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Journal number 1 ∘ Giorgi Tchotchua
Landscape diversity of Georgia and perspectives of sustainable tourism

Expanded Summary 

The essay examines sustainable tourism prospects in Georgia, a country with different landscapes ranging from mountains to the sea, as well as a high variety in terms of flora and fauna. It emphasizes how these natural treasures can positively contribute to the country's long-term destiny and society. Georgia can exploit its natural beauty to achieve economic benefits while protecting its environment and cultural heritage by supporting responsible tourism practices.  This method not only helps to preserve the country's beautiful landscapes, but it also improves the quality of life in local communities, promotes cultural interchange, and promotes environmental conservation. Georgia has the opportunity to develop a harmonious relationship between its natural resources, tourism sector, and the well-being of its people for years to come through a well-managed and balanced approach to tourism.

The collaboration between UNESCO and the Protected Areas Development Fund of Georgia (PADF) is a concerted effort to promote sustainable tourism and protect cultural assets inside Georgia's Kolkheti Forests and Marshes World assets Sites. This project, supported by a $150,000 reciprocal financial commitment from both organisations, aims to revitalize and develop sustainable tourism practices in Georgia.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to strengthen visitor management mechanisms and raise awareness of the intrinsic and unmatched significance of the designated cultural sites. The agreement recognizes the critical connection between responsible tourism and historic conservation, noting that preserving these sites' exceptional universal value demands a balanced approach that engages the public and stakeholders in sustainable tourism practices.

The emphasis on capacity building is a critical aspect of this collaboration. The parties involved understand that the experience and capacities of individuals entrusted with heritage site stewardship are critical to the effective management of cultural sites and the successful implementation of sustainable tourism practices. As a result, the collaboration focuses on the professional development of heritage management staff, the enhancement of visitor service teams' skills, and the expansion of the skill set possessed by local ranger enclaves. This multifaceted approach to capacity building recognizes the rich mosaic of responsibilities required to fulfill the difficult demands of heritage preservation and sustainable tourism holistically.

The "Cash for Work" program is a prominent and creative component of this collaborative project. This program is envisioned as a method to provide work possibilities for unemployed youngsters while also addressing societal needs and building a cadre of individuals capable of contributing effectively to heritage protection. Through specialized training, these young people are prepared to take on critical maintenance and conservation activities, fostering a symbiotic relationship between social well-being and cultural preservation.

Finally, the collaboration between UNESCO and the PADF is a laudable step toward the alignment of sustainable tourism and cultural conservation goals. This collaboration holds the promise of developing an ethos of responsible tourism while safeguarding the enduring legacy of the Kolkheti Forests and Marshes World Heritage Sites by utilizing financial resources, expertise, and a variety of capacity-building projects. This attempt is significant not only for Georgias historic and environmental legacy, but it also serves as a model for the global coexistence of tourism and preservation.