Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and since regaining independence in 1991, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been undergoing a difficult transition process that is by no means complete. A direct consequence of the political change was the collapse of existing supply systems and markets, which necessitated wide-ranging structural adjustments in virtually all economic sectors. The pressure on natural resources in the three countries has increased markedly during the transition process. Widespread rural poverty compounded by a high demand for resources, rapid economic growth, neo-liberal economic trends and corruption contributes to the rapid depletion of several natural resources. In the long term, this erodes the basis of livelihoods and income in rural areas.

Within the Caucasus Initiative launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GTZ is collaborating with other German development cooperation organisations to promote measures aimed at the protection and sustainable use of natural resources.

Above all, GTZ cooperates with the environment ministries in the respective countries, but at the same time strives to embed the concept of sustainable development in other institutions. Under the aspect of good governance, the focus is on developing a coordinated methodology and on greater cooperation between the state administration, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

The points of departure in German cooperation are:

• Creation of a basic legal framework for sustainable natural resource management
• Organisational development and human resource development within and beyond the environment ministries
• Environmental communication adapted to different population groups and decision-makers at all administrative levels
• Development of new value chains to promote biodiversity protection and rural development
• Management of protected areas and development of fringe areas, cross-border in part
• Rehabilitation of degraded areas through reforestation and advice for sustainable land use systems.

Wide differences in the three southern Caucasian countries call for differentiated approaches. The implementation of the activities is therefore country-specific and needs-based.

GTZ’s core programme in this priority area is the Protection and Sustainable Development of Biodiversity.