There was commotion at Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas as a group of citizens, known as the “Defenders of Baldi Canyon,” demanded a meeting with the agency’s head and called for the cancellation of the lease agreement related to Baldi Canyon, which they claim was signed by the agency’s former leadership.

“We call on the new chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture: do not prolong corruption, do not cover for a company that has violated the rights of the village, and cancel the Baldi Canyon lease agreement,” the protesters said.

After the demonstrators entered the agency building, patrol police arrived at the scene.

The Agency of Protected Areas later responded to the incident, stating that all projects implemented and agreements signed by the agency are fully in line with Georgian legislation and are carried out within transparent and legal frameworks.

Regarding the demand for meetings, the agency emphasized that it values dialogue conducted in a “working, constructive environment aimed at achieving common goals and results-oriented decisions.”

At the same time, the agency stated that it “considers communication in the form of ultimatums unacceptable and once again reaffirms its readiness to work with all interested parties in a professional, business-oriented format.”