2019-05-01

As Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated at today's presentation of the biodiversity restoration program, the restoration and development of the Krtzanisi Forest Park is starting.

In the 1960s, the Head of Government emphasized, the key idea behind the Krtzanisi Forest Park development was to preserve biodiversity and enhance public awareness about environmental principles.

However, in the recent decades, the greenery here has diminished drastically due to negligence, the Prime Minister added.

"The irresponsible policy implemented for years, ignoring the principles of environmental protection, has brought us face-to-face with a difficult reality, and we are struggling against the outcomes of this irresponsible policy to this day. A few months ago, we announced our priorities, with clear emphasis on green policy and green economy as its constituent part. We, on a daily basis, are trying to emphasize environmental protection as a priority in every initiative. Caring for afforestation is the duty of every Georgian citizen. That is our declared goal that enjoys our special attention. Today, we are launching a far-reaching project that is poised to make both us and future generations proud. We are about to restore and develop the Krtzanisi Forest Park. We will create a genuine natural museum here to feature not only local flora and fauna, but also plants from the Red List. It is very important in terms of preserving and protecting biodiversity in this gorgeous region," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.

At the same time, the natural function of the Krtzanisi Forest Park will be restored to serve as a recreation area connecting Tbilisi and Rustavi, one open to all. Restrictions will apply to transport, namely only pedestrians, bikes, and electric cars will be allowed.

"I believe that, alongside human capital development, Georgia's greatest potential lies within green economy development and ecotourism, and that will be our declared priority to be implemented in practice through concrete projects. I express my gratitude to everyone who, despite numerous obstacles throughout these years, has preserved the Krtzanisi Forest Park for us to restore and enhance the biodiversity of this spellbinding destination," Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasized.

The presentation of the biodiversity restoration program was held by Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili. According to the Minister, two agencies of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture: the Environmental Information and Education Center and the National Wildlife Agency will be housed in the park in the future.

Prime Minister's Press Office