Lagodekhi Protected Areas hosted the 16th meeting of the Bern Convention’s Group of Experts on Protected Areas and Ecological Networks.

The meeting was an important international event for Georgia and aimed to discuss progress in the development of the Emerald Network, measures implemented for the conservation of species and habitats, and indicators of the Bern Convention`s Strategic Plan for 2030.

The meeting was attended by representatives and experts from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the Agency of Protected Areas, the Secretariat of the Bern Convention, and the Council of Europe.

Hosting international experts in Lagodekhi provides an important opportunity to showcase Georgia’s protected areas and natural heritage at the international level, share the country`s conservation achievements and experience, and further strengthen international cooperation within the framework of the Council of Europe and the Bern Convention.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas is the second protected area in Georgia to be considered as a candidate for the Council of Europe`s European Diploma for Protected Areas.

In this regard, over the coming days, experts from the Bern Convention will hold working meetings and conduct field visits in Lagodekhi Protected Areas. As part of the visit, the experts will assess on site the management of the protected area, biodiversity conservation measures, infrastructure, and visitor management approaches.