The purpose of the training program is to strengthen the capabilities of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands and study the specifics of the management of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

International expert Tobias Garstecki conducted trainings for the employees of Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks and protected areas of Kintrishi and Kobuleti. The training focused directly on the management practices of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

It is noteworthy that the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites periodically report to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. Accordingly, the issues of reporting to the UNESCO World Heritage Center were discussed at the training; the integrated management document, which is a common general management plan for the mentioned four sites (Kolkheti, Mtirala, Kintrishi, Kobuleti protected areas), was also considered. 

The training of the employees of the Protected Areas Agency of Georgia was carried out in accordance with the international practice, with the financial support of the GIZ, as part of the UNESCO project "Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Private Sector Engagement for Inclusive Community Development in Response to the Covid-19 Crisis". The mentioned project is implemented by the Fund for the Development of Protected Areas.

It should be noted that for the first time in the history of Georgia, in 2021, 4 protected areas of Georgia (Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks and Kobuleti and Kintrishi National Parks) were added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List under the status of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands.