During the implementation of the project, 30 individuals (including 14 members of the association) were employed, who received direct benefits in the form of personal wages, in the total amount of GEL 49,165.42. In addition, there were 10 individuals who are not the employees of the Friends Association, and did not receive financing from the project budget. They had direct negotiations with the visitors and mentioned persons have several years of cooperation with Friends Association which most likely will continue in the future.
During the implementation of the project, the Friends Association built bungalows with the project and co-financing resources during the summer 2022, and significantly increased the attractiveness and opportunities of the visitor infrastructure arranged by previously implemented projects. In a short period of time, in parallel with the progress of the project, the organization earned up to 3,000 GEL, which was used to strengthen the effectiveness of the project. It is planned to strengthen cooperation with new partners and increase benefits.
Notable Community Participation
In the picnic and presentation space belonging to the Vashlovani Friends Association, the project coordinator conducted presentations for the school students from Dedoplistskaro (54 participants) and for the youth organizations of Adjara (35 participants), which was dedicated to the importance of the Vashlovani Protected Areas and the surrounding forests in the preservation of biodiversity. After the presentations, the young people, together with the members of the Friends Association, took a walk along the hiking routes arranged within the framework of the project and looked at the habitat of birds, learned to distinguish between birds and forest-forming species, visited the unique landscapes and cultural heritage monuments on the route.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Information boards were placed at the starting and ending points of the footpaths arranged within the project, indicating the location of the main destination objects, thus many people are interested in visiting the natural and cultural heritage of the natural monument Eagle Gorge and its surrounding area. The Friends Association conducts educational programs for schoolchildren and students. At the final stage of the project, a presentation is planned where several stakeholders will be invited, which is also a way to spread information about the project.
Gender Focus
It is known that men and women are unequally represented in various fields of visitor services. During the catering and overnight services, mainly cooks, cleaners and laundresses are employed. Men are represented by the absolute majority in guide and transportation services. Within the framework of the project, we trained a member of the organization, Ms. Khatuna Popiashvili, in the field of guide services, to whom the organization also handed over bird watching equipment, thus creating a precedent for the local population that women can also be successfully employed in the field of guide services like men.
Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The organization is one of the first in terms of using forest areas for recreational and educational purposes, therefore, after the completion of the project, the Friends Association undertakes to conduct seminars and meetings with the National Forestry Agency in order to share experience for those organizations and individuals who want to start a business in this direction.
Policy Impact
Within the framework of the project, consultations were held with the representatives of the National Forestry Agency, a memorandum of cooperation was developed and signed, which provides for the introduction of sustainable principles of forest management and the involvement of the population in the creation and use of the economic value chain. The organization has also submitted an application for leasing forest areas with the right of special use, which is actually the first step in this direction in terms of the implementation of the new Forest Code and allows for its establishment, as well as the analysis of its positive and negative sides.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
Within the framework of the project, the visitor infrastructure has been developed in the territory of the nature monument "Eagle Gorge" and the surrounding forest agency, namely: two four-bed bungalows were built, a 2.96 km long two-way footpath and a 5.91 km long two-way horse trail were arranged. Mentioned infrastructure was integrated with the existing visitor infrastructure in the same areas. The accessibility and attractiveness of the wildlife and cultural heritage sites has increased, which in turn has created more employment opportunities and greater benefits for the local population.
Project Results
1. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Vashlovani Protected Areas Friends Association and the National Forestry Agency. An opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation was created to promote the implementation of sustainable forest management.
2. One of the main goals of the project - the establishment of tourist infrastructure in the natural monument - Eagle Gorge and the territories of the National Forestry Agency has been achieved. Two four-bed bungalows have been built in full compliance with the regulations. There are 5.91 kilometers of two-way horse trails and 2.96 kilometers of footpaths on National Forestry Agency and Protected Areas Agency premises, this infrastructure is owned by the mentioned agencies and is publicly accessible to visitors. It creates conditions to safely visit destinations in these areas.
3. Jobs are created in the field of visitor services.
4. An opportunity to sell tourist products on forest areas and receive income has been created for Vashlovani Protected areas.
5. The quality of visitor services is improved.
6. Mutually beneficial cooperation between Vashlovani Protected Areas and Friends Association was deepened.
7. An opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation between the National Forestry Agency, Vashlovani Protected Areas Administration, Dedoplistskaro City Hall, Friends Association and private business was created.
8. The created visitor infrastructure makes diverse, attractive and safe the opportunity to visit the biodiversity and picturesque landscapes of the natural monument - Eagle Gorge and its surrounding Forestry Agency territory, is in synergy with the process of organizing the tourist infrastructure implemented by the municipality.
