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Delimitation of Oni District’s State Forest Fund
into Protected Areas and Commercial Forests

Final Report

SUMMARY

From 1998 with support and assistance of the World Bank and the government of Japan, as well as with active participation of international consultants the State Department of Forestry of Georgia started implementation of the project on “Development of the Forestry Sector of Georgia”. The purpose of the project is to promote sustained development of forest, which implies conservation and protection of forests, as well as ensuring adequate management of forest resources, which in it’s turn shall enhance social-economic and ecological conditions of the country.

Within the framework of the above-mentioned project started elaboration and implementation of pilot projects on the territories of the Central Caucasus. The region, which expands on 7430 square kilometers is comprising Oni, Ambrolauri, Tsageri, Lentekhi and Mestia administrative regions, or three administrative districts, namely: Racha, Lechkumi and Svaneti.

In July 28, 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia adopted an important resolution No447 on “Promotion of establishment of the system of protected areas in Georgia and creation of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park”. The above-mentioned resolution served as a basis for establishment of a new system of protected areas in Georgia. Based on the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia the following was resolved: To establish the system of protected areas on the territory of the Central Caucasus and other regions of Georgia within temporary boundaries. The above resolution provided legal basis for carrying out of planning activities, related to establishment of protected areas on the territory of the Central Caucasus, namely Racha and Oni regions. These activities will be carried out by the Georgian Protected Areas Development Center with the support of the WB.

The decision of the World Bank to start implementation of the forestry development project and protected areas development project and to use for these purposes the Central Caucasus area for implementation of pilot projects (or, in other words to announce this area as laboratory zone) was caused by the fact, that given region is outstanding for its ecological and bio diversity and reveals economic potential of natural resources of our country.

During implementation of the project-related activities with the purpose of avoiding mutual overlapping of protected areas, territories of agricultural designation and areas of economic activities, as well as with the purpose of promotion of carrying out of inventory works in adequate manner and in time was decided to regulate delimitation of Oni region forests. Namely, was decided to delimitate Oni region state forest fund into protected areas and commercial forests.

Starting from August 1, 2002 till October 30, 2002 with assistance of the World Bank and within the framework of the forestry sector development project a team, specially created for this purposes carried out works, related to Oni region state forest fund into protected areas and commercial forests.

The group was lead, coordinated and supervised by Doctor of biological sciences professor Tengiz Japaridze. With purpose of achieving set objectives members of the working group were given corresponding assignments.

Menabde David (taxator) – Obtaining quantative and qualitative data about the forest fund. Studying the demands on forest resources in the region. Identifying the optimal amount of the use of Forest resources. Providing recommendations about allotting territories of the commercial forest fund.

Mikaberidze Avtandil (forest engineer) working out the criteria for allotting plots of land on protected areas and working out recommendations for allotting and on the above said territories; obtaining corresponding normative and legislative documents.

Darchiashvili George (Zoologist) determining the endangered species of fauna and defining the areas of their habitation. Determining the hunting species. Making recommendations for allotting land on the protected territories and setting up hunting management.

Lolua Genrietta (landscape specialist). The evaluation of the landscape of the given territory and recommendations for allotting land to the protected territories.

Shetekauri Shamil (botanist). Determining the area of relict, endemic, rare, valuable and medicinal plants and their present condition, making recommendations for allotting the lands to protected and /or to commercial territories.

Geladze Avtandil (expert on legislation). Determining the legislative bases for the setting up protected areas and commercial territories in the region under research, familiarizing the non-governmental and public organizations and the population with the activities mentioned above, accepting proposals, recommendations and reaching the consensus.

The Main Stages of the Project Implementation

August 1, 2002 starting date of the project.

August 2-11, 2002 – preparatory stage before field work.

August 12-September 30, 2002 – Field visits.

October 10, 2002 –presenting the preliminary report.

October 11-20, 2002 – Preliminary discussion of the report.

October 31 2002 –Presenting the final report.

The group members coordinated with each other field work routes and selected them accordingly.

  1. Shovi-Ghurshevi-Mamisoni 22km
  2. Shovi-Bebistskali gorge up to the Alpine meadows 8km
  3. Shovi-Glola-Saglolo- Boqos tskali 12 km
  4. Shovi-Chiora-Ghebi-Brili (territory of the former tourist station) 25 km
  5. Shovi-Gona gorge 25 km
  6. Shovi Chiora mountain 16 km
  7. Shovi-Notsarula ravine 10 km
  8. Shovi – Udsera –Gomi- adjusted territories 18 km
  9. Oni-Ghari-Kvelistba 15 km
  10. Oni-Khideshlebi-Partoveli 16 km
  11. Oni-Iri-Tsedisi 10 km
  12. Oni- Gadamshi 25 km
  13. Oni-Bari_Mtiskalo-Shkmeri 30 km
  14. Oni-Chordi-Bajikhevi- Lesora 25 km
  15. Oni-Chalisghele 10 km.

After distribution of functions within the members of the working group were obtained all relevant documents, legislative and normative acts and materials related to researches carried out during several previous years.

The Laws of Georgia in the Sphere of Environmental Protection.

  1. The law of Georgia on Protected Areas, March 7, 1996.
  2. The Forest Code of Georgia, June 22, 1999.
  3. The Law of Georgia on Environmental Protection, December 10, 1996.
  4. The Law of Georgia on the Wildlife, December 26, 1996.
  5. The Law of Georgia on Protection of Soil, May 12, 1996.
  6. The Law of Georgia on Minerals, May 17, 1996.
  7. The Law of Georgia on Water resources, November 25, 1997.
  8. The Law of Georgia on Resorts and Establishment of Sanitary Protection Zones, March 20, 1998.
  9. The Law of Georgia on Protection of Atmosphere, June 22, 1999.
  10. The Law of Georgia on Protection of Cultural Heritage.

Relevant international conventions and agreements, regulating the sphere of environmental protection to which Georgia has become a party.

  1. Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on “Climatic Changes”, adopted in October 27, 1994.
  2. Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on “Protection of Biodiversity”, adopted in April 21, 1994.
  3. Resolution No2141-III of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention of the United Nations on “Struggle against Desertification”, adopted in June 23, 1999.
  4. Resolution No524 of the President of Georgia on ratification of convention on “International Trade with Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna”, adopted in August 12, 1996.
  5. Resolution No155-III of the Parliament of Georgia on ratification of convention on “Accessibility of information related to the sphere of environmental protection to public, participation of public in decision-making processes and accessibility of relevant judicial information”, adopted in February 11, 2000.

Reports prepared within the framework of Oni region forestry sector development project:

1.draft of Oni region land usage plan (1998-99).

2. Sectoral assessment of environment of the laboratory zone. (2001).

3. Social assessment of the laboratory zone. (2000).

4. Landscape –ecological study of Oni region carcass for the purposes of zoning and forest management. (2000 ).

The group elaborated following procedures for delimitation of territories:

  1. Provision of information related to delimitation works to regional authorities and local population.
  2. Coordination of delimitation works and selected routes with local population.
  3. Field-visit to selected sites and routes using results and data of previous research and with assistance of local population.
  4. Coordination of analysis of field visit results and routes with local population.
  5. Processing (analysis) of data, obtained through field-visits, identification and comparison of obtained materials with current normative and legal acts and other regulations.
  6. Identification of demand and needs of local population in regard to forest resources and definition of sources of supply.
  7. Comparison of all data and materials, related to delimitation activities in Oni region, taking into consideration proposals of members of the team; Planning of delimitation of territories of Oni region into commercial and protected areas.
  8. Provision of information on results of delimitation plan to local population.
  9. Consideration of proposals provided by local population in regard to usage of forest resources and making corrections to the draft of delimitation plan.
  10. Coordination of delimitated territories with local population at community meetings and preparation of legal basis in the form of protocols of community and local self-government meetings.
  11. Coordination of plans on delimitation of Oni region territories with regional authorities and representatives of public; consideration of proposals and their coordination with regional authorities; conducting of meetings with local authorities and preparation of protocols of meetings.
  12. Coordination of delimitation activities with the Forest Sector Development Center and submission of delimitation plans to stakeholders, environmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.
  13. Taking into consideration of proposal provided by environmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.
  14. On the basis of finalized and coordinated plan on delimitation activities of Oni region territories preparation of draft of the decree of the State Department of Forestry on “Delimitation of borders of state forests on the territories of Oni region”.

During the next stage was identified demand of local population and of the region on the whole for forest resources (construction materials, fire-wood, hey and other non-timber resources); also, quoits of timber resources were defined, based on which relevant conclusions were derived.

According to census, conducted in 2002 in Oni region live 3532 households, which are 9228 persons. On the basis of surveys, conducted in the region here permanently live 2593 households, practically by 1000 household less, than officially registered. This is caused by the fact, that population migrates depending on the season. For purposes of cooking and heating population uses firewood. Firewood is also used for heating of schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, local administration, catering facilities and etc. Also, shepherds use firewood for heating and cooking. If on average each household uses 9m3 of firewood, then annual consumption of the region shall amount to 23340m3. Consumption of timber for construction of houses, stalls, fences, and etc, per year per capita is 1m3 on average, consequently, annual consumption shall be 2590m3. Total demand for timber shall be 25930 m3. The above mentioned resources can be obtained in Oni region forestries. On the basis of current normative act annual forest usage here amounts to 30 000 cubic meters. As to hayfields and pastures,they occupy only 1% of Oni region state forest fund territories and thus are not used so intensively. Other non-timber resources (such as mushrooms, berries, medicinal herbs and etc) do not represent great commercial value and are mainly utilized for local consumption of population.

On the basis of materials obtained from different sources and analysis of current legal and normative acts the multisectoral team prepared draft plan fro delimitation of Oni region territories into protected areas and territories of commercial designation. Following principles were used as a basis for the above mentioned:

-Territories occupied by protected areas should be large and compact.

-Assignment of territories for protected areas should be carried out in such manner, that is shall comply with conditions set forth in regard to establishment of transboundary and inter-regional systems.

-Protected areas should include primordial and less damaged territories, where impact of anthropogenic factors is less pronounced.

-Protected areas should possess high aesthetic and recreational values and be outstanding for their landscape and biological diversity.

-Assigning of territories for protected areas should not have negative impact on social-economic conditions of a region.

At the first stage of work of the multi-disciplinary group in Oni region was held a general meeting with participation of local authorities, where the group had presented its working plan and explained, that the purpose of their work was delimitation of forest fund into protected areas and territories, assigned for conducting of economic activities. Representatives of local population and foreign experts attended the meeting. The general meeting unanimously approved of establishment of protected areas and definition of territories for commercial activities. At the next stage started implementation of works on delimitation of forest. At this stage were held meetings with representatives of population of villages Ghebi, Glola, Chiora and Utsera. At this meetings population provided their comments and recommendations, which were taken into consideration during definition of borders and corresponding amendments were made. Consent of population on assigning of territories for establishment of protected areas was reflected in protocols of the held meetings.

Comments provided by local population were basically the following:

Not to include into protected areas southern slopes of Shoda-Kedela and Urosdonikoni, as those territories are adjoining to settled areas and traditionally were territories, utilized by local population. These forests previously belonged to collective farm fund. They are quite modified by now and degraded. Taking into consideration all the above mentioned final draft of the plan was elaborated.

In Oni region total area, occupied by state forest fund is 69689 ha, to which was added previously unregistered 998 ha, consequently, and now total area of state forest fund is 70687 ha. In cooperation with local population were defined borders of protected areas, which now occupy 26681 ha, which is 37,7% of Oni region forest fund. Total area of Oni region is 135900 ha, of which protected areas occupy 19,6%.

Protected areas of the state forest fund of Oni region include part of Mountain Racha and adjoining regions, where villages Ghebi, Chiori, Glola and Utsera are situated. There are following forestry farms on given territories; Ghebi forestry – 6603 ha; Shovi forestry – 6546 ha; Chiori forestry – 9086 ha; Major part of Utsera forestry – 3908 ha; Forestry farm formerly belonging to Java region (Gurshevi) and other forest covered areas – 538 ha. Total area of Oni region protected territory amounts to 26681 ha. On the north to the protected areas border territories of Russian Federation, on the east these territories partially border with Russian Federation and another part borders with Java region; On the west is situated Lentekhi and Ambrolauri regions and on the south are located communities of Gobi, Sakao and Utsera. Oni region protected areas forest fund is clearly delimitated and it is situated along watershed of the Caucasus and reaches Fasi Mountain, goes towards Koza-khokhi glacier (up to 3568,3 meters of altitude). From this point the border of protected areas goes towards west and lies over left bank of river Chanchakhi, then to Ursdonikomi ridge, goes along the ridge and at the point of 1763,0 meters goes down to river Rioni and Gomrula watershed, reaching the pint of 1526,0 goes down to river Rioni again and lies along left bank of Beghlora spring, reaching the bridge. From here the border goes over the top of the mountain Dedakvni and Shoda-Kedela ridge, then crosses the right bank of river Rioni and lies over Sakao and Lechkumi ridges, after which joins Fasi mountain.

Delimitation of protected areas shall not have negative impact on satisfying demands of local population for timber resources, as on the territory of Oni region protected areas were planned following forest-farming measures: thinning on 69 ha, where amount of timber to be cut is 820m3. In accordance with requirements of the Forest Code of Georgia on the territories of protected areas implementation of thinning is restricted. Restriction of this activity in the forests of Oni region shall not affect greatly social-economic development of the region, as amount of timber is not substantial. As to provision of timber resources to local population, sanitary cutting is allowed. Total amount of timber, obtained per year though sanitary cutting shall be 6000m3. In future, while elaboration of forest management plans in the Central Caucasus must be taken into consideration, that demand of local population for timber should be satisfied by special cutting.

Already established protected areas are targeted at preservation and restoration of unique, rare and representational ecosystems, plant and animal species and monuments of nature, as mountain massifs, represented in such territories are dynamic and unstable, which causes development of various cessation processes of plant species. Certain segments of mountain massifs are isolated, which causes high level of local endemism. As a result of outstanding mosaic character of natural conditions and contrast in temperature, illumination, humidity, winds and snow cover at a relatively small territory can be represented various natural communities. Racha Caucasus and Shoda-Kedela ridges are characterized by unique geological and physico-georgraphical forms, crystal and volcanic layers belonging to different periods, solid mineral resources, glacial forms and other outstanding characteristics, which need special protection. Because part of Mountainous Racha is remote and not easily accessible, represented ecosystems are practically not affected by human activities and thus are under less strain, than territories and ecosystems, which are more easily accessible.

As a result of the above mentioned the territory of Racha and especially highlands (1200-4000 m) is quite unique for its variety of floral species. In Racha are represented over 504 species, 201 classes and 64 categories of different plant species. Flora of Racha-Lechkumi is represented by 272 different endemic species, characteristic for Georgia. Out of those, 225 are endems, characteristic only for Oni region, which makes 82% of species, represented in Racha-Lechkumi region. Vertical zonality is clearly pronounced here, as we can see forest, sub-alpine, alpine and subnival zones. On these territories we can see evergreen underbrush and dark coniferous forests, which is generally typical for Kolkheti. Also, here we can come across broadleaf forests. These territories are extremely valuable from the point of floral diversity, which is retained due to mosaic character of landscapes and their inaccessibility. In these forests are represented various species of mammals and birds, some of which are entered into the Red Book, as well as IUSN lists. Oni region is extremely interesting from the point of view of landscape diversity. There are 10 different categories of landscapes in the Region, out of which 7 are in the allocated protected territories of the Forest Fund, which contain 20 different types of landscapes. These landscapes are characterized by high ecological, aesthetic and recreational value. On these territories are located such famous climatic-balneological resorts, as Utsera and Shovi. Approximately 20% of the territory is retained in its primordial state. The above fact accounts for high scientific, educational and recreational value of the above mentioned territories.