Joint Efforts for the Protection and Sustainable Management of Agrobiodiversity and Crop Wild Relatives of Meskhetian Aboriginal Varieties of Vine and Wheat Through the Signing of Memorandum of Cooperation

In the heart of Tbilisi, amidst the bustling streets and the Caucasus Mountains, a transformative partnership was forged between the National Forestry Agency of Georgia and the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus in June 2024. This Memorandum aims to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity and enhance sustainable forest management practices, making pivotal moments in Georgia’s conservation efforts. The memorandum is a call to action from environmental advocates and policymakers,  for a step forward for the conservation and sustainable management of agrobiodiversity within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. 

Georgia, known as the agrobiodiversity “hot point” for its diverse ecosystem ranging from temperate rainforests to alpine meadows, faced mounting challenges due to climate change and unsustainable forestry practices.       

This collaboration, supported by funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), focuses on the sustainable management of agrobiodiversity in ecosystems and rural settlements across the region. Key aspects of this memorandum include:

• Ecosystem Restoration: Joint efforts will be made towards the restoration of ecosystems, prioritizing the conservation of threatened native species and habitats.
• Genetic Resource Research: The partnership will involve research into genetic resources of local flora, aiming to better understand and preserve biodiversity in the face of climate change.
• Sustainable Forest Management: Both entities will collaborate on sustainable forest management practices, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of forest ecosystems.
• Community Engagement: Educational projects and activities will be undertaken to raise awareness and involve local communities in forest restoration and conservation efforts.

The memorandum underscores a commitment to mutual support, cooperation, and coordination between the two organizations. It is designed to facilitate joint projects and initiatives that contribute to the protection of wild ancestral species of agricultural crops, such as vine and wheat, within forest lands.

Immediate Action and Long-term Goals:

Effective immediately upon signing, the memorandum sets a clear path for collaborative projects over the next year. Regular consultations between the National Forestry Agency and the Caucasus Regional Environmental Center will facilitate seamless implementation of these initiatives.

Implications for Samtskhe-Javakheti:

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding the region’s natural heritage while promoting socio-economic development through sustainable agriculture. By combining resources and expertise, both entities aim to create a resilient ecosystem that supports biodiversity and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Call to the Community:

Residents of Samtskhe-Javakheti are encouraged to participate actively in upcoming workshops and community forums. Involvement is crucial in shaping and supporting these vital conservation efforts.

This partnership marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Samtskhe-Javakheti, combining conservation efforts with community engagement to ensure lasting environmental resilience.