The Machakhela Protected Landscape is one of the five protected landscapes in Georgia and is directly adjacent to Machakhela National Park. This landscape is classified as a Category V protected area, covering 4,294 hectares. It is located in Western Georgia, in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and comprises the lower section of the Machakhela River basin and its tributaries, extending across the Shavsheti Ridge and its branches in the Lesser Caucasus.
In 2022, the Parliament of Georgia passed the Law on the Creation and Management of the Machakhela Protected Landscape, which took effect on January 1, 2023. It is managed by the Municipality of Khelvachauri, through the “Machakhela Protected Landscape Administration” (a non-profit legal entity).
The main mission of the Machakhela Protected Landscape
Administration is:
Protecting unique natural ecosystems and individual natural components from degradation and destruction caused by anthropogenic influences.
Preserving rich national heritage, including monuments of folk architecture and historical-cultural landscapes.
Facilitating the development of infrastructure needed to satisfy recreational demands related to the aesthetic and tourism value of the natural landscape.
Supporting the preservation and development of folk art traditions.
Balancing local communities’ socio-economic interests with environmental issues through active environmental protection and maintenance of traditional agricultural practices.
Serving as an ecological corridor among protected areas, including transboundary protected areas.
Director: Giorgi Surmanidze
Head of the Department of Natural Resources Management and Protection: Gela Sharabidze
Biodiversity and Eco-Education Specialist Rangers: Zurab Basiladze, Temur Kokoradze, Roin Zakradze, Gogi Abeslamidze
Head of the Administrative Department: Mukhran Mikeladze
Procurement Specialist: Mariam Bajelidze
Accounting Specialist: Natela Kopinadze
Visitor Services and Documentation Specialist: Natia Jabnidze
Head of Planning and Sustainable Development Department: Tatia Varshanidze
Specialist for Infrastructure Development and Cultural Heritage: Ketevan Tedoradze
Tourism Development and Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Natia Surmanidze
In Georgia, the creation and management of protected areas are governed by the Georgian Law on the System of Protected Areas. In 2022, the Georgian Parliament enacted the Law on the Creation and Management of the Machakhela Protected Landscape, effective January 1, 2023.
This law regulates fundamental legal relationships connected to the establishment and management of the Machakhela Protected Landscape.
Relations concerning the protection and use of land, forests, water, and other natural resources, as well as historical and cultural monuments within the Machakhela Protected Landscape, are governed by this law and other legislative and regulatory acts of Georgia.
The primary objectives of this law are:
The key goals within the Machakhela Protected Landscape are:
The Machakhela Protected Landscape is located in Khelvachauri Municipality, along the Shavsheti Ridge and its branches in the Lesser Caucasus, encompassing the Machakhela River Valley.
Its southern boundary follows the border of Machakhela National Park up to the Turkish-Georgian state border, with the eastern boundary extending briefly along the Turkish-Georgian border. The northern boundary borders Machakhela National Park, while the western boundary follows the Machakhela River and the village of Kirnati. The total area of the Machakhela Protected Landscape is 4,294 hectares.
