- Location: Kobuleti Municipality
- Total area: 770 ha
- Distance from Batumi: 34 km
The Kobuleti Protected Areas (including Ispani peatlands) started functioning in 2002 and cover the Kobuleti Strict Nature Reserve (331 ha) and Kobuleti Managed Nature Reserve (439 ha), which are located along the Black Sea coast in the eastern part of Kobuleti.
Ispani represents a unique percolation-type wetland of international RAMSAR Convention importance since 1997 and is considered as wet area for wintering birds.
ISPANI WONDERS - SPHAGNUM DOME
The most inviolable live sphagnum peatland of the world lies less than 300 m from the coast in Ajara. This mossy plant appears to be a seeming lake over the soil surface covered with 25-45 cm sphagnum like a blanket that is never covered with water. Together with Sphagnum (a unique and sensitive moss against environmental pollution), water creates a completely smooth dome without any hillocks. The dome is raised in 4-5 m over the surroundings.
IMPORTANCE OF KOBULETI PROTECTED AREAS
Ispani peatland plays a significant role in regulation of regional and local climate. It is an unexhausted source of oxygen and plays great part in the cycle of carbon production. Peatland plants absorb carbonic acid from atmosphere and as a result significant amount of carbon connected with different organic mixtures is accumulated in the peatland.
The Ispani peatland has also a water regulatory function and protects Kobuleti from floods. Sphagnum moss saturates water like cloud as it can contain much more water than its own form.
HISTORICAL - CULTURAL VALUE
The peatland houses significant archeological monuments. In 1964, while excavating drainage canal, an ancient settlement of the fourth and third centuries BCE was discovered. Humans are supposed to have settled here between five and six thousand years ago.
AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES: WALKING ON THE PEATLAND, BIRD WATCHING
Information boards on the protected area tell visitors about the past geological epoch of Ispani, its historical value and role in environment protection. Visitors can enjoy boating over the white moss carpet with the help of special skis, observing bird watching from the tower and seeing such unique plants as white water-lilies, yellow water-lilies, sundews or insectivorous drosera, and marsh tortoises.
Useful link: Agency of Protected Areas