Tree Planting Counters Landslides and Erosion in Kazbegi

Kazbegi is one of Georgia’s unique natural reserves, famous for its stunning mountain views, rich pastures and biodiversity. At the same time, the region is prone to natural disasters, including mudflows and landslides. Excessive use of pastures, illegal tree lodging and degradation of coniferous trees over the years added up to the environmental decline and brought local pastures on the verge of depletion.In 2017, the ecological farming association “Sema” came up with a plan to address the challenge and bring Karkucha pastures back to life. The initiative was supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme with USD 28,000.Since then, “Sema” has carried out the geo-ecological and hydro-meteorological assessment of the affected territories and has reinforced most vulnerable slopes against erosion and landslides with the rock-filled gabions and trees. In addition to its immediate benefits, this initiative will contribute to restoring natural forest in the selected areas and raising environmental awareness among the municipality residents.