'Cash for work' programme launches in Georgia to support sustainable tourism and heritage conservation

In collaboration with UNESCO and supported by BMZ and GIZ, a ‘cash for work’ scheme has been launched by the Agency for Protected Areas in Georgia and the Development Fund of Protected Areas of Georgia (DFPA) in the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands World Heritage property. 20 youth have been recruited as part of the project, and are receiving on the job training in visitor management and heritage conservation. As part of their work, they will be assisting the park rangers in their day-to-day duties, including the maintenance of trails, infrastructure and nature conservation and monitoring.

This initiative is part of the ‘Promoting sustainable tourism and private sector engagement for inclusive community development in response to the COVID-19 crisis’ project that is being implemented in nine other World Heritage communities in six countries: Cambodia (Angkor), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Vietnam (Trang An Landscape Complex andHoi An Ancient Town), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar), Kenya (Fort Jesus, Mombasa andLamu Old Town), and Namibia (Namib Sand Sea andTwyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes). The project is also working to promote sustainable tourism approaches at World Heritage destinations and enhance training and capacity building for tourist guiding and craft making sectors.

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