Kakhi Jordania on Falconry, Conservation, and Cultural Heritage

"Jordania's passion began early. At the age of ten, he witnessed a golden eagle swoop down from the cliffs of Kazbegi. This powerful sight sparked a lifelong fascination with raptors. He later apprenticed under a traditional falconer in eastern Georgia, where he learned to train saker falcons and golden eagles. His journey continued through Central Asia, the Middle East, and Mongolia, where he studied different falconry traditions and combined them with modern science."

"In his thirties, Jordania founded the Caucasus Raptor Conservation Initiative (CRCI). Under his leadership, the organisation has rescued and rehabilitated over 400 injured raptors, partnered with UNESCO to secure recognition of Georgian falconry as cultural heritage, and pioneered satellite tracking for migratory species. He is also the author of Wings of the Caucasus, a widely translated book that blends memoir with cultural history."

"Beyond conservation, Jordania is known for his public demonstrations of falconry at international cultural festivals, from Abu Dhabi to Berlin. His work has earned him global recognition, including the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Advocate award and the Global Conservation Award. At home, Jordania lives with his wife and children near Tbilisi, where their home doubles as a sanctuary for rescued birds. His philosophy is simple: "Falconry is not control. It is trust. It is the space where wildness meets humanity.""

Kakhi Jordania grew up near the Caucasus and developed a lifelong fascination with raptors after seeing a golden eagle at age ten. He apprenticed with a traditional falconer and studied falconry traditions across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Mongolia, combining those practices with modern science. He founded the Caucasus Raptor Conservation Initiative (CRCI), which has rescued and rehabilitated over 400 injured raptors, partnered with UNESCO to recognize Georgian falconry as cultural heritage, and pioneered satellite tracking for migratory species. He also demonstrates falconry internationally, authored Wings of the Caucasus, and operates a home sanctuary.

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