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Nino Tandilashvili Delivers Remarks at International Panel Held as Part of UN High-Level Conference.
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, delivered a keynote speech at an international panel held as part of the UN High-Level Conference in Nice, France. The theme of the global panel was “Fostering sustainable fisheries management”.
In her address, Deputy Minister Tandilashvili underscored Georgia’s progress as a Black Sea nation in advancing sustainable fisheries policy.
“Our goal is to ensure a balanced approach that integrates economic, social, tourism, and biodiversity interests throughout every stage—from policy planning to implementation.
Commercial fishing in Georgia is regulated by a rigorous licensing system, with annual fishing quotas determined through a science-based methodology developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which involves both national and international experts, ‘’ stated the First Deputy Minister.
The First Deputy Minister highlighted Georgia’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies.
‘’The major milestone is the European Union’s recognition of catch certifications issued by Georgian state agencies, which not only facilitates greater participation in international trade but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to the principles of sustainability,” said Mrs Tandilashvili.
The First Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the FAO for its continued support in developing Georgia’s aquaculture sector, emphasizing the designation of aquaculture development zones that meet international standards and the issuance of Georgia’s first aquaculture license—an important step in creating a regulated and sustainable industry, which contributes to the socio-economic empowerment of coastal communities.
Mrs. Tandilashvili also highlighted Georgia’s active cooperation with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), particularly in strengthening the small-scale fisheries sector.
“Supporting small-scale fisheries is not only an environmental imperative but also a vital social and economic responsibility. It is essential to recognize, preserve, and integrate the knowledge and traditional practices of those engaged in the sector into policymaking.” stated the First Deputy.
The panel was convened as part of the lead-up to the UN 2025 Ocean Conference, dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water – aimed at conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The high-level officials, including the FAO Secretary-General, the European Commissioner for Fisheries, Ministers from various countries, representatives from international organizations and the scientific community, attended the event.