On 11-15 December 2023, upon the invitation from the Temporary Committee for the Rehabilitation of Gelati, Dr Luisa De Marco, the international expert for the Gelati Management Plan Review project, visited Georgia to facilitate the implementation of the World Heritage Committee decision 45 COM 7B.54 regarding the update of the Management Plan for the Gelati Monastery World Heritage property and its buffer zone.

The agenda of the visit included working meetings with the pool of local and regional stakeholders: representatives of Imereti regional administration, Tkibuli, Terjola and Tskaltubo municipalities, Kutaisi Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve, Imereti Caves Protected Areas Administration, Kutaisi-Gaenati Diocese, local communities of the Kursebi and Gelati villages and the Gelati religious community.

The main objective of the meetings was to identify and discuss issues for further consideration in improving the management of the Gelati World Heritage property and its buffer zone. The participants voiced their needs and priorities, while the international expert provided insight into world heritage integrated management practices.

The Management Plan Review Working Group wrapped up the visit with the Scientific Advisory Board of the Committee. Dr De Marko is expected to provide the mission report with methodological recommendations by the end of January 2024.