Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Introduction and Geospatial Analysis of the Territorial Structure

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is an object of global ecological significance, located in the heart of the Caucasus ecoregion and representing one of the largest and most important protected areas in Europe. This territory is not just a physical geographical unit; it serves to maintain critically important biological corridors, regulate the regional climate, and protect the gene pool of endemic species. From a spatial-geographical perspective, the park is situated on the eastern segment of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, encompasses the central part of the Caucasus Isthmus, and expands along the Adjara-Imereti range. The scale of the territory is impressive and has consistently shown a growing trend in various historical or administrative documents. With its original borders, its area was recorded from 85,047 to 85,083 hectares. As a result of subsequent expansions and the integration of buffer zones, the total area of the park reached 104,933 hectares, and according to modern data, it constitutes 107,083 hectares, which is more than 1.5% of Georgia's total territory. Such dynamic growth indicates the priority of environmental policy and the necessity of bringing adjacent, ecologically valuable but unprotected ecosystems under the umbrella of the national park. In terms of administrative division, the network of Borjomi-Kharagauli protected areas is highly complex. It crosses the borders of three large regions — Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, and Shida Kartli — and encompasses the territories of six municipalities (Borjomi, Kharagauli, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Khashuri, and Baghdati). From the southeast, the territory is bordered by the Mtkvari River and the Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe automobile/railway highways as natural and anthropogenic boundaries, while from east to west, the continuous forest massifs of the national park stretch for 30 kilometers. This geographical isolation and, at the same time, strategic location determine the high resistance of ecosystems to external anthropogenic factors.

Historical Evolution: From Imperial Residence to International Recognition

The history of the creation and formation of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park reveals the evolution of conservation thinking from the nineteenth century to the present day. After Georgia became part of the Russian Empire, the natural resources of the Caucasus came under imperial focus. A turning point occurred in 1862, when the brother of Emperor Alexander II, Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov, was appointed Viceroy in Transcaucasia. Fascinated by the unique balneological and landscape potential of the Borjomi gorge, Mikhail Romanov decided to build a summer residence here, and in 1871 the gorge was handed over to him in full ownership. Paradoxically, it was monarchical and aristocratic exclusivity that played a decisive role in maintaining the ecological intactness of the region. Mikhail Romanov fenced off huge forest massifs, where unauthorized logging and hunting were categorically forbidden. This decision, which initially served to protect elite hunting grounds, effectively created the precedent for the first strictly protected area in the Caucasus. This historical foundation led to the territory being officially granted the status of Borjomi State Reserve in 1935, already during the Soviet period. The political and economic turbulence following the collapse of the Soviet Union posed a massive threat to Georgia's natural heritage. Against the background of mass, uncontrolled deforestation and an increase in poaching, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) developed a new concept for the management of protected areas in 1994. With significant financial and technical assistance from the German government and the Credit Institute for Reconstruction (KfW), the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park was officially established in 1995. The full inauguration of the park took place in 2001. It became the first national park in the Caucasus region to be created with full compliance with modern, international standards. The global recognition of this effort occurred in 2007 when the national park joined the elite network of European protected areas — PAN Parks. The membership was preceded by a large-scale audit by experts from the PAN Parks Foundation, which examined the ecological integrity, management efficiency, and ecotourism services of the park. The re-awarding of the certificate in 2010 confirmed that the park steadily maintains the highest European quality of natural landscapes and services, which promotes its integration onto the international tourist and scientific map.

Legal Framework and Management Structure of Protected Areas

The administration of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a multidisciplinary structure that unites various types of protected areas differentiated according to the categorization of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This stratification ensures management flexibility: part of the territory is fully conserved for scientific purposes, while another part is integrated into socio-economic and recreational activities. From a legal standpoint, management is carried out based on management plans approved by the Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia, which rely on the Law "On the System of Protected Areas" (1996), the Forest Code of Georgia, and other normative acts. The structure of the territories under the administration's jurisdiction is as follows: Protected Area Name / IUCN Category / Year of Establishment / Area / Management Specifics and Main Goals Borjomi State Reserve / I (Strict Nature Reserve) / 1935 / 14,820.6 ha / Maintaining natural processes and genetic resources in a dynamic, completely untouched state. Any anthropogenic intervention is prohibited. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park / II (National Park) / 1995 / ~85,000+ ha / Protection of large ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, development of ecotourism, recreation, and educational activities. Nedzvi Managed Reserve / IV (Habitat/Species Management Area) / 1995 / 8,992 ha / Maintenance of populations of specific species (lynx, Caucasian fir). Controlled management measures are allowed. Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve / IV (Habitat/Species Management Area) / -- / -- / Protection of alpine and hydrological ecosystems, conservation of resting habitats for migratory birds. Goderdzi Petrified Forest Natural Monument / III (Natural Monument) / -- / 360 ha (0.36 km²) / Ensuring the inviolability of paleontological and geological values — the petrified forest heritage. The fundamental principle of the management plan is that all land within the boundaries of the protected areas is state property. Nevertheless, the administration recognizes the socio-economic needs of local communities. In the "traditional use zones" of the national park and certain sections of the Nedzvi Managed Reserve, limited use of natural resources is allowed. For example, every year an average of 2,000 local families legally extract approximately 7,000 m³ of firewood, which reduces the likelihood of illegal logging. The collection of non-timber resources (mushrooms, fruits, and berries) for personal use and beekeeping (especially in the chestnut forests of Kharagauli) is also allowed, which does not cause ecological damage and is a source of additional income for the local population. At the same time, the issuance of timber is strictly controlled — despite theoretical quotas, the administration in practice does not issue legal permits for industrial purposes. The effective law enforcement program (Target Objective 2) and monitoring are aimed at preventing poaching and resource degradation.

Climatic Dynamics and Climate Change Risk Assessment

The vast territory and topographic diversity of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where elevation marks vary from 400 meters to 2,642 meters above sea level (Mount Sametskhvario), create a complex micro and macroclimatic system. The climate is characterized as humid continental with a warm summer (Dfb), which ensures a sharp change of seasons and an abundance of atmospheric precipitation, especially in spring and early summer. Based on historical simulations and long-term meteorological observations, the distribution of temperature and precipitation in the Borjomi area (as a base indicator zone) is characterized by the following patterns: Month / Average Daily Maximum / Average Nightly Minimum / Average Precipitation Amount / Rainy Days / Air Humidity January / 3°C / -7°C / - / 12 / - May / 19°C - 24°C / 6°C - 14°C / 138.4 - 156.7 mm (5.45") / 15 / 68% - 76% July / 26°C - 31°C / 13°C - 20°C / 142.0 mm (5.59") / 7 / 60% September / 22°C - 26°C / 9°C - 14°C / 77.7 mm (3.06") / 7 / 67% December / 5°C / -4°C / - / 9 / - Data show that late spring and early summer are characterized by a sharp increase in precipitation. The 15 rainy days recorded in May and high humidity (up to 76%) create an ideal synergy for moistening the soil, which is essential for the mass flowering of the Colchian undergrowth, specifically the Caucasian rhododendron and endemic orchids, which reaches its peak precisely in May-June. Despite a stable historical climate, global climatic changes have become a serious challenge. Several critical risks associated with rising temperatures have been identified in the protected areas management plan. First and foremost, there is a trend of vertical climatic zones shifting upwards: floristic and faunal species of the lower belt begin to migrate to the upper belts, thereby causing the compression of subalpine and alpine ecosystems. This process, known in science as the "escalator to extinction", poses a direct threat to alpine endemics, which no longer have the physical area to migrate higher. In addition, rising temperatures and prolonged summer droughts (especially in August and September) sharply increase the risk of forest fires (which the administration counters within Target Objective 3) and lead to a decrease in the immunity of forest massifs against pests, causing tree mortality. To mitigate these risks, the identification of climate-resistant genotypes of woody species is underway.

Phytogeographical Features and Flora Structure

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a unique phenomenon from a phytogeographical point of view. It is located at the intersection of four large botanical-geographical provinces: Colchian, Central Caucasian, Asia Minor, and Near Eastern. This has led to an unprecedented diversity of plants: more than 1,200 plant species are registered in the park territory. It is noteworthy that 75% of the territory is covered by untouched, primeval mixed forest massifs, while about 25% is devoted to subalpine and alpine meadows. The forest cover is structured by a clear vertical zonation principle: Lower and middle belts: Broad-leaved forests dominate here, mainly Georgian oak and hornbeam. Upper broad-leaved belt: In the transition zone to the alpine zone, beech forests take the leading position. Coniferous belt (1,400 - 1,800 meters): At this altitude, vast massifs of pure spruce, fir, and pine forests are widely represented. Along with the main forest-forming species, European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), field maple (Acer campestre), and Cappadocian maple (Acer laetum) are abundantly represented. Of particular value are the extremely rare Hyrcanian maple (Acer hyrcanum) and subalpine birch. The park serves the function of a floristic refugium for many relict and endemic species. 60% of the protected endemics are facing the threat of extinction. Important woody plants such as chestnut, European hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia), Colchian bladdernut (Staphylea colchica), Caucasian oak (Quercus macranthera), and Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) are included in the "Red List" of Georgia. The presence of the English yew (Taxus baccata) is of global significance. Georgia is one of the rare places on the planet where relict, natural groves of yew are still preserved. In addition to woody plants, the Colchian undergrowth, saturated with evergreen elements, gives the forests an exotic and subtropical appearance. Here grow en masse the Caucasian and Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), English holly (Ilex aquifolium), boxwood, Imeretian buckthorn, and Colchian ivy.

Zoogeography, Fauna, and Ecosystem Trophic Chains

The combination of untouched forests and high mountain meadows creates an ideal habitat for wildlife. The fauna of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is distinguished by its species richness and high rate of endemism, which reflects complete, healthy trophic (food) chains. Mammals: 64 species of mammals are registered in the park. 11 of them are endemic to the Caucasus, and 8 are included in the "Red List" of Georgia. The depths of the forests and subalpine zones are inhabited by large herbivores such as the Caucasian red deer, whose population here is particularly noteworthy, roe deer, wild boar, and chamois. The base of powerful ungulates attracts large predators — brown bear, wolf, wildcat, and the highly rare lynx. The presence of lynx and wolf in the ecosystem is crucial as they control herbivore populations, thereby preventing overgrazing and degradation of forest massifs. In addition, 20 different species of bats inhabit the park, including such rarities as the European barbastelle and the greater noctule bat, as well as the Caucasian squirrel and 5 species of rodents are common. Ornithofauna: The bird world is represented by 217 species (resident and migratory), 13 of which are included in the "Red List". The Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) and the Caspian snowcock (Tetraogalus caucasica) inhabit the high mountain alpine zones. The park also serves as an important corridor for birds of prey. The golden eagle, griffon vulture, white-tailed eagle, Levant sparrowhawk, and long-legged buzzard are regularly seen in the sky. Amphibians and Reptiles: Ideal conditions are created for amphibians and reptiles in the humid Colchian undergrowth. 30 species of reptiles are registered, 3 of which are endemic to the Western Caucasus and 2 belong to rare species. Endemic species of great interest to science include the Caucasian salamander, Parsley frog, Adjaran lizard, and Caucasian viper. A stable population of brown trout (Salmo fario trutta) is still maintained in the park's mountain streams and oxygen-rich rivers. Among the invertebrate fauna, more than 100 species of butterflies are notable, including the endemic and endangered Parnassius nordmanni.

Ecotourism, Route Network, and Recreational Infrastructure

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is the largest center of ecotourism in the Caucasus, which fully meets the European requirements of PAN Parks. The infrastructure for visitors is planned in such a way as to minimize anthropogenic impact on the environment. Before entering the park, registration at the visitor centers (located in Borjomi and Kharagauli) is mandatory for safety and statistical accounting purposes. The park offers 12 official, marked routes arranged according to international standards, which include both one-day informative walks and multi-day expeditions. Detailed Specification of Routes Route Name / Distance / Duration / Route Type and Features St. Andrew the First-Called Trail / 54 km / 4-5 days / Hiking/Horseback (one-way). Repeats the historical route that St. Andrew traveled in the first century. Crosses alpine zones. Nikoloz Romanov Trail / 40 km / 3 days / Hiking/Horseback/Biking (one-way). Crosses the central, untouched part of the park. Panorama Trail / 31 km / 2 days / Hiking/Horseback/Biking (circular). High-mountain zone, opening panoramas of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Imereti, the so-called "sea of clouds". Zekari Pass Trail / 26 km / 2 days / Hiking (circular). Passes through important geographical passes. Shepherds' Trail / 43 km / 3 days / Hiking/Horseback (one-way). Connects alpine pastures and forest massifs. Snowshoes Trail 1 / 6 km / 4 hours / Winter tour. Medium difficulty route in evergreen forests. Snowshoes Trail 2 / 15.5 km / 2 days / Winter expedition. From Likani guard station to Chitakhevi shelter. National Park Info Trail / Short / < 1 day / The shortest route from Borjomi center to St. Nino's church (circular). Likani Valley Trail / Variable / 1 day / Starts from Likani village, hiking/biking. Footprint Trail / Variable / 1-2 days / Hiking/Horseback/Biking. Starts from Likani. Lomi Mountain Route / 14 km / 1 day / Outstanding panoramas on Kharagauli and Borjomi. Popular in the snow. In addition to these, there are trails in the Untouched Forest, Meghruki Gorge, and Kvabiskhevi, allowing tourists to fully experience the biodiversity.

Tourist Infrastructure, Equipment, and Regulations

Shelters and camping locations of various levels are arranged on the park territory for the comfort of visitors. There are 4 main tourist shelters with basic equipment (each designed for 12 persons), including the ranger cottages of Chitakhevi, Sametskhvario, and Kvazvinevi, which are also available to tourists if necessary (especially during winter tours). 10 official camping sites are located at the entrances to the national park and along the trails (those in Abastumani, Kvabiskhevi, and Marelisi can accommodate 100 people each, while others can accommodate 20-30 people). In terms of financial affordability, entry to the national park is free for one-day tours. The fee for a tent site is symbolic at 5 GEL, while spending the night in a tourist shelter is 20 GEL. Visitor centers provide equipment rental: the price of a mountain bike is 35 GEL per day (25 GEL for students), snowshoes are 15 GEL for the first day, and 10 GEL is added for each subsequent day. For organizing horseback riding tours, the park cooperates with local entrepreneurs in Likani and Atskuri (prices range from 60 to 80 GEL per day, including guide service). Safety norms are strictly regulated: visitors are prohibited from bringing in firearms, and movement is allowed only on marked trails. Also, from October to April, tourists are warned to exercise caution when encountering shepherds' dogs.

In-Depth Analysis of Structural Units: Goderdzi Petrified Forest and Nedzvi Managed Reserve

These two territories under the subordination of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park administration perform completely different, yet highly important ecological and geological functions.

Goderdzi Petrified Forest Natural Monument

Located on the border of Adigeni and Khulo municipalities, in historical Meskheti, at an altitude of 1,600 - 2,100 meters above sea level, is the Goderdzi Petrified Forest, which covers 360-365 hectares (0.36 km²) (IUCN category III). This territory is of international paleontological significance because it represents a unique chronicle of the Earth's geological and climatic past. In the Late Pliocene epoch, millions of years ago, a tropical and subtropical climate prevailed in this region, where corresponding flora thrived. Mudflows and ash (so-called lahars) generated by powerful volcanic eruptions covered these forest massifs in a very short time. The rapid burial in an oxygen-free environment meant that the organic tissues of the wood did not rot, but were replaced by minerals — primarily opal, chalcedony, and quartz. Today, fully mineralized, petrified trees are located on these 365 hectares. As a result of paleobotanical research, flora of three ecological groups has been identified: 1. Subtropical, 2. Warm-temperate, and 3. Temperate. Remains of palm, magnolia, laurel, camphor tree, and other plants that are currently distributed only in the Canary Islands, Japan, India, and southern China have been found here. Petrified trees are found in two forms: horizontally (indicating their transportation by the lahar) and in rare cases vertically, which indicates that the trees were directly buried by volcanic precipitation while still standing.

Nedzvi Managed Reserve

Located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, near the southeastern border of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, the Nedzvi Managed Reserve covers 8,892 hectares (IUCN category IV). The main motive for creating the managed reserve was the conservation of unique, untouched forests of Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana) and the management and protection of the lynx habitat. Besides its biological importance, the Nedzvi Managed Reserve is distinguished by its tourist infrastructure. A 32-kilometer circular panoramic trail connects Akhaldaba, Didi Karta, Mount Shuano, and the village of Nedzvi. Covering the route is possible in two days and requires average physical preparation. Tourist amenities include camping sites and a comfortable cottage located near Mount Shuano, designed for 12 people.

Integration of Cultural Heritage into the Ecological Landscape

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is not just an epicenter of biological diversity; it integrates Georgia's rich historical and architectural heritage. Many medieval cult and fortification monuments are organically inscribed into the untouched forest landscape, giving the park additional cultural and educational value. Chitakhevi Green Monastery (St. George's Monastery): 8 kilometers from Borjomi, in the middle of a dense forest, is a functioning male monastery from the 9th century. Its location, on the riverbank, in a valley surrounded by mountains, is an ideal synthesis of the ecological and the spiritual. Nedzvi Church: In the valley of the Nedzviskhevi River, on the territory of the Nedzvi Managed Reserve, is a monastery from the mid-9th century. It was built by the disciples of Grigol Khandzteli, specifically by Kristefore. As a result of restoration works carried out in the 20th century (in 1948 and 1962), it was established that the Nedzvi church is the largest building among the known three-church basilicas in Georgia. Timotesubani and other cult monuments: Near the park and directly on its territory, the 13th-century domed church of Timotesubani, the Nunisi church (9th c.), the Dviri St. Kvirike basilica (10th c.), and the Kvabiskhevi St. Mary's church (9th c.) are important. Fortification structures: The military-strategic past of the region is evidenced by Gogia Fortress, Petra Fortress near the town of Likani (9th c.), Zemoti Fortress (3rd c.), and the Atskuri, Vakhan, and Okros (Golden) fortresses in the Adigeni district. A summer camp operates near the Atskuri fortress, which is actively used for the ecological and patriotic education of young people.

Strategic Conclusions and Future Perspectives of Conservation

The management of Borjomi-Kharagauli protected areas requires a delicate balance of scientific conservation and socio-economic development. The current management plan and the integration of the local population into the sustainable use of resources (such as the limited provision of firewood for 2,000 families and the legal extraction of non-timber products) serve to protect the forest massifs while simultaneously providing economic stimulation for local communities. This approach reduces the risks of poaching and turns the population into a supporter of the national park. Direct and indirect incomes from ecotourism (hotels in Marelisi, horseback riding tours, guide services) significantly improve the regional economy. The long-term vision, shared by international donor organizations, including Global Conservation and WWF, is highly ambitious. In order to avoid ecosystem fragmentation and double or triple the populations of wildlife, especially large ungulates and predators, a significant expansion of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park territory is planned. The integration of adjacent, ecologically rich, but currently unprotected ecological corridors will ensure the strengthening of genetic flows and increase the resilience of ecosystems against challenges caused by global climate change (such as vertical climatic migration and fires). Ultimately, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park represents a living, continuously evolving ecological laboratory and heritage site, whose preservation goes beyond national borders and represents a key element of planetary conservation.