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Environment & Sustainability Guide · Georgia

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Georgia

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Georgia (GEO) has a population of 3.714 million and maintains stable air quality trends per database records, though specific AQI metrics are unavailable. The country experiences climate warming of approximately 1.2°C over the past 30 years, increasing flood and drought risks in its mountainous and Black Sea coastal regions. Forest coverage stands at about 40%, supporting biodiversity, while sustainability efforts align with EU standards and the Paris Agreement. Challenges include water pollution from industry and agriculture, with natural disasters like earthquakes and floods posing moderate risks. Government initiatives focus on renewables and waste management.

Air Quality Index

0510

Moderate

6.5/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Air quality in Georgia shows a stable trend over the past 6 months per database records. Urban areas like Tbilisi experience moderate PM2.5 levels from traffic and heating, while rural areas are cleaner. Government monitoring through the Ministry of Environmental Protection indicates compliance with national standards, though transboundary pollution from neighbors affects some regions.

Water Quality

0510

Moderate

6.8/10

Water quality in Georgia varies, with surface waters impacted by agricultural runoff and industrial discharges. About 85% of the population has access to improved drinking water sources, treated to national standards. Monitoring by the Ministry reveals elevated nitrates in some rivers, but urban supply systems are generally safe after treatment.

Drinking water in major cities meets WHO guidelines for bacteriological safety; however, rural areas rely on untreated springs with occasional contamination risks.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure in Georgia is developing, with municipal programs in Tbilisi collecting plastics, paper, and glass. Nationwide rates remain low due to limited facilities, but EU-aligned reforms are expanding separate collection. Private initiatives support e-waste and hazardous materials.

Recycling Rate: —%

plasticpaperglass

Green Spaces

Georgia boasts 40% forest coverage, vital for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 14 national parks and 27 protected areas cover 11% of territory, including Borjomi-Kharagauli and Kazbegi. These spaces support endemic species and ecotourism.

Forest Coverage: 40.0%

National Parks: 14

Protected network expanded under 2015 Law on Protected Territories, with EU funding for management.

Environmental Policies

Georgia ratified the Paris Agreement in 2017 and pursues EU Association Agreement environmental chapters. Key laws include the 2017 Environmental Assessment Code and 2021 Climate Strategy targeting 25% GHG reduction by 2030. Plastic bag ban implemented in 2022.

Key Policies:

•Paris Agreement ratification
•EU Association environmental chapter
•National Climate Strategy 2021

Renewable Energy: Aim for 20% renewables in energy mix by 2030, focusing on hydro and solar.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Georgia faces moderate risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts. Located on seismic fault lines, it experiences frequent tremors. Floods affect river valleys annually.

earthquakesfloodslandslidesdroughts

Climate Change Impacts: Temperatures rose 1.2°C from 1991-2020, with 2.0°C warming in mountains per national reports. Extreme precipitation events increased 15% since 2000, boosting floods (e.g., 2023 Rioni River flood displaced 500). Drought frequency up 20% in eastern regions. Sea level rise of 3-5mm/year threatens Black Sea coast, exacerbating erosion. Heatwaves more frequent, with 2021 event causing agricultural losses over $100M.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

National Renewable Energy Program targets 20% share by 2030 via hydro (1,200 MW capacity) and 100 MW solar auctions in 2023. Supported by Green Climate Fund projects.

Waste Management

Tbilisi Waste-to-Energy plant operational since 2023 processes 120,000 tons/year. Nationwide sorting expansion under EU Twinning project aims for 25% recycling by 2030.

Reforestation

Plant the Future initiative planted 5 million trees since 2021 to restore 10,000 ha degraded forests.

Wildlife & Nature

Caucasian WisentVulnerable

East Caucasian TurVulnerable

Caucasian Black GrouseNear Threatened

Brown BearCommon

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