Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Collaborates with Regional Administrations to Discuss the Concept of National Policy for Sustainable Pasture Management
The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, in collaboration with national and international experts, has formulated the "Concept of National Policy for Sustainable Pasture Management." This comprehensive document focuses on the responsible utilization of pasture resources while promoting the growth of the livestock sector. Its primary objective is to establish municipal pasture management plans, enabling the identification, classification, zoning, and regulated usage of pastures.
Representatives from the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring (NASLM) and the Regional Environmental Center of the Caucasus (REC Caucasus) convened discussions with State Representatives from the Kvemo Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti regions, along with local government officials. During the meeting, participants deliberated on the fundamental principles and significance of the document, as well as issues pertaining to state policy on sustainable pasture management.
Mr. Giorgi Misheladze, Chairman of the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring, emphasized that "State and municipal-owned pastures, including protected areas and forest lands, will be made available for both common use and lease. Pastures situated near rural settlements will adopt a common use regime. Legislation will define the status of 'rural pasture' as well as the concept of winter and summer pasture. Associations of Pasture Users (APU) will be established, with 'village pastures' being entrusted to these associations. Pastures not utilized by APUs will be available for lease."
Mr. Giorgi Dokhturishvili, the state representative of the Kvemo Kartli region, along with the mayors of the municipalities within the region, attended the meeting held in the city of Rustavi. Similarly, Mr. David Nozadze, the state representative of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, and mayors of the respective municipalities were present at the meeting held in Mtskheta. Participants highlighted the importance of organizing further discussions to align opinions and finalize the concept, as its core principles will form the basis for future legislation on pastures in Georgia, referred to as the "Law on Pastures."
The "Concept of National Policy for Sustainable Pasture Management" was developed by national and international experts, in collaboration with the inter-agency working group established within the framework of the project "Achieving Land Degradation Neutral Balance (LDN) National Goals through Restoration and Sustainable Management of Degraded Pastures." This project receives support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
