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Under the International campaign ‘’ Car Free Day’’, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili participated in the cycling event.
"Today’s event is remarkable, as those persons who care for the environment refuse to use a private car and prefer to take a walk or use some other alternative, healthy transport. We should understand the importance of environmental issues, as most of the ambient air pollution comes from motor vehicle emissions.
We have already taken a few steps to make a number of changes in the air policy. At the beginning of the year, we held a presentation on the air portal. Anyone interested in the portal can observe the real time weather throughout Georgia. However, still, there is much to be improved, we plan to add more air stations and information to the portal; The air monitoring will be carried out according to the European standards in the nearest future. Monitoring is the first step to effectively implement measures to improve the quality of air ” Levan Davitashvili said.
According to the Minister, raising public awareness and residents’ active involvement in these processes is particularly important.
“The government and parliament cooperate closely to create a legislative framework in line with the European requirements, although we won’t be able to achieve positive outcomes, if our environmental education and public awareness is not increased. Today's event is important to realize the impact of our attitude on the environment and make changes for the better ”Levan Davitashvili said.
Today's cycling event – ‘’Georgia Alliance for Safe Roads’’ was held in partnership with the National Cycling Federation and partner organizations, with the support of the United Nations in Georgia, within the frame of the European Mobility Week and Clean Air campaign.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Archil Talakvadze, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Maya Bitadze, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Sabine Machl, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ulrich Tidestrom, sportsmen and representatives of the private sector attended the event.