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

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Earth Day is celebrated on April 22

The International Day of the Earth celebrated on April 22 is marked by 175 countries worldwide. Since 1990, Georgia has joined the list of these countries. The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nodar Kereselidze together with partner organizations and representatives of diplomatic corps introduced participants with the large scale environmental campaigns held throughout the world. This year's main message is mobilizing the world to end the plastic pollution.
The idea for a national day to focus on the environment came to Earth Day founder U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, after witnessing the ravages of the massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. More than three million gallons of oil spewed, killing over 10,000 sea animals.
"It is very important, that by enacting of state regulations, the use of plastic bags will be reduced and we will avoid pollution of the environment in the future. Georgian Government adopted  the resolution on "Rules for Regulation of Plastics and Biodegradable Bags", which has been developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. The necessity of introduction of these regulations was caused by the sharp rise in the use of plastic bags in the country, which in turn has created a significant problem for the environment. The technical regulation defines main requirements related to the plastic and oxo degradable plastic bags, their production, sale and import on the territory of Georgia" -said Nodar Kereselidze.
It should be noted, that the society should increase awareness and actively engage itself in large-scale environmental campaigns related to the earth day that are planned throughout the country.
The large scale environmental campaign will be officially launched in Georgia. The campaign aims to involve government sector, private companies, non-governmental organizations and local residents in the clean and green environmental events. Companies, organizations and all interested parties can take responsibility and take care of any places they wish - road, park, hiking trail, street - for three years. Up to 15 representatives of private, public and non-governmental sectors has already joined the campaign.
Under the frame of the project "Clean up Georgia - Clean up the World", Georgia has announced a competition "Clean Region" for the third time this year. Within the frame of the competition, all municipalities will clean up the polluted spaces. The cleanest region, clean municipality, clean city / borough, clean village / community and beautiful yard will be revealed.
"I would like to thank international and partner organizations for their active cooperation and support in the implementation of these important activities" Nodar Kereselidze said.
Today's event was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden, Martina Quick, USAID/Georgia Economic Growth Office Director Veronica Lee, Head of Development Cooperation of Sweden in Georgia Molly Lien, Greens Movement of Georgia /Nino Chkhobadze, Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) Executive Director Nana Janashia, Union of Nature Researchers in Georgia "Orkisi" and "Ecological Consciousness and Waste Management".