Georgian Society of Nature Explorers "Orchis" in the
framework of ELKANA agrobiodiversity program funded
by GEF/UNDP carries out monitoring and attempts
to develop recommendations on protection and sustainable
utilization of rare and endangered
medicinal/ornamental plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti
region. In 2005- the following activities are carried out
and outcomes listed below are obtained.

I. Threats for rare and endangered medicinal/ornamental
plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

Over-exploitation of medicinal plants by local
population and private manufactures for industrial
and traditional use in folk medicine and for
pharmaceutical purposes.

 
Habitat degradation caused by overgrazing-
deforestation- pollution- urbanization- climate
change- etc.

 
Broad social- economic and political processes
such as unsustainable production and consumption
patterns- human population growth- inadequate
economic valuation of biodiversity- globalization
of trade- etc.;

 
Institutional and social weaknesses such as poor
governance- lack of intersectoral coordination
and effective partnership- lack of clear environmental
and development policies and of environmental
impact assessments; loss of cultural identity
and spiritual value- insufficient incorporation
of scientific and implementation capacities

 
Information deficit on resource amount- stand of
populations and intensity of medicinal plant utilization.

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Outcomes and recommendations

 
Baseline information has been collected and data
base is developed on species distribution-
resources- utilization- traditional use- population
density and plant vitality and fertility of short listed
plants. Virtual maps are under processing and
IUCN criteria and categories will be determined.

 
Photo archive- seed and living plant collections
have been set up.

 
Recommendations on establishment of managed
reserves of concert species have been developed.

 
Species suitable for cultivation in farms have
been determined and recommendations on their
cultivation technologies have been developed.

 
Publications are prepared for dissemination of
knowledge among wide range of public on conservation
and sustainable use of medicinal
plants.