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Levan Davitashvili participates in the fifth conference on circular economy
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Levan Davitashvili took part in the fifth conference on circular economy, where attendees presented recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles.
During the conference, the participants highlighted a wide range of issues, including key aspects of the EU "Green Deal", Finland's approaches and best practices in the transition to a circular economy.
"The circular economy working group embraces representatives of various agencies, including members of the Parliament, Academy of Sciences, as well as the business sector. The active engagement of the Parliament and Government in this process will accelerate the transition of our country to the green economy and will ensure unconditional fulfillment of the international obligations undertaken by Georgia. Moreover, business will play a vital role in the implementation of the respective policy ”said Mr. Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
As noted by the Minister, the waste can be used as raw material. Less waste is dumped in the landfills, the least environmental pollution will take place in the dumping grounds, which will ultimately allow us to maintain environmental sustainability, as well as conservation of natural resources.
" Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will come into force next year. The respective policy will enable waste prevention and recycling, thus, we will be able to take the first important steps into the transition to a circular economy. Apart from commitments, incentive measures will be taken, including co-financing programs to promote waste recycling and use of minimal amount of natural resources, and reduce the pressure on biodiversity" - said Mr. Davitashvili.
During the conference, the Member of the United Nations Advisory Board on Circular Economy and Independent International Expert, Mr Dariusz Edward Prasek made a presentation, where he underlined the role of policy makers in accelerating Georgia’s transition to a circular economy.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and Union of Nature Researchers of Georgia ‘’Orchis’’, with the financial support of the Government of Sweden.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Georgia Mr. Ulrik Tidestrom, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Sweden to Georgia Mr. Erik Illes, Chairperson of the Committee of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Parliament of Georgia Mrs. Maia Bitadze, and representatives of relevant agencies of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.