Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands
Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands
In 2021, for the first time in Georgia’s history, four protected areas were added to UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage List. Following a decision made at the 44th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Fuzhou, China, Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks, together with Kintrishi and Kobuleti Protected Areas, were inscribed on the World Heritage List under the name “Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands.” They became part of the world’s 213 natural World Heritage sites, earning a place alongside such renowned natural heritage sites as the Amazon Rainforest, the Swiss Alps, Grand Canyon National Park, and others.
The recognition of these protected areas as a World Heritage site is a landmark event not only for Georgia but also for the wider region. All four protected areas inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List constitute a vital part of the Caucasus ecoregion and the Black Sea basin and are distinguished by their unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Georgia’s protected areas were granted World Natural Heritage status in accordance with UNESCO World Heritage Criteria (ix) and (x), which concern outstanding examples of ongoing ecological and biological processes and the conservation of biodiversity. Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks, together with Kintrishi and Kobuleti Protected Areas, fully meet these criteria.
To qualify as a property of Outstanding Universal Value under Criterion (ix), a site must represent “an outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.”
As for Criterion (x), sites “must contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of Outstanding Universal Value from the point of view of science or conservation.”
The areas inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List are located in Georgia, within the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Guria, and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. These regions are distinguished by their unique biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and spectacular landscapes. The site encompasses characteristic Colchic ecosystems ranging from sea level to an elevation of 2,500 metres. Its principal ecosystems are ancient Colchic rainforests and wetlands, particularly in the Colchis region, which is renowned for its wetlands across Europe and Eurasia. The site encompasses most of the Colchic flora and fauna and is also rich in endemic plant species. The World Natural Heritage site is distinguished by a high degree of integrity, reflected in its completeness, intactness, and the absence of serious threats.