Part of Dedoplistkaro Lands Might be Left in Azerbaijan

Kakliskure, the natural peninsula in the Dedoplistkaro district is on the edge of catastrophe. The river might alter the connecting land which will result in leaving 180 hectares of land in Azerbaijanian territory. 

Kakliskure is also called  Jumaskure. The 180 hectare peninsula is connected to mainland by an isthmus (Meandre) that is approximately  6 to 7 meters wide.  The peninsula is surrounded by the river Alazani and slowly waves are eroding land from both sides of Meandre

Alazani is a trans-border river and border demarcation here needs a special attitude. If the river breaks this small connecting land, almost all 180 hectares of land will be left out of the border.  Although, it’s noteworthy that the river is slowly taking a large portion of land from the peninsula too.

In coming years the peninsula might soon disappear. This beautiful place was given the status of a natural reserve because the nature here has been relatively uninterrupted. In addition, the grove forest (which is rare already) contains a special wild nut species. It also is in the touristic route of the Vashlovani forest reserve. Here one can find pedestrian routes, river boats, places for picnic and cottages for tourists while locals are planning to offer eco-food to tourists and develop their own small businesses.

Ana Benashvili, Dedoplistskaro municipality PR manager, said “We managed to conduct interim measures for strengthening the river-bed couple of years ago which prevented the threats temporarily, but the problem has surfaced again. We need protection measures to secure this area once more. Local government is interested in solving the problem and has applied to the higher-ups to allocate money for a project. However, we do not know if how much consideration this application will be given.”

The main specialist of the isthmus protection department of the environmental agency, Rusudan Sturua, states that the location has been studied and pre-project planning has been conducted as well.  The main challenge now is addressing a current budget does not look likely to locate money for the preservation of the land.