Series of workshops were organized for more than 50 representatives of regional and central media outlets, working on environmental, social and economic issues in December in Kakheti and Borjomi regions. Khatuna Gogaladze, Founder of the Georgia’s Environmental Outlook (GEO), in line with other local and international trainers delivered presentations aimed to increase the awareness on waste related issues, including national policy and legal framework, enforcement, sources of information, health and environment effects, fines, EPR new concept, etc; encourage media professionals to participate in the environmental activities; improve the quality and quantity of coverage of environmental/waste related issues; as well as in long-term perspective, enhance awareness among the general public, business and governmental circles on relevant issues. The two-day meetings were initiated within the framework of the project “Technical Assistance for awareness and communication to improve waste management practices in Georgia and the visibility of EU support to the sector”, being implemented in Georgia with the financial support of the European Union in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, LEPL Environmental Information and Education Center (EIEC).
Georgia’s national obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) were discussed at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by over 200 representatives of the central and local governments, international and donor organizations, private sector, chambers of commerce and business associations. The event was a joint effort of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia with the support of the European Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sweden. Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach to waste management successfully implemented throughout Europe. Under this tool, the producers and importers take a responsibility for the proper collection and treatment of specific waste. The Waste Management Code of Georgia, which will be enacted from December 2019, introduces a concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the following specific waste streams: packaging waste (plastic, paper/cardboard, wood, metal, glass), waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), end-of-the life tires (ELTs), end-of-the life vehicles (ELVs), used oils, used batteries and accumulators. Extended Producer Responsibility is a new concept for Georgia and its introduction requires a relevant legal framework and adequate awareness of the public and private sector.
Sustainable waste management is in focus of a new initiative kicked off by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia and the Georgian non-governmental organization Georgia’s Environmental Outlook (GEO), with the support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sweden.