The list of Georgia’s mountainous settlements and the number of legally entitled Mountain Law beneficiaries may expand, – This issue was discussed at today’s meeting of the National Council for Mountain Development chaired by Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze at the Administration of the Government.

According to Prime Minister’s Press Office, on the instructions of the Head of Government, a working group will be created to reevaluate the criteria for the status of a mountainous settlement. The benefits of the law will be assessed, and a further action plan will be developed, including for expanding the scope of the law’s applicability. According to the Prime Minister, the Government prioritizes maximal support for the mountainous population and the return of residents, which is the key goal of the law.

Mamuka Bakhtadze also underlined the need to pay greater attention to the issue of the mountainous regions and to respond to the needs of the mountainous population in a timely and effective manner.

During the council’s meeting, it was also announced that the Department of Sustainable Mountain Development will be established at the Technical University of Georgia. The development of the curricula and preparation for the upcoming academic year will be financed from the Mountain Fund.

“In addition, Mountain Weeks will be established in Georgia to promote the development of the mountainous areas and mountain tourism and effectively to respond to the needs of the local population”, – reads the statement published by Press Office.

Since the enactment of the Mountain Law, 1,730 settlements have been granted the status of a mountainous settlement, with their 243,000 residents enjoying all legally prescribed benefits.

According to Prime Minister’s Press Office, in 2017, 66 million GEL in financial support and additional assistance have been allocated to the mountainous population in order to improve their living condition and motivate them to stay in these areas.