Tulip Tree for Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Dendrology Park

Giorgi Janelidze

Liriodendron of a hundred years, same as a tulip tree, was taken from Tsikhisdziri nursery garden to Shekvetili. The giant tree was transported by ship. It will be planted in the dendrology park nearby the constructing concert hall in Shekvetili. The former prime-minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili is building the concert hall. Two more cypress trees are being prepared for the removal from Tsikhisdziri.  

Ivanishvili associated company Zimo is transporting the trees. The Government of Adjara Autonomous Republic sold the tulip and two swamp cypress trees to the company for 6 200 GEL.

The preparation works for the removal of the 650-tone tulip tree was protested. The protesters demanded the relevant documents and suspension of the ongoing works. On February 10, the law enforcement officers arrested 2 members of the United National Movement and 3 activists of the Guerilla Gardening. They were freed next day and the protest rallies lasted few more days.

“Based on the order of Bidzina Ivanishvili, Ltd Zimo is working here illegally. They intend to re-plant 40 trees from Tsikhisdziri and Chakvi. This area is valuable with these trees and nature. When tourists come here, they love it,” said Bondo Tedoradze, representative of the UNM’s regional office and an organizer of the protest rally. 

Guerilla gardener Nata Peradze said the representatives of the Ltd Zimo plan to take 30 more trees to Shekvetili. “I am absolutely sure that this tree will die and a specialist from Europe also shares my position about it. The vertical root, which holds the tree, was cut and this 40-meter-tall tree will fall down at very first strong wind. Unfortunately, we have to part with it and take care to protect others. We learned they have purchased two more trees and have marked 30 more.”

Doctor of Biology, Adjara regional coordinator of the CENN Irakli Mikelade said the tulip tree is not in the Red Book. “If the soil and root-system is preserved, then I see no risk in its re-planting. There is 50/50% chance of its survival. Even if we replant a young tree, nobody can guarantee that it will survive. The tulip tree comes from Northern America and in the past it was brought to Georgia for decorating purposes.”

Manager at the building company Zimo Irakli Shanava told the mobile group of the Human Rights House Tbilisi that he and his company work in accordance to rules.

According to environmentalists, the transportation may also cause some problems. Shipping of 650-tone cargo may damage the submarine rocks and threaten sea animals on the so called dolphin road. 

“It is a myth. If the ship hits the rock, the ship will be damaged and not the rock. Besides that, there are no rocks in that area. As for dolphins, they are active, mobile mammals. They rarely approach the coast and prefer to swim far in the sea. In similar situations, they, as a rule, swim far from the coast and then return back,” said Rezo Goradze, Sea Biologist and regional representative of the environmental agency.

On February 13, Bidzina Ivanishvili arrived in Tsikhisdziri to observe the re-planting works of the tree. The former PM said the company Zimo had purchased the trees and that the company had all documents in order. However, still, Ivanishvili temporarily suspended the ongoing works and noted that the replanting works will not be resumed until the legality of the documents are double checked. Few days later the replanting works resumed.

Adjara regional office of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association observed the process. “We could not identify any problem in the process. The society had legitimate claim to get information about replanting of the trees,” said regional coordinator at GYLA Giorgi Khishiashvili. 

“Here the biggest problem is selfishness of a concrete person and negligence of state institutions. This person tries to collect necessary document, disrespect the law and underline his power once again,” said representative of the NGO “Batomi” Shota Gujabidze.

Monitor of the Human Rights House Tbilisi Temur Rekhviashvili also shares this opinion. “I believe nobody cares about the fate of the tree. There is no conclusion that could prove that the liriodendron will be safe in future.”

Guerilla gardener Nata Peradze published her correspondence with US specialist Rick Brown on her Facebook page. Mr. Brown learned about the shipping tulip tree from BBC website. “They intend to re-plant a huge tree. Chance on successful replanting of such a big tree is very limited.

Another problem is that it needs much more soil than it is possible to dig together with the tree… Now we can assume that the roots were significantly damaged though it was possible to preserve it. Besides that, the main root (big root, which grows into the soil vertically to help the plant to absorb water and minerals) was cut very shortly.

There will be two problems associated with the new location. First, most probably the root system will not be enough to help the tree to absorb enough water and food to maintain the tree healthy.

Another problem is stability of the tree. Scope and branches of the roots may not be enough to hold the trees upright particularly if it is replanted into a windy place.

The first problem may be tackled with partial cutting but this should be done by arboriculturist, who will supervise or personally do this. As for the problem of stability, there is a chance of its partial solution – if the tree is fixed by ropes; the ropes should be strongly stretched and prevent the tree from falling. I repeat again – this work should be done by a professional abroriculturist. 

-Is the new soil and climate similar to the old one?

-No, they are absolutely different

-Unfortunately it will be another problem for the tree.

I am sorry that I cannot say anything promising!”

Meanwhile, liriodendron was taken into the sea by special vehicles. The barge loaded with 650-tones cargo swam more than 48 hours from Tsikhisdziri to Shekvetili. On its way to the final destination, it met several obstacles but big money solved all problems. The tree met final obstacle on the land – on Shekvetili coast, where the company had to put plates on the shore. On March 28, the tulip tree was already on the land and finally it will be planted in the Shekvetili dendrology park. 

The article was prepared in the frame of the project implemented by Human Rights House Tbilisi with financial support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Georgia. HRHT bears sole responsibility for the content of the article. The article does not necessarily reflect the views of the donor.