Protected Areas Friends Association supporting conservation of the unique forest ecosystems in Georgia

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by Irakli Goradze, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Machakhela National Park

Irakli Tabatadze

When the Machakhela National Park was established in 2014 here was a significant level of misunderstanding, mistrust and opposition by local communities to the NP and to any actions in the valley that were perceived as restricting existing land use and livelihoods. It was identified that the locally based NGO could play an important role in promoting the PAs, building local community and PA collaboration and in addressing development priorities for both the PAs and local populations. The Mtirala and Machakhela Friends Association was established in 2016 and has been undertaking a variety of activities to build PA/Local Community relationships and collaboration ranging from Junior and Community Ranger Programs, organization of ecological visits by outside schools, tourism promotion, and application/implementation of local development projects with donor funds. Particular efforts were focused on functional capacity building of the Friends Association and ensuring its sustainability.

Last update: 21 Apr 2022

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Context

Challenges addressed

Land and Forest degradation

Loss of Biodiversity

Conflicting uses / cumulative impacts

Ecosystem loss

Lack of alternative income opportunities

Lack of public and decision maker’s awareness

Poor governance and participation

Scale of implementation

Subnational

Ecosystems

Temperate deciduous forest

Theme

Biodiversity mainstreaming

Connectivity / transboundary conservation

Protected and conserved areas governance

Sustainable livelihoods

Local actors

Protected and conserved areas management planning

Outreach & communications

Culture

World Heritage

Location

Machakhela National Park, Khelvachauri, Georgia

East Europe

Impacts

Key initiatives supported by the FA’s included establishing Community Rangers and Junior Rangers in both NP’s.

The Community Ranger project selected and worked with 7 representatives from 5 buffer zone communities; They have received training on biodiversity monitoring; collected field data was analysed and used by the NP administration.

The Junior Rangers projects covered 9 schools from the villages near 2 protected areas, involving 120 schoolchildren; They participated in 14 eco-education tours in different protected areas of Georgia; attended project writing training, developed small grant projects and received funding.

These projects were very popular among locals and have greatly contributed to raising environmental awareness of youth and developing change of attitude of the community members towards the Protected areas to positive side.

To ensure sustainability of provided support and continue Junior Rangers initiative, in each of nine school’s eco-clubs were established. Both NP administrations and FA continue cooperation and provision of necessary support to the eco-clubs.

Strategy and Financing Plan - a mid to long term strategic plan was developed to provide the Friends Association with a roadmap and guidance to its staff on how to achieve its mandate and at same time become financially self-sustaining, while not compromising FA's core mandate and objectives.