Third Environmental Performance Review of Georgia

Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia

29 October, 2015 Geneva

Ekaterine Grigalava

Main Goals

Good Environmental

Governance

Public Awareness

Greening the Economy

Sustainable Development

Prevention of Environmental Degradation

EU Integration

Means for Achieving Key Goals

3 3

EPR Cycles

3rd EPR - 2015

1st EPR - 2003

2nd EPR - 2010

Georgia among 5 3rd EPR cycle countries

Georgia, Moldova, Belarus Serbia, Montenegro

14 Chapters covered by 3rd EPR and New Directions

3rd EPR of Georgia

2011 Institutional Changes Major institutional changes

Functions lost: Natural

resources management

Nuclear and Radiation Safety

Ministry of Environment

Protection

Land resources management

Ministry of Energy

Ministry of Justice

1. Abolished Environmental Inspectorate and inspectorate functions divided among MEP, MIA and MENR;

2. Abolished Subnational units of the MEP.

2012 New Government Program for Strong, Democratic and United Georgia

13 Environmental directions/themes in the new Government Program:

• Compliance to international obligations (MEAs, AA, etc.); • Harmonization of the legal and regulatory framework; • Modernization of environmental monitoring system; • Sustainable use of natural resources; • Biodiversity protection and safety; • Environmental supervision system; • Waste management system; • Water quality • Air quality; • Environmental information and education system; • Prevention of industrial accidents and natural hazards; • Adaptation to climate change; • Nuclear and radiation safety.

Environmental protection and rational use of natural resources is one of priority directions of the governmental activities

2013 Institutional Changes Major changes after reorganisation

New Title: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia Regained functions:

Natural resources management

Nuclear and Radiation Safety

Ministry of Environment

Protection

Ministry of Energy

Ministry of Justice Land resources management

Launched new units: • Forest Policy Service; • Land Resources Management and Mineral

Resources Service; • Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards Management

Service; • LEPL Environmental Information and Education

Center;

Re-launched: • LEPL National Forestry Agency • LEPL National Forestry Nursery • Department of Environmental Supervision • Department of Licences

Returned back: • Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department

2013 Institutional Changes

Budget of the Ministry

Ministry Staff

Strategic Documents

Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (2012-2014)

National Forestry Concept and Program (2013)

Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (2015)

Low Emission Development Strategy

National Waste Management Strategy and an Action Plan National Report on the State of the Environment of Georgia (2010-2013)

Environmental Performance Review of Georgia (2015)

National Environmental Action Program (2017-2021)

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014-2020)

National Action Program to Combat Desertification (2015-2022)

Country Environmental Assessment (2015)

In Process:

National Environmental Action Program (2012-2016)

Planned:

2013 2014 2015

European Neighbourhood

Policy (ENP)

Association Agreement and DCFTA

AA/DCFTA Roadmap

EU Integration

❖ Roadmap for EU approximation;

❖ AA/DCFTA Annual National Plans;

❖ New Units responsible for EU integration: ● Sustainable Development and EU Integration Policy Division ● EU Legislation Harmonisation Division

Government Administration

SDG Nationalisation

Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

Protection of Georgia

- 13 environment related goals

- 50 environment related targets

International Cooperation Georgia is a party to 31 MEAs:

• Conventions – 18 • Protocols – 9 • Agreements – 4

Since 2010 Georgia Ratified/Acceded to:

1. Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (December 7, 2010. Ac.);

2. European Landscape Convention (September 15, 2010. Ra. ); 3. Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (August

31, 2010. Ac.); 4. Protocol on Long-term Financing of the Cooperative Programme for

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP) to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (November 13,2012. Ac.);

5. GMO Amendment to the Aarhus Convention (18 September,2015. Ra.)

Integration of Environmental Aspects into Other Policy Areas

Socio-economic Development Strategy of Georgia “Georgia 2020”

“Georgia 2020” aims to create foundations for long-term inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Regional Development Program and Action Plan 2015-2017 • Ambient Air protection; • Developing water supply and drainage system; • Waste management; • Implementation of new mechanisms to reduce natural

and anthropogenic hazards; Strategy or Agricultural Development in Georgia 2015-2020 Strategic Direction 3.7: Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity

Role and Importance of EPR for Georgia

● Independent international country assessment from competent authority

- UNECE;

● Comprehensive overview and analysis of current environmental

governance;

● Tool for measuring progress and identifying gaps;

● Detailed and authoritative recommendations for Government of Georgia,

MENRP and other stakeholders;

● Tool for international community to have proper understanding about

country’s achievements and challenges;

● Tool for MENRP and government for further strategic planning at all

levels.

www.moe.gov.ge

Ekaterine Grigalava Deputy Minister of Environment and

Natural Resources Protection of Georgia e.grigalava@moe.gov.ge