The de facto government of Abkhazia says it plans to build a large ski resort in the region, though the initiative has already triggered criticism from local residents and environmental activists.
Jamnews’ Sukhumi office reports that the project, being developed with the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, envisages a 200-kilometer network of ski slopes and a 6,000-room hotel complex. A model of the resort was recently presented at the Caucasus Investment Forum in Mineralnye Vody.
Abkhazia’s de facto Economy Minister Teimuraz Mikvabia claimed the project could boost the region’s GDP by 25% and create around 6,000 jobs in tourism, logistics, catering and food production.
Mikvabia said the project remains at an early stage and has not yet reached the design documentation phase.
“At the moment, there are only general visions,” he stated. “We are trying to determine what is possible given our landscape and transport accessibility.”
The proposal has sparked backlash on social media, where critics warn the large-scale development could severely damage the mountain ecosystem.
Temur Gulia, leader of the veterans’ organization ‘Aruaa,’ warned the construction would have “irreversible consequences” for the environment.
Gulia claimed the project could destroy natural habitats for rare species, lead to deforestation, increase pollution and damage water resources. He also warned that growing tourism could intensify soil erosion, harm vegetation and increase poaching in the region.
“This is only a small part of the problems that such a project will cause,” Gulia stated.
