The Purpose and Functions of Imereti Protected Areas

Abstract

The article represented covers the information about the protected areas in Imereti region. In 1996, Georgian Parliament recognized the importance of the natural and cultural areas in Georgia by passing the law about the system of protected areas. The mentioned law created a legal basis for the establishment of protected areas - with the objective to protect outstanding natural areas and valuable cultural heritage. According to the law, the following categories were established and operated: strict nature reserve, national park, natural monument, managed nature reserve, protected landscape and multiple use area. Except the categories of the protected areas listed in the law, Imereti region possesses other rich tourism potential resources which are not investigated. It would be advisable to popularize those protected areas, to provide population with more information about truly unique nature, which will foster the development of tourism that will have positive impact on both country and region's economic growth.