Expansion of Multi-hazard Early Warning System and the Use of the Climate Related Information in Georgia

The Project objective

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Government of Georgia, is implementing a large-scale initiative aimed at reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters in Georgia. Several interrelated initiatives are underway in this regard: Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded project - "Scaling-up Multi Hazard Early Warning System and the use of Climate Information in Georgia", funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) - "Strengthening the Climate Adaptation Capacities in Georgia", Government of Sweden funded project - "Resilience of Communities to Climate Risks in Georgia”.

The program covers the 11 river basins of Georgia Enguri, Rioni, Chorokhi-Adjaristskali, Supsa, Natanebi, Khobi, Kintrishi, Khrami-Ktsia, Alazani, Iori and Mtkvari and focuses on various climate hazards such as floods, landslides, mudflows, avalanches, hailstorms, droughts and strong winds.

The program includes three directions:
1. Collecting and accessing information on the risks and dangers posed by climate change

2. Establishment of early warning systems

3. Strengthening the resilience of local communities

Program expected results:

• Increased resilience of the Georgian population to climate threats, reduced impact of climate disasters on the population, infrastructure and environment, and 1.7 million people (about 40% of the country's population) better protected from climate threats.
• Significantly expanded hydrometeorological observation network (more than 140 observation devices will be purchased and installed); Established system of information and communication technologies, to facilitate long-term observations and collection of relevant information.
• Comprehensive hazard maps for 11 river basins based on unified methodology, which will help to enrich the existing information on hazards and risks.
• A study of socio-economic vulnerability conducted in 11 river basins, risk profiles created and the 100 most vulnerable communities selected.
• Established centralized information system integrating information on risks, threats and vulnerabilities across the country. System will be available to various government agencies as well as population.
• A multi-hazard early warning system established and improved, provided with appropriate coordination and legislative mechanisms.
• Multi-hazardous risk management plans developed for 11 river basins; response and preparedness plans prepared in 10 municipalities.
• Disaster risk management activities involving bio-engineering solutions implemented in the 100 most vulnerable communities.
• Awareness raising and educational activities carried out in 100 most vulnerable communities.
• Capacities of state agencies, local population, scientific and non-governmental sector strengthened at both local and national levels.
• Flood protection infrastructure measures implemented at 15 locations.
• Accurate weather forecasting and early warning of impending natural hazards improved enabling local people to avoid and/or minimize the risks/damage caused by natural hazards.
• Improved supply of agro-meteorological information products to farmers.

Donor organizations - Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Implementer - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC)

Contact person: Tamar Shervashidze - Project coordinator; E-mail - Tamar.Shervashidze@eiec.gov.ge