Fuelwood alternative: introduction of solar water heater significantly reduces the usage of fuelwood and raises the comfort level. Many households switched to solar water heaters after its piloting by project
Irakli Goradze
Addressing specific concerns of local communities, associated with establishment of Machakhela National Park (MNP)
Fuelwood alternative: introduction of biomass fuel (hazelnut shells). After its testing by the project in 2016, the number of biomass fuel users is increasing every year.
Energy Efficiency Center of Georgia
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation measures: installation of electric fences. After its successful piloting by the project, the municipality has initiated the state supported program of wider introduction of electric fences in HWC affected areas
Irakli Goradze
Human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures: el. fence charger installed in local household
Irakli Goradze
Human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures: promotion of livestock insurance
Irakli Goradze
Establishment of the National park had some specific impact on the communities living in the valley, such as limitation of access to the fuelwood and aggravation of human-wildlife conflict.
The classic approach used by the PA system to address both scenarios would be based on control and penalization of illegal activities. However, the project approach was to try to address the root cause of the issues and thus reduce the basis for conflict between the MNP and local communities.
In the fuelwood case, the project has initiated activities that try to reduce overall demand though increased efficiency of use and fuelwood alternatives. In close consultation with local households, the project assessed potential alternatives, practically tested and demonstrated the chosen options with households, and on that basis disseminated results and encouraged replication.
Likewise, in the case of human/wildlife conflict issue, the project approach was to test methods to mitigate the problem by assessing the situation and testing approaches that are selected after an evaluation of practicality and feasibility.
In both cases, a key aspect was the direct involvement of the MNP Administration so that they can become seen as part of the solution to local households problems, rather than a cause.
- Availability of competent organizations with specific knowledge and experience to perform feasibility surveys and assessment of alternatives
- Openness of the MNP Administration to engage practically in support of household initiatives, such as support provided to households in bulk buying of hazelnut shells used as a fuelwood alternative.
- Introduction of alternative solutions should be promoted and prioritized in regional and national forestry, protected areas, rural development and climate change mitigation/adaption strategies and plans. All relevant actors, particularly the PA administrations, forestry agencies, municipalities, NGOs and donor institutions should promote the greater awareness, demonstration and facilitation of the uptake of appropriate solutions due to the multiple benefits they provide.
- Involvement of the private sectors (retailers of relevant equipment, relevant local/national workshops and producers, maintenance providers, etc) will be important in ensuring that economic barriers to the uptake of alternative solutions are minimized
- Introduction and promotion of alternatives should be based on factual knowledge and understanding of the concrete “real life” needs and opportunities of rural households, if they are to have any likelihood of sustained uptake and impact. Consultation with target communities and feasibility assessment should therefore be essential prerequisites of any such initiatives