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FFI in Georgia

Nestled within the Caucasus eco-region, Georgia is typified by a diverse array of landscapes, habitats and wildlife.

Afforded relative isolation by both mountain and sea but located at the convergence point of three major bio-geographical regions (Europe, Asia and the Middle East) the country has a high level of endemism and unusual species assemblages.

The Georgian Carnivore Conservation Project is funded by the EU and is implemented by FFI in partnership with a national NGO, NACRES.

The main focus of the project is the conservation of the unique and globally important biodiversity of the semi-arid landscape in the south-east of the country.

The Vashlovani Protected Area complex

Located in the south-eastern part of Georgia, this is GCCPs key site, covering a total of 35,054 ha the bulk of which is made up of a Nature Reserve and a National Park.

This is a semi-arid area and is home to a stunning array of carnivores, including wolf, jackal, fox, lynx, jungle cat and bear as well as sporadic sightings of leopard and striped hyena.

Sheep farming is the key local livelihood here and traditional pastoral activities have shaped the landscape. Unfortunately, the recent concentration of livestock during the winter months is now putting the entire system at risk through overgrazing, habitat degradation and wildlife persecution fuelled by human-wildlife conflict.

The Tusheti Protected Area complex

This is GCCPs second site and is the mountain home of many of the livestock owners and shepherds that over-winter in Vashlovani.

This 118,319 ha alpine area is located in the north east of the country and comprises three different protection categories: Nature Reserve, National Park and Protected Landscape.

Eighty percent of the sub-alpine and alpine meadows of the Tusheti Nature Reserve and National Park are used for grazing during the summer months, with evidence of heavy livestock driven degradation and erosion.

Tushetian shepherds

The Tush community has a unique culture with prevailing traditional attitudes and customs closely linked to sheep farming.

Since settling in the region in the 17th Century, these communities have been migrating annually with their flocks between the alpine summer pastures in Tusheti and their winter pastures throughout the region, including Vashlovani.

By working closely with local stakeholders and beneficiaries, combining their expertise with that of international specialists, GCCP is committed to:

• Increasing & improving the conservation of important ecosystems and species through effective capacity support of selected protected areas
• Mitigating human-wildlife conflict through partnership with the farmers and livestock owners most affected by it
• Enhancing sustainable rural livelihoods to support and enhance conservation
• Improving attitudes and perceptions of regional and national target groups towards biodiversity, carnivores and conservation
• Positively influencing national policy and local practises through lessons captured from the project

Read more on our work with NACRES in Georgia