The Center for Environmental Protection and Development is actively involved in various projects and activities. In addition to public lectures and discussions, the EMP Talks series was established, where invited guests discuss important environmental issues.
Topics and guest speakers discussed within the framework of EMP Talks include:
- "Protected Areas of Georgia – Current Reality and Challenges, Based on the Example of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park"
- Levan Tabunidze - Program Manager at the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF)
- „David meets Goliath: How to protect Tbilisi from Poor Development” Urban Planning and Management in Tbilisi
- Roger Keller - Expert in Urban and Regional Planning and Management
- State Management of Natural Resources
- Shorena Iosebidze - Head of the Legal Department at the National Agency of Mineral Resources
- "Environmental Policy of International Donor Organizations and Practical Recommendations"
- Ninikos Isakadze - Environmental Protection and Resettlement Specialist at the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia
- Environmental Communication – Implementing Behavior Change-Oriented Campaigns
- Ana Petriashvili - Communications Director at CENN
- "Climate-Smart Agriculture and Its Challenges"
- Tamar Sanikidze - Agricultural Specialist for the UNDP Project on Professional Education in Agriculture
- Kakha Madzhvani - Climate Change Expert at the Caucasus Regional Development Center
- Nino Dekanoidze - Head of the Regional Management Department at the Rural Development Agency
- Tamar Aladashvili - Director of the Environmental Information and Education Center
- "Waste Management System in Georgia and Its Challenges"
- Giorgi Barzimashvili - Environmental Direction Manager at Achara Group
- "Sustainable Development Goals"
- Nata Jafiashvili - Higher Education Specialist at Budapest Metropolitan University
Topics and Guest Speakers Discussed in the Format of Public Lectures/Discussions:
- "Anaklia Development Consortium - Example of the Innovation Park"
- Anzor Manchkava - Regional Director of the Anaklia Development Consortium
- Gia Barkalaia - Marketing Director
- Sofo Berishvili - Environmental Compliance Officer
- "Tbilisi Master Plan" - Discussion Moderator: Roger Akeley, Urbanist and Invited Lecturer from the USA at GIPA
- "Hydropower Policy - Investments, Energy Independence, or Ecological Catastrophe"
- Davit Chipashvili - Economist, Representative of the NGO "Green Alternative"
- Murman Margvelashvili - Energy Expert
- "Namakvani Hydropower Cascade - Benefits and Risks"
- Varlam Goletiani - Movement for the Preservation of the Rioni Valley
- Tatuli Chubabria - Director of the Social Policy Program at EMC
- Lela Rekhviashvili - Fair Energy Policy Platform
- "Georgia - Tbilisi Solid Waste Project - Stakeholder Engagement and Participation Program"
- Ekaterine Khvedelidze - Project Manager, Caucasus Regional Environmental Center
- Ekaterine Bendelian - Deputy Director of the Environmental Information and Education Center
- Nani Macharashvili - Professor at GIPA, Expert in Project Communication and Public Engagement
Field Meetings and On-Site Visits Conducted by the Environment and Development Center:
- Second-year students of GIPA’s Master’s Program in Environmental Management and Policy, under the course "Protected Area Management," visited the visitor center of Algeti National Park. The aim of the field lecture was for students to familiarize themselves with the specifics of national park management, zoning, and protection mechanisms.
- Under the course "Climate Change and Its Aspects in Georgia," students undertook a study tour in the Kazbegi Municipality, where they visited Sno Valley, Dariali Gorge, and Stepantsminda. The goal of the field lecture was to inform students about ongoing and completed environmental projects in the municipality and the existing challenges.
- Under the course "Environmental Auditing and Monitoring," students visited "Gama Consulting" to learn about the company's core activities, which include research on natural resources, study of environmental issues, and providing consulting services in this field.
- Under the course "Biodiversity Management and Conservation," students visited the Tbilisi Zoo. The students were hosted by the zoo's director and GIPA lecturer Zurab Gurielizde. The visit aimed to familiarize students with the species represented at the zoo, their origins, and behavioral characteristics. Additionally, information was provided about animals undergoing conservation efforts to be returned to their natural habitats.
- Students of the Master's program in Environmental Management and Policy visited Anaklia as part of a study tour. Initially, they observed the construction process of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, and later visited the Kolkheti National Park.
- Meeting at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Environmental Information and Education Center. The meeting was attended by Nino Tandilashvili, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture; Irina Gorgiladze, Dean of GIPA's School of Governance; and Tamar Aladashvili, Director of the Environmental Information and Education Center.
- On Earth Day, students of the Environmental Management and Policy Master's Program attended a practical lecture at the waste recycling plant of the company "Raber Tek," which specializes in the processing of discarded tires.
With the assistance of the center and through the consultation of academic staff associated with GIPA's Environmental Management and Policy Program, the following policy documents were developed for the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Georgia :
- Concept of Protected and Other Conservation Areas
- Concept of Invasive Species Management
Consulting Activities:
Contribution to Educational and Scientific Fields
In addition to the aforementioned activities, it is noteworthy that, through collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement of Georgia, GIZ, and organizations working in the field of environmental protection, GIPA has developed a sectoral profile for environmental management. Based on this profile, a new qualification, "Master of Environmental Protection Management," has been added to the classification of educational fields in Georgia. This addition will contribute to the advancement of education, research, and the training of qualified personnel in the field of environmental protection.
