Mountain environment and population in Georgia: case study of Upper Svaneti

A survey of Upper Svaneti's population in Georgia revealed significant insights into local perceptions and priorities regarding ecological challenges. Residents identified critical environmental issues, often ranking them above socio-economic concerns, demonstrating a strong awareness of ecological problems. The study found varying levels of trust in environmental information sources and limited knowledge about national environmental policies, despite active participation in conservation efforts. These findings underscore the importance of fostering community engagement to enhance decision-making for sustainable development in mountainous regions. The research employed stratified-cluster sampling and statistical analysis using SPSS, providing a robust framework for understanding local ecological perceptions.

Elizbarashvili, M., Khardziani, T., Maisuradze, R., & Tatishvili, M. (2017). Mountain environment and population in Georgia: case study of Upper Svaneti. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 25(4), 362–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2017.1417182