As part of the Athens Heritage Hub’s efforts to better understand the needs and challenges faced by cultural heritage organizations at the grassroots level, members of ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) visited Georgia from May 10 to 17, 2025.
Strengthening Civil society for Heritage in Georgia
The visit began with a warm welcome event on May 10 at the headquarters of the National Trust of Georgia. During the gathering, Mr. Costas Stamatopoulos, Vice President of ELLET and Advisory Committee Member of the Athens Heritage Hub, gave a compelling presentation on the work of Eugenios Danezis, emphasizing the significance of his archive for the Georgian people.
A key highlight of the visit was a roundtable discussion held on May 13, titled “Civil Society for Heritage in Georgia.”Organized in collaboration with the Georgian Arts and Culture Centre (GACC) – the national representative of Europa Nostra – the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Keynote speeches were delivered by Ms. Mariam Dvalishvili, Director of GACC and Ms Ioanna Mikrou, Advisory Committee Member of the Athens Heritage Hub and Board Member of ELLET. Ms. Lydia Carras, President of ELLET and member of the Athens Heritage Hub Advisory Committee, underscored the Hub’s mission to unite cultural and environmental organizations across Southeastern Europe, Türkiye, Armenia, and Georgia.
Several prominent local organizations—including the National Trust of Georgia, ICOMOS Georgia, ICOM Georgia, the Georgian Heritage Crafts Association, Blue Shield Georgia, Georgian House, Tbilisi Cityscape Research Center, and the National Research for Georgian Art History and Heritage Preservation—shared their ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote Georgia’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The roundtable generated dynamic discussions on the importance of civil society in heritage protection and opened up promising avenues for future cross-border collaboration. Participants also stressed that a strong democratic framework is essential for cultural heritage to flourish.
The activity was organized as part of the pilot project European Heritage Hub, funded by the European Union, in which ELLET participates as an affiliated partner.
Additional information: Agenda Athens Hub meeting_Georgia
Cultural visit to Georgian heritage landmarks and landscape
Alongside the meetings, a cultural visit to key heritage sites and monuments was organized in collaboration with the National Trust of Georgia.
The ELLET team explored several iconic landmarks, including the Alaverdi Monastery, the Academy of Ikalto, the ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, as well as the Gergeti Trinity Church and Jvari Church in Mtskheta.
Highlights of the visit included meaningful interactions with local communities and a strong emphasis on the need for active civil society involvement in the preservation of built heritage. The journey also showcased Georgia’s diverse and stunning landscapes—from the snow-covered mountains of Stepantsminda to the scenic Truso Valley—while drawing attention to their growing vulnerability to climate change.
