National parks of Georgia facts for kids
Georgia, a beautiful country, has been protecting its natural spaces for a long time. The first protected area, the Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve, was set up way back in 1912!
Today, about 7% of Georgia's land is protected. That's a huge area, covering over 384,000 hectares! A big part of these protected lands, about 75%, are covered by forests.
Georgia has 89 different types of protected areas. These include 14 Strict Nature Reserves, 12 National Parks, 20 Managed Nature Reserves, 40 Natural Monuments, 2 Ramsar sites (special wetlands), and 1 Protected Landscape.
The "Protected Areas Agency" helps manage and look after all these special places. It's part of Georgia's Ministry of Environment Protection. They work hard to keep these areas safe for nature and people.
A new protected area, the Trialeti Planned National Park, is currently being planned.
What Are Protected Areas?
Protected areas are special places where nature is kept safe. They help protect plants, animals, and important natural features like mountains, rivers, and forests. These areas are important for many reasons:
- They keep rare animals and plants from disappearing.
- They protect natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.
- They help keep our air and water clean.
- They offer places for scientists to study nature.
- They provide fun places for people to visit and learn about the environment.
Georgia's Amazing National Parks
National Parks are large areas of land that are protected by the government. They are usually open for people to visit and enjoy, but rules are in place to protect the environment. Georgia has 12 wonderful national parks, each with its own unique features.
Algeti National Park
Algeti National Park is found in the Kvemo Kartli region. It was created in 2007 and covers about 157 square kilometers. This park is known for its beautiful forests and the Algeti Lake.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
This is one of the largest national parks in Georgia, covering over 1,093 square kilometers! It was established in 1995. You can find it in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The park has tall mountains, deep forests, and is a great place for hiking and exploring nature.
Javakheti National Park
Established in 2011, Javakheti National Park is in the Samtskhe–Javakheti region. It spans about 238 square kilometers. This park is famous for its many lakes and wetlands, which are important homes for many types of birds.
Kazbegi National Park
Kazbegi National Park was set up in 1976 and is located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. It's a huge park, covering over 1,446 square kilometers. This park is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, including the famous Mount Kazbek.
Kintrishi National Park
Located in the Adjara region, Kintrishi National Park was established in 2007. It covers about 186 square kilometers. The park is known for its ancient forests and beautiful rivers.
Kolkheti National Park
Kolkheti National Park was created in 1998. It's found in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Guria regions, covering about 807 square kilometers. This park protects unique wetlands and coastal areas near the Black Sea.
Machakhela National Park
Established in 2012, Machakhela National Park is in the Adjara region. It covers about 130 square kilometers. The park is known for its beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and rich plant life.
Mtirala National Park
Mtirala National Park was set up in 2006 and is also in the Adjara region. It covers about 281 square kilometers. "Mtirala" means "to cry" in Georgian, referring to the park's very rainy climate, which creates lush forests and many waterfalls.
Tbilisi National Park
Tbilisi National Park was established in 2007 and is located near the capital city of Tbilisi, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. It covers about 380 square kilometers. It's a great place for city residents to enjoy nature close to home.
Tusheti National Park
Tusheti National Park was created in 2003 and is found in the Kakheti region. It's a large park, covering over 1,276 square kilometers. This park is famous for its high mountain villages, ancient towers, and unique culture.
Vashlovani National Park
Vashlovani National Park was established in 2007 and is in the Kakheti region. It covers about 442 square kilometers. This park has a dry, desert-like climate with unique "badlands" landscapes and rare animals.
Pshav-Khevsureti National Park
The newest national park, Pshav-Khevsureti, was established in 2014. It's in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and covers a huge area of over 1,400 square kilometers. This park protects the wild and rugged mountain areas of Pshavi and Khevsureti, known for their ancient traditions and stunning scenery.
