David Songulashvili: “Reforestation Activities are Underway on 100.6 Hectares in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Region”.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, along with the State Representative of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, met with the staff of the National Forestry Agency's regional office to assess their working conditions on site.
 

The newly established forestry office serves all four municipalities of the region and is equipped with high-standard technical equipment. The Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Forestry Office employs 104 staff members, including 11 foresters and 57 forest rangers. Approximately 250 villages in the region benefit from the services provided by the National Forestry Agency.


“Racha has strong potential for tourism development. Therefore, along with other priorities, sustainable, multi-functional forest use is of particular importance in this region. Supporting the private sector in utilizing non-timber forest resources and promoting ecotourism is an integral part of our environmental policy. These efforts aim to generate additional employment opportunities and boost local incomes,” said Minister David Songulashvili.

 
According to the Minister, reforestation efforts are currently underway across 100.6 hectares in Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti.

 
Regarding forest inventory, the process was conducted in the region from 2021 to 2024, resulting in fully updated data on both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of local forests. Forest management plans have been developed for 268,000 hectares, covering the next 10-year period.

 

Mr. Gocha Enukidze, the Member of the Parliament of Georgia, representing Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Mr. Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency, and representatives of local self-government, accompanied the Minister.