IBEDC project team: the Project Coordinator, David Tsiskaridze and Project Expert Irakli Mikeladze have conducted field visits to Chrokhi Delta on 19th of September and 31th October. Journey around Chorokhi Delta was held through deltaic area. Tendency of distribution is an ongoing process in a quickly manner causing the serious threat to the local ecosystem.

Based on baseline studies conducted in the Chorokhi Delta, study areas were identified according to target species and a research plan was developed to study their distribution, invasion hotspots, and ecosystem services.

On 12-13th of November 2024, field visit to Kolkheti National Park(Paliastomi Lake and Katsoburi State Reserve) was conducted with the IASON+ Georgian team, Project Coordinator of International Business and Economic Development Center, David Tsiskaridze and Project Expert Irakli Mikeladze. Meeting was accompanied with the head of the protected area and colleagues working in it. Introductory consultation between the staff and project coordinators took place in the office. Aim of the meeting was to present the Invasive Alien Species(IAS) surveys specification and developing monitoring methodology. Joint approach for implementing the Invasive Alien Species(IAS) monitoring should be arranged. Matching of several methodologies was discussed during the meeting. Each topic step by step was scanned by the meeting attendants. Besides, the work strategy and schedule for the future collaboration/activities was planned.

After the office meeting, journey around Kolkheti National Park was held through the Lake Paliastomi, Pechora River and Katsoburi State Reserve. Expert from the National Park introduced invasive plant species (False indigo-bush - Amorpha fruticosa) spread alongside the river. Tendency of distribution is an ongoing process in a quickly manner causing the serious threat to the local ecosystem. At the end of the meeting arrangement on the further collaboration and starting the monitoring process was agreed.