by Irakli Kochlamazashvili and Adam Pellillo, ISET
24.10.2014. In Georgia, it’s often said that tavisupleba mxolod mtebshia – freedom is only in the mountains. Indeed, the mountains have long shielded the small Georgian nation from much larger invaders, helping it maintain its freedom, as well as its unique culture, language and faith.
Even today, getting into Georgia’s mountains is no easy task. Separated from the ‘mainland’ by the 3,000m high Abano pass, Tusheti, is an excellent case in point. The sheer ‘outworldliness’ of Tusheti, as well as its well-preserved indigenous traditions and architecture, are a powerful motivator for many Georgians and international visitors alike to undertake the bumpy excursion to Omalo (and beyond).
The number of visitors to Tusheti has been growing quite rapidly in recent years, raising an important policy dilemma: what is the “optimal” level of development for this wild region of Georgia? On the one hand, tourism is strengthening the local economy by providing locals with an additional source of income. On the other hand, the arrival of 21 century invaders (in the shape of tourist ‘armies’) will undoubtedly strain the local infrastructure, requiring significant investment in roads, water supply and other utilities. Too much investment may strip Tusheti of its uniqueness. Too little of it may carry risks for health and the environment.
24.10.2014. In Georgia, it’s often said that tavisupleba mxolod mtebshia – freedom is only in the mountains. Indeed, the mountains have long shielded the small Georgian nation from much larger invaders, helping it maintain its freedom, as well as its unique culture, language and faith.
Even today, getting into Georgia’s mountains is no easy task. Separated from the ‘mainland’ by the 3,000m high Abano pass, Tusheti, is an excellent case in point. The sheer ‘outworldliness’ of Tusheti, as well as its well-preserved indigenous traditions and architecture, are a powerful motivator for many Georgians and international visitors alike to undertake the bumpy excursion to Omalo (and beyond).
The number of visitors to Tusheti has been growing quite rapidly in recent years, raising an important policy dilemma: what is the “optimal” level of development for this wild region of Georgia? On the one hand, tourism is strengthening the local economy by providing locals with an additional source of income. On the other hand, the arrival of 21 century invaders (in the shape of tourist ‘armies’) will undoubtedly strain the local infrastructure, requiring significant investment in roads, water supply and other utilities. Too much investment may strip Tusheti of its uniqueness. Too little of it may carry risks for health and the environment.