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Levan Davitashvili: " Environmental issues are authentic for Georgian society and priority for Georgian Government"
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze has appointed David Morrison as an Environmental Ombudsman. Under the initiative of the Prime Minister, a new institution is established to protect environmental rights and interests.
In his welcoming speech, Mamuka Bakhtadze addressed the audience:
"We believe, that there is no other alternative to green economy and sustainable development. For Georgia it is a way to achieve it's full economic potential "said Mamuka Bakhtadze.
"Environmental issues increase interest rate in society, thereby, we consider communication with the population as one of the priority issues. When we speak about the economic development, we consider sustainable development principles and green economy.
‘’Environmental issues are authentic for Georgian society and priority for Georgian Government. Last year, Prime Minister of Georgia took an initiative, while delivering a presentation of the government program and today our main focus is laid on the establishment of the Environmental Ombudsman Institution, which might be considered as an approval of this initiative " said Levan Davitashvili.
The Ombudsman will take an authoritative position and will be a legitimate figure in the field of environment. The environmental ombudsman will have his council / secretariat to discuss environmental issues.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili underlined the importance of Ombudsman institution and noted, that public involvement in the activities planned within the frame of "Green Policy" is of utmost importance.
The ombudsman will be tasked to write recommendations regarding important environmental issues, as well as about changes which should be carried out in the law. He will take part in public discussions and consult interested parties,”
Environmental Ombudsman Institution operates in many developed countries, including Hungary, Ireland, Austria. The United States is actively working on the establishment of this institution as well.
Over the years, David Morrison worked on legal and financial issues in a number of countries around the world. Since 2008 he has been implementing environmental projects in Georgia.
In 2008-2012, David Morrison chaired Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF). During this period a number of important projects were implemented in the protected areas (Vashlovani National Park, Kazbegi National Park, Mtirala National Park, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Algeti National Park) including the development of infrastructure and biodiversity conservation.
Within the frame of the project, the work capacities of people working in the protected area have been significantly improved. David Morrison implemented an important initiative - health and life insurance for employees of protected areas.