Project Fiche

8/2/2019 Project Fiche

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Twinning Project Fiche

1. Basic Information:

1.1. Programme: ENPI 2010 Annual Action Programme

1.2. Twinning number:GE12/ENP-PCA/EN/141.3. Title: Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of Georgia

1.4. Sector: Environment

1.5 Beneficiary country: Georgia (Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia, Agency ofProtected Areas).

2. Objectives:

2.1. Overall Objective

Support sustainable development of Georgias protected areas system through combining and

balancing interests of nature conservation and protection as well as social-economic needs of

local communities.

2.2. Project Purpose

The main purpose of the project is strengthening the effective nature conservation system of

Georgia through improved management of protected areas of Georgia.

The main approach of the project is building capacity of staff of the central apparatus of the

Agency of Protected Areas and local park administrations to support implementation of EU

acquis recommendations and requirements through practical application of protected area


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acquis recommendations and requirements through practical application of protected area

Chapter 4.6 sets it as a priority to develop legislation and basic procedures to ensure planning

for key environmental sectors, air quality, water quality, waste management, and nature

protection. Specifically, the project is related to the following priorities (set out in the chapter

4.6.3 of the ENP AP):

- Enhance administrative capacities, including for the issuing of permits as well as for

enforcement and inspection;

This Twinning project will contribute to achievement of the above-mentioned Action Plans

objectives through concrete and measurable results as elaborated below.

The negotiations on the Association Agreement (AA), which will lay down a new legalfoundation for EU-Georgia relations, started in July 2010. The Association Agreement will

likely include a chapter on environment, including nature protection sub-sector. In this context

the Twinning project anticipates and prepares the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia for

implementation of conclusions of the AAs chapter on environment.

3. Description

3.1. Background and justification:

3.1.1. Background country information

Caucasus is one of the WWF Global 200 Ecoregions, one of the 34 Conservation International

Global Hotspots, and one of the Worlds 221 Endemic Bird Areas. The region has extremely

high plant and animal diversity and a high level of endemism. Georgia holds the major part of

the regions biodiversity with almost all Caucasus ecosystems and habitats represented and a

high number of globally threatened species.

Georgias biodiversity is threatened by unsustainable logging of forests, over-grazing of

pastures poaching of wildlife the cultivation of wetlands the inappropriate development


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capacity to generate income. Income generated directly by the national park administrations has

increased from 42.600 GEL (approximately 17.7 EUR) in 2007 to 420, 866GEL (around 189,

439 EUR) in 2011. The resources of the State budget cover a part of the needs of the protected

area system of Georgia, while the remaining is generated through income-generated activitiesin the parks, international organisations and private donors.

Key important issue is absence of management plans as well as lack of skills and capacity at

park administrations and APA in PA management planning. Management plans are considered

as a main tool for integrated management of nature protected areas. In EU member states

management plans constitute an effective means to fulfil the obligations provided for by the

Habitats directive (92/43/EEC).

Currently, only three out of the 64 protected areas have updated management plans (i.e.

management plans that have been adopted in accordance with the procedures regulated by

Georgian legislation and those that have not expired1). Thus, the vast majority of PAs are

managed without documented comprehensive objectives and policies that can be

communicated to PA staff, adjacent communities and others; they lack coherent and integrated

strategies for protection, conservation, socio-economic development of adjacent communities,

monitoring, and strengthening the administration.

Because of absence of management plans, adjacent communities have few opportunities to

participate in planning and management of PAs. One of the consequences is that opportunity

costs, which fall on adjacent communities (e.g. loss of access to resources resulting from the

establishment of the PA or restrictions imposed by the PA administration), usually are not

taken into account in planning.

Table A in Annex II presents list of all protected areas, their IUCN categories, areas, and

management plan status. Table B presents the list and description of protected areas to be

supported by the Twinning project, followed by a short description about each PA.


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Convention. Emerald Network operates alongside the European Union's Natura

2000programme.

In 2009, the Council of Europe re-launched the Emerald programme in Georgia. Currently, 20existing and planned protected areas (e.g. Central Caucasus,) are acknowledged as potential

Emerald sites.

The Emerald Network was created by virtue of Recommendation No. 16 (1989) and Resolution

No. 3 (1996) of the Standing Committee on Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs)

that form the EMERALD Network.

In the point four of the Recommendation No. 16, contracting parties are recommended to draw

up and implement management plans which will identify both short and long-term objectives.

1. draw up and implement management plans which will identify both short- and long-

term objectives (such management plans can relate to individual areas or to a

collection of areas such as heathlands);

2. regularly review the terms of the management plans in the light of changing conditionsor of increased scientific knowledge;

3. clearly mark the boundaries of ASCIs on maps and, as far as possible, on the ground;

4. advise the competent authorities and landowners of the extent of ASCIs and their

characteristics;

5. provide for the monitoring of ASCIs and especially of the factors for which their

conservation is important."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000


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3.2. Linked activities

In the recent years, a number of projects financed by different donors have been contributing

for development and strengthening of the Georgian Protected Areas System. Several suchinterventions include development of management plans.

However, these activities target individual protected areas and envisage development of

management plans as parts of larger initiatives such as establishment of a protected area or

ensuring income diversification mechanisms. In addition, they are performed by hired private

consultants and do not focus on strengthening capacity of APA in management planning (with

the exception of Borjomi-Kharagauli Management Plan and Vashlovani PA management plan

development).

Below is a summary of the current and planned interventions by other actors and that are

relevant to the initiative presented in this Fiche.

CaucasusNature Fund (CNF).It is currently contributing 80,000 EUR per year to the

management costs of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and 80,000 EUR per year to the

management costs of Lagodekhi PAs. Moreover, CNF aims to contribute similar amounts tothe running costs of Tusheti and Vashlovani PAs from 2012. According to the framework

agreement between CNF and MoEP, APA is obligated to develop a management plan for a PA

to be funded by the CNF that partially contributes to the costs of the management plan

development. However, APA by its own means or through donors support should contribute at

least 50 % of the entire costs of the management plan development.

UNDP/GEF Catalysing Financial Sustainability of Georgias Protected Areas Project.

This project addresses the barriers in the legal framework that prevent income generation by

PAs. It also develops and tests measures for generating income in Tusheti PAs. The project also

develops a management plan for the pilot site: Tusheti Protected Areas. Projects entire budget

i 875 420 USD (669 650EUR) 2009 2012


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The Minister of Environment Protection has agreed to propose the establishment of

MachakhelaNational Park as the main investment under the 1.5 million USD (1,148,100 EUR)

GEF 5 allocation to biodiversity protection in Georgia. The Ministry intends to submit itsproposal to committeein December, 2011. In this case, Machakhela National Park will be

established and the management plan developed.

KFW (German Financial Cooperation) is financing the Eco-regional Nature Conservation

Programme for the Southern Caucasus (ENCP), Phase III. The programme uses criteria such as

gaps in management effectiveness to select the PAs it will support. According to the Feasibility

study of the programme, four protected areas and planned protected areas were proposed for

assistance: Algeti NP, Kazbegi NP, Kintrishi PAs, and Pshav-Khevsureti planned PAs.

Development of management plans for this PAs is part of the programme. 8,250,000 EUR,

2012-2015(2016).

3.3. Results:

The Twinning project consists of two major components: (a) improved management of

protected areas by developing and adopting actual management plans; and (b) strengtheningcapacity within the protected areas system. The following results are foreseen in the framework

of the Twinning project:

Result 1: Strengthened APAs capacities of developing and implementing management

plans as a main tool for nature conservation

Result 2: Enhanced understanding of EU legislative framework for nature protection

Result 3: Effective mechanism in place for involvement and consultation of local actors

in preparation and implementation of management plans

3.4. Activities


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beneficiary, the GoG, the civil society, donors, and other stakeholders. The

conference will be concluded with some recommendations for possible

follow-up and lessons learnt for similar projects.

Benchmarks: Closing Conference organised;Recommendations and Lessons learnt formulated and discussed

Stakeholders, media and public informed about the results of the project at its

end.

Resources: RTA, RTA Assistant, PL, STE, translation.

Activity Group 1 Capacity Building for Development and Implementation of

Management Plans

This specific group of activities is expected to build upon practical training to the staff of the

APA and administrations of the selected protected areas. This training will be provided by

means of strong facilitation and guidance to the beneficiary staff through the process of

management plan elaboration.

Activity 1.1: Collection of information on protected areas system in Georgia, as well

as existing data on the selected 4 pilot sites

Method: RTA, in support of RTA counterpart and STE will collect informationavailable about the protected areas system of Georgia as well as pilot PAs

(description of key features, situation analysis and long-term objectives of

selected PAs, old management plans, management plan development

guidelines)

Benchmarks: Report on protected areas system in Georgia and existing data on the selected

4 pilot sites

Resources: RTA, STE, RTA Assistant, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, BCPL, translation,

printed materials.

Activity 1.2: Introductory training to the core Working Group established under

i f APA


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providing advice on specific methodologies, facilitating related training

workshops and seminars to the Working Group and relevant stakeholders on-

the-field.

As an output, the STEs will deliver: 1) conclusions and recommendations onguidelines for elaboration of the management plans; 2) training module on

methodology for preparation of the specific section of the management plan

which will be a tool for the APA trainers.

Benchmarks: A series of workshops to the Working Group and stakeholders on-the-field;

Training modules covering aspects relevant to management plans (awareness

raising, economic valuation, tourism and marketing, socio-economic

assessment, law enforcement/patrolling potential, land use, hunting,

geographic-geologic assessment, speleological survey, paleontological

assessment, landscape, natural resources/forests, flora, fauna and legal

assessment, etc.)

Resources: RTA, STEs, RTA Assistant, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, BCPL,

transportation, translation, printed materials.

Activity 1.4: Consultation and expert advice on management plan development in 4

pilot sitesMethod: A pool of STEs will support the Working Group activities in relation to

development of management plans in 4 pilot areas. The STE will provide

methodological and technical advice on development of specific sections of a

management plan. STEs will provide facilitation and consultation on the

fieldwork. STEs will work together with their counterparts of APA and the

selected protected area administrations to draft specific parts of the

management plans and coordinate consolidation process of different parts of

management plan documents.Benchmarks: Mission reports, including recommendations and contributions to

management plans; management plan documents

R RTA STE RTA A i RTA APA ff BCPL


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Resources: RTA, RTA assistant, STE, APA, translation.

Activity 1.7: Select participants and develop the training programme for training of

trainers (ToT).Method: RTA, 2 STEs and RTA counterpart identify and nominate up to 15 members

of the working group whom they observe in the working process to be trained

at the ToT.

Benchmark: Training programme on the development of management plans for both

central and local levels is developed and presented; the list of participants of

ToT is presented.

Resources: RTA, RTA Assistant, and/or STEs

Activity 1.8 Conduct trainings of trainers (ToT) for APA members

Method: 2 STEs conduct training of trainers for 3-5 days on the methodology of MP

development.

Benchmarks: Up to 15 members of APA are trained as trainers in MP development.

Resources: RTA Assistant, STEs, translations, APAs staff

Activity Group 2: Enhancing Understanding of EU Nature LegislationThe group of activities is designed in anticipation of EU-Georgia negotiations on the

Association Agreement (specific chapter on environment).

Activity 2.1: Seminars and workshops on EU Nature legislation

Method: Twinning partners will hold training seminars and workshops to the APA

staff and representatives from park administrations on the EU Nature

legislation. The training will familiarise the target group with the key EU

legislation on nature protection in the context of EU-Georgia AA negotiationsand legal approximation.

Benchmarks: 2 workshops organised

T i i i l


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Method: Complementary to raising understanding of the EU nature protection

legislation by the APA staff and staff of protected area administrations, the

activity will target key stakeholders of APA: other line ministries and

authorities, regional and local authorities, local communities, non-state actorsand business society.

Through broad conferences and specific publications, the Twinning partners

will give to the key stakeholders an overview of the main EU nature protection

principles, implications to social and economic development of local

communities, as well as business development. As regards the other line

ministries and institutions, it is expected to demonstrate a role and examples of

inter-institutional coordination and cooperation.

Benchmarks: 2 days conference is organised. 4 STE from MS will share their experience on

EU nature protection principles during the conference.

Resources: RTA, 4 STE, RTA Assistant, BCPL, RTA counterpart, APA staff, conference

venue, interpretation, translation, printed materials.

Activity Group 3: Development of Consultation Process with Local Partners in Pilot

Protected Areas

Consultation with local actors and involvement of stakeholders in development andimplementation of a management plan is an essential part of the process. The group of

activities is to focus on both general issues on how to address key stakeholders and specific

application of methods in 4 pilot sites.

Activity 3.1: Holding Inception Workshops in 4 Pilot Areas (Ajameti, Lagodekhi,

Mtirala, Imereti Caves)

Method: At the beginning of each management plan development process, the

Working Group supported by the Twinning partners and a director of therelevant protected area arrange inception workshop for stakeholders. Planned

activities will be introduced to local communities, governments, NGOs,

i d di


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Mtirala, ImeretiCaves)

Method: At the end of each management plan development process RTA, RTA

Assistant, together with APAs working group leader and a director of

relevant protected area arrange final workshop for stakeholders aiming atpresentation of results to local communities, governments, NGOs, businesses

and media.

Benchmarks: 4 final workshops are organised with participation of local stakeholders,

media and public to inform them about the result of the planned activities.

Resources: RTA, STE, RTA Assistant, PL, RTA counterpart, APAs staff, field trip,

transportation, translation.

3.5. Means/Input from the MS Partner Administration

3.5.1. Profile and tasks of the Project Leader (PL)

The PL will be expected to devote a minimum of 3 days per month to the project in his/her

home administration. In addition, s/he will coordinate, from the Member state side, the ProjectSteering Committee (PSC), which will meet in Georgia every three months.

Profile:

At least 10years of experience in the field of protected areas management.

During the project period, he/she must be in an active senior management position in

the MemberState institution for at least 3years;

Have experience in the field of project management, institutional issues and

organisation of protected areas system.

Tasks:


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Knowledge of European protected areas system and its implementation mechanisms;

Sound comparative knowledge of relevant EU legislative and institutional requirements

related to the various components of this project;

Good training, public speaking, diplomatic and written communication skills;

Excellent computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point);

Excellent command of spoken and written English; Language skills kills in Georgian or

Russian would be an asset.

Tasks:

Overall supervision of the project implementation and coordination of all activities, as

well as management of the project administration;

Coordination of the activities of the team members in line with the agreed workprogrammes to enable timely completion of project outputs;

Provide technical input to the project whenever needed and provision of advice in his

field of expertise;

Liaise with MS and BC Project Leaders and daily contacts with BC RTA counterpart;

Co-preparation of project progress reports with Project Leader;

Liaison with EU Project Manager;

Liaison with other relevant projects and Georgian institutions;

Together with the PL and/or RTA Counterpart lead the working group at APA and

provides supervision on tasks assigned to the group;

Elaborate ToRs of the STEs of the project.

3.5.3. Profile and tasks of the medium/ short-term experts

Tasks of Short Term Experts:

Terms of Reference for short-term adviser(s) will be elaborated by Project Leader/RTA at the

work plan preparation stage. The exact number of STEs per activity should be agreed during


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2. Palaeontology

3. Land Use Planning

4. Tourism/Marketing

5. Awareness Raising6. Socio-economic assessment

7. Economic valuation of PAs

8. Hunting

9. Geology-geography

10. Law Enforcement/patrolling

11. Communication

In order to achieve the results pertaining to the training of APA staff, STEs should also have

the following skills:

training and facilitation skills;

good writing, training and presentation skills;

experience in coaching/mentoring.

In addition to their missions in Georgia, the short-term experts are expected to contribute

actively to elaborating the programmes of the foreseen study visits and internships.

4. Legal and Institutional Framework

The establishment and management of PAs is governed by the Law On the System of

Protected Areas (1996) as amended (the Protected Areas Law) and subsidiary regulations. TheProtected Areas Law lays down the categories of PA which may be established in Georgia and

procedures for establishing, changing boundaries of, and dissolving PAs, and assigns powers

and responsibilities.


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The following list represents several stakeholder organizations in the field of protected areas

with whom APA should consult during the management planning:

State bodies that have important formal powers related to the PAs and that are

consulted during the management plan development;

Various ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development in

relation to economic activities in and around protected areas, Ministry of Energy and

Natural Resources in relation to hydro power developments and other projects around

protected areas;

State Representatives of the Regions, who carry the authority of the President, canfacilitate communication between projects and local self-governing bodies;

The municipalities - representative of local government;

Local Communities living in or around protected areas;

Regional and national NGOs and branch offices of international NGOs with

knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the PA sector;

The Georgian Orthodox Church that owns or manages under agreement with the State a

large number of sites of religious, cultural and historical significance in or around

protected areas;

Seasonal livestock herders who use pastures in or around protected areas;

Private businesses with an interest to benefit from protected areas such as hospitality

businesses, tour operators, and various other service providers;

Educational institutions interested in scientific research on protected areas and offering

education and knowledge in the field.

All stakeholders should be involved in the process and consulted during the projectimplementation to ensure the participatory approach to the management plan development. For

more detailed description of relevant institutions, please see Annex VI.


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PAO will support the TWG Project implementation process together with the EU Delegation.

The person in charge of this project is:

Mr. Roman Kakulia

PAO DirectorProject Administration Office (PAO) in Georgia

Office of the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration

#7, Ingorokva Street, Tbilisi 0134, Georgia

Office tel./fax: (995 32) 299 89 14 / 292 26 09

E-mail:[email protected]

6.1.2. Main counterpart in the Beneficiary Country:

Project Leader (PL)

Ms. Tamar Pataridze

Deputy Head

Agency of Protected Areas

6, Gulua Street Tbilisi, Georgia

Phone: + 995 32 275 23 56

Fax: + 995 32 75 23 53

Email: [email protected]

http://apa.gov.ge

RTA Counterpart:

Ms Rusudan Chochua
mailto:[email protected]://apa.gov.ge/mailto:[email protected]://apa.gov.ge/


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In addition, monthly progress monitoring meetings should be held. As a gathering of RTA,

RTA counterpart, PAO and EU Delegation representative the meetings are to monitor progress

and solve any emerging operational problems on a monthly base. As the outcome, it is

recommended to record proceedings of the meetings in one-page minutes.

7. Implementation schedule (indicative)

7.1. Launching of the call for proposals: February 2012

7.2. Start of the project activities: October 2012

7.3. Project completion: January 2015

7.4. Duration of the execution period (number of months): 24months (+ 3 months for the start-

up and closure of the project).

8. Sustainability:

The capacity building of the staff of the APA and park administrations within the Twinning

project is constructed as a learning process through practical development of the managementplan for the selected pilot protected areas. The sustainability of the project will be achieved

through active participation of local staff throughout the project and more importantly, through

training of trainers of APA and park administrations members. As a result, skilled and

knowledgeable team (including future trainers) will create sound basis and structure enabling

knowledge transfer among the administrations of protected areas in Georgia and between the

protected areas and the APA. The core team that is expected as an outcome of the Twinning

project will be a great contributor to the development of management plans for other PAs:Batsara-Babaneuri SNR and Ilto MR; Gardabani MR; Mariamjvari SNR, Korugi and Iori MRs;

Tbilisi NP, Kobuleti PAs; Chachuna MR. (For more information see chapter 3.2 Linked

activities).Inclusion of other PAs staff in the trainings will improve management planning skills


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No negative environmental impact of the project is expected. As a matter of fact, goals of the

Twinning project are centred onbestenvironmental practices and sustainable development

principles. Key elements and deliverables of the Twinning project improved capacity of the

APA and administrations of protected areas constitute important measures and tools formanagement of protected areas in Georgia.

10.Conditionality and sequencing

There is no precondition set for this Twinning project.


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Abbreviations and Acronyms:

AP Action Plan

APA -Agency of Protected AreasASCI - Areas of Special Conservation Interest within the Emerald Network

BC - Beneficiary country

CBD - Convention on Biological Diversity

CNF - Caucasus Nature Fund

ECPC - Eco-regional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus

ENP - European Neighbourhood Policy

GEF - Global Environmental Facility

GoG - Government of Georgia

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

KfW - German Bank of Reconstruction (Bankengruppe)

MoEP - Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia

MP Management Plan

NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

NEAP National Environmental Action Plan

NPASAP - National Protected Area Strategy and Action PlanPA - Protected Area

NP National Park

SNR Strict Nature Reserve

MR Managed Reserved

PCA - Partnership and Co-operation Agreement

PASCDAP - Protected Areas System Capacity Development Action Plan for Georgia

PL Project Leader

RAPPAM - Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management

RTA Resident Twinning Adviser

STE Short-term expert


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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI GE11/ENP-PCA/EN/14 project

Annexes to the Project Fiche - Annex I

ANNEX I - LOGFRAME PLANNING MATRIX for TWINNING FICHE:

Strengthening Management of Protected Areas ofGeorgia

Programme name and number:Total budget: EUR1.100.000

Overall objective Objectively verifiable

indicators

Sources of Verification Assumptions

Support sustainabledevelopment of Georgias

protected areas systemthrough combining and

balancing interests of natureconservation and protection as

well as social-economic needsof local communities

Increase in sustainable financingsources of Georgias protected

areas system

Positive trends of key sustainable

development indicators, inparticular, in the regions related to

the protected areasPositive opinion of relevant

international organisations onmanagement of Georgias

protected areas system

Governmental andParliamentary reports

APA Annual Reports

Analytical reports/ assessment

reports by international

organisations

Project purpose Objectively verifiable

indicators

Sources of Verification Assumptions

Strengthening the effective

nature conservation system ofGeorgia through improved

management of protectedareas of Georgia

Method for management planning

is applied: management plans forother Georgias protected areas are

additionally developed andaccepted after completion of the

Twinning project

Working group established at APA

for management planning (corestaff) is functional and providingservices to Georgias protectedareas after completion of the

Twinning project.

Management plans are developed

with strong involvement of localcommunities after completion ofthe Twinning project

Analytical reports/ assessment

reports by local andinternational NGO and/or

international organisation

Governmental andParliamentary Reports

APA Annual Reports

EC Assessment Reports/Monitoring Reports

Twinning project assessmentmission report

Twinning Project Final ReportMinutes of the Project SteeringCommittee (PSC)

Policies supporting sustainable

development, i.e. combiningand balancing economic activity

with nature protection, will bepursued by the Government of

Georgia

APA management remains

committed to and continuesstrengthening APAs

professional and institutionalstanding.

Institutional and legislativeframework is maintained so that

APA remains in full capacity toaccomplish its regulatory duties

in harmony with EU acquis andbest practices.

Financing of the APA is


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Result 3: Effective

mechanism in place for

involvement and consultationof local actors in preparationand implementation of

management plans.

Management plan forImeretiCaves(Sataplia) PAs;

on management planning competencies and capacities isfunctioning at APA, and

maintains staff motivation as

well as knowledge.Adequate human and financialresources are ensured for thesystem of Georgias protectedareas

Overall legislative andregulatory framework relatedto management of the protectedareas is maintained or further

enhanced in favour of the

system of Georgias protectedareas

Communication with local

communities, NGOs andbusinesses community ismaintained in a constructiveand cooperative spirit

The tools and guidelinesdeveloped within the Twinning

project are updated and

revisited accordingly inresponse to new lessons-learntand legislative changes

Staff turnover in APA isminimal so that the corecompetencies and knowledgeis retained in the institution

Draft methodologies/ guideline

on management planning madeavailable for APA staff by theend of the project

Training modules made availablefor APA staff/ trainers by the end

of the project

A group of APA staff on the

central level at the Agencyworking on management plandevelopment established by the

end of the projectAt least 20 staff members fromAPA and core PAsadministrations trained in the

process and capable of leading

management plan developmentby the end of the project

Up to 15 staff members fromAPA and selected members of the

working group area are trained to

be trainers in management plandevelopment by the end of the

project.

Decision/ order of the Head of

APA on establishment of theWorking Group

Decision/ order of the Head of

APA on a list of APA trainer-staff

Twinning Project InterimQuarterly and Final Reports

Minutes of Twinning ProjectSteering Committee meetings

Reports on APA staff skillassessment and APA SWOT

analysis between the periods ofthe start (baseline), the middle

(12th month) and the end (24st

month) of the Project

STE(s) Training reports

Activities/Components or input Means (indicative) Assumptions

0.1 Kick-off workshop

0.2 Final conference for project closure

PL, RTA, RTA Assistant, STEs,

translation

RTA, RTA Assistant, RTAcounterpart, APAs staff, BCPL, transportation, translation,

printed materials

APA management remains

committed to developing and

strengthening use ofmanagement planningmethodologies

APAs staff able to participatei h k h d fi ld1 1 Collection of information on protected areas system in STE (4 x 5 m d) translation


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RTA, RTA Assistant, BCPL, RTA counterpart,

APAs staff, field trip,

transportation, translation2.1. Seminars and workshops on EU Nature legislation

2.2. 3 Study Tours in Protected Areas of partner

country/countries to observe the management plan

implementation and enforcement

2.3. Raising Public Awareness on EU Nature Protection

Principles

STE (4x8 m d), translation,APA working group, 4workshops

APAs staff, 9flights, 54perdiem

STE (4x5md),2 day conference,

translation, interpretation,

conference venue, printedmaterials

3.1. Holding Inception Workshops in 4 Pilot Areas (Ajameti,

Lagodekhi, Mtirala, Imereti Caves)

3.2. Developing communication strategy

3.3. Final workshops for each of 4 protected areas (Ajameti,

Lagodekhi, Mtirala, Imereti Caves)

STE (4x5m d), translation,transportation, APA workinggroup, 4 workshops, printed

materials

STE (4x5m d), translation, APAworking group, 2 workshops

STE (4x5m d), translation,

transportation, APA workinggroup, 4 workshops, printedmaterials

Preconditions

none


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Kobuleti Strict Nature Reserve 331 Kobuleti PAs Administration

Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve 22,295 Lagodekhi PAs Administration

Mariamjvari Strict Nature Reserve 1,040 Mariamjvari PAs AdministrationSataplia Strict Nature Reserve 354 Sataplia SNR Administration

Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve 10,852 Tusheti PAs Administration

Vashlovani Strict Nature Reserve 10,143 Vashlovani PAs Administration

Liakhvi Strict Nature Reserve(1) 6,388

Pskhu - Gumista Strict Nature

Reserve(2)

40,819

Bichvinta - Miusera Strict Nature

Reserve(2)

3,645

National Parks (IUCN Category II)

Algeti National Park 6,822 Algeti NP Administration

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park 61,235 Borjomi-Kharagauli NPs Administration

Kazbegi National Park 8,707 Kazbegi NP Administration

Kolkheti National Park 45,447 Kolkheti NP Administration

Mtirala National Park 15,806 Mtirala NP Administration

Tbilisi National Park 22,425 Tbilisi NP AdministrationTusheti National Park 71,482 Tusheti PAs Administration

Vashlovani National Park 24,610 Vashlovani PAs Administration

Javakheti National Park 14 206,83 N/A

Natural Monuments (IUCN

Category III)

Alazani Flood Plain Forest Natural

Monument

204 Vashlovani PAs Administration

Artsivi Gorge Natural Monument 100 Vashlovani PAs Administration

Jason's Cave Natural Monument - Sataplia SNR Administration

Khomulo Cave Natural Monument - Sataplia SNR Administration


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Iori Managed Reserve 1,336 Mariamjvari PAs Administration

Katsoburi Managed Reserve 295 Katsoburi MR Administration

Kobuleti Managed Reserve 439 Kobuleti PAs AdministrationKorugi Managed Reserve 2,068 Mariamjvari PAs Administration

Lagodekhi Managed Reserve 2,156 Lagodekhi PAs Administration

Nedzvi Managed Reserve 8,992 Borjomi-Kharagauli NPs Administration

Kartsakhi Managed Reserve 158 N/A

Sulda Managed Reserve 320 N/A

Khanchali Managed Reserve 839 N/A

Bughdasheni Managed Reserve 126 N/A

Madatafa Managed Reserve 1484 N/A

Protected Landscape (IUCN

Category V)

Kintrishi Protected Landscape 3,190 Kintrishi PAs Administration

Tusheti Protected Landscape 31,320 Akhmeta Municipality

Table B:

The following table demonstrates priority protected areas for APA and their management plan status.Those that do not have management plans are marked as Absent, those that are going to have

management plans through various ongoing initiatives are marked as Planned, and those that have

valid management plans are marked as In Place. According to the table, eight priority PAs will bewithout management plans by 2012. Out of eight PAs three are Emerald Sites ASCI. Another three

are planned to be Emerald Sites and will be nominated for the inclusion in the list by APA in 2011.

Protected Area Management Plan Status

Vashlovani Pas

(Emerald Site - ASCI)

Planned

Funded through GIZ project: Update of MP of Vashlovani PAs


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preparation of MP; 2012-15.

Mtirala PA


In Place but will expire in 2011

Funded through WWF Development of Mtirala National ParkProject supported by Norwegian Government.

Machakhela Planned PAs PlannedFunded through GEF5- Project Creation of new Protected Areas

and development of Management. Establishment of Machakhela

PAs and preparation of MP, 2012-13.

Javakheti PA(Emerald

Site - ASCI)

Planned

Funded through BMZ/KFW, Eco-regional Conservation ProgrammeII, Establishment of Javakheti PAs and preparation of MP, 2011-12.

Kolkheti PA


In Place (will expire in 2012)

Planned through Kolkheti Fund by SOCCAR

Kobuleti PA In Place (will expire in 2012)

Planned through Kolkheti Fund by SOCCAR

Imereti Caves PAs ABSENT

Kintrishi PA


PlannedFunded through KFW. Eco-regional Conservation Program III,

Thematic Approach. Development of Kintrishi PA and preparation

of MP; 2012-14.

Algeti PA


Planned

Funded through KFW. Eco-regional Conservation Program III,Thematic Approach. Development of Algeti PA and preparation of

MP; 2012-14.

Gardabani PA(Planned Emerald Site

ASCI)

ABSENT

Chachuna PA ABSENT


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establishment of MR was to protect unique Iberian Oak forests. Nowadays the area covers 5,117hectares and is managed by Ajameti MR Administration. The territorial unit consists of 20 persons

including 17 rangers and 3 administrative members.

Ajameti MR is surrounded by 16 villages. The pipe-line of state importance and a road of local use

cross the MR. In addition, Georgian Army Acting Division is located inside the Reserve.

Imereti Caves (Sataplia) Protected Areas

Imereti Caves Protected Areas were created on the basis of Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve in 2007 by

the Georgian Law on Establishment and Management of Protected Areas of Imereti Caves.Protected Areas are of the complex character and include geological, palaeonthological, speleological,

and botanical rarities. A Strict Nature Reserve, a Managed Natural Reserve and 11 Natural Monuments

are included in Imereti PAs: Prometheus Cave, Tetri Cave, Khomuli Cave, Tsutskhvati Cavity,Navenakhevi Cave, Nagarevi Cave, Jason's Cave, Sakazhia Cave, Tskaltsitela Gorge, Okatse Canyon,

and Okatse Waterfall.

Imereti Caves Protected Areas are managed by the Administration of Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve,

which consists of 22 employees including 9 rangers and 13 administrative members. NaturalMonuments are surrounded by villages and settlements.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas

Lagodekhi protected areas were the first protected areas established in Georgia in 1912. Since 2003 it

has been established in the categories of reserve and managed reserve with total area 24 451 ha.

Lagodekhi protected areas are located in northeast of Georgia, in the Lagodekhi region. The distancefrom Tbilisi to Lagodekhi is 170 km. The protected areas are located on the southern slopes of the

Greater Caucasus.


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Territorial unit consists of 24 employees: 8 administrative members and 16 rangers.


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ANNEX III. Relevant Studies and Legislation

According to Georgian Law, management plans are being adopted based on the order of a Minister ofEnvironment Protection of Georgia (Law of Georgia about the System of Protected Areas, March 7,1996; paragraph 15, section 4). According to Georgian legal hierarchy, Ministerial order represents a

normative act and part of the legislative base of the country (Law of Georgia on Normative Acts,

November 19, 1996; Article 4, section 1).

The Government of Georgias policies regarding PA development and management are set out in the

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) adopted in 2005. The actions set out in the

NBSAP have been overtaken for all practical purposes by the National Protected Areas SystemDevelopment Strategy and Action Plan (NPASDSAP), though it has no formal status. Strategic Goal 3

of NPASDSAP and actions for achievement of the goal improvement of management of protected

areas stipulate the development and adoption of management plans for all individual PAs.

The GoG with the support of the Ministry of Housing, Special Planning and the Environment of

Netherlands is currently at the completion phase of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP 2)that is expected to be adopted in January 2011. Draft of the NEAP 2, chapter 6 stipulates an action to

develop management plans on all protected areas by 2015.

In addition to its own goals and determination to develop management plans and build capacity inmanagement planning, the Agency of Protected Areas has received numerous recommendations in this

regard from its international partners. These recommendations stem from various studies conducted

within international projects alerting GoG, the donor community, and other stakeholders to develop themanagement plans on all PAs. Some of these recommendations are presented below:

Management Effectiveness Assessment of Protected Areas of Georgia

(WWF, IUCN, 2008):

The Assessment used RAPPAM method and revealed absence of management plans and capacity to


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Actions:

Develop a protected areas management planning guidelines;

Determine status of PA management planning for all PAs; Seek funding for management planning activities;

Partner with international organizations to train PA staff in Conservation Action Planning;

Develop new management plans;

Establish detailed management policy statements that focus on fulfilment of legal mandates;

Update existing plans;

Develop revision schedule as required.

Progress Assessment towards Targets of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas in Georgia

(WWF, 2009):

The Assessment alerts Georgia about its obligation to elaborate management plans for all PAs andrecommends to develop management plans and to implement them.

Assessment of the capacity of the APA within the Feasibility Study for the Caucasus Eco-regional

Conservation Programme, Phase III (KFW, BMZ, 2010):

Study team of the Programme carried out an assessment of the APAs capacity against 35 criteria. Theassessment revealed several strengths and some weaknesses that significantly affect the APAs

capability. According to the assessment, significant weaknesses exist in relation to: skills of managers in

key positions and basic management systems which manifest themselves in various ways including:only 3 out of the 50 PAs have current management plans; the vast majority are being managed without

documented long term objectives and policies.

Training Needs Analysis through the GEF/UNDP project Catalysing Financial Sustainability of

Protected Areas ofstates that Many PAs still do not have management plans or those are out-dated.

E en if the do these plans ha e been de eloped b e ternal e perts and PA staff has little o nership


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Annex IV:

Structure of Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia

For more information about the protected areas of Georgia, please visit:http://apa.gov.ge

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Org chart of the Central Apparatus of APA Typical org chart of the territorial unit, anindividual protected area
http://apa.gov.ge/http://apa.gov.ge/http://apa.gov.ge/http://apa.gov.ge/


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Strengthening Management of Protected Areas of GeorgiaENPI XXX project

ANNEX V: List of relevant institutions and organizations with short descriptions

Nota bene: this list is by no means exhaustive and represents only a brief overview of partners and stakeholders of protected areas of Georgia.

State organisations

Parliament of Georgia

The Parliament of Georgia decides on the establishment of new PAs and changes to the boundaries, or cancellation, of existing PAs upon a proposal fromthe Government.

Ministry of FinanceThe Ministry of Finance controls the allocation of state budget funds to government organisations. The Ministry represents the Government ininternational financing agreements.

Ministry of Environment Protection (MoEP)

The MoEP is responsible for the development and implementation of environmental policy and legislation in Georgia including biodiversityconservation.The MoEPs agreement is needed to any proposal to establish a new PA or to change the boundaries or cancel an existing PA before the proposal is sent

to other ministries. Units of the Ministrys central apparatus that are especially relevant to the programme are the following:

The Biodiversity Protection Division is responsible for the development and implementation of policy and legislation for biodiversity conservation insideand outside protected areas.

The Department of Environmental Policy and International Relations is responsible for environmental policy development and long-term planning of the

MoEP, as well as liaison with international partners and donors.

Agency of Protected Areas (APA) under the MoEP

The APA is a legal entity of public law under the supervision of the MoEP. The Agencys core functions are: (a) to manage protected areas of IUCNCategories I-IV, and other PAs in cooperation with other institutions; (b) maintaining and supervising PAs; (c) PA system and capacity development

planning, and (d) the development of plans, draft laws and guidelines related to PAs. There are some additional functions, such as the monitoring of rulesestablished by the law, the planning and development of new protected areas, their popularization and the development of ecotourism, as well as the

planning and arrangement of protected area infrastructure. The mandate of the APA is laid down in the Regulation of the Agency of Protected Areas(2008).

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As a legal entity of public law, the APA is entitled to conduct certain economic activities and to collect the revenue of these activities for re-investment inPA system development. One of the sources of such revenues has been ecotourism, and the APA has been actively promoting ecotourism in GeorgianPAs.

Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (MoESD)

The mission of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is to provide stable and high temps of economic growth with working up and

implementation an effective economic policy.

The government of the country is implementing structural and institutional reforms with aim to provide the most favourable business environment.Consequently, the current economic reforms are targeted at: Liberalization of entrepreneurship activity, creation of favourable, transparent and stable

legislation for private entrepreneurship and attractive business and investment climate. Realization of active privatization process and support tostrengthening of private sector. Liberalization of the sphere of licenses and permits and reform of the system of technical regulation. Economic

deregulation and providing and protection of terms of competition on local market. Development of tourist, transport and communication infrastructureand support to growth of the countrys transit potential. Liberalization of tariffs on import and support to growth of export potential. Rehabilitation and

economic development of the regions of Georgia and post conflict territories.National Tourism Agency

The National Tourism Agency

(the successor to the Department of Tourism and Resorts) under the MoESD is the government organisation responsible for the development andpromotion of tourism in Georgia.

Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MoRDI)

The Mission of the MoRDI is the development and implementation of policy, legislation and planning instruments for the coordinated development of

Georgias regions including their infrastructure. The Ministry also has a key role as a coordination agency for infrastructure development projects. It wasformed in early 2009 only, incorporating some Departments that were earlier under the Ministry for Economic Development.

Ministry of Agriculture: Department of Regional Management

Mission: Within the general mission of the Ministry of Agriculture, the mission of the Department of Regional Management is the implementation ofagricultural policy and the development of agriculture in Georgias regions.

Ministry of Justice

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The functions of the Ministry of Justice include scrutiny of draft laws before they are submitted to the Parliament including laws establishing, cancellingand changing the boundaries of protected areas. The Ministry supervises the National Agency of Public Registry which is responsible for establishing andadministering a registration system for ensuring recognition and protection of immovable property rights by the state.

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR)

The Mission of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is to exploit existing energy and natural resources, to diversify imported energy supply, to

ensure energy safety, to develop alternative energy sources as well as assessment of natural resources and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Italso pursues the long-term goal of meeting the entire demand on electricity by local hydropower resources.

The MoENR is promoting the establishment of small hydropower stations in Georgia, to be financed by investors. This interest extends to some protected

area buffer zones and planned protected areas. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources could play an important role for the promotion of theestablishment of small hydropower stations in these areas. Beyond this, the Ministry could become a partner in piloting new innovative schemes of

energy trade for the benefit of local communities.

Offices of the State Representatives - Governors

State Representatives-Governors have the mission to represent the State at the level of the region (the highest level of regional subdivision in Georgia)and to coordinate policy implementation at the regional and sub-regional level. They are also consulted by municipalities regarding local budgetallocations. Currently the regions are not legally established because the Georgian Constitution foresees establishment of the necessary legislation onlyonce the Georgian State has full jurisdiction over the entire country. Hence, the State Representatives at the regional level are also not legally established,although fulfilling their de-facto role.

The Offices of the State Representative Governors have Departments of Relations with Local Government and Public Organs, which are mainly

responsible for the collaboration with Municipalities. The Offices take part in the decision-making regarding the allocation of state funds andcoordination of donor projects throughout the Region, and support initiatives and activities aimed at the development of the region.

The Offices of the State Representatives Governors can play a strong role as a communication facilitator and advisor to the programme. They should be

represented in consultation and cooperation mechanisms established in the framework of the socio-economic development sub-programmes.

Municipalities

The municipalities are the only tier of representative local government. The elected body is the Sakrebulo; the executive body is the Gamgeoba and isappointed by the Sakrebulo. The election system is such that all villages/settlements of a municipality are represented in its Sakrebulo. The mandate ofSakrebulos is defined by the Organic Law of Georgia on Local Self-governance (2005). The Sakrebulos natural interest is safeguarding local

participation in the decision making on all issues of relevance to the municipalities, including any changes to the PA boundaries and the establishment of

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new PAs, the setup of PA support zones, and the natural resource use regime in the municipalities. At the same time, the Sakrebulo promotes theinterests of the local population.

Municipalities suffer from low funding and are able to provide only minimal services to their residents. In many instances the Sakrebulos have less

political influence than the Gamgebelis (the Gamgebeli is the chief executive of the Gamgeoba). Nevertheless the Sakrebulos of the municipalities in theselected programme areas will be important partners for the programme.

Non-governmental organizations:

Transboundary Joint Secretariat (TJS)

Not a legal entity but operates as form of regional NGO. Financed by German Financial Cooperation. Second phase started in March 2011. Scope of

work includes conceptual support and capacity building in the PA sector. Capacity is low at the present time due to the winding down of the first phase.Second phase will bring substantial funding. Influence in the PA sector will by increased by the local implementation partners (REC Caucasus)

connections to the ministries of environment.

REC Caucasus

Regional NGO founded by the EU and the ministries of environment of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Active in integrated water resourcesmanagement, community forestry, climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, waste management. Will become active in the PA sector as a

partner in the consortium which will implement Phase II of the TJS. Suffered for years from poor management. Changes to structure and staff andinjection of new project funding are helping to turn the organization around but longer term core finding is not assured. Close connections to theministries of environment give the organization significant influence.

WWF Caucasus

Implements projects in the PA sector including creation of new PAs (Borjimi-Kharagauli PA, Mtirala PA). Coordinated the elaboration of the ECPC.Acts as the secretariat of the Caucasus Biodiversity Council (see below) WWF has used its influence to bring substantial funds from donor organizationsinto the PA sector.

Caucasus Biodiversity Council

An informal coordination mechanism that brings together representatives of the governments, NGOs and science and research bodies from the Caucasuscountries to promote and update the ECPC.

IUCN Programme Office for the Southern Caucasus

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Contributes to improving PA management effectiveness through trainings, PA system planning, development of formats for local stakeholderparticipation in PAs.

NACRES (Noahs Ark Centre for the Rescue of Endangered Species)

Carries out research and implements projects in the PA sector. Currently implementing the EU-funded human wildlife conflicts project in Tusheti and

Vashlovani PAs in association with Fauna and Flora International and a component of the

UNDP/GEF

Catalysing Financial Sustainability project in the Tusheti PAs pilot area, also in association with Fauna and Flora International.

CENN

Georgian sustainable development NGO/consultancy with a diverse project portfolio, including communication, participation in small hydropowerdevelopment, advocacy, sustainable land management, EIA.

CUNA Georgica/CWC

Promotion of sustainable natural resource use in Georgia, certification (FairWild) and market chains for wild products.

Elkana

Promotes, implements projects and provides extension services in the fields of sustainable rural development, organic agriculture, rural tourism.

Local NGOs

Smaller NGOs are active in many parts of Georgia and some have the capacity to act as local implementation partners.

Teaching, Science and Research

The main teaching, science and research organisations with an interest in the subject matter of the programme are Ilia State University, Faculty of LifeSciences. Research into the ecology and conservation of Georgian fauna. Field station in Stepantsminda, various research activities in Kazbegi. GeorgianAcademy of Sciences, Institute of Botany. Botanical Research, regional coordination of Caucasus Plant Red List Assessment, to be finalized in 2010.

Communities adjacent to PAs

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Generally communities have few opportunities to participate in the management of PAs and they are not organised and capacitated to exploit whateveropportunities are given to them to influence PA management.

Seasonal livestock herders

Seasonal livestock herders use pastures in PAs for grazing. The impacts of their natural resource use and the impacts of PA establishment and

management on their livelihoods will need to be taken into account during programme implementation.

Private Sector

Private tourism service providers include companies who sell package and custom tours, providers of outdoor activities (e.g. horse riding, rafting,mountain biking, hotels and family run guest houses. The Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) is an umbrella organization of Georgian tourism

operators. GTA has a 28 business membership and is active in the fields of destination promotion, capacity building and training. The associationinitiated cooperation with the APA regarding the development of sustainable tourism in 2008, and has since been involved in marketing, trail marking

and education activities in various PAs of Georgia, in collaboration with APA and local stakeholders

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