News
Nino Tandilashvili delivered the opening remarks at the community forum “Reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters in Georgia”.
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, delivered the opening remarks at the community forum “Reducing the risk of climate-driven disasters in Georgia”.
The First Deputy Minister expressed her gratitude to representatives of local authorities for their engagement, as well as partner international organizations for their support, while emphasizing the significance of the project.
''This project, aiming to reduce the risks of natural hazards driven by climate change, is of critical importance to our country. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Green Climate Fund, one of Georgia’s largest donor organizations in the field of climate change mitigation, for its substantial financial support of this project. I would also like to express special appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia for its contribution to the project’s implementation, and to the Government of Switzerland for its support,” stated Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili.
“As you are aware, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) cooperates with the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Switzerland, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) to promote the development of early warning systems and reduce disaster risks across the country. This cooperation aims to convert early warning systems into real and practical action plans at the community and municipal levels. Furthermore, within the project, satellite data and hazard-related information are being integrated into operational systems functioning at the local level, which enhances preparedness and the effectiveness of response,” stated Douglas Webb, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Georgia.
Within the framework of the Community Forum, participants discussed issues related to the project’s educational and structural activities, risk forecasting, and strengthening the capacities of local communities, including the integration of a module on disaster risk reduction related to climate change into undergraduate environmental programs in Georgia.
The Community Forum was organized by the Environmental Information and Education Center, an agency within the system of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. The forum was attended by State Representatives (Governors) from Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Samtskhe-Javakheti, as well as representatives of 15 municipalities, stakeholders, and other interested parties.