Support of Public Participation in Forest Management

The outcome of the project is to develop, test and pilot implementation tools and initiatives for Improved Public Participation in Georgian Forest Management Planning and Implementation and support the NFA to incorporate Improved Public Participation Approach (IPPA) in FMP processes. The results of the project will also provide access and possibility to the local authorities and communities to have and use relevant technical and human capacities to participate in the sustainable management of forests.

1. The Improved Public Participation Approach (IPPA) for forest management aims to enhance stakeholder engagement in planning and implementing forest management practices. The project involves forming a dedicated IPPA working group, conducting comprehensive stakeholder analysis in selected municipalities, and developing a detailed implementation plan and feedback mechanism. Key activities include organizing awareness campaigns, forming stakeholder groups and Local Advisory Councils (LACs), conducting participatory mapping of ecosystem services, and facilitating public hearings to incorporate community feedback into Forest Management Plans (FMPs). These steps ensure that local knowledge and interests are integrated into forest management, promoting sustainable practices and reducing conflicts.

Additionally, the project focuses on capacity-building through the development of participation tools and training programs. Training materials will cover public consultation methods, community engagement, and conflict resolution skills, and will be harmonized with the Knowledge Management and Training Platform (KMTP). Multiple trainings will be conducted for various stakeholders, including NFA, DES, MEPA, municipal staff, and forest-dependent communities. By fostering effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders, the IPPA aims to improve decision-making processes, enhance biodiversity conservation, and ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.

2. The baseline survey aimed to assess the community’s perception of their influence in decision-making and their level of participation in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). To achieve this, a detailed survey methodology was developed, which included defining clear objectives, methods, and ethical considerations, as well as data protection measures and analysis tools. The methodology also identified target groups and outlined a roadmap for implementation, complete with a schedule for conducting the survey.

The survey was conducted in three municipalities: Kvareli, Telavi, and Tianeti. Target groups in each municipality were invited to participate, ensuring broad representation. Data was collected and analyzed using the defined tools, and the findings were compiled into a comprehensive report.

This report provided insights into the current levels of community participation and their perceived influence in SFM decision-making processes.

3. To support the testing phase of the Grievance Resolution Mechanism (GRM) for the forest sector, a comprehensive feedback and review mechanism was developed. This involved defining objectives, methods, and channels for collecting stakeholder feedback on the proposed GRM and its testing phase, followed by the establishment of the feedback and review system. The testing phase was conducted in collaboration with the NFA, where the scale was defined, and specific municipalities were selected for testing. Clear guidelines for using the GRM were distributed to the selected municipalities through appropriate communication channels, and data on grievances received, processed, and resolved during the testing phase was collected for evaluation purposes.

To promote the availability and use of the GRM, an awareness campaign was developed and implemented, including the production of informational materials and the organization of workshops, seminars, and community meetings. Ensuring that information about the GRM was accessible, easy to understand, and available in multiple formats was crucial for reaching diverse stakeholders. Based on the data and feedback collected during the testing phase, enhancements to the grievance mechanism were proposed. Key stakeholders, including community representatives, NGOs, and government authorities, were involved in discussions about the proposed enhancements, and their input was used to develop a proposal for improving the GRM. This proposal included changes to processes, timelines, and accessibility to better meet the needs of stakeholders.

4. To support local Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) pilot projects focused on the non-profit utilization of forest resources, a selection process was organized based on neutrality, fairness, and transparency. Selection criteria were developed and detailed by a committee composed of representatives from state and civil society. This collaborative approach involved local governments, civil society organizations, and the National Forest Agency (NFA) to identify suitable local initiatives. A specially designed selection committee, including members from MEPA, NFA, EIEC, Municipalities Administrations, and environmental NGOs, was created to facilitate this process. Information about the call for applications was disseminated through various organizational channels and information sessions for potential applicants were organized.

The best initiatives were selected and applicants were supported in project proposal writing. The selection process was conducted in a fair and transparent manner, based on objective criteria defined by the selection committee. A pitch day was organized for shortlisted candidates, leading to the final selection of winners. These winners received coaching to develop full project proposals. A small grant scheme was managed to support the implementation of 5-8 local initiatives, with a maximum of one per municipality. Technical advice and coaching were provided during project implementation, including assistance with establishing monitoring and evaluation schemes, financial reporting, and expert guidance on SFM-related topics.