Kobuleti Protected Area Ispani

The Kobuleti Protected Areas, specifically the Ispani Mire, is a state nature reserve of international importance and represents one of the world's most significant peat bogs in terms of biodiversity. UNESCO granted it the status of a World Natural Heritage site under the "Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands" designation. This means that for the first time in the history of Georgia, four protected areas were included in the UNESCO Natural Heritage list.

The Kobuleti Protected Area, covering an area of 770 hectares, comprises two main zones: Ispani 2 (a sphagnum peat bog and state nature reserve) and Ispani 1 (a managed peat bog reserve). It is the Ispani 2 reserve that holds the UNESCO Natural Heritage status, while Ispani 1 is considered a buffer zone where attracting visitors and infrastructural development are possible. The area of this buffer zone is approximately 1 (one) hectare.

In 2021, to develop infrastructure in the Kobuleti Protected Area, the non-profit (non-commercial) legal entity Tourism Product Development Agency prepared a design and estimate document. This plan envisages the arrangement of environment-adapted walking trails, an observation tower, a recreational cottage, parking, and a visitor center.

Part of the project—the construction of the walking trail—has been completed, and the construction of the observation tower is currently underway.

The length of the environment-adapted walking trail on the Kobuleti peat bogs reaches 700 meters. This trail allows visitors to fully enjoy a unique ecosystem that is recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List.