The Culture Committee discussed and approved draft laws submitted by the government through the legislative initiative procedure. The draft law “On the Establishment and Management of the Tsiv-Gombori Protected Areas” was presented by Deputy Environmental Protection and Agriculture Minister Zurab Ezugbaia.

As a result of the adoption of the draft law, the Tsiv-Gombori National Park will be established across 21,761 hectares within the administrative boundaries of the municipalities of Sagarejo, Gurjaani, and Telavi. In addition, the Signagi Strict Nature Reserve will cover 554 hectares, while the Tsiv-Gombori Protected Landscape will span 17,562 hectares.

According to the presenter, the management of the Tsiv-Gombori National Park and the Signagi Strict Nature Reserve will be carried out by the Agency of Protected Areas, while the Tsiv-Gombori Protected Landscape will be managed by the Gurjaani Municipality within the framework of delegated authority.

Zurab Ezugbaia noted that, alongside the diversity of natural ecosystems, the area is distinguished by the abundance of cultural heritage sites. According to him, the establishment of the protected areas system will contribute to the proper preservation of cultural heritage monuments.

Parliamentary Secretary of the Government Vakhtang Bachiashvili presented the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, its regulations, and the accompanying draft law on Designs.

As the presenter stated, the Riyadh Design Law Treaty was adopted in 2024 at the diplomatic conference of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Its purpose is to simplify procedures for design protection, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. The treaty reduces bureaucratic barriers and difficulties associated with differing procedures across countries. It has been signed and recognized by 28 member states of WIPO.

According to Vakhtang Bachiashvili, Georgia’s current legislation complies with the treaty’s requirements, although certain legislative amendments are necessary.

He also noted that Georgia’s accession to the treaty will help strengthen the intellectual property protection system and support the integration of Georgian designers into international markets.

The committee approved the issues.