Landslides with other connected geodynamical processes (e.g. rock/stones avalanches, mudslides, erosion) constitute main environmental threat for Upper Adjara region (specifically, territory of Khulo Municipality). In this respect, Upper Ajara is listed among most endangered regions in Georgia as a whole. The main consequences of these disturbances are the degradation of land plots, traditionally used for agricultural purposes (fields, hay meadows, pastures), damages to buildings (residential as well as communal) and roads/paths. These damages combined increase the rate of eco-migration of local inhabitants to other regions (most notably Kvemo Kartli), where the resettled population encounters social problems with surrounding populace. As was shown by research analysis conducted during implementation of our previous project, one of the most effective responses to the aforementioned situation of ecological disaster would be strengthening of slopes endangered by landslides by planting of appropriate fruit trees/bush varieties (feasible on all slopes, including highly endangered). Certain slope (with 15-25% gradient), where the risks of geodynamical processes are lesser, would be equipped with renewed soft form of terraces (kadonebi/sakvebi in Adjarian dialect of Georgian), which is also one of the traditional agricultural forms (both effective and aesthetically valuable) of the region in question, now almost forgotten. On these terraces, we would use the same model of demonstration orchard planting. The proposed overall space of the planted orchards/vineyards is approximately 1,0 ha. The proposed fruit cultures are sour cherries, plums and to lesser extent apples and pears and other varieties, principal bush variety will be bilberries and sea-buckthorn. The organic fruit growing process would yield fruit of very high nutritious value and taste qualities already three years after planting, thus significantly contributing to the sustainable livelihoods of local communities. Primary objective (overall aim) of the proposed project: Contribution to environmental protection in Khulo Municipality Specific objective (overall aim) of the proposed project: Prevention of land degradation by applying measures strengthening local biodiversity and livelihoods of the local population in Maniaketi (Dioknisi Community) and Didachara, Khulo Municipality

Public awareness about global environment shall be raised by systematically stressing of environmental risks in the region (mainly landslides and other geodynamical processes) and the ways to their mitigation. In this respect, crucial will be the training in the risks of geodynamical processes and relevant countermeasures (Activity 2.1) for community members.

Public awareness about global environment shall be raised by systematically stressing of environmental risks in the region (mainly landslides and other geodynamical processes) and the ways to their mitigation. In this respect, crucial will be the training in the risks of geodynamical processes and relevant countermeasures (Activity 2.1) for community members.

Public awareness about global environment shall be raised by systematically stressing of environmental risks in the region (mainly landslides and other geodynamical processes) and the ways to their mitigation. In this respect, crucial will be the training in the risks of geodynamical processes and relevant countermeasures (Activity 2.1) for community members.

The yield of new orchards would be of considerable effect for local inhabitants in terms of their income, with direct influence on poverty reduction and livelihood improvement. There is a deficiency of local fruit varieties later in the harvest season, when the fruit produced in lowlands is already sold, while the fruit from regions with higher elevation is in short supply. As a result a niche is formed perfectly suited for sale of Khulo production. It should be mentioned that part of the yield would be processed locally (fruit drying facility in Dioknisi village has been built, but is still inactive due to modest amount of available fruit).