On March 20, 2026, the Public Defender of Georgia filed an amicus curiae brief with the Kutaisi Court of Appeal regarding the Baldi Canyon Natural Monument (protected area).

As is known to the public, in October 2025, the dispute ended in the first instance and the court did not grant the locals' claim regarding the disputable decisions related to Baldi Canyon. Given the specificity and importance of the issue, after the plaintiff managed to file an appeal with the court, the Public Defender of Georgia filed an amicus curiae brief in a dispute related to the protected areas for the first time in his practice.

Issues related to the Baldi Canyon Natural Monument (protected area) are directly related to the protection of the interests of both current and future generations and the realization of human rights. Thus, the purpose of the amicus curiae brief is to share information about the role and importance of protected areas, international approaches, principles and guarantees.

The modern approaches analyzed in the document demonstrate that protected areas have increased importance in a number of directions. Among them, in the process of preserving biodiversity, overcoming the challenges caused by climate change and socio-economic development at the local level. And the openness, transparency and accountability of the decision-making process are an integral part of the principles of good governance and visions related to protected areas. It is impossible to consider local circumstances, traditions, and knowledge systems without inclusive dialogue and the involvement of the interested public. Decisions made without the participation of citizens cannot meet human rights standards.