Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Nino Tandilashvili: "Climate change is not a challenge of a separate segment of society, it is a universal problem, and dealing with it requires a united effort".

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Mrs. Mzia Giorgobiani, Acting Director of the USAID Economic Growth Office, Mrs. Annie Steed, and Mr. Eric Viala, the Chief of Party of South Caucasus Regional Water Management Program(SCRWM) attended the meeting.

 Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili discussed the significance of local self-government in climate change adaptation, underlining the difficulty of developing and implementing climate change policy without the active engagement of all stakeholders.

"In recent years, important steps have been taken towards sustainable management of water resources, which was followed by the adoption of the Law on ‘’Water Resources Management’’, last year. The mentioned law complies with the national needs and challenges, as well as commitments taken by Georgia under international agreements, treaties, and association agendas. Climate change is not a challenge of a separate segment of society, it is a universal problem, and dealing with it requires a united effort ", said Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili. 

During the meeting, the parties discussed the importance of the law of Georgia on ‘’ Water Resources Management’’ and presented the USAID South Caucasus Regional Water Management Program. The program aims to establish effective cross-border cooperation and promote water management in the South Caucasus region to ensure regional stability and sustainability. The estimated budget of the five-year program is USD 20 million, and it will focus on stimulating local communities and adopting new technologies.

"Georgia is a leader in the region towards implementation of economic development reforms; Therefore, it has an essential role in boosting regional cooperation. The three South Caucasus nations share rivers, prompting governments to collaborate to ensure the development of water supply and irrigation systems. The USAID Water Management Program will help to foster regional dialogue, implement institutional reforms, and raise public awareness in the sustainable use of water resources," said Mrs. Annie Steed, Acting Director of the USAID Economic Growth Office.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) convened the meeting, with the participation of the representatives from the Ministries of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Regional Development and Infrastructure, and municipalities involved in the "Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy" initiative.