Protected Territories of Javakheti

Javakheti is a part of Georgian high-mountain area of volcanic origin between Armenia and Turkey. Its ecosystem with its mountain steppes, sub-Alpine bush forests and Alpine meadows, relict sub-Alpine forest copses, wetland vegetation and tens of endemic species is one of the unique areas in the eco-region of the Caucasus.

Special international importance of Javakheti is related to the existence of deeply moist territories on the highland mountains above the sea level, which are a migration hub for birds of Europe, Asia and Africa. According to the International environment protection legislation, Java­kheti’s highly damp territories belong to the site of Ramsar Convention.

Protected territories of Javakheti are the result of a first trans-border ecological cooperation in the Caucasus. Its formation in Georgia was fulfilled for the first time on the basis of European experience and methodology of landscape planning. Based on the conclusions on landscape planning it is possible to create one national park, 5 sanctuaries, one protected landscape and natural memorial.

On the uplands of Javakheti highly moist territories are represented as lakes of volcanic origin and marshes which evolved resulting eutrophication of lake water in geological eras. From lakes should be mentioned Kartsakhi (on the border with Turkey), Khanchali, Madatapa, Bugdasheni, Sagamo, Paravani and Tabatskuri.

In the area of protected territories 275 species of birds are accounted for that is ¾ of the bird populations of Georgia. Bird populations of the mountain area of Javakheti are represented with at least 225 permanent species and roughly 50 species are rare or periodic inhabitants of the given territory.

The region is very rich with natural and historical memorials. Many national parks and sanctuaries, world-important Vardzia monastery complex and Khertvisi fortress are located not far from Javakhety protected territories.

Klio Publishing House