Reconceptualising the human-river relationship and culture
starting from the Mtkvari river floodplain in Rustavi, Georgia
NAPIRZE — meaning ‘on the riverbank’ in Georgian
is a landmark environmental and cultural regeneration project, centered on the banks of the Mtkvari river in Rustavi, Georgia. While our primary aim is to rewild an abandoned site in the heart of our industrial city, we also aim to create a cultural shift all along a river whose waters connect five countries and thousands of people in and around the Caucasus Mountains.
One of our most cherished aspirations is to bring otters (Lutra lutra meridionalis) back to Rustavi. They are native to this region, but have disappeared due to widespread habitat destruction. Their presence will serve as an indicator of our success and demonstrate a huge ecological achievement.
History of the Rustavi floodplain
Beginning as a major Iberian political hub, Rustavi has long been a city strategically situated on the edge of the Mtkvari River. During the Soviet period, Rustavi grew into a booming city driven by Rustavi Metalurgical industry.
