We plan to use insects as indicators for assessment of ecological conditions of forests and meadows in the Lesser Caucasus Besides. We intend to investigate host ant spectrum for Myrmica ant associated Phengaris butterflies. Study their ecological parameters and find other sites of the ants and butterflies distribution m the Lesser Caucasus and assess conservation status of threatened insects.

We plan to organize seminars and excursions in Samtskhe-Javakhet1 region. During the seminars we will give detailed information to the local people about life history of the threatened insect species. Their importance as bio indicators for assessment of ecological conditions of forests and meadows and the influence of anthropogenic factors.

During excursions local school pupils will be included in the field investigations to provoke interest in the disciplines associated with biodiversity research or simply learn principles for correct management and conservation of the threatened species and the habitat as a whole. It should be mentioned that during the last decade Georgian young generation has less interest to choose professions associated with biodiversity investigation such as Zoology, Botany, Conservation Biology and Ecology Such educational projects will increase the interest of school pupils 1n the abovement1oned d1sc1pl1nes and will contribute to form a new generation of Georgian zoologists, botanists, conservation biologists and ecologists. This will be a basis for invest1gat1on of endemic species and their conservation m the Caucasus ecoregion in the future.

We intend to publish and distribute illustrated booklets for local people about the ants and ant associated butterflies, their life history, reassessed conservation status, their use in the bioindication and threats caused by anthropogenic factors. It will increase local pupil's interest in nature conservation in general.