:
1.1. Programme: ENPI 2010 Annual Action Programme
1.2. Twinning number:GE12/ENP-PCA/EN/141.3. Title: Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of Georgia
1.4. Sector: Environment
1.5 Beneficiary country: Georgia (Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia, Agency ofProtected Areas).
2. Objectives:
2.1. Overall Objective
Support sustainable development of Georgias protected areas system through combining and
balancing interests of nature conservation and protection as well as social-economic needs of
local communities.
2.2. Project Purpose
The main purpose of the project is strengthening the effective nature conservation system of
Georgia through improved management of protected areas of Georgia.
The main approach of the project is building capacity of staff of the central apparatus of the
Agency of Protected Areas and local park administrations to support implementation of EU
acquis recommendations and requirements through practical application of protected area
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acquis recommendations and requirements through practical application of protected area
Chapter 4.6 sets it as a priority to develop legislation and basic procedures to ensure planning
for key environmental sectors, air quality, water quality, waste management, and nature
protection. Specifically, the project is related to the following priorities (set out in the chapter
4.6.3 of the ENP AP):
- Enhance administrative capacities, including for the issuing of permits as well as for
enforcement and inspection;
This Twinning project will contribute to achievement of the above-mentioned Action Plans
objectives through concrete and measurable results as elaborated below.
The negotiations on the Association Agreement (AA), which will lay down a new legalfoundation for EU-Georgia relations, started in July 2010. The Association Agreement will
likely include a chapter on environment, including nature protection sub-sector. In this context
the Twinning project anticipates and prepares the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia for
implementation of conclusions of the AAs chapter on environment.
3. Description
3.1. Background and justification:
3.1.1. Background country information
Caucasus is one of the WWF Global 200 Ecoregions, one of the 34 Conservation International
Global Hotspots, and one of the Worlds 221 Endemic Bird Areas. The region has extremely
high plant and animal diversity and a high level of endemism. Georgia holds the major part of
the regions biodiversity with almost all Caucasus ecosystems and habitats represented and a
high number of globally threatened species.
Georgias biodiversity is threatened by unsustainable logging of forests, over-grazing of
pastures poaching of wildlife the cultivation of wetlands the inappropriate development
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capacity to generate income. Income generated directly by the national park administrations has
increased from 42.600 GEL (approximately 17.7 EUR) in 2007 to 420, 866GEL (around 189,
439 EUR) in 2011. The resources of the State budget cover a part of the needs of the protected
area system of Georgia, while the remaining is generated through income-generated activitiesin the parks, international organisations and private donors.
Key important issue is absence of management plans as well as lack of skills and capacity at
park administrations and APA in PA management planning. Management plans are considered
as a main tool for integrated management of nature protected areas. In EU member states
management plans constitute an effective means to fulfil the obligations provided for by the
Habitats directive (92/43/EEC).
Currently, only three out of the 64 protected areas have updated management plans (i.e.
management plans that have been adopted in accordance with the procedures regulated by
Georgian legislation and those that have not expired1). Thus, the vast majority of PAs are
managed without documented comprehensive objectives and policies that can be
communicated to PA staff, adjacent communities and others; they lack coherent and integrated
strategies for protection, conservation, socio-economic development of adjacent communities,
monitoring, and strengthening the administration.
Because of absence of management plans, adjacent communities have few opportunities to
participate in planning and management of PAs. One of the consequences is that opportunity
costs, which fall on adjacent communities (e.g. loss of access to resources resulting from the
establishment of the PA or restrictions imposed by the PA administration), usually are not
taken into account in planning.
Table A in Annex II presents list of all protected areas, their IUCN categories, areas, and
management plan status. Table B presents the list and description of protected areas to be
supported by the Twinning project, followed by a short description about each PA.
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Convention. Emerald Network operates alongside the European Union's Natura
2000programme.
In 2009, the Council of Europe re-launched the Emerald programme in Georgia. Currently, 20existing and planned protected areas (e.g. Central Caucasus,) are acknowledged as potential
Emerald sites.
The Emerald Network was created by virtue of Recommendation No. 16 (1989) and Resolution
No. 3 (1996) of the Standing Committee on Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs)
that form the EMERALD Network.
In the point four of the Recommendation No. 16, contracting parties are recommended to draw
up and implement management plans which will identify both short and long-term objectives.
1. draw up and implement management plans which will identify both short- and long-
term objectives (such management plans can relate to individual areas or to a
collection of areas such as heathlands);
2. regularly review the terms of the management plans in the light of changing conditionsor of increased scientific knowledge;
3. clearly mark the boundaries of ASCIs on maps and, as far as possible, on the ground;
4. advise the competent authorities and landowners of the extent of ASCIs and their
characteristics;
5. provide for the monitoring of ASCIs and especially of the factors for which their
conservation is important."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000 -
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3.2. Linked activities
In the recent years, a number of projects financed by different donors have been contributing
for development and strengthening of the Georgian Protected Areas System. Several suchinterventions include development of management plans.
However, these activities target individual protected areas and envisage development of
management plans as parts of larger initiatives such as establishment of a protected area or
ensuring income diversification mechanisms. In addition, they are performed by hired private
consultants and do not focus on strengthening capacity of APA in management planning (with
the exception of Borjomi-Kharagauli Management Plan and Vashlovani PA management plan
development).
Below is a summary of the current and planned interventions by other actors and that are
relevant to the initiative presented in this Fiche.
CaucasusNature Fund (CNF).It is currently contributing 80,000 EUR per year to the
management costs of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and 80,000 EUR per year to the
management costs of Lagodekhi PAs. Moreover, CNF aims to contribute similar amounts tothe running costs of Tusheti and Vashlovani PAs from 2012. According to the framework
agreement between CNF and MoEP, APA is obligated to develop a management plan for a PA
to be funded by the CNF that partially contributes to the costs of the management plan
development. However, APA by its own means or through donors support should contribute at
least 50 % of the entire costs of the management plan development.
UNDP/GEF Catalysing Financial Sustainability of Georgias Protected Areas Project.
This project addresses the barriers in the legal framework that prevent income generation by
PAs. It also develops and tests measures for generating income in Tusheti PAs. The project also
develops a management plan for the pilot site: Tusheti Protected Areas. Projects entire budget
i 875 420 USD (669 650EUR) 2009 2012
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The Minister of Environment Protection has agreed to propose the establishment of
MachakhelaNational Park as the main investment under the 1.5 million USD (1,148,100 EUR)
GEF 5 allocation to biodiversity protection in Georgia. The Ministry intends to submit itsproposal to committeein December, 2011. In this case, Machakhela National Park will be
established and the management plan developed.
KFW (German Financial Cooperation) is financing the Eco-regional Nature Conservation
Programme for the Southern Caucasus (ENCP), Phase III. The programme uses criteria such as
gaps in management effectiveness to select the PAs it will support. According to the Feasibility
study of the programme, four protected areas and planned protected areas were proposed for
assistance: Algeti NP, Kazbegi NP, Kintrishi PAs, and Pshav-Khevsureti planned PAs.
Development of management plans for this PAs is part of the programme. 8,250,000 EUR,
2012-2015(2016).
3.3. Results:
The Twinning project consists of two major components: (a) improved management of
protected areas by developing and adopting actual management plans; and (b) strengtheningcapacity within the protected areas system. The following results are foreseen in the framework
of the Twinning project:
Result 1: Strengthened APAs capacities of developing and implementing management
plans as a main tool for nature conservation
Result 2: Enhanced understanding of EU legislative framework for nature protection
Result 3: Effective mechanism in place for involvement and consultation of local actors
in preparation and implementation of management plans
3.4. Activities
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beneficiary, the GoG, the civil society, donors, and other stakeholders. The
conference will be concluded with some recommendations for possible
follow-up and lessons learnt for similar projects.
Benchmarks: Closing Conference organised;Recommendations and Lessons learnt formulated and discussed
Stakeholders, media and public informed about the results of the project at its
end.
Resources: RTA, RTA Assistant, PL, STE, translation.
Activity Group 1 Capacity Building for Development and Implementation of
Management Plans
This specific group of activities is expected to build upon practical training to the staff of the
APA and administrations of the selected protected areas. This training will be provided by
means of strong facilitation and guidance to the beneficiary staff through the process of
management plan elaboration.
Activity 1.1: Collection of information on protected areas system in Georgia, as well
as existing data on the selected 4 pilot sites
Method: RTA, in support of RTA counterpart and STE will collect informationavailable about the protected areas system of Georgia as well as pilot PAs
(description of key features, situation analysis and long-term objectives of
selected PAs, old management plans, management plan development
guidelines)
Benchmarks: Report on protected areas system in Georgia and existing data on the selected
4 pilot sites
Resources: RTA, STE, RTA Assistant, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, BCPL, translation,
printed materials.
Activity 1.2: Introductory training to the core Working Group established under
i f APA
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providing advice on specific methodologies, facilitating related training
workshops and seminars to the Working Group and relevant stakeholders on-
the-field.
As an output, the STEs will deliver: 1) conclusions and recommendations onguidelines for elaboration of the management plans; 2) training module on
methodology for preparation of the specific section of the management plan
which will be a tool for the APA trainers.
Benchmarks: A series of workshops to the Working Group and stakeholders on-the-field;
Training modules covering aspects relevant to management plans (awareness
raising, economic valuation, tourism and marketing, socio-economic
assessment, law enforcement/patrolling potential, land use, hunting,
geographic-geologic assessment, speleological survey, paleontological
assessment, landscape, natural resources/forests, flora, fauna and legal
assessment, etc.)
Resources: RTA, STEs, RTA Assistant, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, BCPL,
transportation, translation, printed materials.
Activity 1.4: Consultation and expert advice on management plan development in 4
pilot sitesMethod: A pool of STEs will support the Working Group activities in relation to
development of management plans in 4 pilot areas. The STE will provide
methodological and technical advice on development of specific sections of a
management plan. STEs will provide facilitation and consultation on the
fieldwork. STEs will work together with their counterparts of APA and the
selected protected area administrations to draft specific parts of the
management plans and coordinate consolidation process of different parts of
management plan documents.Benchmarks: Mission reports, including recommendations and contributions to
management plans; management plan documents
R RTA STE RTA A i RTA APA ff BCPL
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Resources: RTA, RTA assistant, STE, APA, translation.
Activity 1.7: Select participants and develop the training programme for training of
trainers (ToT).Method: RTA, 2 STEs and RTA counterpart identify and nominate up to 15 members
of the working group whom they observe in the working process to be trained
at the ToT.
Benchmark: Training programme on the development of management plans for both
central and local levels is developed and presented; the list of participants of
ToT is presented.
Resources: RTA, RTA Assistant, and/or STEs
Activity 1.8 Conduct trainings of trainers (ToT) for APA members
Method: 2 STEs conduct training of trainers for 3-5 days on the methodology of MP
development.
Benchmarks: Up to 15 members of APA are trained as trainers in MP development.
Resources: RTA Assistant, STEs, translations, APAs staff
Activity Group 2: Enhancing Understanding of EU Nature LegislationThe group of activities is designed in anticipation of EU-Georgia negotiations on the
Association Agreement (specific chapter on environment).
Activity 2.1: Seminars and workshops on EU Nature legislation
Method: Twinning partners will hold training seminars and workshops to the APA
staff and representatives from park administrations on the EU Nature
legislation. The training will familiarise the target group with the key EU
legislation on nature protection in the context of EU-Georgia AA negotiationsand legal approximation.
Benchmarks: 2 workshops organised
T i i i l
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Method: Complementary to raising understanding of the EU nature protection
legislation by the APA staff and staff of protected area administrations, the
activity will target key stakeholders of APA: other line ministries and
authorities, regional and local authorities, local communities, non-state actorsand business society.
Through broad conferences and specific publications, the Twinning partners
will give to the key stakeholders an overview of the main EU nature protection
principles, implications to social and economic development of local
communities, as well as business development. As regards the other line
ministries and institutions, it is expected to demonstrate a role and examples of
inter-institutional coordination and cooperation.
Benchmarks: 2 days conference is organised. 4 STE from MS will share their experience on
EU nature protection principles during the conference.
Resources: RTA, 4 STE, RTA Assistant, BCPL, RTA counterpart, APA staff, conference
venue, interpretation, translation, printed materials.
Activity Group 3: Development of Consultation Process with Local Partners in Pilot
Protected Areas
Consultation with local actors and involvement of stakeholders in development andimplementation of a management plan is an essential part of the process. The group of
activities is to focus on both general issues on how to address key stakeholders and specific
application of methods in 4 pilot sites.
Activity 3.1: Holding Inception Workshops in 4 Pilot Areas (Ajameti, Lagodekhi,
Mtirala, Imereti Caves)
Method: At the beginning of each management plan development process, the
Working Group supported by the Twinning partners and a director of therelevant protected area arrange inception workshop for stakeholders. Planned
activities will be introduced to local communities, governments, NGOs,
i d di
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Mtirala, ImeretiCaves)
Method: At the end of each management plan development process RTA, RTA
Assistant, together with APAs working group leader and a director of
relevant protected area arrange final workshop for stakeholders aiming atpresentation of results to local communities, governments, NGOs, businesses
and media.
Benchmarks: 4 final workshops are organised with participation of local stakeholders,
media and public to inform them about the result of the planned activities.
Resources: RTA, STE, RTA Assistant, PL, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, field trip,
transportation, translation.
3.5. Means/Input from the MS Partner Administration
3.5.1. Profile and tasks of the Project Leader (PL)
The PL will be expected to devote a minimum of 3 days per month to the project in his/her
home administration. In addition, s/he will coordinate, from the Member state side, the ProjectSteering Committee (PSC), which will meet in Georgia every three months.
Profile:
At least 10years of experience in the field of protected areas management.
During the project period, he/she must be in an active senior management position in
the MemberState institution for at least 3years;
Have experience in the field of project management, institutional issues and
organisation of protected areas system.
Tasks:
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Knowledge of European protected areas system and its implementation mechanisms;
Sound comparative knowledge of relevant EU legislative and institutional requirements
related to the various components of this project;
Good training, public speaking, diplomatic and written communication skills;
Excellent computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point);
Excellent command of spoken and written English; Language skills kills in Georgian or
Russian would be an asset.
Tasks:
Overall supervision of the project implementation and coordination of all activities, as
well as management of the project administration;
Coordination of the activities of the team members in line with the agreed workprogrammes to enable timely completion of project outputs;
Provide technical input to the project whenever needed and provision of advice in his
field of expertise;
Liaise with MS and BC Project Leaders and daily contacts with BC RTA counterpart;
Co-preparation of project progress reports with Project Leader;
Liaison with EU Project Manager;
Liaison with other relevant projects and Georgian institutions;
Together with the PL and/or RTA Counterpart lead the working group at APA and
provides supervision on tasks assigned to the group;
Elaborate ToRs of the STEs of the project.
3.5.3. Profile and tasks of the medium/ short-term experts
Tasks of Short Term Experts:
Terms of Reference for short-term adviser(s) will be elaborated by Project Leader/RTA at the
work plan preparation stage. The exact number of STEs per activity should be agreed during
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2. Palaeontology
3. Land Use Planning
4. Tourism/Marketing
5. Awareness Raising6. Socio-economic assessment
7. Economic valuation of PAs
8. Hunting
9. Geology-geography
10. Law Enforcement/patrolling
11. Communication
In order to achieve the results pertaining to the training of APA staff, STEs should also have
the following skills:
training and facilitation skills;
good writing, training and presentation skills;
experience in coaching/mentoring.
In addition to their missions in Georgia, the short-term experts are expected to contribute
actively to elaborating the programmes of the foreseen study visits and internships.
4. Legal and Institutional Framework
The establishment and management of PAs is governed by the Law On the System of
Protected Areas (1996) as amended (the Protected Areas Law) and subsidiary regulations. TheProtected Areas Law lays down the categories of PA which may be established in Georgia and
procedures for establishing, changing boundaries of, and dissolving PAs, and assigns powers
and responsibilities.
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The following list represents several stakeholder organizations in the field of protected areas
with whom APA should consult during the management planning:
State bodies that have important formal powers related to the PAs and that are
consulted during the management plan development;
Various ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development in
relation to economic activities in and around protected areas, Ministry of Energy and
Natural Resources in relation to hydro power developments and other projects around
protected areas;
State Representatives of the Regions, who carry the authority of the President, canfacilitate communication between projects and local self-governing bodies;
The municipalities - representative of local government;
Local Communities living in or around protected areas;
Regional and national NGOs and branch offices of international NGOs with
knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the PA sector;
The Georgian Orthodox Church that owns or manages under agreement with the State a
large number of sites of religious, cultural and historical significance in or around
protected areas;
Seasonal livestock herders who use pastures in or around protected areas;
Private businesses with an interest to benefit from protected areas such as hospitality
businesses, tour operators, and various other service providers;
Educational institutions interested in scientific research on protected areas and offering
education and knowledge in the field.
All stakeholders should be involved in the process and consulted during the projectimplementation to ensure the participatory approach to the management plan development. For
more detailed description of relevant institutions, please see Annex VI.
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PAO will support the TWG Project implementation process together with the EU Delegation.
The person in charge of this project is:
Mr. Roman Kakulia
PAO DirectorProject Administration Office (PAO) in Georgia
Office of the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
#7, Ingorokva Street, Tbilisi 0134, Georgia
Office tel./fax: (995 32) 299 89 14 / 292 26 09
E-mail:[email protected]
6.1.2. Main counterpart in the Beneficiary Country:
Project Leader (PL)
Ms. Tamar Pataridze
Deputy Head
Agency of Protected Areas
6, Gulua Street Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: + 995 32 275 23 56
Fax: + 995 32 75 23 53
Email: [email protected]
http://apa.gov.ge
RTA Counterpart:
Ms Rusudan Chochua
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In addition, monthly progress monitoring meetings should be held. As a gathering of RTA,
RTA counterpart, PAO and EU Delegation representative the meetings are to monitor progress
and solve any emerging operational problems on a monthly base. As the outcome, it is
recommended to record proceedings of the meetings in one-page minutes.
7. Implementation schedule (indicative)
7.1. Launching of the call for proposals: February 2012
7.2. Start of the project activities: October 2012
7.3. Project completion: January 2015
7.4. Duration of the execution period (number of months): 24months (+ 3 months for the start-
up and closure of the project).
8. Sustainability:
The capacity building of the staff of the APA and park administrations within the Twinning
project is constructed as a learning process through practical development of the managementplan for the selected pilot protected areas. The sustainability of the project will be achieved
through active participation of local staff throughout the project and more importantly, through
training of trainers of APA and park administrations members. As a result, skilled and
knowledgeable team (including future trainers) will create sound basis and structure enabling
knowledge transfer among the administrations of protected areas in Georgia and between the
protected areas and the APA. The core team that is expected as an outcome of the Twinning
project will be a great contributor to the development of management plans for other PAs:Batsara-Babaneuri SNR and Ilto MR; Gardabani MR; Mariamjvari SNR, Korugi and Iori MRs;
Tbilisi NP, Kobuleti PAs; Chachuna MR. (For more information see chapter 3.2 Linked
activities).Inclusion of other PAs staff in the trainings will improve management planning skills
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No negative environmental impact of the project is expected. As a matter of fact, goals of the
Twinning project are centred onbestenvironmental practices and sustainable development
principles. Key elements and deliverables of the Twinning project improved capacity of the
APA and administrations of protected areas constitute important measures and tools formanagement of protected areas in Georgia.
10.Conditionality and sequencing
There is no precondition set for this Twinning project.
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Abbreviations and Acronyms:
AP Action Plan
APA -Agency of Protected AreasASCI - Areas of Special Conservation Interest within the Emerald Network
BC - Beneficiary country
CBD - Convention on Biological Diversity
CNF - Caucasus Nature Fund
ECPC - Eco-regional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus
ENP - European Neighbourhood Policy
GEF - Global Environmental Facility
GoG - Government of Georgia
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
KfW - German Bank of Reconstruction (Bankengruppe)
MoEP - Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia
MP Management Plan
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
NPASAP - National Protected Area Strategy and Action PlanPA - Protected Area
NP National Park
SNR Strict Nature Reserve
MR Managed Reserved
PCA - Partnership and Co-operation Agreement
PASCDAP - Protected Areas System Capacity Development Action Plan for Georgia
PL Project Leader
RAPPAM - Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management
RTA Resident Twinning Adviser
STE Short-term expert
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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI GE11/ENP-PCA/EN/14 project
Annexes to the Project Fiche - Annex I
ANNEX I - LOGFRAME PLANNING MATRIX for TWINNING FICHE:
Strengthening Management of Protected Areas ofGeorgia
Programme name and number:Total budget: EUR1.100.000
Overall objective Objectively verifiable
indicators
Sources of Verification Assumptions
Support sustainabledevelopment of Georgias
protected areas systemthrough combining and
balancing interests of natureconservation and protection as
well as social-economic needsof local communities
Increase in sustainable financingsources of Georgias protected
areas system
Positive trends of key sustainable
development indicators, inparticular, in the regions related to
the protected areasPositive opinion of relevant
international organisations onmanagement of Georgias
protected areas system
Governmental andParliamentary reports
APA Annual Reports
Analytical reports/ assessment
reports by international
organisations
Project purpose Objectively verifiable
indicators
Sources of Verification Assumptions
Strengthening the effective
nature conservation system ofGeorgia through improved
management of protectedareas of Georgia
Method for management planning
is applied: management plans forother Georgias protected areas are
additionally developed andaccepted after completion of the
Twinning project
Working group established at APA
for management planning (corestaff) is functional and providingservices to Georgias protectedareas after completion of the
Twinning project.
Management plans are developed
with strong involvement of localcommunities after completion ofthe Twinning project
Analytical reports/ assessment
reports by local andinternational NGO and/or
international organisation
Governmental andParliamentary Reports
APA Annual Reports
EC Assessment Reports/Monitoring Reports
Twinning project assessmentmission report
Twinning Project Final ReportMinutes of the Project SteeringCommittee (PSC)
Policies supporting sustainable
development, i.e. combiningand balancing economic activity
with nature protection, will bepursued by the Government of
Georgia
APA management remains
committed to and continuesstrengthening APAs
professional and institutionalstanding.
Institutional and legislativeframework is maintained so that
APA remains in full capacity toaccomplish its regulatory duties
in harmony with EU acquis andbest practices.
Financing of the APA is
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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI GE11/ENP-PCA/EN/14 project
Result 3: Effective
mechanism in place for
involvement and consultationof local actors in preparationand implementation of
management plans.
Management plan forImeretiCaves(Sataplia) PAs;
on management planning competencies and capacities isfunctioning at APA, and
maintains staff motivation as
well as knowledge.Adequate human and financialresources are ensured for thesystem of Georgias protectedareas
Overall legislative andregulatory framework relatedto management of the protectedareas is maintained or further
enhanced in favour of the
system of Georgias protectedareas
Communication with local
communities, NGOs andbusinesses community ismaintained in a constructiveand cooperative spirit
The tools and guidelinesdeveloped within the Twinning
project are updated and
revisited accordingly inresponse to new lessons-learntand legislative changes
Staff turnover in APA isminimal so that the corecompetencies and knowledgeis retained in the institution
Draft methodologies/ guideline
on management planning madeavailable for APA staff by theend of the project
Training modules made availablefor APA staff/ trainers by the end
of the project
A group of APA staff on the
central level at the Agencyworking on management plandevelopment established by the
end of the projectAt least 20 staff members fromAPA and core PAsadministrations trained in the
process and capable of leading
management plan developmentby the end of the project
Up to 15 staff members fromAPA and selected members of the
working group area are trained to
be trainers in management plandevelopment by the end of the
project.
Decision/ order of the Head of
APA on establishment of theWorking Group
Decision/ order of the Head of
APA on a list of APA trainer-staff
Twinning Project InterimQuarterly and Final Reports
Minutes of Twinning ProjectSteering Committee meetings
Reports on APA staff skillassessment and APA SWOT
analysis between the periods ofthe start (baseline), the middle
(12th month) and the end (24st
month) of the Project
STE(s) Training reports
Activities/Components or input Means (indicative) Assumptions
0.1 Kick-off workshop
0.2 Final conference for project closure
PL, RTA, RTA Assistant, STEs,
translation
RTA, RTA Assistant, RTAcounterpart, APAs staff, BCPL, transportation, translation,
printed materials
APA management remains
committed to developing and
strengthening use ofmanagement planningmethodologies
APAs staff able to participatei h k h d fi ld1 1 Collection of information on protected areas system in STE (4 x 5 m d) translation
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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI GE11/ENP-PCA/EN/14 project
RTA, RTA Assistant, BCPL, RTA counterpart,
APAs staff, field trip,
transportation, translation2.1. Seminars and workshops on EU Nature legislation
2.2. 3 Study Tours in Protected Areas of partner
country/countries to observe the management plan
implementation and enforcement
2.3. Raising Public Awareness on EU Nature Protection
Principles
STE (4x8 m d), translation,APA working group, 4workshops
APAs staff, 9flights, 54perdiem
STE (4x5md),2 day conference,
translation, interpretation,
conference venue, printedmaterials
3.1. Holding Inception Workshops in 4 Pilot Areas (Ajameti,
Lagodekhi, Mtirala, Imereti Caves)
3.2. Developing communication strategy
3.3. Final workshops for each of 4 protected areas (Ajameti,
Lagodekhi, Mtirala, Imereti Caves)
STE (4x5m d), translation,transportation, APA workinggroup, 4 workshops, printed
materials
STE (4x5m d), translation, APAworking group, 2 workshops
STE (4x5m d), translation,
transportation, APA workinggroup, 4 workshops, printedmaterials
Preconditions
none
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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI GE11/ENP-PCA/EN/14 project
Kobuleti Strict Nature Reserve 331 Kobuleti PAs Administration
Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve 22,295 Lagodekhi PAs Administration
Mariamjvari Strict Nature Reserve 1,040 Mariamjvari PAs AdministrationSataplia Strict Nature Reserve 354 Sataplia SNR Administration
Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve 10,852 Tusheti PAs Administration
Vashlovani Strict Nature Reserve 10,143 Vashlovani PAs Administration
Liakhvi Strict Nature Reserve(1) 6,388
Pskhu - Gumista Strict Nature
Reserve(2)
40,819
Bichvinta - Miusera Strict Nature
Reserve(2)
3,645
National Parks (IUCN Category II)
Algeti National Park 6,822 Algeti NP Administration
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park 61,235 Borjomi-Kharagauli NPs Administration
Kazbegi National Park 8,707 Kazbegi NP Administration
Kolkheti National Park 45,447 Kolkheti NP Administration
Mtirala National Park 15,806 Mtirala NP Administration
Tbilisi National Park 22,425 Tbilisi NP AdministrationTusheti National Park 71,482 Tusheti PAs Administration
Vashlovani National Park 24,610 Vashlovani PAs Administration
Javakheti National Park 14 206,83 N/A
Natural Monuments (IUCN
Category III)
Alazani Flood Plain Forest Natural
Monument
204 Vashlovani PAs Administration
Artsivi Gorge Natural Monument 100 Vashlovani PAs Administration
Jason's Cave Natural Monument - Sataplia SNR Administration
Khomulo Cave Natural Monument - Sataplia SNR Administration
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Iori Managed Reserve 1,336 Mariamjvari PAs Administration
Katsoburi Managed Reserve 295 Katsoburi MR Administration
Kobuleti Managed Reserve 439 Kobuleti PAs AdministrationKorugi Managed Reserve 2,068 Mariamjvari PAs Administration
Lagodekhi Managed Reserve 2,156 Lagodekhi PAs Administration
Nedzvi Managed Reserve 8,992 Borjomi-Kharagauli NPs Administration
Kartsakhi Managed Reserve 158 N/A
Sulda Managed Reserve 320 N/A
Khanchali Managed Reserve 839 N/A
Bughdasheni Managed Reserve 126 N/A
Madatafa Managed Reserve 1484 N/A
Protected Landscape (IUCN
Category V)
Kintrishi Protected Landscape 3,190 Kintrishi PAs Administration
Tusheti Protected Landscape 31,320 Akhmeta Municipality
Table B:
The following table demonstrates priority protected areas for APA and their management plan status.Those that do not have management plans are marked as Absent, those that are going to have
management plans through various ongoing initiatives are marked as Planned, and those that have
valid management plans are marked as In Place. According to the table, eight priority PAs will bewithout management plans by 2012. Out of eight PAs three are Emerald Sites ASCI. Another three
are planned to be Emerald Sites and will be nominated for the inclusion in the list by APA in 2011.
Protected Area Management Plan Status
Vashlovani Pas
(Emerald Site - ASCI)
Planned
Funded through GIZ project: Update of MP of Vashlovani PAs
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preparation of MP; 2012-15.
Mtirala PA
(Emerald Site - ASCI)
In Place but will expire in 2011
Funded through WWF Development of Mtirala National ParkProject supported by Norwegian Government.
Machakhela Planned PAs PlannedFunded through GEF5- Project Creation of new Protected Areas
and development of Management. Establishment of Machakhela
PAs and preparation of MP, 2012-13.
Javakheti PA(Emerald
Site - ASCI)
Planned
Funded through BMZ/KFW, Eco-regional Conservation ProgrammeII, Establishment of Javakheti PAs and preparation of MP, 2011-12.
Kolkheti PA
(Emerald Site - ASCI)
In Place (will expire in 2012)
Planned through Kolkheti Fund by SOCCAR
Kobuleti PA In Place (will expire in 2012)
Planned through Kolkheti Fund by SOCCAR
Imereti Caves PAs ABSENT
Kintrishi PA
(Emerald Site - ASCI)
PlannedFunded through KFW. Eco-regional Conservation Program III,
Thematic Approach. Development of Kintrishi PA and preparation
of MP; 2012-14.
Algeti PA
(Emerald Site - ASCI)
Planned
Funded through KFW. Eco-regional Conservation Program III,Thematic Approach. Development of Algeti PA and preparation of
MP; 2012-14.
Gardabani PA(Planned Emerald Site
ASCI)
ABSENT
Chachuna PA ABSENT
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establishment of MR was to protect unique Iberian Oak forests. Nowadays the area covers 5,117hectares and is managed by Ajameti MR Administration. The territorial unit consists of 20 persons
including 17 rangers and 3 administrative members.
Ajameti MR is surrounded by 16 villages. The pipe-line of state importance and a road of local use
cross the MR. In addition, Georgian Army Acting Division is located inside the Reserve.
Imereti Caves (Sataplia) Protected Areas
Imereti Caves Protected Areas were created on the basis of Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve in 2007 by
the Georgian Law on Establishment and Management of Protected Areas of Imereti Caves.Protected Areas are of the complex character and include geological, palaeonthological, speleological,
and botanical rarities. A Strict Nature Reserve, a Managed Natural Reserve and 11 Natural Monuments
are included in Imereti PAs: Prometheus Cave, Tetri Cave, Khomuli Cave, Tsutskhvati Cavity,Navenakhevi Cave, Nagarevi Cave, Jason's Cave, Sakazhia Cave, Tskaltsitela Gorge, Okatse Canyon,
and Okatse Waterfall.
Imereti Caves Protected Areas are managed by the Administration of Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve,
which consists of 22 employees including 9 rangers and 13 administrative members. NaturalMonuments are surrounded by villages and settlements.
Lagodekhi Protected Areas
Lagodekhi protected areas were the first protected areas established in Georgia in 1912. Since 2003 it
has been established in the categories of reserve and managed reserve with total area 24 451 ha.
Lagodekhi protected areas are located in northeast of Georgia, in the Lagodekhi region. The distancefrom Tbilisi to Lagodekhi is 170 km. The protected areas are located on the southern slopes of the
Greater Caucasus.
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Territorial unit consists of 24 employees: 8 administrative members and 16 rangers.
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ANNEX III. Relevant Studies and Legislation
According to Georgian Law, management plans are being adopted based on the order of a Minister ofEnvironment Protection of Georgia (Law of Georgia about the System of Protected Areas, March 7,1996; paragraph 15, section 4). According to Georgian legal hierarchy, Ministerial order represents a
normative act and part of the legislative base of the country (Law of Georgia on Normative Acts,
November 19, 1996; Article 4, section 1).
The Government of Georgias policies regarding PA development and management are set out in the
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) adopted in 2005. The actions set out in the
NBSAP have been overtaken for all practical purposes by the National Protected Areas SystemDevelopment Strategy and Action Plan (NPASDSAP), though it has no formal status. Strategic Goal 3
of NPASDSAP and actions for achievement of the goal improvement of management of protected
areas stipulate the development and adoption of management plans for all individual PAs.
The GoG with the support of the Ministry of Housing, Special Planning and the Environment of
Netherlands is currently at the completion phase of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP 2)that is expected to be adopted in January 2011. Draft of the NEAP 2, chapter 6 stipulates an action to
develop management plans on all protected areas by 2015.
In addition to its own goals and determination to develop management plans and build capacity inmanagement planning, the Agency of Protected Areas has received numerous recommendations in this
regard from its international partners. These recommendations stem from various studies conducted
within international projects alerting GoG, the donor community, and other stakeholders to develop themanagement plans on all PAs. Some of these recommendations are presented below:
Management Effectiveness Assessment of Protected Areas of Georgia
(WWF, IUCN, 2008):
The Assessment used RAPPAM method and revealed absence of management plans and capacity to
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Actions:
Develop a protected areas management planning guidelines;
Determine status of PA management planning for all PAs; Seek funding for management planning activities;
Partner with international organizations to train PA staff in Conservation Action Planning;
Develop new management plans;
Establish detailed management policy statements that focus on fulfilment of legal mandates;
Update existing plans;
Develop revision schedule as required.
Progress Assessment towards Targets of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas in Georgia
(WWF, 2009):
The Assessment alerts Georgia about its obligation to elaborate management plans for all PAs andrecommends to develop management plans and to implement them.
Assessment of the capacity of the APA within the Feasibility Study for the Caucasus Eco-regional
Conservation Programme, Phase III (KFW, BMZ, 2010):
Study team of the Programme carried out an assessment of the APAs capacity against 35 criteria. Theassessment revealed several strengths and some weaknesses that significantly affect the APAs
capability. According to the assessment, significant weaknesses exist in relation to: skills of managers in
key positions and basic management systems which manifest themselves in various ways including:only 3 out of the 50 PAs have current management plans; the vast majority are being managed without
documented long term objectives and policies.
Training Needs Analysis through the GEF/UNDP project Catalysing Financial Sustainability of
Protected Areas ofstates that Many PAs still do not have management plans or those are out-dated.
E en if the do these plans ha e been de eloped b e ternal e perts and PA staff has little o nership
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Annex IV:
Structure of Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia
For more information about the protected areas of Georgia, please visit:http://apa.gov.ge
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Org chart of the Central Apparatus of APA Typical org chart of the territorial unit, anindividual protected area
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ANNEX V: List of relevant institutions and organizations with short descriptions
Nota bene: this list is by no means exhaustive and represents only a brief overview of partners and stakeholders of protected areas of Georgia.
State organisations
Parliament of Georgia
The Parliament of Georgia decides on the establishment of new PAs and changes to the boundaries, or cancellation, of existing PAs upon a proposal fromthe Government.
Ministry of FinanceThe Ministry of Finance controls the allocation of state budget funds to government organisations. The Ministry represents the Government ininternational financing agreements.
Ministry of Environment Protection (MoEP)
The MoEP is responsible for the development and implementation of environmental policy and legislation in Georgia including biodiversityconservation.The MoEPs agreement is needed to any proposal to establish a new PA or to change the boundaries or cancel an existing PA before the proposal is sent
to other ministries. Units of the Ministrys central apparatus that are especially relevant to the programme are the following:
The Biodiversity Protection Division is responsible for the development and implementation of policy and legislation for biodiversity conservation insideand outside protected areas.
The Department of Environmental Policy and International Relations is responsible for environmental policy development and long-term planning of the
MoEP, as well as liaison with international partners and donors.
Agency of Protected Areas (APA) under the MoEP
The APA is a legal entity of public law under the supervision of the MoEP. The Agencys core functions are: (a) to manage protected areas of IUCNCategories I-IV, and other PAs in cooperation with other institutions; (b) maintaining and supervising PAs; (c) PA system and capacity development
planning, and (d) the development of plans, draft laws and guidelines related to PAs. There are some additional functions, such as the monitoring of rulesestablished by the law, the planning and development of new protected areas, their popularization and the development of ecotourism, as well as the
planning and arrangement of protected area infrastructure. The mandate of the APA is laid down in the Regulation of the Agency of Protected Areas(2008).
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As a legal entity of public law, the APA is entitled to conduct certain economic activities and to collect the revenue of these activities for re-investment inPA system development. One of the sources of such revenues has been ecotourism, and the APA has been actively promoting ecotourism in GeorgianPAs.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (MoESD)
The mission of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is to provide stable and high temps of economic growth with working up and
implementation an effective economic policy.
The government of the country is implementing structural and institutional reforms with aim to provide the most favourable business environment.Consequently, the current economic reforms are targeted at: Liberalization of entrepreneurship activity, creation of favourable, transparent and stable
legislation for private entrepreneurship and attractive business and investment climate. Realization of active privatization process and support tostrengthening of private sector. Liberalization of the sphere of licenses and permits and reform of the system of technical regulation. Economic
deregulation and providing and protection of terms of competition on local market. Development of tourist, transport and communication infrastructureand support to growth of the countrys transit potential. Liberalization of tariffs on import and support to growth of export potential. Rehabilitation and
economic development of the regions of Georgia and post conflict territories.National Tourism Agency
The National Tourism Agency
(the successor to the Department of Tourism and Resorts) under the MoESD is the government organisation responsible for the development andpromotion of tourism in Georgia.
Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MoRDI)
The Mission of the MoRDI is the development and implementation of policy, legislation and planning instruments for the coordinated development of
Georgias regions including their infrastructure. The Ministry also has a key role as a coordination agency for infrastructure development projects. It wasformed in early 2009 only, incorporating some Departments that were earlier under the Ministry for Economic Development.
Ministry of Agriculture: Department of Regional Management
Mission: Within the general mission of the Ministry of Agriculture, the mission of the Department of Regional Management is the implementation ofagricultural policy and the development of agriculture in Georgias regions.
Ministry of Justice
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The functions of the Ministry of Justice include scrutiny of draft laws before they are submitted to the Parliament including laws establishing, cancellingand changing the boundaries of protected areas. The Ministry supervises the National Agency of Public Registry which is responsible for establishing andadministering a registration system for ensuring recognition and protection of immovable property rights by the state.
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR)
The Mission of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is to exploit existing energy and natural resources, to diversify imported energy supply, to
ensure energy safety, to develop alternative energy sources as well as assessment of natural resources and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Italso pursues the long-term goal of meeting the entire demand on electricity by local hydropower resources.
The MoENR is promoting the establishment of small hydropower stations in Georgia, to be financed by investors. This interest extends to some protected
area buffer zones and planned protected areas. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources could play an important role for the promotion of theestablishment of small hydropower stations in these areas. Beyond this, the Ministry could become a partner in piloting new innovative schemes of
energy trade for the benefit of local communities.
Offices of the State Representatives - Governors
State Representatives-Governors have the mission to represent the State at the level of the region (the highest level of regional subdivision in Georgia)and to coordinate policy implementation at the regional and sub-regional level. They are also consulted by municipalities regarding local budgetallocations. Currently the regions are not legally established because the Georgian Constitution foresees establishment of the necessary legislation onlyonce the Georgian State has full jurisdiction over the entire country. Hence, the State Representatives at the regional level are also not legally established,although fulfilling their de-facto role.
The Offices of the State Representative Governors have Departments of Relations with Local Government and Public Organs, which are mainly
responsible for the collaboration with Municipalities. The Offices take part in the decision-making regarding the allocation of state funds andcoordination of donor projects throughout the Region, and support initiatives and activities aimed at the development of the region.
The Offices of the State Representatives Governors can play a strong role as a communication facilitator and advisor to the programme. They should be
represented in consultation and cooperation mechanisms established in the framework of the socio-economic development sub-programmes.
Municipalities
The municipalities are the only tier of representative local government. The elected body is the Sakrebulo; the executive body is the Gamgeoba and isappointed by the Sakrebulo. The election system is such that all villages/settlements of a municipality are represented in its Sakrebulo. The mandate ofSakrebulos is defined by the Organic Law of Georgia on Local Self-governance (2005). The Sakrebulos natural interest is safeguarding local
participation in the decision making on all issues of relevance to the municipalities, including any changes to the PA boundaries and the establishment of
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new PAs, the setup of PA support zones, and the natural resource use regime in the municipalities. At the same time, the Sakrebulo promotes theinterests of the local population.
Municipalities suffer from low funding and are able to provide only minimal services to their residents. In many instances the Sakrebulos have less
political influence than the Gamgebelis (the Gamgebeli is the chief executive of the Gamgeoba). Nevertheless the Sakrebulos of the municipalities in theselected programme areas will be important partners for the programme.
Non-governmental organizations:
Transboundary Joint Secretariat (TJS)
Not a legal entity but operates as form of regional NGO. Financed by German Financial Cooperation. Second phase started in March 2011. Scope of
work includes conceptual support and capacity building in the PA sector. Capacity is low at the present time due to the winding down of the first phase.Second phase will bring substantial funding. Influence in the PA sector will by increased by the local implementation partners (REC Caucasus)
connections to the ministries of environment.
REC Caucasus
Regional NGO founded by the EU and the ministries of environment of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Active in integrated water resourcesmanagement, community forestry, climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, waste management. Will become active in the PA sector as a
partner in the consortium which will implement Phase II of the TJS. Suffered for years from poor management. Changes to structure and staff andinjection of new project funding are helping to turn the organization around but longer term core finding is not assured. Close connections to theministries of environment give the organization significant influence.
WWF Caucasus
Implements projects in the PA sector including creation of new PAs (Borjimi-Kharagauli PA, Mtirala PA). Coordinated the elaboration of the ECPC.Acts as the secretariat of the Caucasus Biodiversity Council (see below) WWF has used its influence to bring substantial funds from donor organizationsinto the PA sector.
Caucasus Biodiversity Council
An informal coordination mechanism that brings together representatives of the governments, NGOs and science and research bodies from the Caucasuscountries to promote and update the ECPC.
IUCN Programme Office for the Southern Caucasus
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Contributes to improving PA management effectiveness through trainings, PA system planning, development of formats for local stakeholderparticipation in PAs.
NACRES (Noahs Ark Centre for the Rescue of Endangered Species)
Carries out research and implements projects in the PA sector. Currently implementing the EU-funded human wildlife conflicts project in Tusheti and
Vashlovani PAs in association with Fauna and Flora International and a component of the
UNDP/GEF
Catalysing Financial Sustainability project in the Tusheti PAs pilot area, also in association with Fauna and Flora International.
CENN
Georgian sustainable development NGO/consultancy with a diverse project portfolio, including communication, participation in small hydropowerdevelopment, advocacy, sustainable land management, EIA.
CUNA Georgica/CWC
Promotion of sustainable natural resource use in Georgia, certification (FairWild) and market chains for wild products.
Elkana
Promotes, implements projects and provides extension services in the fields of sustainable rural development, organic agriculture, rural tourism.
Local NGOs
Smaller NGOs are active in many parts of Georgia and some have the capacity to act as local implementation partners.
Teaching, Science and Research
The main teaching, science and research organisations with an interest in the subject matter of the programme are Ilia State University, Faculty of LifeSciences. Research into the ecology and conservation of Georgian fauna. Field station in Stepantsminda, various research activities in Kazbegi. GeorgianAcademy of Sciences, Institute of Botany. Botanical Research, regional coordination of Caucasus Plant Red List Assessment, to be finalized in 2010.
Communities adjacent to PAs
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Generally communities have few opportunities to participate in the management of PAs and they are not organised and capacitated to exploit whateveropportunities are given to them to influence PA management.
Seasonal livestock herders
Seasonal livestock herders use pastures in PAs for grazing. The impacts of their natural resource use and the impacts of PA establishment and
management on their livelihoods will need to be taken into account during programme implementation.
Private Sector
Private tourism service providers include companies who sell package and custom tours, providers of outdoor activities (e.g. horse riding, rafting,mountain biking, hotels and family run guest houses. The Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) is an umbrella organization of Georgian tourism
operators. GTA has a 28 business membership and is active in the fields of destination promotion, capacity building and training. The associationinitiated cooperation with the APA regarding the development of sustainable tourism in 2008, and has since been involved in marketing, trail marking
and education activities in various PAs of Georgia, in collaboration with APA and local stakeholders
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