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Lasha Dolidze Visits Pilot Pasture Restoration Site in Ganakhleba, Dmanisi Municipality.
Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Lasha Dolidze, along with Mrs.Sofiko Akhobadze, Director of the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus), visited the village of Ganakhleba in Dmanisi Municipality.
The visit focused on the pilot pasture areas established under the project "Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality Targets of Georgia through Restoration and Sustainable Management of Degraded Pasturelands." The Deputy Minister inspected the rehabilitated pasturelands and met with local farmers to discuss the benefits and implementation of sustainable land management practices.
“The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture will continue to support local farmers—both at the legislative and practical levels—to promote sustainable grazing practices and implement effective pasture management models across different regions of the country,” stated Deputy Minister, Mr. Lasha Dolidze, during his visit to the village of Ganakhleba.
As part of the project implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus), several important activities have been carried out:
A controlled grazing system was introduced on 268 hectares of pastureland to support the preservation of natural resources and restore grass cover.
Forty hectares of pasture were divided into eight plots,
A rotational grazing calendar was developed jointly with beneficiary farmers, and rotational grazing has been ongoing for three consecutive years.
The water supply infrastructure was installed.
Shaded resting areas were created.
40 native trees (including ash and maple) were planted;
16 hectares of degraded land were cleared and rehabilitated.
“The pilot pastures established in the village of Ganakhleba demonstrate that through integrated agricultural practices, it is possible to simultaneously restore natural resources and economically empower local farmers. Moreover, one of the first local pasture user associations was established. Members of this group received essential equipment for hygienic milk production and animal care. Additionally, training sessions were conducted on livestock management, animal health, and dairy production techniques,” stated Mrs. Sofiko Akhobadze, Director of REC Caucasus.
According to local farmer Shio Zviadauri, the pastures developed under the project have significantly improved livestock management efficiency.
“Due to the project, we can save both time and resources. The cattle spend the entire day on the pasture, with constant access to water and shade. As a result, both meat yield and herd size have increased,” stated the farmer Zviadauri.
The project "Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality Targets in Georgia through Restoration and Sustainable Management of Degraded Pastures" is implemented with the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus), with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).