Iori Managed Reserve, Protected area in Signagi Municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia.
Iori Managed Reserve is a protected area in the Iori River valley covering about 13 square kilometers, with native forest along riverbanks typical of the region. The terrain features the wet woodlands called tugay forest, which grow in the narrow strip between river and drier upland.
The area became an officially protected reserve in 1996, moving from traditional hunting grounds and forest land to a formally managed conservation site. This date marked the shift toward organized protection of the native forests and their wildlife.
People in nearby villages have used these forests for hunting and timber collection for generations, and these traditional ways remain visible in how the landscape is managed today. Walking through the reserve, you can see evidence of this long relationship between locals and the land.
This area is remote and requires preparation, as it sits far from villages and has limited facilities or services nearby. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a map, since trails are not well marked and you may encounter rough terrain.
This reserve links with the neighboring Korugi Managed Reserve to form an ecological corridor along the Iori River, allowing wildlife to move across a longer stretch of valley. The connection between these two protected areas creates a continuous habitat for species that depend on the river and its forests.
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