Conservation of Arid and Semi-Arid Eco-System in the Caucasus

GEO/99/G35/1G/72
Total budget: USD 750,000 (added to USD 128,200 in-kind contribution)
UNDP Sector: Environmental Conservation and Management
Starting date: December 1999
Duration: 24 months

Background:

Although Georgia is relatively small in size. its topography and climate are highly varied, resulting in a unique and very significant diversity of habitats and endemic plants and animals, important to the biodiversity of the entire Caucasus Region. However, natural resources are being exploited in an unauthorised and uncontrolled manner, and existing protected areas are not being supervised adequately, leading to environmental degradation, reduction of habitats and a great decline in biodiversity. In order to reverse such a trend, Georgia has undertaken a number of actions while signing related International Environmental Conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1994. In addition, the Ministry of Environment is currently finalising its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The project is based on national priorities as indicated in Georgia's NBSAP, which identifies the arid and semi-arid zone as a priority area for conservation The arid and semi-arid zone suffers great disturbance from human influence since the area, along with adjacent low mountain ranges and gorges, is extensively used as a winter grazing ground for livestock. The land use pattern seems to be incompatible with long-term conservation, and a large part of the area suffers serious erosion. Intensive hunting has also significantly affected biodiversity in the region and numerous species have seen their numbers severely reduced. Others have simply become extinct. Indeed, the vast majority of plant and animal populations found in the area fall under different endangered status of IUCN Red List Categories.

The objective of the project is the protection of biodiversity in the arid and semi-arid ecosystem of Eastern Georgia, described as one of the most endangered region in Georgia in particular and in the Caucasus in general (Biodiversity Country Study, 1996). The project also aims at proposing innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation in Georgia while ensuring local land users participation in the design of new land use patterns and their integration in its implementation. The project includes strong capacity building components for managers and local communities and takes fully into account local lifestyles and traditional land use schemes.

1. To establish a co-ordination structure with built-in mechanisms to ensure broad participation of local stakeholders in the design and implementation of conservation measures for the arid and semi-arid zone;

2. To develop and implement a biodiversity monitoring system;

3. To carry out legal, social and economic assessments in order further design alternative land use schemes, compatible with the preservation of the ecosystem, local customs and available technology;

4. To implement alternative land use practices in selected parts of the arid and semi-arid zone through replicable demonstration projects;

5. To carry out replicable technical capacity-building programmes for governmental officials, NGOs and local stakeholders, coupled with systematic public awareness programmes in local communities.

• An arid and semi-arid zone co-ordination unit established for facilitation of project co-ordination, information management, communication and implementation;

• A Biodiversity monitoring system for the arid zone;

• A transboundary arid zone management plan (with clear and feasible funding sources) developed with broad participation from stakeholders;

• Replicable pilot project implemented and targeted at rehabilitation of habitats and key species based on the principles of the management plan;

• Replicable capacity strengthening programmes.