Green areas

  What is the general situation with the green areas?

The majority of Tbilisi parks are created in last century by individuals and mainly used to be in their ownership. From 1921 the parks moved to state property. Parks are distributed unevenly on city's territory. On the right bank of Kura the area of green zone is much larger that on the left one.

In Soviet times the significant part of the area of historical parks was sacrificed to construction (for example, Mushtaid, the Park of Pioneers and Pupils and many others). there are examples of the construction of new parks on free territories, for example, old cemetery (Vera garden). Because of special limitations the historical parks are overloaded and only partially satisfy the demands of urban population on green areas. Especially in hot summer days parks receive more visitors than they can afford (for good holidays and the conditions of protection of vegetation it is desirable the area per person to be not less than 60 m2).

Operations have been conducted for the purpose of greening of Tbilisi suburbs. Artificial pine crops have been planted. Last year and at present in Tbilisi and its suburbs the total drying of the pine have been taking place at these areas. Maybe, the main reason of this event is the drought of 1998 summer, autumn and that of this year, because of which the introduced pine species (Pinus nigra) cannot endure real changes of Tbilisi climate. Considerable losses are expected (including financial, by loss of constructed areas and as a result of the termination operations for the purpose of saving/protection, reduction of fire hazard risk and others).

By Soviet norms (which are considered to be operative today) for the cities of southern zone 11.6 m2 park area per capita, while there is less than 5 m2 per capita. From 1990 by Tbilgamtsvaneba the construction of new parks with total area of 500 ha was planned. Project documentation envisages the parks adjacent to Sairme street, those of Gldani, "Tbilisi Sea", Vazisubani and Varketili. These plans remain on the paper.

The  Botanical Garden is distinctive amongst Tbilisi parks. Here the city's old historical traditions of garden and park art are reflected. The history of the garden begins in VIII century; it is featured by unique microclimate, attractive landscapes and is an integral part of the old city's planning structure. Its area is of 275 hectares: green crops constitute 190 hectares. East Asian flora collection is represented over there.
In 1994-95 on account of energy crisis, according to information from "Tbilgamtsvaneba" about 30 000 trees have been annihilated. This process is going on quite intensively, information on which is not available. Different construction processes are going on "designed" territories and parks available.
Earlier, the greening of the city was the responsibility of Tbilgamtsvaneba and Municipal Department of Culture, which used to carry out management and economic activities supported by state. Large parks of the city (so-called "parks of culture and recreation") were under the supervision of Tbilisi Department of Culture. In1994 by the resolution of the Municipality Cabinet Tbilgamtsvaneba was given 5 parks:

1. Kustba, Keeni hill and Makhati hill forest parks
2. Central Culture and Recreation Park
3. Forest-park Shavnabada
4. Nadzaladevi Culture and Recreation Park
5. "Megobroba" park of Isani

By the decree of the Municipality Cabinet (12.01.95; No. 01/64/66) the Municipal Department of Culture has been given the Mtatsminda, Vake and Mushtaidi parks announced as art monuments. 

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