Within the framework of the "Save the Nature - Georgia" project, a draft document on the concept of the protected areas was discussed during the consultation meeting.

The representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, related agencies of the Ministry, and experts from international and non-governmental organizations, within the project "Save the Nature - Georgia", discussed the draft document of the concept of protected areas at the second consulting meeting. The mentioned project is implemented by the Ministry with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency from 2021.

The concept document was prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. After discussing the draft version of the document, interested parties presented their opinions and comments, which were discussed during the second consultation meeting.

According to Karlo Amirgulashvili, the head of the Biodiversity and Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the mentioned concept document will be the key document of the policy of protected and other conservation areas in Georgia.

"The concept of protected areas of Georgia will significantly contribute to the refinement of protected areas’ legislation, it will harmonize legal standards with the relevant European and international law, which will contribute to improving the management and governance of protected areas", stated the Deputy Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, Toma Dekanoidze.

The project - "Save the Nature - Georgia" aims to protect, preserve, and restore biodiversity and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry and its agencies.