Mapping of NATURA 2000 visits in Kolkheti National Park and Chorokhi Delta

Georgia, as part of the Caucasus eco-region, represents one of 34 biodiversity “hotspots” identified by Conservation International as areas distinguished for having high levels of endemism whilst also being seriously threatened by habitat loss including invsiveness. The Caucasus eco-region is also identified as having global significance by WWF due also to high levels of diversity and endemism but also because of specific evolutional processes and unique historical floral and faunal development. Ecosystems are threatened by global change drivers including land-use change, invasive species and climate change, all of which are altering biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.

Within the project framework in acoordance with the Deliverable D.T1.8.1 topics covering the NATURA 2000 Site Designation Case Study, EMERALD - NATURA 2000 correspondence, SCI and SPA filled forms and site mapping, the site visit on both of protected areas Kolkheti and Chorokhi delta was implemented in April 4-8 and 18-22.

Experts studied the areas to be mapped having harmomized with the NATURA 2000 requirements. Desktop study was done at the main offices having been aknowledged with the previous maps. During the site visits the areas were measured recording the GPS coordinates in duly manner. Habitat and IAS species identification was implemented including the birds migrating zones. As a result IBEDC has developed the relevent report on Mapping in protected areas under Natura 2000 requirements and submitted to the partners.

Field visit for Mapping NATURA 2000 in Kolkheti National Park