Within the framework of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, Project BSB00559 CARE SEA – “Cooperation and Awareness Raising for a Pollution-Free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea” – a high-level stakeholder meeting with decision-makers was convened at the conference hall of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

The meeting focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the natural freshwater ponds located in the Chorokhi River Delta, which represent the only such habitats along the entire Georgian Black Sea coastline and are designated as Emerald Network protected sites. Emphasis was placed on their high environmental value and the provision of key ecosystem services, including coastal protection against erosion and abrasion processes.

Particular attention was given to nature-based solutions, highlighting the potential for the development of ecosystem-based ecotourism infrastructure and the significant educational value of these wetland ecosystems. The Chorokhi Delta wetlands constitute an important habitat for migratory, resident, and water-dependent bird species of regional and international importance.

The discussion also addressed the future potential for environmentally and economically sustainable land-use practices in areas adjacent to the Chorokhi River, with a specific focus on water-adapted agricultural systems (paludiculture) and the implementation of related social and community-based initiatives.

Decision-makers were informed about the project’s key output: the development of a joint Georgia–Turkey Chorokhi River Management Plan, aimed at strengthening transboundary cooperation and integrated river basin management.

The meeting was conducted in an interactive question-and-answer format and brought together representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Adjara, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Adjara, the Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Adjara, the Adjara Tourism and Resorts Department, Batumi Municipality City Hall, and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.

In addition, a documentary film produced within the framework of the CARE SEA project was screened, presenting the Georgian section of the Chorokhi River Valley, which constitutes the project’s designated study area.