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Climate change

Switzerland Continues Support for Georgia's Forest Sector Reform

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As a strategic partner, Switzerland has continued its commitment to the Forest Sector Reform in Georgia since 2020, providing significant financial support through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Germany. The final phase of this initiative aims to strengthen municipal forest management, forestry education, and sustainable value chains, building on the groundwork laid in the previous phase. Key objectives include promoting decentralized and sustainable forest governance, strengthening local institutions, and supporting the rural economy. By addressing the critical gaps in institutional, technical, and participatory capacities, the project seeks to ensure the sustainability of reforms achieved in the first phase.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project has a total budget of CHF 3,525,000, with Switzerland contributing to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Germany providing co-financing.
  • The project will benefit 2000 direct beneficiaries, including municipal staff, forest-dependent households, entrepreneurs, and students, as well as 242,500 indirect beneficiaries, with a special focus on 66,928 socially vulnerable individuals, majority being women.
  • The project aims to strengthen local self-governance in forest management and promote diversified income opportunities through forest-related value chains.
  • The project will focus on the regions of Kakheti, Guria, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti in Georgia, targeting a total of eight municipalities.
  • The project seeks to address the challenges of participatory forest governance, education system deficiencies, and the lack of institutional and technical capacities among municipalities.
  • Swiss expertise will promote quality standards, innovation, and research, supporting the decentralization of forest management and the development of sustainable value chains.

Statistics:

  • CHF 3,525,000 allocated for the project.
  • 2000 direct beneficiaries, including municipal staff, forest-dependent households, entrepreneurs, and students.
  • 242,500 indirect beneficiaries, with a special focus on 66,928 socially vulnerable individuals, majority being women.
  • 8 municipalities in the regions of Kakheti, Guria, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti targeted.
  • 30% of the budget allocated for technical assistance.
  • Project duration: October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2029.

Sources:

  • "Switzerland Continues Support for Georgia's Forest Sector Reform" (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation)
  • "Georgia: Kakheti, Guria and Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regions to be Improved with Swiss Support" (European Union)
  • "Switzerland and Georgia signed a partnership agreement on development cooperation" (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)

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