Within the framework of the project EcoYOU: Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour, the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) held seminars on February 6-7 for mayors and city council employees from the Gori, Kaspi, Bolnisi, and Dmanisi municipalities who work on environmental issues.
The seminar in Dmanisi was attended by the mayor of the municipality, Koba Muradashvili, and the chairman of the city council, Paata Kuliashvili. Also in attendance were NALAG Deputy Executive Director Lasha Archvadze, the associationβs International Projects Development Manager Mariam Jincharadze, and employees from other local government agencies with an interest in the topic.
During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the scientific, social, and economic aspects of environmental protection. Special attention was given to key challenges such as pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, waste management, the implementation of sustainable development approaches, and the inefficiency of traditional agricultural practices.
At the conclusion of the meetings, a discussion was held, where participants explored ways to address existing challenges at the local level.
According to NALAG representatives, the project fosters transnational cooperation between environmental NGOs, educational institutions, public officials, and youth groups, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of citizen awareness-raising initiatives.
The trainings in Dmanisi and Bolnisi were led by environmental expert Khatuna Akhalaia, while the seminars in the Gori and Kaspi municipalities were conducted by environmental trainer Soso Mezvrishvili.
Notably, the project is being implemented in Georgia under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme with co-financing from the European Union and is carried out by NALAG.
The project aims to enhance community and local government engagement in environmental protection initiatives.