The National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) conducted six eco-patrols during the fourth reporting period of the “EcoYOU: Clean and Green Minds for an Environmentally Friendly Behavior” project. The activities took place at the Tsalka, Zhinvali, Bazaleti, Bareti, and Sioni reservoirs, as well as the surrounding area of Samepo village.
The main goal of the campaign was to monitor the condition of ecosystems, document pollution, and facilitate effective planning of subsequent targeted environmental measures.
For the patrols, a boat and kayaks purchased within the framework of the project were used, enabling the team to thoroughly examine coastlines as well as the areas surrounding lakes and reservoirs.
During the monitoring process, the team recorded plastic and household waste, after which all data, along with GPS coordinates, was uploaded to the BeECO application portal for further analysis and implementation of necessary measures. In parallel with data uploading, information was provided to municipalities, which facilitated timely responses to environmental measures.
The activities involved NALAG’s Deputy Executive Directors, Tatiana Bokuchava (project manager) and Lasha Archvadze (project communications officer), as well as association representatives Mariam Jincharadze (project assistant) and Irakli Andghuladze. Representatives of the “EcoYOU” project, together with young people, regularly documented challenges in ecosystems during the patrols, contributing to raising ecological awareness among both local authorities and the broader public.
The “EcoYOU” project also ensures transnational cooperation between environmental non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, public officials, and youth groups to effectively address pollution issues using shared resources and the exchange of experiences.
The project is implemented with co-financing from the European Union under the Black Sea Basin Programme (Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme) and involves three countries—Georgia, Moldova, and Romania.