A community forum was held within the framework of the program "Reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters in Georgia"

Organized by EIEC under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, within the framework of the program "Reducing the Risk of Climate-Driven Disaster in Georgia," a community forum was held. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Solomon Pavliashvili, and by the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Nick Beresford.

Organized by EIEC under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, within the framework of the program "Reducing the Risk of Climate-Driven Disaster in Georgia," a community forum was held. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Solomon Pavliashvili, and by the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Nick Beresford.

Reducing the risks of climate driven disasters in Georgia'’ is the main goal for our Ministry. The important issues such as hydrometeorological and agrometeorological  surveillance network and its importance, Climate Change Hazard Mapping and Vulnerability Assessment Process, Issues in Developing Municipal Emergency Management Plans, and Sharing Good Practices "I would like to point out that the active involvement of municipalities and representatives of the local population in the current processes is very important for achieving the goals of the national program," said Solomon Pavliashvili.

We work together with representatives of municipalities, listen to their positions, and learn from them. I am glad that schoolchildren and young climate ambassadors are interested in climate change. "Young people are the future leaders; accordingly, their active involvement in reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters will further strengthen and make Georgia more resilient," said Nick Beresford.

At the summary forum, the participants discussed the measures implemented to expand the hydro meteorological observation network within the framework of the program "Reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters in Georgia," completed and ongoing embankment works, and youth projects implemented by "Climate Ambassadors." Non-governmental organisations presented reports on community projects, and representatives of the United Nations Development Program spoke about gender mainstreaming and the importance of involving women and vulnerable groups in community-based disaster risk management.

The winners of the contest that was implemented within the project were announced at the forum. The first place in the contest"Learn in a Safe Environment" was taken by the N2 public school of Apheni village of Lagodekhi municipality, and the second place was taken by Patara Poti public school of Khobi municipality. The community organisation "Kedeli" of Lagodekhi municipality became the winner of the contest  "Create a Safe Community." In the media contest, Adjara TV journalist Levan Uridia became the winner.

The program "Reducing the Risk of Climate-Driven Disasters in Georgia" is financed by the Government of Georgia, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government of Switzerland, and Sweden, and its implementation is ensured by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).