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Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili Meets with Rangers of Racha National Park
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili held a meeting with rangers of Racha National Park, aiming to assess their operations on the site.
Racha National Park is located in the Oni Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. Notably, the national park was established in 2023, covering a total area of 50,835 hectares. The park is protected by 11 rangers.
Mr. David Songulashvili expressed his gratitude to the rangers for their contribution to nature conservation, emphasizing that, alongside the Government’s priority of establishing and developing protected areas, ensuring proper working conditions and equipment for rangers remains a key focus.
With the funds allocated for the development of Racha National Park, four quad bikes, two off-road vehicles, three tractors, a buggy, and a snow vehicle (snowcat) have already been procured. These assets enable rangers to conduct patrols more efficiently.
During the meeting, the parties outlined that plans are underway to expand and further develop the protected areas of Racha, for which a draft law has already been prepared.
As a newly established protected area, Racha National Park will see the construction and outfitting of a visitor center and an administrative building, aiming to promote eco-tourism development. Minister Songulashvili and local government representatives discussed possible locations for the new administrative building in the Oni Municipality.
Additionally, hiking trails, tourist shelters, ranger stations, and other supporting infrastructure will be developed in Racha. The project is financially supported by the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF). Notably, various socio-economic activities are also being carried out to benefit the local population within the scope of this project.
Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, the State Representative of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region; Mr. Gocha Enukidze, the region’s delegate to the Parliament of Georgia; Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture; Mr. Besik Amiranashvili, Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas; and representatives of local self-government, accompanied the Minister.