PM Kobakhidze: Georgia lies within the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot; our approach is rooted in preserving this natural heritage

“It is a pleasure to join you at the Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity in Yerevan. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the United Nations and to the Government of Armenia for bringing us together under the theme ‘Leaders for Nature,’” Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze stated during his address at the COP17 Leaders’ Summit.

According to the Prime Minister, Georgia lies within the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is characterised by an exceptional diversity of ecosystems and species.

“This Summit provides an important opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility and strengthen our collective commitment to protecting nature. As we look towards 2030, the question before us is no longer what we have agreed, but what we are delivering.

The urgency of this task is particularly evident in Georgia, which lies within the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is home to an exceptional diversity of ecosystems and species. Our varied landscapes, from high mountain ranges to extensive forests and more than 26,000 rivers, make the conservation of natural habitats a key priority. Protecting this natural heritage, maintaining ecological connections and restoring damaged ecosystems are central to Georgia’s approach,” Irakli Kobakhidze stated.

As the Prime Minister noted, Georgia’s protected areas currently cover more than one million hectares, representing over 15 per cent of the country’s territory.

“Areas protected under international biodiversity conventions collectively encompass 23% of the country’s land area. Our natural heritage has also received international recognition, including the UNESCO-listed Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands and UNESCO biosphere reserves. These achievements provide a strong foundation for further progress. Georgia supports the global ambition to conserve at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, with particular emphasis on effective management and long-term protection,” the Prime Minister declared.