Kettari Academy Introduces a Timely Course: “Planning Infrastructure Projects in Cultural Heritage Protection Zones”

Kettari Academy has recently offered the public a highly relevant course titled “Planning Infrastructure Projects in Cultural Heritage Protection Zones.” This course stands out as one of the most in-demand in the Academy’s history, as it addresses real-world challenges and focuses on equipping participants with the necessary knowledge to overcome them.

Approximately 30% of Georgia’s territory falls within cultural heritage protection zones, both in the capital and throughout the regions.

Many buildings in central Tbilisi have been granted the status of cultural heritage monuments, as have historic areas in cities such as Mtskheta, Batumi, and others. Thousands of residents live in these zones and heritage-status buildings, alongside operating residential, business, educational, and cultural institutions. As the country undergoes an active phase of urban development, both the private sector and individual citizens frequently encounter difficulties and obstacles when planning projects in relation to cultural heritage sites and their surrounding zones.

This course was specifically designed to help participants overcome these challenges and find optimal solutions. It was led by Tea Oniani, Head of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, who played a key role in drafting the national cultural heritage legislation.

The six-lecture course was rich in content, covering topics such as the protection of cultural heritage monuments and archaeological sites, permits for work on heritage monuments and archaeological excavations, legal violations in the field of cultural heritage, and the mechanisms for addressing them, among others.

According to the students, the course exceeded their expectations.

Ketevan Svanidze: “I turned to Kettari Academy for professional development, and the course turned out to be very engaging. I deepened my understanding of cultural heritage monuments. Interacting with Ms. Tea Oniani was an incredibly valuable experience. I’m confident that this course will significantly contribute to my professional growth.”

Konstantine Belashvili: “My main interest was in understanding the standards for conducting work on cultural heritage monuments. The issue is that there’s a widespread belief that everyone avoids such buildings, considering them problematic. This course helped me realize that with the right approach and mindset, it is indeed possible to plan and carry out work successfully.”

Shota Dzagnidze: “I knew nothing about Kettari Academy before, but now I know just how warm and insightful the team is. Alongside gaining knowledge, I also made many friends. The course gave me a sense of strength and a renewed hope for the future through the learning I received. It truly opened my eyes and taught me how to approach this subject in a deep and thoughtful way.”

Giorgi Kobakhidze: “I’m deeply grateful that you were essentially the first to organize a certified course on these topics, which have never been the subject of broad or in-depth study. It was also invaluable to meet such sincere people who prioritize understanding the legal and regulatory framework around cultural heritage, even while running their businesses.”