EU helps safeguard forest resources in Georgia

Georgia possesses significant forest resources, with approximately 44.5% of its land area covered by forests (3,100,500 ha). Georgia boasts up to 400 species of trees and shrubs. 98.5% of the country’s forests are of natural origin with the remaining 1.5% being artificial stands mostly made up of various pine species. Nevertheless, between 2000-2022, the annual loss of the natural forest in Georgia was 500 ha, and in 2023 estimated to be 785 ha. This has been caused by illegal harvesting, soil erosion and desertification, and uncontrolled grazing in forest areas.

The European Union has been a long-standing partner with Georgia in environmental protection. Enhanced biodiversity conservation and promotion of sustainable resource management are part of the European Union (EU)-Georgia Association Agreement signed on August 30, 2014.

In order to preserve the biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of forests in Georgia, the EU, within the EU4Environment Programme, and the World Bank as an implementing partner, have launched several activities on conservation and sustainable forestry in the country.

As part of its conducted work, the EU4Environment Programme has been actively working towards the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification and development of the roadmap with action-orientated milestones and timelines to ensure the responsible use and conservation of the national forest resources. The Programme has identified the barriers to overcome such as gaps in legal framework, lack of stakeholders’ engagement and capacity building. Achieving SFM will help Georgia curb illegal logging, improve forest governance, contribute to social and economic wellbeing of local communities, and align with international agreements, facilitating trade and market access, particularly within the EU.

The Programme is also working on improving the management of forest areas within the Emerald Network sites and has developed a set of guidelines to assist forest practitioners in planning and conducting forestry operations. These guidelines aim to harmonize long-term preservation of species and habitats with sustainable forest use. This will help ensure essential benefits and services from nature, including ecosystem services such as clean air and water provision, prevention of soil degradation, protection against erosion and runoff, support for agricultural production (for example, through pollination), access to timber and non-timber forest resources, nature-based tourism, and recreational opportunities.

Protecting woodlands and enhancing the sustainable forestry in Georgia is essential to maintain ecological balance, secure livelihoods and strengthen communities, and ensure the well-being of the citizens and future generations.