A delegation from the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and its subordinate institutions undertook a study visit to Georgia from September 23 to 30, 2025, within the framework of the regional component of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project.
The Tajik delegation gained extensive experience and expanded cooperation with Georgian colleagues in the fields of forest management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use.
Dilovarsho Dustzoda, Manager of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project, emphasized that Georgia was chosen because its natural conditions are similar to those of Tajikistan. In addition, Georgia has rich experience in reforming natural resource management.
“Here, modern approaches to forest management, rational use of pastures, and sustainable land use are being successfully implemented with the active support of international organizations. The unique system of protected areas and the development of ecotourism demonstrate how biodiversity conservation can be effectively combined with economic benefits for local communities. Georgia has already gone through important reforms in forestry, sustainable land management, and biodiversity protection, making its experience valuable and applicable to Tajikistan. Shared challenges and natural similarities allow Georgian practices to be transferred to the Tajik context with real benefits,” Dilovarsho Dustzoda noted.
The study program opened with a meeting at the National Forestry Agency of Georgia. The Tajik delegation was introduced to Georgia’s forest policy, management practices, and forest restoration projects. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency, along with his deputies Natia Iordanishvili and Davit Damenia. Discussions also included Giorgi Tkhelidze, Head of the Forest Maintenance and Reforestation Department, and Nino Gozalishvili, Head of the Strategic Planning and Development Service.
On September 24, the delegation visited the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring, where they learned about pasture management mechanisms. The program continued with a field trip to Gardabani pastures to explore both traditional and modern grazing methods.
On September 25, the delegation traveled to Tsalka to observe reforestation methods.
On September 26, the delegation visited the Agency of Protected Areas in Tbilisi. Chairman Besik Amiranashvili delivered a welcome address, after which the Agency presented its mission, achievements, and biodiversity conservation projects. A discussion followed on challenges and future prospects. Later that day, the guests explored the Royal Ridge Trail in Algeti National Park.
The study visit was noted as an important step in strengthening cooperation between Tajikistan and Georgia in the field of environmental protection. The knowledge gained and practical examples will be used to enhance the qualifications of specialists and to integrate best practices into national programs for land and forest resource management
The visit was organized with the support of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and in cooperation with Georgian partners: the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Forestry Agency, the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring, and the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia.
The Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project is part of the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, aimed at strengthening landscape resilience across Central Asian countries. Similar national and regional activities are also being implemented in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Additional information:
Dilovarsho Dustzoda – Manager of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project, recath_manager@carececo.org