A delegation from Turkmenistan consisting of environmentalists and representatives of non-governmental organizations visited Western Georgia to study best practices in the creation and management of national parks. The visit marked the beginning of long-term cooperation aimed at supporting Turkmenistan in creating new protected areas.

 

Turkmen specialists visited the Machakhela, Mtirala and Kolkheti national parks, where they became acquainted with Georgia's approaches to the development of ecotourism, scientific research in this area and strategies for improving environmental education.

 

The visit resulted in a round table at Batumi University, where an agreement was reached on establishing cooperation in involving young people in environmental projects and developing an ecotourism strategy.

 

Members of the Turkmen delegation have already begun studying Georgian legislation for the further development of a pilot project for a national park in Turkmenistan.