From where I stand: “Women have always played a major role in protecting ecosystems”

“Living in a port city means that you feel environmental problems with particular acuteness. I have always wanted to have a job that would help me contribute to the protection and preservation of the environment. I was lucky to get this opportunity 16 years ago.

Kolkheti National Park is a unique place with diverse ecosystems. The landscape mosaic situated in a small area is also exceptional on a global scale, as evidenced by its recognition as a natural World Heritage site by UNESCO. At the same time, wetland areas like Kolkheti are considered to be one of the most sensitive ecosystems, and great efforts are needed to protect them. I have a very difficult mission, and I try to serve it with dignity.

I also manage the visitor centre. And since we founded the Friends of the Park Association, I have been implementing various eco-educational projects. I am an economist and foreign language specialist by profession. Being a teacher helped me to plan such initiatives that would develop eco-friendly habits in children. I want to give information about the rich natural heritage and treasures of Georgia to many young people. I believe this helps future generations to realize their responsibility and to continue the protection of our natural heritage with enthusiasm. Within the framework of various initiatives, many young people have become interested in Kolkheti National Park, and many of them have already connected their profession with environmental protection, which makes me very happy.

In Georgia, women have always played a major role in protecting ecosystems. The idea of protected areas can be found as early as the twelfth century, in sources from the time of King Tamar. In general, women especially observe the result that even a small step taken today can impact the future. This is very important for the sustainable protection of ecosystems.”

The initiative “17 Faces of Action” serves to promote the contribution of women in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a project of the United Nations Office at Geneva and its representative, Director-General Tatiana Valovaya, as well as the Association of Swiss Women and Empowerment. In Georgia, the project was implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Country Team and with the technical support of UN Women. Khatuna Katsarava’s work makes a significant contribution to the achievement of SDG 15, which involves protecting, restoring and promoting the terrestrial ecosystem, ensuring sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting and reversing soil degradation, and stopping the loss of biodiversity.