Abstract
The aim of the study is to investigate the socio-economic problems and key factors for sustainable development in the high-mountainous settlements of the border regions of the Eastern Caucasus of Georgia, specifically Khevi, Khevsureti, and Tusheti. This research is particularly relevant due to the issue of border security, which is closely linked to the depopulation of settlements in this area and the decline in the quality of life for the remaining population. The study reveales that these border regions have faced significant challenges in recent years, such as a decrease in livestock farming due to the lack of affordable local food sources and winter pastures, as well as the traditional economic activities of these regions. Farmers operating on a commercial scale are struggling to adapt to the demands of a market economy. Economic hardships have led to a population exodus from villages, increasing the risk of losing the resource potential of these areas. The research suggests that structural changes are necessary to revitalize the economy, with tourism being identified as having the greatest potential due to the significant natural resources available in these regions.
The article discusses the economic and social issues of each region separately.
Khevsureti, due to its location on the important North-South international highway for Georgia, has a stronger economy compared to the other two provinces, Khevi and Tusheti. The region's income is increasing, mainly due to transit and tourism. Economic indicators have been slowly but steadily rising - over the past 10 years, in the Kazbegi municipality, which represents Khevsureti administratively, private sector production turnover has increased by 1.7 times, employment by 1.4 times, and average wages by 1.6 times. However, the overall economic growth has had little impact on the population of Khevsureti villages, leading to an outflow of residents from their native places. During the same period of economic growth, the rural population decreased by 2.5 times. In the 45 villages remaining in Khevi, a total of 2,100 people reside. Due to migration, 21 villages were completely abandoned between 1989 and 2014. The entire province of Khevsureti, especially its Transcaucasian part, is at risk of being deserted, with agriculture and living conditions deteriorating, and cattle breeding, the region's economic foundation, declining. Infrastructure is in poor condition, with issues like electricity transmission in Barisakho and Shatili, limited mobile and internet connectivity, and struggling local medical services. Consequently, residents are moving to other regions and abroad, resulting in more abandoned villages.
The most pressing problem in Tusheti is the challenging land connection to the country's main economic areas and centers. The only 80-kilometer highway passes through a difficult and hazardous mountainous region, becoming impassable in winter. This area is only accessible in summer, with just 6 permanently inhabited villages. According to the 2014 census, Tusheti had 47 permanent residents, consisting of 30 men and 17 women.
A survey of the local population revealed that the employment structure of the border highland villages has changed radically in recent decades. Currently, tourism is the main activity of the majority of the surveyed families (63.0%). Most respondents believe that the situation in the tourism business in their region has improved in recent years. Additionally, the vast majority of respondents believe that the interests of both tourists and the local community should be taken into account when developing tourism. According to the respondents, both the private sector and state programs should consider the opinions and interests of the local community more when planning tourism development.
The research was funded by a grant from the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Project No. BRG-I-25-1124, titled "The Role of Tourism in the Socio-Economic and Ecological Sustainability of Georgia's Border Mountainous Regions: A Geographical Study"