About 10 million years ago, in Kainozoic age, on the whole continent of Eurasia, a non-stop zone of tropical and subtropical landscape was spread. Vegetation distributed in the Kolkheti lowland is the remnant of this very landscape. Aiming at protection and maintenance of this unique ecosystem, Kolkheti National Park was established in 1999 engulfing part of two historical provinces of Georgia – Samegrelo and Guria. The main object of the Park is Lake Paliastomi having important recreational function for the region. Maximum

depth of the Lake is no more than 3 m while its floor is covered with peat. Up to the 20-ies of XX century a lake 3 meters below sea level was a fresh water lake. It was home to more than forty species of fish. In 1924 Lake Paliastomi was connected with Black Sea by a channel. In the course of time as a result of surf, the channel was widened and lake water became salty. Because of this many

populations of fish disappeared. In spite of this, even today the Lake is a habitat of such rare species of the Georgian fish fauna as pike perch and black cat-fish. There is a lot of pickerel, bream, common carp, European chub and others. Any person can go fishing on the Lake with a special permit of Park Administration. Paliastomi is a natural habitat for lots of birds. Wild swans, brown ducks, various species of wild ducks – mallards, cormorants, cranes, herons, purple swamphen, marshland whitethroat eagle made here their nests… Bird migration line crosses the Lake, therefore with approaching winter the environs of the Lake are filled with flocks of birds creating unique conditions for birdwatching lovers. Special observation towers have been installed for them. Areas surrounding the Lake are favorite places for bird hunters. Hunters and fishermen along with hunting and fishing appliances are advised to bring marshland skis as well. In the South-Western part of the Park, in 4 km from downtown Poti, between the Sea and the Lake, on the small peninsula is located a climate resort of Maltakva. Having mild and humid seaside climate and magnetite containing beach sand, as well as low floor

seaside, Maltakva is used for prevention of diverse diseases.

 

1. Kolkheti National Park, environs of Anaklia. The Park’s area is 28571 ha of mainland and 15742 ha of sea water area.

2. In the Southern part of Paliastomi there are remnants of old church under water. This is often the venue of birds rest. Interestingly, they always stay in odd numbers – one, three or five.

 

Location: Black Sea side, Western part of Kolkheti lowland

Distance: 70 km from Zugdidi, 320 km from Tbilisi.

Sea level: 1-2 m

Landscape: plain. Beach is so slightly tilted that sea depth for tens of meters does not exceed 1-1,5 m

Climate: humid subtropical, winter mild, without snow, mean temperature in January 5,7 degrees centigrade; summer very warm, mean temperature in August 23,5 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 1780-1850 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 78%

Duration of annual sunny light: 2100-2180 h.

Natural treatment factors: maritime mild humid climate, sea and beach

Types of therapy: thalassotherapy, sand baths

Diseases for treatment: functional disorders of musculoskeletal system, nervous system, respiratory organs and respiratory tracts non-TB and cardiovascular functional disorders, secondary anemia