The Consulate of Georgia in the Philippines, led by Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr, is finalizing the first Philippine wildlife donation to Georgia. The recipient will be the Tbilisi Zoological Park, which is under the supervision of Tbilisi City Hall.

In this regard, Consul Cunanan has been meeting with officials of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) to discuss the requirement and procedures for the export of Philippine wildlife to Georgia. He has also been closely coordinating with Tbilisi Zoo director Zurab Gurielidze. The BMB is an agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is the Philippines’ main authority on wildlife, protected areas, and conservation.

Consul Cunanan is confident that the initial documentation and memorandum of understanding between the BMB and Tbilisi Zoo will be ready for signing in May. Aside from the wildlife donation, Consul Cunanan is also working on closer cooperation between the BMB and its counterpart in Georgia, the Agency of Protected Areas.