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The importance of green economy was brought forward by Levan Davitashvili on the second panel of Economic Conference ‘’Georgia and the World 2019’’
Government of Georgia considers green economy as one of the main tools fostering economic and sustainable growth of the country, specific measures are taken in this respect was stated by the Minister.Levan Davitashvili has been focused on the improvement of environmental governance. While addressing the audience, he stressed the importance of the enactment of the Environmental Assessment Code under which the possibility to identify potential threats is maximally ensured in the implementation of the environmental decision-making process.
The Minister noted, that strategic environmental assessment is also considered, which at the earliest practicable stage of the policy planning process embraces integration of environmental as well as human health related issues, under which the environmental risks will be insured.
Levan Davitashvili underlined measures taken by the Ministry to improve atmospheric air quality and noted, that since 2017, Georgia has been consuming the ‘Euro 5’ standards of fuel. From January 1, 2019, diesel fuel has increased to Euro 4 norms and by the end of the year it will reach to Euro 5. However, important pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and benzene are within the scope of the norm throughout the country.
In order to introduce modern European principles for air quality management, legislative amendments were approved and air quality portal was created providing population with the timely and continuous flow of information on the quality of air -was stated by the Minister, who also stressed the importance of Forest Code and Protected Areas of Georgia. Levan Davitashvili declared, that currently there are 5 categories of 86 protected areas in Georgia, which covers almost 10% of the country’s territory (9.55%) furthermore, 5 new protected areas are planned to be established across the country (Aragvi and Truso protected landscapes, Erusheti and Racha national parks, Rioni supervision) .
The Minister brought forward waste management related issues and noted, that, from February 1, 2019, the separate waste collection system will be gradually introduced across the country.
It is noteworthy, that technical regulations - on plastic and biodegradable bags has been approved by the Government of Georgia, within the same regulation, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable bags will be widely produced and used. At the first stage, from October 1, 2018, plastic bags that are less than 15 microns thick will be banned, furthermore, selling, importing, and producing plastic bags will be prohibited from April 1, 2019. Within the same regulation, selling, importing, and producing oxo-degradable plastic bags will be also banned.
In addition, promoting measures for plastic and glass bottles are underway in order to introduce a deposit system, whereby, customers will be motivated and encouraged to bring a large part of bottles back.