The Ajara Autonomous Republic is situated in southwestern Georgia along the Black Sea coast. It borders Turkey and the Shavsheti Range on the south, the Meskheti Range on the north; the Arsiani Range on the east and the Black Sea on the west. The Meskheti, Arsiani and Shavsheti Ranges create a very interesting geographic relief of Ajara. Their average height is 2.000-2.500 m. The highest peak in Ajara is Mount Kanli (3.007 m) in the Arsiani Range. The beautiful Goderdzi Pass (2.025) m is on the same range as well. Deciduous as well as coniferous forests of Ajara highlands create unforgettable views on the mountain slopes.

The total area is nearly 3.000 sq/km constituting approximately 4 percent of Georgia. The Ajaran coastline is 57 km long. The following seaside resorts and resort places are situated alongside the coast: Pichvnari, Kobuleti, Bobokvati, Chakvi, Tsikhisdziri, Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape), Makhinjauri, Batumi, Gonio, Kvariati and Sarpi.

Establishment of the protected areas in Georgia has a long history. First protected area- Lagodekhy State Protected Area was established in 1912. The total area of the protected territories in Georgia is 520.272,85 hectares comprising 7% of the total territory of the country. 75% of the protected areas are covered with forests. According to IUCN categories, at present there are 16 Strict Nature Reserves, 10 National Parks, 18 Managed Nature Reserves, 24 Natural Monuments and 2 Protected Landscapes in Georgia.

Besides of ecological importance and unique biodiversity, Ajara region has a great importance in tourism development. Protected areas of Kintrishi, Ispani and Matchakhela, Mtirala National Park as well as Botanical Garden have a great eco touristic potential. Protected areas of Ajara will make all eco tourism admirers spend unforgettable vocations in Ajara. There are four protected areas in Ajara.

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