- A historic project is underway in Sairme, part of which includes establishing a special farm where endangered species listed in the Red Book will be bred and later released into their natural habitats.
- Visitors to Sairme Resort will soon be able to see deer not only in forests and designated enclosures but also freely roaming in the wild.
As part of a large-scale development project in Sairme, a 13,000-hectare area will be transformed into the Sairme Recreational Farm. The investing company has taken full responsibility for maintaining and managing this vast territory.
For the first time in history, the area will serve as a breeding ground for the Caucasian red deer and chamois, helping restore their populations in the wild. The investor also plans to support the repopulation of mountain trout in the rivers of Vani and Baghdati. Over the next five years, no less than 4 million GEL will be invested in the project.
On November 5, 2024, the investor won an electronic auction announced by the National Environmental Agency, offering the highest bid and obtaining the official license. Under this agreement, the company is now responsible for protecting and preserving the local flora and fauna, conducting continuous monitoring, and ensuring the care and reproduction of rare animal species within the territory.
Irakli Gorgodze, Director of Sairme Recreational Farm:
“This is a project of great responsibility for us. We’ve taken on the care and protection of 13,000 hectares of forest, ensuring its safety and sustainable management. At the same time, the area will remain open and accessible to everyone who wishes to enjoy it.
The most important part of the project is the breeding of endangered species listed in the Red Book and their reintroduction into the wild including the Caucasian red deer and chamois. Our goal is to bring the red deer back to Sairme, where, according to local residents, it was once abundant in the 1990s.
To achieve this, breeding enclosures will be established, from which the animals will later be released into their natural habitats. We believe that within a few years, seeing deer in Sairme will once again become a common sight.”
As part of the Sairme Recreational Farm project, the territories of Vani and Baghdati will see the development of eco-tourism, as well as educational, recreational, and adventure tourism. Modern, high-standard facilities will be built for visitors, tourists, and local residents, including first aid medical stations and cottages designed for comfort and sustainability.
The territory will maintain strict safety measures, while still allowing visitors to move freely through the forest and experience nature firsthand. The project also includes the restoration of damaged forest areas, along with the provision of food for animals, birds, and fish to support the region’s diverse ecosystem.
For local residents and visitors, new access roads leading to the farm and internal routes within the territory will be developed and improved. In addition, horseback riding and hiking trails will be created to encourage eco-friendly exploration of the area.
The project also includes the construction of roads suitable for fire and rescue vehicles, while the entire territory will be equipped with modern fire safety systems. Moreover, mobile network coverage across the area will be expanded, improving both telephone communication and internet quality for locals and tourists alike.
In parallel, the local community will benefit from regular educational programs focused on wildlife reproduction and conservation, helping to raise awareness and promote active involvement in protecting the region’s natural heritage.
As part of the project, the employment of local residents from the Vani and Baghdati regions has already begun, including the recruitment of rangers who will be responsible for ensuring forest safety and protection. At this stage, six rangers and one specialist are already employed at the Sairme Recreational Farm.
The rangers are being provided with means of on-site transportation, including quad bikes, horses, and off-road vehicles, and will be equipped with branded uniforms representing the project. As part of ongoing development, 10 camera traps have been installed, with plans to triple their number in the near future. Additionally, the farm has already purchased three off-road vehicles and two buggies to support field operations and monitoring.
Importantly, local residents will continue to have unrestricted access to the forest and may carry out any activities permitted by law within the area.
Beyond the ranger team, local residents from Vani and Baghdati will also be employed at various stages of the project, receiving training and job opportunities both during the construction phase and later as part of the farm’s long-term operations.
The implementation of this large-scale project across the Vani and Baghdati territories is already underway, and all commitments outlined in the plan are set to be fulfilled within the next five years.