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Delimitation of Oni District’s State Forest Fund
into Protected Areas and Commercial Forests
Final Report
SUMMARY
From 1998 with support and assistance of the World Bank and the government of Japan, as
well as with active participation of international consultants the State Department of Forestry of
Georgia started implementation of the project on “Development of the Forestry Sector of
Georgia”. The purpose of the project is to promote sustained development of forest, which
implies conservation and protection of forests, as well as ensuring adequate management of
forest resources, which in it’s turn shall enhance social-economic and ecological conditions of
the country.
Within the framework of the above-mentioned project started elaboration and
implementation of pilot projects on the territories of the Central Caucasus. The region, which
expands on 7430 square kilometers is comprising Oni, Ambrolauri, Tsageri, Lentekhi and Mestia
administrative regions, or three administrative districts, namely: Racha, Lechkumi and Svaneti.
In July 28, 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia adopted an important resolution
No447 on “Promotion of establishment of the system of protected areas in Georgia and creation
of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park”. The above-mentioned resolution served as a basis for
establishment of a new system of protected areas in Georgia. Based on the resolution of the
Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia the following was resolved: To establish the system of protected
areas on the territory of the Central Caucasus and other regions of Georgia within temporary
boundaries. The above resolution provided legal basis for carrying out of planning activities,
related to establishment of protected areas on the territory of the Central Caucasus, namely
Racha and Oni regions. These activities will be carried out by the Georgian Protected Areas
Development Center with the support of the WB.
The decision of the World Bank to start implementation of the forestry development
project and protected areas development project and to use for these purposes the Central
Caucasus area for implementation of pilot projects (or, in other words to announce this area as
laboratory zone) was caused by the fact, that given region is outstanding for its ecological and
bio diversity and reveals economic potential of natural resources of our country.
During implementation of the project-related activities with the purpose of avoiding mutual
overlapping of protected areas, territories of agricultural designation and areas of economic
activities, as well as with the purpose of promotion of carrying out of inventory works in
adequate manner and in time was decided to regulate delimitation of Oni region forests. Namely,
was decided to delimitate Oni region state forest fund into protected areas and commercial
forests.
Starting from August 1, 2002 till October 30, 2002 with assistance of the World Bank and
within the framework of the forestry sector development project a team, specially created for this
purposes carried out works, related to Oni region state forest fund into protected areas and
commercial forests.
The group was lead, coordinated and supervised by Doctor of biological sciences professor
Tengiz Japaridze. With purpose of achieving set objectives members of the working group were
given corresponding assignments.
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Menabde David (taxator) – Obtaining quantative and qualitative data about the forest fund.
Studying the demands on forest resources in the region. Identifying the optimal amount of the
use of Forest resources. Providing recommendations about allotting territories of the commercial
forest fund.
Mikaberidze Avtandil (forest engineer) working out the criteria for allotting plots of land on
protected areas and working out recommendations for allotting and on the above said territories;
obtaining corresponding normative and legislative documents.
Darchiashvili George (Zoologist) determining the endangered species of fauna and defining the
areas of their habitation. Determining the hunting species. Making recommendations for
allotting land on the protected territories and setting up hunting management.
Lolua Genrietta (landscape specialist). The evaluation of the landscape of the given territory and
recommendations for allotting land to the protected territories.
Shetekauri Shamil (botanist). Determining the area of relict, endemic, rare, valuable and
medicinal plants and their present condition, making recommendations for allotting the lands to
protected and /or to commercial territories.
Geladze Avtandil (expert on legislation). Determining the legislative bases for the setting up
protected areas and commercial territories in the region under research, familiarizing the nongovernmental and public organizations and the population with the activities mentioned above,
accepting proposals, recommendations and reaching the consensus.
The Main Stages of the Project Implementation
August 1, 2002 starting date of the project.
August 2-11, 2002 – preparatory stage before field work.
August 12-September 30, 2002 – Field visits.
October 10, 2002 –presenting the preliminary report.
October 11-20, 2002 – Preliminary discussion of the report.
October 31 2002 –Presenting the final report.
The group members coordinated with each other field work routes and selected them
accordingly.
1. Shovi-Ghurshevi-Mamisoni
22km
2. Shovi-Bebistskali gorge up to the Alpine meadows 8km
3. Shovi-Glola-Saglolo- Boqos tskali
12 km
4. Shovi-Chiora-Ghebi-Brili (territory of the former tourist station)
5. Shovi-Gona gorge
6. Shovi Chiora mountain
7. Shovi-Notsarula ravine
8. Shovi – Udsera –Gomi- adjusted territories
9. Oni-Ghari-Kvelistba
10. Oni-Khideshlebi-Partoveli
11. Oni-Iri-Tsedisi
12. Oni- Gadamshi
13. Oni-Bari_Mtiskalo-Shkmeri
14. Oni-Chordi-Bajikhevi- Lesora
15. Oni-Chalisghele
25 km
25 km
16 km
10 km
18 km
15 km
16 km
10 km
25 km
30 km
25 km
10 km.
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After distribution of functions within the members of the working group were obtained all
relevant documents, legislative and normative acts and materials related to researches carried out
during several previous years.
The Laws of Georgia in the Sphere of Environmental Protection.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The law of Georgia on Protected Areas, March 7, 1996.
The Forest Code of Georgia, June 22, 1999.
The Law of Georgia on Environmental Protection, December 10, 1996.
The Law of Georgia on the Wildlife, December 26, 1996.
The Law of Georgia on Protection of Soil, May 12, 1996.
The Law of Georgia on Minerals, May 17, 1996.
The Law of Georgia on Water resources, November 25, 1997.
The Law of Georgia on Resorts and Establishment of Sanitary Protection Zones, March 20,
1998.
9. The Law of Georgia on Protection of Atmosphere, June 22, 1999.
10. The Law of Georgia on Protection of Cultural Heritage.
Relevant international conventions and agreements, regulating the sphere of
environmental protection to which Georgia has become a party.
1. Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on “Climatic Changes”,
adopted in October 27, 1994.
2. Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on “Protection of
Biodiversity”, adopted in April 21, 1994.
3. Resolution No2141-III of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention of the
United Nations on “Struggle against Desertification”, adopted in June 23, 1999.
4. Resolution No524 of the President of Georgia on ratification of convention on “International
Trade with Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna”, adopted in August 12, 1996.
5. Resolution No155-III of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on
“Accessibility of information related to the sphere of environmental protection to public,
participation of public in decision-making processes and accessibility of relevant judicial
information”, adopted in February 11, 2000.
Reports prepared within the framework of Oni region forestry sector development project:
1.draft of Oni region land usage plan (1998-99).
2. Sectoral assessment of environment of the laboratory zone. (2001).
3. Social assessment of the laboratory zone. (2000).
4. Landscape –ecological study of Oni region carcass for the purposes of zoning and
forest management. (2000 ).
The group elaborated following procedures for delimitation of territories:
1. Provision of information related to delimitation works to regional
authorities and local population.
2. Coordination of delimitation works and selected routes with local
population.
3. Field-visit to selected sites and routes using results and data of previous
research and with assistance of local population.
4. Coordination of analysis of field visit results and routes with local
population.
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5. Processing (analysis) of data, obtained through field-visits, identification
and comparison of obtained materials with current normative and legal
acts and other regulations.
6. Identification of demand and needs of local population in regard to forest
resources and definition of sources of supply.
7. Comparison of all data and materials, related to delimitation activities in
Oni region, taking into consideration proposals of members of the team;
Planning of delimitation of territories of Oni region into commercial and
protected areas.
8. Provision of information on results of delimitation plan to local
population.
9. Consideration of proposals provided by local population in regard to usage
of forest resources and making corrections to the draft of delimitation
plan.
10. Coordination of delimitated territories with local population at community
meetings and preparation of legal basis in the form of protocols of
community and local self-government meetings.
11. Coordination of plans on delimitation of Oni region territories with
regional authorities and representatives of public; consideration of
proposals and their coordination with regional authorities; conducting of
meetings with local authorities and preparation of protocols of meetings.
12. Coordination of delimitation activities with the Forest Sector
Development Center and submission of delimitation
plans to
stakeholders, environmental organizations and non-governmental
organizations.
13. Taking into consideration of proposal provided by environmental
organizations and non-governmental organizations.
14. On the basis of finalized and coordinated plan on delimitation activities of
Oni region territories preparation of draft of the decree of the State
Department of Forestry on “Delimitation of borders of state forests on the
territories of Oni region”.
During the next stage was identified demand of local population and of the region on the whole
for forest resources (construction materials, fire-wood, hey and other non-timber resources);
also, quoits of timber resources were defined, based on which relevant conclusions were derived.
According to census, conducted in 2002 in Oni region live 3532 households, which are 9228
persons. On the basis of surveys, conducted in the region here permanently live 2593
households, practically by 1000 household less, than officially registered. This is caused by the
fact, that population migrates depending on the season. For purposes of cooking and heating
population uses firewood. Firewood is also used for heating of schools, kindergartens, healthcare
facilities, local administration, catering facilities and etc. Also, shepherds use firewood for
heating and cooking. If on average each household uses 9m3 of firewood, then annual
consumption of the region shall amount to 23340m3. Consumption of timber for construction of
houses, stalls, fences, and etc, per year per capita is 1m3 on average, consequently, annual
consumption shall be 2590m3. Total demand for timber shall be 25930 m3. The above mentioned
resources can be obtained in Oni region forestries. On the basis of current normative act annual
forest usage here amounts to 30 000 cubic meters. As to hayfields and pastures, they occupy
only 1% of Oni region state forest fund territories and thus are not used so intensively. Other
non-timber resources (such as mushrooms, berries, medicinal herbs and etc) do not represent
great commercial value and are mainly utilized for local consumption of population.
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On the basis of materials obtained from different sources and analysis of current legal and
normative acts the multisectoral team prepared draft plan fro delimitation of Oni region
territories into protected areas and territories of commercial designation. Following principles
were used as a basis for the above mentioned:
-
Territories occupied by protected areas should be large and compact.
Assignment of territories for protected areas should be carried out in such manner, that is
shall comply with conditions set forth in regard to establishment of transboundary and
inter-regional systems.
- Protected areas should include primordial and less damaged territories, where impact of
anthropogenic factors is less pronounced.
- Protected areas should possess high aesthetic and recreational values and be outstanding
for their landscape and biological diversity.
- Assigning of territories for protected areas should not have negative impact on socialeconomic conditions of a region.
At the first stage of work of the multi-disciplinary group in Oni region was held a general
meeting with participation of local authorities, where the group had presented its working plan
and explained, that the purpose of their work was delimitation of forest fund into protected areas
and territories, assigned for conducting of economic activities. Representatives of local
population and foreign experts attended the meeting. The general meeting unanimously approved
of establishment of protected areas and definition of territories for commercial activities. At the
next stage started implementation of works on delimitation of forest. At this stage were held
meetings with representatives of population of villages Ghebi, Glola, Chiora and Utsera. At this
meetings population provided their comments and recommendations, which were taken into
consideration during definition of borders and corresponding amendments were made. Consent
of population on assigning of territories for establishment of protected areas was reflected in
protocols of the held meetings.
Comments provided by local population were basically the following:
Not to include into protected areas southern slopes of Shoda-Kedela and Urosdonikoni, as
those territories are adjoining to settled areas and traditionally were territories, utilized by local
population. These forests previously belonged to collective farm fund. They are quite modified
by now and degraded. Taking into consideration all the above mentioned final draft of the plan
was elaborated.
In Oni region total area, occupied by state forest fund is 69689 ha, to which was added
previously unregistered 998 ha, consequently, and now total area of state forest fund is 70687 ha.
In cooperation with local population were defined borders of protected areas, which now occupy
26681 ha, which is 37,7% of Oni region forest fund. Total area of Oni region is 135900 ha, of
which protected areas occupy 19,6%.
Protected areas of the state forest fund of Oni region include part of Mountain Racha and
adjoining regions, where villages Ghebi, Chiori, Glola and Utsera are situated. There are
following forestry farms on given territories; Ghebi forestry – 6603 ha; Shovi forestry – 6546
ha; Chiori forestry – 9086 ha; Major part of Utsera forestry – 3908 ha; Forestry farm formerly
belonging to Java region (Gurshevi) and other forest covered areas – 538 ha. Total area of Oni
region protected territory amounts to 26681 ha. On the north to the protected areas border
territories of Russian Federation, on the east these territories partially border with Russian
Federation and another part borders with Java region; On the west is situated Lentekhi and
Ambrolauri regions and on the south are located communities of Gobi, Sakao and Utsera. Oni
region protected areas forest fund is clearly delimitated and it is situated along watershed of the
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Caucasus and reaches Fasi Mountain, goes towards Koza-khokhi glacier (up to 3568,3 meters of
altitude). From this point the border of protected areas goes towards west and lies over left bank
of river Chanchakhi, then to Ursdonikomi ridge, goes along the ridge and at the point of 1763,0
meters goes down to river Rioni and Gomrula watershed, reaching the pint of 1526,0 goes down
to river Rioni again and lies along left bank of Beghlora spring, reaching the bridge. From here
the border goes over the top of the mountain Dedakvni and Shoda-Kedela ridge, then crosses the
right bank of river Rioni and lies over Sakao and Lechkumi ridges, after which joins Fasi
mountain.
Delimitation of protected areas shall not have negative impact on satisfying demands of
local population for timber resources, as on the territory of Oni region protected areas were
planned following forest-farming measures: thinning on 69 ha, where amount of timber to be cut
is 820m3. In accordance with requirements of the Forest Code of Georgia on the territories of
protected areas implementation of thinning is restricted. Restriction of this activity in the forests
of Oni region shall not affect greatly social-economic development of the region, as amount of
timber is not substantial. As to provision of timber resources to local population, sanitary cutting
is allowed. Total amount of timber, obtained per year though sanitary cutting shall be 6000m 3. In
future, while elaboration of forest management plans in the Central Caucasus must be taken into
consideration, that demand of local population for timber should be satisfied by special cutting.
Already established protected areas are targeted at preservation and restoration of unique,
rare and representational ecosystems, plant and animal species and monuments of nature, as
mountain massifs, represented in such territories are dynamic and unstable, which causes
development of various cessation processes of plant species. Certain segments of mountain
massifs are isolated, which causes high level of local endemism. As a result of outstanding
mosaic character of natural conditions and contrast in temperature, illumination, humidity, winds
and snow cover at a relatively small territory can be represented various natural communities.
Racha Caucasus and Shoda-Kedela ridges are characterized by unique geological and physicogeorgraphical forms, crystal and volcanic layers belonging to different periods, solid mineral
resources, glacial forms and other outstanding characteristics, which need special protection.
Because part of Mountainous Racha is remote and not easily accessible, represented ecosystems
are practically not affected by human activities and thus are under less strain, than territories and
ecosystems, which are more easily accessible.
As a result of the above mentioned the territory of Racha and especially highlands (12004000 m) is quite unique for its variety of floral species. In Racha are represented over 504
species, 201 classes and 64 categories of different plant species. Flora of Racha-Lechkumi is
represented by 272 different endemic species, characteristic for Georgia. Out of those, 225 are
endems, characteristic only for Oni region, which makes 82% of species, represented in RachaLechkumi region. Vertical zonality is clearly pronounced here, as we can see forest, sub-alpine,
alpine and subnival zones. On these territories we can see evergreen underbrush and dark
coniferous forests, which is generally typical for Kolkheti. Also, here we can come across
broadleaf forests. These territories are extremely valuable from the point of floral diversity,
which is retained due to mosaic character of landscapes and their inaccessibility. In these forests
are represented various species of mammals and birds, some of which are entered into the Red
Book, as well as IUSN lists. Oni region is extremely interesting from the point of view of
landscape diversity. There are 10 different categories of landscapes in the Region, out of which 7
are in the allocated protected territories of the Forest Fund, which contain 20 different types of
landscapes. These landscapes are characterized by high ecological, aesthetic and recreational
value. On these territories are located such famous climatic-balneological resorts, as Utsera and
Shovi. Approximately 20% of the territory is retained in its primordial state. The above fact
accounts for high scientific, educational and recreational value of the above mentioned
territories.
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One of the chief components, which make Oni region territories extremely outstanding and
valuable, are forest of the region. Dendroflora of Racha highlands (1000-2500) is represented by
32 different categories of species, 11 classes and 17 sub-classes. Out of 32 categories of species
12 are endemic species. Into the Red Book of Georgia are entered following bark species,
represented in Oni region: Chestnut, Teak, sea-buckthom, Hornbeam. In high mountains of
Racha (over 1200-1800m) are represented Beech, Fir, Beech and Fir mixed forests, as well as
Fir, Beech and Spruce mixed forests. Out of forest categories, defined by the Forest Code of
Georgia in Oni region are represented the following: 1. Resort forests (11638 ha); 2. Soil
protection and water-regulating forests (15043 ha), major part of which are subject to strict
protective regime. To the strict protective regime are also subject the following:
1. 300m wide forest zones, adjoining to sub-alpine meadows;
2. Forests, located on slopes of high inclination (over 350);
3. Stands, which represent recreational value and stands, where grow endemic species, or
species, entered into the Red Book.
4. Forests, adjoining to rivers, gorges and habitual routes of landslides and avalanches.
5. Forests, adjoining to resorts, mineral springs and recreational zones.
In Oni region primordial forests are mainly represented on the outskirts of Utsera.(6000
ha).
Forests, represented on these territories are characterized by maximum quantity of bark
resources, summary (aggregate) phytomass, high landscape-ecological and recreational value.
Consequently it can be concluded, that forests of Oni region are rich with biodiversity and have
high potential due to rich natural resources. The above-mentioned qualities make these forests
especially valuable and to these territories must be allotted the status of the protected areas.
Rich biodiversity, large number of primordial territories and contrast character of
landscapes makes Racha region extremely interesting from the point of view of fauna diversity.
Out of mammals here are spread such species, as Rupicapra rupicara, Capreolus capreolus, Ursus
artos, Canis lupus, Lunx lunx, Lytra lytra, Vulres vulres and etc. Lunx is entered into the Red
Book of Georgia. It deserves mentioning that two species of Capra, inhabiting eastern and
western Georgia, namely Capra cylindricornis and Capra caucasica are entered into the IUCN
lists. In Racha highlands Capra inhabits southern slopes of the Caucasus, from Mamisoni ridge
to river Rioni (Pasi Mountain), as well as Lechkumi and Shoda ridges. On Racha Caucasus and
other mountains, which take their beginning from the Caucasus ridge habitat for Capra is
extremely favorable and people call these places “Capra places”. They are the following: Edena,
Goribolo, Zofkhito, Kirtisho, Notsara, Chichkvis Chrdili, Buba, Fanjari and Shoda Golora. In
late fall and winter period (November, December, January and February) major part of Capra
population moves to upper part of forests and during extremely severe winters they prefer to
come to forests, situated on the middle part of the mountains, as it is easier to find food for
existence. In Racha Caucasus are spread different endemic species of birds, some of which are
entered into the Red Book of Georgia and IUCN lists.
With the purpose of ensuring adequate protection of above mentioned animals and birds it
is extremely important to ensure protection of their natural habitat, migration routes and paths
leading to water. It must be stated, that territories, located in the upper part of river Rioni, and
territories, adjoining to Edeni glacier and Pasi mountain can be considered as extremely
important from ecological point of view, because they are practically beginning of ecological
corridors. At the same time it must be noted, that these are territories, where Racha and Svaneti
ridges are connected with Lechkumi, Shoda-Kedela and Lukhuni ridges.
Orographic and geological structure of mountainous Racha region determines existence of
interesting minerals and mineral objects (quartz minerals of Shoda-Kedela ridge). The abovementioned sites, due to their scientific-educational and cultural importance deserve special
protection and usage for demonstration purposes.
In the gorge of the region at several places can be seen gigantic blocs of glacial and moraine
periods, which can be considered as monuments of dead nature.
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In Oni region in Mountain Racha part are located two resort. They are: 1. Village Utsera
(1050 meters above the sea level), which is important climatic-balneological resort. This place is
characterized by moderately cold winters (average temperature in January is -50) and long warm
summer (average temperature in August is 170). Annual precipitation is 1400 mm. medicinal
features: liver and gastroenterological diseases. Season: May –October.
2. Shovi (1600 meters above the sea level), which is important balneological resort. It is
characterized by cold winters (average temperature in January is -60) and chilly summer (average
temperature in August is 100). Medicinal features: Mountain climate and carbon-hydrocarbon
mineral springs, which have curative effect on such diseases, as respiratory, gastroenteorological,
bilious tract, lymphadenitis, and others, Season: June-October.
It must be stated that resort forests in the Central Caucasus are represented only on the territory
of these two resorts. These forests ensure stability of climate and sustainability of debit of
medicinal-mineral water resources.
Due to the above mentioned qualities of forests of Mountain Racha and adjacent territories
have high recreational value. One of the tasks of the management of protected areas is protection
of recreational sites and ensuring of their sustainable usage, which implies adherence to
requirements of protective forest-usage regime, applicable to given territories.
Protected areas are mainly situated on steep slopes of mountains and areas, of formation of
mudslide, consequently, soil of these areas is in need of special protection. At the same time,
eroded areas need restoration through utilization of landscape-adapted methods. Primeval forests
carry out soil-protection, water-regulation and soil-formation functions, consequently, it is not
advisable to utilize these forests for commercial purposes, as in the event of intensive cutting of
forests, situated on steep slopes forests quite quickly loose the above-mentioned functions. In the
forest, lying close to villages Ghebi and Chiori areas are substantially damaged due to
unregulated grazing of cattle. Here erosion processes are clearly pronounced and with purpose of
restoration of these areas special measures need to be planned and implemented, as without such
intervention natural restoration is not expected.
In primeval forests fallen trees jam certain areas, thus blocking flow of surface water and
protect soil from washing out. In mountainous Racha 70-80% of forests are situated on steep
slopes, where with purpose of ensuring adequate protection of soil cutting of timber for
commercial purposes is restricted and these forests can not be used for commercial purposes.
In Oni region are represented 36 monuments of history, which functionally and
compositionally are quite well merged with the surrounding environment. These monuments
have cultural, religious, scientific and ritual value. Out of the above mentioned 36 monuments 10
are located on the territories of protected areas, or near them.
On the territory of Mountain Racha exist remnants of ancient settlements, belonging to the
middle of the Bronze Age or antique period (Gona, Brili). Main activity of population, living on
that territory during ancient period was production of utensils and different articles from bronze.
The protected area, established on the territory of Mountain Racha is bordering with
Russian federation on its northwest part, where on the territory of Russian Federation is situated
Kabardo-Balkaria state reserve. Total area of the reserve is 74099ha. On the north and northeast
part of the protected area is situated north Osethia reserve, which was established in 1967 and its
total area is 28999ha. Establishment of transboundary protected areas in the Central Caucasus
shall promote protection of habitats and migration areas of mammals and birds and their
reproduction. Ecological tourism, educational activities, sharing of information, joint efforts at
restriction of poaching should be promoted. In this regard in future in the Central Caucasus is
envisaged establishing of a united system of transboundary protected areas, including Oni region
protected area.
On the basis of analysis of thematic maps it becomes obvious, that on the territories of
protected areas are represented most valuable forest resources. Thus, depending on the category
of landscapes volume of timber, aggregate phytomass and grass phytomass is substantial. Also,
on the territories of protected areas are represented landscapes, which are most valuable from
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landscape-aesthetic and recreational points of view, as here is represented large number of
primordial landscapes, sub-alpine forests (300 meter wide zones), steep slopes and cliffs.
Upon incentive of the team, responsible for implementation of activities, in works, related
to delimitation of Oni region territories into protected areas and commercial forests were
participating representatives of public, governmental and non-governmental organizations, local
population, and representatives of forestry farms and environmental protection organizations and
structures. Taking into consideration proposals and recommendations of the above mentioned,
forest areas were delimitated into protected areas and commercial forests. Also, areas of special
functional status were identified. The above mentioned delimitation was approved by local
bodies of government and self-government at the meeting of community and above-mentioned
organs (see attached protocols of the meetings).
During the expedition and while selecting the routes and conducting the field visits the
multisectoral group was assisted by local population. Local population also assisted with
provision of accommodation, transport, served as guides and etc. During delimitation of areas
main consideration was paid to the needs of local population in regard to timber resources.
As to provision of status of protected areas to Mountain Racha territories, this issue is
coordinated with population of Ghebi, Glola, Chiora and Utsera (see attached protocols of the
community meetings). Relevant resolutions contain indication of areas, where usage of timber
shall be allowed.
Our response we have covered cooperation with local population, public hearings,
meetings with specialists, local authorities, local bodies of government and self-government and
NGOs. The draft of the report, prepared by the team was submitted to the Ministry of
Environment of Georgia, the State Department of Protected Areas and Hunting farms, The State
Department of Forestry, The Institute of Mountain Forestry, The State Agrarian University, The
Botanic Garden of Tbilisi, the Forestry Project, the NGO Green Alternative, the Protected Areas
Development Center and Oni region local government.
The above mentioned organizations have in general approved the project and have
provided their opinion and conclusions in written form. Recommendations were taken into
consideration in the process of preparation of final version of the document. (Total number of
protocols: 14 protocols of meetings of representatives of local communities and local
government and 4 protocols of meetings of regional authorities and organizations. The protocols
are kept in the forestry Development Center).
On the basis of the above mentioned documents the State Department of Forestry
elaborated a decree on “Delimitation of Oni region state forest fund into protected areas and
areas of commercial designation” (April, 2003).
In accordance with resolution No1 of Oni region self-government on “Establishment of protected
zones on the territory of some of the communities of Oni region”, adopted in March 28, 2002,
was decided to establish protected zones in certain territories. Based on the above resolution
team, which was authorized to carry out delimitation of Oni region forests into protected areas
and commercial forests in August-September of current year in collaboration with local
population and representatives of public organizations visited territories, listed in the above
mentioned resolution and came to decision, that areas, of special functional designation shall be
established on the territories of Ghari, Shkmera, and Sori sakrebulos. Sori was included on the
list, as part of this territory is a resort zone, and the above decision complies with the
requirements of Resolution No669 of the President of Georgia on “Approval of the list of resorts
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and resort zones of Georgia”, adopted in November 30, 1998. In this region is located resort
Skhefuri, where was decided to establish the zone of special functional designation. This status
may be allotted to areas, where are located resorts, mineral waters and etc. On the territory of
village Shkmera is unique relief, which is characterized by karstic depression and plateau with
caves, grottos and other forms. Consequently, it was decided to allot this area to zones of special
functional designation. On the territory of village Ghari are represented valuable forests, located
on steep slopes (over 350 of inclination).
On the territories of Tsedisi and Utsera sakrebulos (local bodies of self-government) are
represented hunting areas, formation of which is regulated by the law of Georgia on Wildlife and
the Forest Code. Territories, belonging to Ghebi sakrebulo are within the scope of the project on
protected areas of the Central Caucasus and definition of status of given territories shall take
place during establishment of protected area and delimitation of zones. (See attached protocol of
Oni region local government meeting).
T. Japaridze