Kodori (river)

The Kodori (Georgian: კოდორი; Abkhaz: Кәыдры, romanized: Kwydry) is one of the two longest rivers of Abkhazia,^[1] along with the Bzyb. It is formed by the joining of the rivers Sakeni and Gvandra. The Kodori is first among Abkhazia's rivers with respect to average annual discharge at 144 cubic metres per second (5,100 cu ft/s) and drainage basin area at 2,051 square kilometres (792 sq mi). It is second after the Bzyb with respect to length at 105 kilometres (65 mi) when combined with the Sakeni.^[2]

Kodori
Kodori River watershed (Interactive map)
Location
Country	Georgia/Abkhazia[1]
Physical characteristics
Source	Kelasuri First / Kelasuri Second
• location	Main Caucasian Range Caucasus Major
• elevation	1,380 m (4,530 ft)
Mouth	Georgia/Abkhazia[1]
• location	Black Sea
• coordinates	42°49′14″N 41°07′55″E
• elevation	0 ft (0 m)
Length	105 km (65 mi)
Basin size	2,051 square kilometres (792 sq mi)
Discharge
• average	144 m3/s (5,100 cu ft/s)

Course

The Kodori begins at the confluence of the glacial-fed Sakeni and Gvandra rivers, at an elevation of around 1,380 meters. It flows rapidly through a steep and rocky landscape in its upper reaches, passing through alpine meadows and coniferous forests. As it descends into lower elevations, the river carves a narrow gorge before widening into a broader floodplain closer to the sea. The river’s lower stretch enters the Black Sea near the coastal area of Abkhazia.^[3]

Hydrology

With an average annual discharge of about 144 cubic meters per second, the Kodori is the most significant river in Abkhazia in terms of flow. Its basin area extends across approximately 2,051 square kilometers. The river is primarily fed by snowmelt, rain, and glacial runoff, resulting in seasonal surges in water levels during the spring and summer months.^[3]

Research on the Kodori estuary indicates that the river plays a vital role in delivering sediment to the Black Sea, especially during periods of high discharge. These plumes have a significant impact on coastal sediment dynamics and marine ecology.^[4][5]

Ecology

Ecologically, the Kodori supports diverse biological communities across different altitudes and water zones. Its upstream waters are oligotrophic, while the lower estuary supports a rich variety of aquatic life. A 2015 study identified over 84 species of phytoplankton, 19 types of zooplankton, and 105 species of benthic invertebrates in the estuarine zone.^[6][7]

Strategic Importance

The Kodori Valley holds historical and strategic relevance. Until the conflict in 2008, its upper region—referred to as "Upper Abkhazia"—was controlled by the Georgian government. It served as the site of military operations and political significance during the 2006 Kodori crisis and related developments in Georgian-Abkhazian relations.^[8]

See also

• Kodori Valley for the valley through which the Kodori flows.