Human-Wildlife Conflict is commonplace in Georgia, but it is especially severe in and around the protected Areas. Affected local farmers’ negative attitudes towards carnivores spills over into their wider communities and leads to a general antagonism to nature conservation, undermining the effectiveness of protected areas.

The Project aims at the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park through active engagement with local stakeholders and introduction of innovative community-based insurance/compensation schemes.

To date, a comprehensive study and analyses of local human-wildlife conflict was carried out. Electric fences and so called Foxlights have been selected as the most cost-effective livestock protection measures and they have been already installed in a number of locations.

With the involvement of relevant experts an adapted insurance/compensation scheme was elaborated that is now being discussed with key stakeholders. Livestock losses will need to be assessed, while the insurance/compensation scheme is intended to be run by or with a strong involvement of local actors/communities.

Expected outcomes:

• Baseline information about the local human-wildlife conflict.
• Piloted effective tools to protect livestock from wild carnivore depredation.
• A compensation scheme/mechanism introduced and run by/with strong involvement of local communities.

Facts

Project status: Active

Project location: Borjomi-Kharaguli National Park and nearby villages

Project Coordinator/Team: Natia Muladze

Donors/Partners: UND/GEF Small Grants Programme