The Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, renowned for its rich ecological diversity and cultural heritage, holds significant potential for sustainable rural development. Central to unlocking this potential is the conservation and sustainable management of agrobiodiversity – an essential pilar for strengthening climate resilience and promoting agrotourism. Protecting traditional crop varieties and farming methods is becoming more and more important for local economic vibrancy, community resilience, and food security as the effects of climate change become more apparent.
A key element in the fight against climate change is agrobiodiversity, which is the diversity and variability of plants, animals, and microbes used either directly or indirectly for agriculture and food. This includes indigenous grapevine and wheat varieties that are adopted to the climate and hilly terrain of Samtskhe-Javakheti. As climate change intensifies, the preservation of these resilient genetic resources is vital for ensuring food security, supporting ecological balance and sustaining traditional farming practices.
In Additional to ecological significance, agrobiodiversity In addition to its ecological significance, agrobiodiversity offers a valuable opportunity to enhance regional tourism. Maintaining traditional farming practices, producing organic foods, and preserving local crop varieties enrich the rural experience with authenticity- an element increasingly favored by agrotourists. Travelers are drawn to engaging, hands-on experiences such as strolling through fields of ancient grains, visiting hillside vineyards, watching traditional bread baking, or joining in seasonal agricultural activities. With its rich agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes, Samtskhe-Javakheti is well-positioned to become a distinctive and appealing agrotourism destination.
In this context, the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC) is actively fostering cooperation among national and regional stakeholders. These include local authorities, farmers, various groups working together to promote sustainable agricultural practices, conserve biodiversity, and stimulate economic development.
Recently, more than 70 representatives from Ninotsminda and Akhalkalaki Municipalities convened to discuss the role and importance of agrobiodiversity in the region. The discussion included a review of national strategies and regulatory framework such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The current version (2014-2020) has lapsed and stakeholders emphasized the urgency of updating it to more comprehensively address agrobiodiversity and the Red List of threatened species. The meeting was led by Mr. Karlo Amirgulashvili, head of Head of Primary Structural Unit of the Department of Biodiversity and Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
Karine Grigoryan, farmer from Ninotsminda, Ninotsminda municipality, noted: “Such meetings and discussions not only raise awareness about agrobiodiversity but also underscore its critical role in community well-being and food security. Moreover, actively involving local farmers and authorities in these dialogues, ensuring their perspectives are considered in the development of policy frameworks, should become standard practice. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and is essential for the successful conservation and sustainable management of agrobiodiversity”
These meeting served to raise awareness but also to promote grassroots involvement in biodiversity conservation. In particular, empowering farmers through training in seed selection, organic cultivation and value-added marketing is essential. Ensuring the inclusion of women and youth as a key actors in this process is also critical for long-tern sustainability.
The ongoing works is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the goal of recognizing agrobiodiversity as a key element of cultural and natural heritage. Their support aims to promote sustainable resource use, reduce poverty and enhance resilience in vulnerable rural communities.
The conservation of agrobiodiversity in Samtskhe-Javakheti is a strategic investment in the region’s future By integrating conservation with agrotourism and climate adaptation measures, Georgia has the opportunity to safeguard its rural landscapes, revitalize traditional knowledge, and offer a compelling model of sustainable development.
