Discussing Agrobiodiversity and Its Sustainable Management in Cooperation with Agrotourism Development Possibilities in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region of Georgia

Enhancing agrobiodiversity and attracting more tourists to support sustainable agriculture and agritourism in Samtskhe-Javakheti requires increased awareness and skill development among local authorities and farmers. Stakeholders must recognize the crucial role that agrobiodiversity and agritourism play in driving the region’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.

The Caucasus, particularly Georgia, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and biological diversity, including its unique endemism. However, the risk of resource degradation due to careless management and unsustainable practices poses a significant threat. Ensuring the preservation and sustainable use of these resources is essential for maintaining the region’s environmental and cultural wealth.

The Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus fosters collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices, conserve biodiversity, and enhance economic development through agritourism. Partnerships between local authorities, farmers, and marginalized groups are essential for protecting agricultural biodiversity, which holds significant economic value and provides benefits to both people and wildlife. Agrobiodiversity plays a key role in mitigating risks associated with climate change, soil erosion, air pollution, and other environmental challenges.

Recently, more than 50 representatives from Aspindza, Adigeni, and Akhaltsikhe Municipalities gathered to discuss the importance of biodiversity, national strategies, and action plans within the regulatory frameworks. They also reviewed the National Recovery Plan for Varieties and the current situation in the sector. Mr. Karlo Amirgulashvili actively engaged participants by discussing the Red List and the regulations in place, which energized the meeting. Mr. Karlo Amirgulashvili provided valuable insights on the Red List and the applicable regulations, sparking lively discussions and engaging the participants throughout the meeting. These initiatives are supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the goal of conserving agrobiodiversity, culture, and national heritage within the region. The efforts aim to sustainably use resources, generate economic income, and reduce poverty and instability.

Discussing such cooperation with local authorities and farmers/producers is crucial for the following reasons:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Agrobiodiversity refers to the variety of crops, livestock and other organisms in agricultural system. By the understanding its meaning, local authorities and farmers can promote practices that support sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and enhance resilience to pests and diseases.
• Food Security: A diverse range of crops and livestock can improve food security by providing a more stable and varied food supply. Local Authorities and farmers who recognize this can support policies that encourage the cultivation of diverse crops, reducing the risk of food shortages and promoting nutritional diversity.
• Economic Benefits: Agrobiodiversity can support local economies by fostering diverse agricultural products that can be marketed and sold. It can also create opportunities for eco-tourism and specialty markets, boosting local income and job creation.
• Cultural Heritage: Many agricultural practices and crop varieties are deeply tied to local cultures and traditions. Recognizing and preserving this diversity helps maintain cultural heritage and supports community identity.
• Climate Resilience: Diverse agricultural systems are better equipped to handle environmental changes and climate variability. Local authorities who understand this can implement strategies that enhance the resilience of local farming systems to climate change.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Agrobiodiversity contributes to overall biodiversity conservation by maintaining a variety of species and ecosystems. This helps protect natural habitats and the services they provide, such as pollination and soil fertility.
• Policy Development: Informed local authorities can develop and implement policies that support agrobiodiversity, such as incentives for farmers to adopt diverse cropping systems or regulations that protect traditional agricultural knowledge.
• Community Engagement: When local authorities understand the value of agrobiodiversity, they can better engage with and support local farmers, communities, and stakeholders in conservation and sustainable practices.

Furthermore, educating local authorities about agrobiodiversity helps ensure that they make informed decisions that promote environmental health, economic stability, and cultural preservation, ultimately benefiting the entire community.