Georgia - RESGEORIVER
Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape
Photos: RESGEORIVER
Site description
The Tana and Tedzami Gorges, located in the Gori Municipality, serve an important conservation function due to their geographical position. Specifically, these two gorges form a crucial ecological corridor connecting two of Georgia’s national parks: Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which encompasses the western parts of the Trialeti Range, and Algeti National Park, which covers its eastern sections.
The forests and subalpine meadows of the Tana and Tedzami Gorges act as a natural migration corridor for numerous mammal species, thereby contributing to the sustainability of wildlife populations in Borjomi-Kharagauli and Algeti National Parks. These gorges are of significant importance for biodiversity conservation, characterized by a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The gorges also host species of high conservation value, such as the Caucasian peony (Paeonia caucasica) and the Atsquri carnation (Dianthus azkurensis). Additionally, the Tana and Tedzami Gorges represent a key area for the conservation of red deer.
The territory of the protected landscape is home and source of livelihood to several dozens of villages many of whom are socially vulnerable and lacking awareness about the critical importance of preserving and restoring natural habitat as well as participating in preservation and risk mitigation measures for the sustainable future of the TTPL and future of their communities.
Ecosystem
Several species listed in Georgia’s Red List are found here, including the lynx, otter, brown bear, bearded vulture, high-mountain oak, naked cinquefoil, columbine, yellow monkshood, and Tana hawthorn (Crataegus). The gorges also host species of high conservation value, such as the Caucasian peony (Paeonia caucasica) and the Atsquri carnation (Dianthus azkurensis). Additionally, the TTPL represents a key area for the conservation of red deer.
Facts & Figures
12
endangered species of flora and fauna
30/300
Home to 30 villages with the population of approximately 300
10
10 villages will benefit directly or indirectly as a result of the project implementation
5
One of Georgia’s 5 protected landscapes and the only protected landscape in Shida Kartli region
Location
Georgia. Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape. Area: 22,000 ha (approximately 220 sq-km, coordinates: 43.814683/41.818173
Size
No area has been restored so far since the Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape is a newly established reserve (2023)
Serving as a connecting corridor between two of Georgia’s most prominent national parks of Borjomi-Karagauli and Algeti, Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna including several species in Georgia’s Red List, plays an important conservation function.
Existing projects
“New Horizons: The Harmonious Development of the Tana and Tedzami Protected Landscape and Local Communities"-- Czech Development Agency. The implementation of the program serves to achieve the following objectives: Protection and Sustainable Development of the Local Forest Ecosystem – Utilizing modern approaches and technologies to ensure its preservation and growth. Promotion of Sustainable Development in the Target Area – This includes biodiversity conservation through the active involvement of the local community. Local residents should have access to additional sources of income and develop a desire to protect their natural and cultural heritage. They should also be better prepared to cope with natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
DALIA Implementation Plan
- Outcome 1
- Set up a working group comprising technical experts, community members and other stakeholders
- Participatory appraisal/assessment of the selected target area
- Build up to 10 bio-engineering structures cascades on selected locations
- Outcome 2
- Install meteorological stations at selected locations and operate based on developed methodological protocols
- Develop a mechanism for early warning system operation
- Install early warning stations
- Assess the operation of the hydrometeorological stations
- Outcome 3
- Establish and maintain a community engagement platform with local community representatives and other stakeholders
- Organise and implement awareness and educational raising activities including school and extracurricular activities, interactive lessons
- Organise community meetings to inform local population about the progress in the implementation of the pilot project
Involvement of the Community
All interventions stipulated by the project have a strong inbuilt community participation component. Through a community engagement platform to be set up by the project, target communities will be involved in the decision making process. Regular community meetings will also be held to inform communities about the progress of the project implementation and collect feedback. Local children and youth will be provided with education opportunities and various interactive initiatives to foster their sense of ownership over the protected landscape.
Expected Impact
The goal of the project is to contribute to sustainable management of natural resources, preserve biodiversity through community engagement and awareness raising among target communities.
Funded by the European Union
