Spectacular Georgian fortresses, castles and towers are the focus of a Parliamentary thematic inquiry that studies the potential to revitalize disused historic monuments. The inquiry looked into ways to bring new life to historic sites, using their cultural value for redeveloping surrounding areas. It explored policy approaches for sustainable protection and preservation of historic heritage and studied the role of national and local authorities, the private sector and civil society in designing conservation and management tools. 

Initiated by the Parliamentary Culture Committee with assistance from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the inquiry engaged leading Georgian experts and representatives of the public, private and civic sectors.

The results of this four-month exercise were discussed on 18 October, at a presentation and a photo exhibition event attended by representatives of Parliament, Government, civil society, business and international organizations.

Parliament Chairperson Shalva Papuashvili; Chairperson of the Parliament Culture Committee, MP Eliso Bolkvadze; and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia Anna Chernyshova addressed the participants.

MP Alexander Elisashvili and invited expert Tatia Ghvineria presented key findings and recommendations.

Following this discussion, the final report of the thematic inquiry will be published at the end of October.