Protecting Georgia’s Wild Botanicals: ALCP2 Guidelines Released

In rural Georgia, the gathering of wild botanicals - growing naturally in the country’s mountains, forests, and agricultural landscapes - remains a centuries-old tradition and a vital source of income. For many families in remote areas, it is their primary livelihood, for others, it supplements household earnings. Two ALCP-facilitated companies, Noma Ltd and Sunelis Sakhli Ltd, now work with thousands of rural families to ensure a steady supply of high-quality wild botanicals and spices. By expanding collection networks into remote areas, these companies have strengthened rural incomes while supporting the growth of Georgia’s botanical sector. Their products are distributed not only domestically but also to export markets, helping Georgian-grown botanicals reach new, higher-value channels.

Rising market demand, however, could put pressure on these natural resources. To address this, the ALCP2 has released new Wild Botanicals Picking Guidelines (Link) along with a simple brochure Key Facts to Know (Link). These practical tools help buyers and pickers harvest responsibly, protecting plant populations while maintaining rural incomes. Noma Ltd and Sunelis Sakhlis Ltd are already using the guidelines with their pickers. The guidelines will be also be shared nationwide through other companies, Women’s Rooms and media outlets, aiming to foster sustainable harvesting, raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable picking and helping ensure wild botanicals continue to thrive for generations to come.

The ALCP2 implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia, is funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in cooperation with the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Sweden.