Special Program Highlights Largest Protected Area In Europe

Date: October 12, 2011
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

Please join park and local officials from the Tusheti Protected Areas in Georgia for a special program at the Estes Park Museum on Thursday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. The Tusheti Protected Areas are located in the beautiful Caucasus Mountains in the northeast corner of Georgia, bordered on two sides by Russia.  This is the largest protected area in Europe, which includes a National Park, Strict Nature Reserve and a Protected Landscape.        

This area is full of snow-capped and glacial mountains, unique pine forests, deep river gorges, rich grass plateaus and tower-guarded villages. This great diversity of elevation and life zones are home to endangered and rare flora and fauna including 230 native species. In addition to the spectacular natural values, the national park was created to maintain traditional folkways, the mountain villages; and protect historical and cultural landscapes and promote tourism without causing environmental damage.      

Georgia has one of the largest proportions of land dedicated to national parks and protected areas in the world with 7 percent of the total land area in 40 national parks and protected areas. Their goal is to reach 20 to 25 percent.  The country has long maintained its red list of endangered species and its flora and fauna are exceptionally rich by international standards.      

Come learn about this incredible part of the world. The program is free and open to the public.  For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at [phone].