ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW   Resources   Issues   Solutions			All but unknown to the eyes of the West are the natural attributes of the Caucasus region in general, and Georgia in particular. Nearly 40% of Georgia's area is forested, countering the public perception of a ravaged post-Soviet landscape. More importantly, nearly half of this area has avoided serious human impact, and almost 10% of these forests are virgin old growth, never having known axe nor adz, among the only remaining such stands in Europe. But all is not gold in the land of the Golden Fleece. Many of the country's current weaknesses in protecting its resources stem from nearly two centuries in an uneasy relationship with Russia, including 70 years under authoritarian communism. Yet since independence Georgia has undertaken new initiatives to evaluate, and solve, their environmental problems. Given Georgia's strong sense of national pride, the result is a country with both high natural quality and the self-awareness to preserve it. To find out more about Georgia's efforts to preserve their environmental resources, and to learn what you can do to help, contact Paata Shanshiashvili at the Protected Areas Development Centre. Resources The healthy agricultural economy of Georgia - tea and citrus in the west, vineyards and livestock in the east - is balanced by diverse flora and fauna populations, rich native cultures, and the stunning scenery of the High Caucasus, the highest mountain range in Europe.     Issues There are pressures put upon the environment every day by global threats such as acidification, climate change, and nuclear accident, and internal risks as well, like pollution, population pressure, and political instability.     Solutions In 1995, President Eduard Shevardnadze announced he would increase protected areas of the country to 20% of the Georgia's territory. He called this a "Gift to the Earth," a sign that now, as Georgians stand on their own two feet, they realize they must do more than just fight for their heritage, but must turn to the work of preserving it.     © 2000-2 FusionSpark Media, Inc. One World Journeys. All rights reserved worldwide. None of the images or content on this web site may be copied or distributed without prior written permission