Locations
Project
Sustainable Livelihoods and Responsible Attitude toward the Environment
Summary
This joint initiative by the Georgian and Finnish governments, in partnership with UNDP, aimed to restore Georgia’s iconic Borjomi forest, severely damaged by wildfires during the 2008 armed conflict with Russia. Beyond reforestation, the project strengthened local livelihoods through sustainable agriculture, tourism, and environmental education, paving the way for a resilient future.
Implemented from 2012 to 2015 with EUR 1.2 million in funding from Finland, the initiative engaged Georgia’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Forest Agency, local municipalities, schools, and communities. Its impact continues to shape the region’s sustainability and resilience.
Key Achievements
Forest Restoration
- Restored 80 hectares of burnt forest through cleaning, fencing, and planting.
- Planted 120,000 seedlings to revitalize the ecosystem.
- Provided training and jobs for 30 local workers and 15 internally displaced persons.
Environmental Education
- Established six youth eco-clubs in Borjomi, Akhaldaba, and Tsagveri, engaging over 700 students, teachers, and families.
- Enrolled 600+ students in clean-up, planting, and young ranger programmes.
- Hosted 120 students in eco-camps across Ureki, Lagodekhi, Kobuleti, and Tskaltubo.
- Introduced vertical gardens in six schools and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- Organized youth conferences and published a Teachers' Guidebook on Environmental Education.
- Piloted programmes on water safety, waste management, biodiversity, and climate change.
- Conducted 50+ public events and training sessions, widely covered by national media.
Eco-Friendly Farming
- Established a Farmers’ Extension Centre, vet centre, and agricultural lab in Tsagveri, supporting 100+ farmers.
- Helped 87 households adopt organic farming, reviving 25 hectares of idle land.
- Boosted crop yields by 20-30% and farmers’ incomes by 25%.
- Formed three farming cooperatives to promote collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Energy Efficiency and Sanitation
- Upgraded insulation and heating systems in Tsagveri’s public school and library.
- Installed solar water heaters and eco-toilets in Tsagveri kindergarten.
- Provided eco-toilets for seven local households.
Disaster Risk Reduction
- Established municipal and village emergency groups.
- Developed emergency profiles and plans for target villages.
- Delivered disaster risk reduction training for local municipalities and communities.
Environmental Tourism
- Opened a Tourist Information Centre in Tsagveri.
- Marked six hiking trails spanning 100 km.
- Trained professional guides to enhance visitor experiences.
- Launched the rehabilitation of Tsagveri Park in partnership with Borjomi Municipality and IDS Borjomi Georgia.
Contact Information
Address
UN House
9, Eristavi Street
Tbilisi 0179 Georgia
Contact Person
Nino Antadze
UNDP Environment and Energy Team Leader
nino.antadze@undp.org