On 15^th of September, EU launched a new rural development project in Khulo. The project “Promotion of Rural development and Diversification in Khulo Municipality” is implemented by Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia (CCRG) and aims to improve employment and living condition in Khulo trough diversification of rural economy. The goal of the project is to maximize engagement of private, civil and public sector participation in rural development process.

At the launching event, welcome speeches were delivered by Avtandil Meskhidze, Acting Minister of Agriculture of Adjara, Alvaro Ortega Aparicio, Attaché, Programme Manager for Environment and Rural Development, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Ekaterine Meskhrikadze, Head of Mission, CCRG, representative of project partner organization HMRR and Municipality Gamgebeli. 

The event was attended by representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and Adjara AR, Khulo municipality, local public and private sector.

Attaché, Programme Manager for Environment and Rural Development, EU Delegation to Georgia, Alvaro Ortega Aparacio presented European LEADER approach principles and importance of private, public and CSO’s active cooperation for rural development. “Under the ENPARD programme, the European Union supports rural and agricultural development in different regions of Georgia. This project will introduce the European model of rural development, so called LEADER approach, and will create new economic and social opportunities in Khulo municipality.” – Stated Mr. Ortega.

The project manager, Giorgi Murvanidze has highlighted importance of rural development in Khulo municipality, he presented project objectives, project current achievements and planned activities.

The project follows the earlier EU-supported rural development actions under ENPARD in Borjomi, Lagodekhi and Kazbegi municipalities. This year EU launched new rural development projects in five other municipalities: Khulo, Keda, Dedoplistskaro, Akhalkalaki and Tetritskaro.

Rural development has an important role to play in the sustainable development of Georgia. The key to boosting employment and improving living conditions in rural areas is diversifying the economy and moving away from an over-reliance on agriculture.

The EU is supporting rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 102 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge  

Media contact:

• Giorgi Murvanidze, ENPARD Khulo Project Manager, Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia (CCRG), +995 599 537539 giorgi.murvanidze@caritas.cz

• Tamar Khuntsaria, Team Leader, ENPARD Communication Unit, Action Global Communications, +995  595 989916, tamar.k@actionprgroup.com 

Please see the LEADER video, experiences of other countries