The National Forestry Agency of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, in collaboration with BIOFIN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched a brand-new crowdfunding platform called “Forest Friend”. The platform supports reforestation efforts in Georgia by inviting private companies, individual supporters and volunteers to contribute to the growth of new forests. Its slogan, “Meet you in the forest you help grow!” emphasizes the importance of collective action in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The Forest Friend platform is a user-friendly and transparentresource, allowing contributors to track the progress of their donations and see the impact of their contributions in real–time.The platform offers various options for monetary and in-kind contributions, learning and networking.
“Forest Friend” was set in motion on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity. On 1 June, Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency; and Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, officially presented the platform to the public at an event that took place atTbilisi Botanical Gardens.
“Georgia’s forests are an integral part of our country’s identity, and we are committed to restoring them. With the launch of the Forest Friend platform, we invite all Georgians and friends of Georgia to join us in this important effort,” Minister Shamugiasaid.
Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency, noted that the Forest Friend platform will be a game-changer in mobilizing public support for the reforestation process. “The platform will inspire people to take action, plant trees and make Georgia a greener and more sustainable country.”
Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, stressed that UNDP is proud to work with the Georgian Government and international partners to protect unique natural resources. “We believe that initiatives like “Forest Friend” will not only help protect the environment but also create a sense of community and collective responsibility towards our planet,”Beresford said.
For more information and to contribute to the Forest Friend crowdfunding platform, please visit the website at https://forestfriend.ge.
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UNDP’s global Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) works in 41 countries worldwide, assisting to create sustainable finance solutions for people and the planet, and exploring the pathways for greener development. Since its launch in Georgia in 2016, the country saw a 24-fold increase in its annual state funding allocated for biodiversity conservation and implemented variousfinance solutions supporting biodiversity conservation, environmental impact assessments, and eco-tourism.
