Project Detail

Creating and developing of Nature conservation-oriented visitor services in Chachuna managed Reserve

The main idea of the project is to facilitate the restoration and conservation of existing habitats and species in the Chachuni managed reserve and surrounding areas amid significant revenue growth through the introduction of ecotourism services.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

SABUKO-SOCIETY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION

Country:

Georgia

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

OP7 ?Y2 (Jul 21-Jun 22)

Grant Amount:

US$ 48,505.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 56,729.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

Project Number:

GEO/SGP/OP7/Y2/CORE/BD/2021/06

Start Date:

9/2021

End Date:

1/2024

Status:

Project activities completed, final reports pending

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Project Characteristics and Results

Project sustainability

As a result of the implementation of the project in the impounded area of ??Chachuni, significant long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits were obtained, which contributed to the overall sustainability and prosperity of the region.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

The involvement of the local community in ecotourism management proved vital for the successful execution of the project. Community engagement was evident across various stages: During the planning phase, community members contributed to formulating project context, goals, and objectives, providing feedback on developed plans. Mobilization efforts included raising community awareness through workshops, presentations, and other activities focused on project-related issues. Community members also participated in periodic training sessions covering ecotourism services, biodiversity, conservation, and other relevant topics, with training needs assessed accordingly. Throughout project implementation, community involvement remained integral, with efforts made to integrate their input into monitoring and evaluation processes. Ongoing cooperation with the local community was maintained through informational meetings and working sessions conducted onsite or remotely via platforms like email and Zoom calls. Both print and digital materials detailing the project, its activities, and anticipated outcomes were made accessible to the local community.

Notable Community Participation

The project generated new employment opportunities and established a cash market for various ecotourism goods and services, thereby enhancing youth engagement in the project. Local residents, particularly the youth, significantly benefited from providing ecotourism products and services to tourists.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The project has generated new employment opportunities and established a cash market for various ecotourism goods and service providers, fostering greater participation from the local community. Ecotourism emerges as a highly promising avenue for self-employment within the local community, offering opportunities for women and youth. Engagement in ecotourism-related employment directly contributes to income growth for individuals. The provision of ecotourism products, accommodation, and other services to tourists greatly benefits local communities, potentially serving as a crucial source of livelihood.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

To disseminate information about the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the project and facilitate replication, various communication methods were utilized among the target groups to raise awareness and increase stakeholder engagement. This was achieved through participation in periodic workshops and the sharing of information via SABUKO's website, traditional media, and social media channels. Additionally, project flyers, brochures, presentations, and press releases highlighting key activities and outcomes were developed by SABUKO and distributed to stakeholders via email. Periodic publications on websites and social networks were also utilized to inform and engage stakeholders. An action plan was developed to ensure the effective delivery of information regarding project goals, objectives, and outcomes.

Gender Focus

To ensure the effective operation of ecotourism activities, five new management positions were created, with three designated for female managers. Periodic training sessions on tourism services and conservation were conducted, with curricula tailored to accommodate potential differences in education and skills between genders. Additionally, SABUKO organized remote training sessions to ensure equal participation of both women and men in the planned training activities.

Capacity - Building Component

To foster the development of ecotourism services in the Chachuna managed reserve, it was imperative to enhance the hospitality, ecotourism service development, and infrastructure maintenance capabilities of both the Chachuna administration and local residents. This involved providing a range of training programs and implementing the following activities: forging partnerships with local ecotourism companies and service providers to generate revenues.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

Various activities were organized to share and disseminate the knowledge, experience, and best practices gained among the project target groups. This included workshops for project stakeholders to review the acquired knowledge, experience, and best practices. SABUKO developed informational materials and presentations, which were provided to stakeholders. An appropriate action plan was developed to ensure the sharing and dissemination of knowledge, experience, and best practices gained during the project implementation.

Project Results

Regarding biodiversity conservation, sustainable management practices were implemented, covering 500 hectares of the Chachuna reserve with the help of a developed business plan, which contributed to the conservation of biodiversity.
The business plan was formally submitted to the Protected Areas Agency.
Furthermore, various ecotourism infrastructure enhancements, including a cottage, a vulture restaurant, bird watching facilities, and camping sites, were set up, ultimately leading to a 10% increase in tourist numbers.
The development of bird watching stations and the implementation of sustainable ecotourism practices promoted responsible tourism, minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, information boards were strategically placed to provide visitors with relevant information.
In terms of livelihood improvement, 35 local people directly benefited from the project's ecotourism and conservation initiatives. Various ecotourism tours, such as bird watching and photo tourism, enabled these individuals to receive material benefits by offering various services, including overnight accommodation and meals.
The project also ensured gender equality by providing equal access to resources and opportunities for both women and men, promoting women's participation in ecotourism activities and decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the project created employment opportunities, provided additional income through ecotourism services, and promoted sustainable resource management practices, ultimately improving the livelihoods and well-being of beneficiaries.
Additionally, a cooperation package for suppliers of ecotourism products was developed and delivered, and trainings were conducted for 8 guides on the development of tourism services in Chachuna, as well as for the administration of Chachuna on visitor management issues.
Capacity building initiatives included strengthening the capacity of two local civil society organizations through training programs and skill-building workshops, as well as improving the skills and knowledge of 25 individuals, including guides, operators, and community residents, through targeted training initiatives, enabling them to actively participate in sustainable development activities.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Hectares of globally significant biodiversity area protected or sustainably managed by project 1

Biophysical

Number of innovations or new technologies developed/applied 4

Empowerment

Number of indigenous people participated/involved in SGP project 8

Livehood

Number of individuals (gender diaggregated) who have benefited* from SGP project 35

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