Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze outlined the city’s recent initiatives in environmental protection during an event at Zghvisubani Park, attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
In his remarks, Mayor Kaladze highlighted the transformation of Zghvisubani Park, emphasising its previous poor condition.
“Years ago, Zghvisubani Park was an ordinary swamp, in the most deplorable condition, with unbearable circumstances. When we came to the site and met with local residents, we promised that this space would be completely organised and rehabilitated, and that we would build the largest municipal park in the capital here. Zghvisubani Park is the largest recreational space, covering 25 hectares. It warms the heart when people come here – all kinds of conditions have been created for citizens to rest and unwind,” Kakha Kaladze declared.
According to him, in the very first year of coming to power, they changed the harmful practice that had been established under the previous government.
“The most significant achievement in 2017 was fundamentally changing a harmful practice that had been established — the sidelining of recreational spaces to make way for construction. While we are not opposed to development, it should never come at the expense of parks and sports grounds. We took steps to reclaim and restore specific areas, returning them to the municipality. We will continue this approach to maximise green spaces across the city. I am very proud that our projects have transformed numerous areas into vibrant attraction centres. People of all generations now enjoy our squares and parks, and it’s very rewarding to see these spaces filled with residents. We’ve introduced a new culture of community and green recreation in Tbilisi,” emphasised the capital’s mayor.
When speaking about specific implemented projects, Kakha Kaladze thanked the charitable foundation Cartu, with whose support the renovation of Mtatsminda slope is taking place.
“The projects carried out as part of our environmental protection policy are truly remarkable. Everyone can see how our city is transforming for the better. Of course, we will not stop here — we have ambitious plans and the expertise to make Tbilisi even more vibrant and sustainable. I want to extend my gratitude to the Cartu Foundation, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his family for their support. Under Bidzina Ivanishvili’s leadership, an important initiative is underway: the greening of Mtatsminda slope, one of Tbilisi’s vital green lungs, which had fallen into a deplorable state. The entire 400-hectare slope is being thoroughly renovated, restoring its natural beauty and ecological significance,” declared Kakha Kaladze.
The summary of activities carried out under Tbilisi City Hall’s environmental protection policy was attended by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, City Council Chairman Zurab Abashidze, government officials, city council members, municipal representatives, and experts in the field.
