"I am happy that Chiatura, which is a unique town from the point of view of cultural heritage, was selected as a pilot town for COMUS, and thus, became partner with the Organization of World Heritage Cities. During the next two years, we look forward to implementing new methodologies and approaches offered by the Council of Europe and the European Union.

I think the project can improve local living conditions and support social cohesion. COMUS will also assist in improving the town’s appearance and in rehabilitating the historical environment, helping in the same way to overcome challenges in the field of urban planning and spatial organisation. Chiatura is remarkable for its ropeway infrastructure and industrial heritage related to manganese extraction, but the town needs solid financial assistance to preserve and adequately develop these resources.

We hope that COMUS will assist in transforming these heritage assets into a resource for economic development, inter alia through tourism potential, and that ultimately this will have a positive impact on the local socio-economic conditions of the local community."

Mr Sulkhan MAKHATADZE
Governor of Chiatura Municipality