Since Georgia gained its independence, internal migration increased due to labour migration and citizens moving from villages to the cities. This process has a significant impact on the socio-economic environment of the country.
Improving the socio-economic conditions in the area is crucial to solving this problem and encouraging locals to return. The expertise and involvement of foreign partners in this process becomes even more valuable.
The European Union, and its relatively new project “EU4ITD” (Catalyzing Economic and Social Life In PIRDP Regions) (CESL), is a tangible example of the contribution made by Georgia’s western partner.
The PIRDP, a national initiative, is led by MRDI. It targets four of ten regions within Georgia with the support of the EU under the program “EU for Integrated Territorial Development (EU4ITD).
The project is funded jointly by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ and implemented by GIZ. The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure is its national partner.
The initiative, which covers the regions of Guria and Imereti as well as Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi, is part of the larger national agendas for decentralization, inclusive growth, and social cohesion throughout the country.
GEORGIA TODAY spoke with representatives of the project for more information: Howard Harding – Team Leader of EU4ITD – Catalyzing Economic and Social Life and George Rajebashvili – Advisor on Tourism and Value Chain Development.
Harding outlined the main goals of the activities and noted that the general approach is “catalyze” the existing but untapped poten-tial in the four PIRDP region to achieve positive economic outcomes and social outcomes.
He tells us that the project began in February 2022, and will continue until September 2025. “It’s aimed at regional growth. We are working with our partner, the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure to identify and fund projects that would encourage people to return to the regions. We hope to reduce the migration to Tbilisi and Batumi.
“Our activities cover a two-fold area: First, we finance regional’ and integrated’ project ideas that are put forward by municipalities to improve the socio-economic condition of their communities,” he says. “Due their regional aspect, the initiatives should have an impact outside of a single municipality. Their ‘integrated nature’ implies that they involve several sections of the community, such as. Civil society) and affects more than one sector. “Address both the economy as well as society”. “
“We are also looking at the gaps in regional value chains. Allocating funds to fill these gaps should lead to an increase in income generation. We have identified a gap in the wine value chains in Kakheti – a region known for its winemaking. We are partnering up with a lab to provide wine testing services in the region, rather than only in Tbilisi. In West Georgia, we’re also looking at the tea value chain.”
George Rajebashvili (Adviser on Tourism and Value Chain Development) tells us one of the exciting projects being implemented within the “The Oda House Route” project.
He says that the Oda is a wooden house common in western Georgia. “Due the the abundant rainfall and moisture from the Black Sea influence, Oda houses were elevated from the ground and stood up on wooden or stone legs.”
Before construction, the owner would usually choose the best orientation for the balcony and the best view because Georgians spend a lot of time on the balcony. They would even sleep on the balcony at night in good weather. The buildings have wide windows and balconies on all sides. This reflects the desire to be close to nature.
Rajebashvili says that the Oda house is unique from a construction perspective because it can be easily transformed. “They were always considered’movable’ property because they can be easily disassembled, relocated, and rebuilt again.”
The Oda’s decorated wooden balconies are another characteristic feature. The ornamentation on the columns and arches of the balconies usually depicts flowers and leaves. In mountainous regions, wild animals and grapes were also common.
“Our project titled “Oda House Route” is aimed at realizing potential/unmet demand for traditional Oda homes in western Georgia. The activity aims to increase local income generation by meeting potential/unmet demands in remote areas.
“Project EU4ITD-Catalyzing Economic and Social Life In PIRDP Regions specifically mentions the Preservation of Oda Houses,” he tells, “This concept is relatively new, and aims to keep these traditional houses alive.” Unfortunately, these houses are often destroyed, dismantled, or abandoned. We decided to do everything we could to preserve and save them as they have cultural and historical significance for Georgia. They can also be very useful for tourism development. They can be used in a variety of ways. One beneficiary of the project used his Oda to conduct workshops, another for tea-tasting, etc.”
“We decided to create an Oda House Network – Oda House route. We hope to have 20 such houses operating within a year. Then, they will be advertised on social media and a website will be set up to promote them. The number of guests to Oda houses, or guesthouses, or other facilities there will increase.
“Travel agencies and tourists are always on the lookout for new, unusual items, and I think these traditional Georgian homes will attract and impress them.” Our project aims at supporting the local economy and tourism development.
The concept of Oda House Route also featured at ITB Berlin 2023 – one of the largest tourism exhibitions – where Georgia was the host country.
“Among other agencies and companies, GIZ also attended the ITB Berlin. The project prepared a brief film about Oda homes to popularize them. The first three members from the Oda houses network attended the exhibition to showcase their products and workshops. This helped make Georgia even more attractive to potential foreign tourists. This project is aimed at promoting ecotourism in Georgia. We are happy to see our team achieving this goal.
This article was produced with the help of the European Union and German Government. The content of this article is the sole responsibility and responsibility of GIZ, and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the European Union or the German government.
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