Workshop for the representatives of PAs in Borjomi

On December 9-12, 2013, with the initiative of Transboundary Joint Cooperation, workshop for the representatives of the Protected Areas of Georgia and Azerbaijan (particularly Borjomi-Kahargauli NP, Yalama NP and Zakatala-Balakend State Reserve) was held in Borjomi.

Borjomi-Kaharagauli National Park is the very first protected area in Georgia to become a PAN-Park (the European wilderness protection organization) Network member in 2007 and since that, significant number of investments have been made by the German Government for the improved management and better development of the Park. For these outstanding reasons Borjomi-Kaharaguli National Park was selected as a best appropriate place for the workshop to be carried out.

During the event participants had a possibility to share their experiences in the fields of development of PAs, management and conservation issues, get acquainted with the international standards and adapting them on the local level considering the real situation and possibilities of the mentioned areas. The participants of the workshop also visited the nearby buffer zone and had a chance to meet the local community members whose improved socio-economical conditions are one of the tasks to be carried out according to the management plan of all National Parks in general.

Such kinds of workshops are very important in terms of developing transboundary cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan and is leading to the improved collaborative relationship among the parks to be developed more effectively.