Georgian Agency of Protected Areas Joins Europarc

Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas has announced that it is joining Europarc, Europe’s primary network for natural and cultural heritage. A ceremony was held yesterday at the Biltmore Hotel in Tbilisi to announce the membership. Michael Hosek, an elected Europarc council member, presented the certificate to the Vice-President of the Agency of Protected Areas.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili, remarked on the agency’s ascension, saying “From now on, Georgian protected areas will be presented next to Europe’s best protected areas and this fact will play an important role in promoting the protected areas of Georgia throughout Europe and the world.”

The Europarc Federation includes 36 member countries and hundreds of protected areas. It is an umbrella organization of European Protected Areas and is recognized worldwide as the professional network for national parks and nature reserves.

Discussing the importance of joining the federation, Davitashvili said that "Nature lovers are better acquainted with the unique biodiversity of Georgia's protected areas. It is very important that we are able to actively cooperate with other members of the federation, sharing the best experience and knowledge.”

The Agency of Protected Areas joined Europarc with the support of the Czech Embassy, WWF-Caucasus Office, TJS and KFW. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, international donor organizations, and media representatives.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: National Agency of Protected Areas