As part of the project "Support to the Implementation of Forest Sector Reform in Georgia - ECO.Georgia" the Steering Committee convened to assess progress made in the first half of the year, review the outcomes of the project restructuring, and discuss current challenges.

Giorgi Tskrialashvili, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture; Carl Amirgulashvili, Head of the Forest Policy Department; Daniel Busche, Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Office in Georgia; Anna Maria-Schneider, Head of Development Cooperation for Georgia and Azerbaijan at the German Embassy; Rosemary Metz, Project Director; as well as representatives of implementing agencies and partner organizations attended the meeting.

"The changes resulting from the project restructuring and the increase in the area designated for forest restoration by the National Forestry Agency represent significant steps forward. These achievements are fully aligned with our priorities and contribute to improving forest ecosystems and promoting sustainable forest management. Moreover, the activities planned and implemented under the project address the needs of the country`s forest sector and contribute to achieving long-term objectives", - said Giorgi Tskrialashvili.

The Project Steering Committee provides strategic oversight and ensures effective coordination, bringing together representatives from implementing Government Agencies, local authorities, financing organisations, civil society, GIZ, and KfW. The Committee is responsible for monitoring the achievement of project objectives and providing overall strategic guidance.

The ECO. Georgia project aims to support the development of a sustainable forest management framework in Georgia. The initiative covers eight municipalities across the Guria, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions: Akhmeta, Telavi, Dedoplistskaro, Kvareli, Tianeti, Lanchkhuti, Ozurgeti, and Chokhatauri Municipalities.

The project is being implemented over eight years, from 2021 to 2029.