CPH Post - Georgia Supplement 2022

GEORGIA

On the historic occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Denmark on 21 September 1992, it is my honor, and privilege to extend warmest greetings on behalf of the government and people of Georgia, as well as my own behalf, to the government and friendly people of Denmark, as well as the Georgian diaspora in Denmark.

Georgia is an ancient country situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia - it’s capital Tbilisi was founded in the fiſth century. The western part of Georgia meets the Black Sea, which connects Georgia physically to the European Union.

The country regained its independence in 1991, declaring its aspiration to join the European and Euro-Atlantic world, and to regain its place in the European family, to which Georgia has always belonged.

Denmark was one of the first to recognize Georgia - this support will not be forgotten. Since then, Denmark has stood with us as our steadfast partner and reliable friend. Many links anchor our nations as friends and allies. We are likeminded on security and defense, we believe in alliances and multilateralism, we share democratic values, we harvest benefits of single European market. Like Denmark, Georgia wants to live in a rule based international order, where freedom, democracy and peace can prosper, and territorial integrity is respected.

But the centuries-old history of Georgia is a history of resilience, unbreakability, pride and devotion.

During the last century Ukraine and Georgia went through the same tough historical path: liberation from the Russian Empire, short-lived independence, invasion by Soviet Russia followed by Anti-Soviet resistance and uprisings, mass terror and repressions, aſter the collapse of the Soviet Union - restoration of independence and process of democratization.

Since the very beginning of 1990s Russia started using its wide range of both conventional and hybrid warfare arsenal provoking tensions and armed hostilities in Georgia, followed with a fullscale military aggression against Georgia in 2008. Since then Russia continues illegal occupation of Georgia’s indivisible Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions in blatant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermining Georgia’s security and aiming to halt Georgia’s democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

But nothing could stop us from freedom and independence. No one and nothing could make us deviate from the historical European path we have chosen.

Georgia came first but alas it was not the last.

I arrived in Denmark during difficult times – in January 2022. Today, as Russia again seeks to dominate a sovereign nation through direct military aggression, a consolidated approach and an increased level of cooperation are crucial in preserving the global peace. Georgia, with 20% of our sovereign territory remaining occupied, has been demonstrating its full support of and solidarity with Ukraine. Then Georgians, like now Ukrainians, with our ultimate sacrifices defended our freedom and independence. We stand strongly with our Western partners in condemning Russia’s actions.

On this remarkable occasion, I take the opportunity to acknowledge a substantial progress in bilateral relations witnessed since 1992, which established a solid foundation for diversified and dynamic cooperation agenda between Georgia and Denmark.

Although geographically distant, Denmark and Georgia share common values, a common vision of prosperity, freedom and dignity based on mutual respect. Georgians and Danish people are friends by nature, because we have a lot in common: love of freedom and independence, devotion to our countries, family and social networks. Our

friendship is best represented by our people: those who bring to Denmark warmth of Georgian people, beauty of our unique language, sound of our masterpiece polyphonic singing and taste of Georgian wine, and those who bring to Georgia Danish hygge, tales of Hans Christian Andersen, joy of LEGO play, wisdom of Soren Kierkegaard, unmatched drive and ambition for preservation of our shared planet.

Georgians take pride in our role as an indispensable partner within the Black Sea security framework. We greatly appreciate Denmark’s steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, and our European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. In March 2022 the Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod, along with members of Danish Parliament, made an official visit to Georgia. This visit, which took place in an extremely challenging geopolitical context, proved to be a manifestation of our shared vision on keeping Europe whole, free and at peace.

Furthermore, I would like to stress the utmost significance of the historic decision by the Danish Government to open an embassy in Tbilisi, which undoubtedly creates a landmark moment in our bilateral relations.

Future prospects for our relations are even more promising.

Georgia has an important geographical location, unique history and culture, as well as huge development potential. We have implemented

The Ambassador of Georgia to Denmark H.E. Nata Menabde

HE Ambassador of Georgia to Denmark Nata Menabde leaving Amalienborg Palace aſter presenting credentials to Her Majesty The Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, March 2022

extensive economic reforms that have slashed bureaucracy and made Georgia one of the easiest places in the world to do business - it ranks 7th globally. Georgia’s business environment is bolstered by its access to young, talented, well educated workforce, with over half of our working population being under 45 years old!

Georgia is focused on promoting a green economy, social equality and digitalization. We already produce most of our energy from hydropower, yet there still is a huge scope in exploiting Georgia’s natural resources, including wind and solar power – collaboration agreement was recently signed by our respective governments in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

With diverse climate zones, Georgia is a year-round destination. In 2019 nearly eight million tourists visited Georgia. This is not surprising, as Georgia has just about everything a traveler might dream of: snowcapped mountains guarding clear lakes, alpine meadows, canyons painted by flowers and fruit and defined by rushing rivers, palm coasts, ancient caves, mineral waters and sulfur water pools. A visitor’s paradise, for sure!

There are several other areas for collaboration between our countries, such as defense and security, tourism and recreation, transport and logistics, agriculture, education, art, gastronomy, academic collaboration and research – just to mention a few.

We look forward to celebrating our joint achievements in many years to come, and strongly believe that the vision for future is an optimistic one that promotes peace, a healthy democracy, and prosperity.

I aspire to strengthen and expand these strong bilateral bonds during my time in Copenhagen as Georgia’s Ambassador to Denmark.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and Members of Danish Parliament paid tribute to “Heroes Memorial” in Tbilisi – all those who died protecting the territorial integrity of Georgia, March 2022

The Ambassador of Georgia to Denmark H.E. Nata Menabde joins first Political Festival of Europe, Mariager, Denmark, August 2022. PHOTO by Silke Vadskær Mølgaard

POLITICS

Georgia's European Way

LOOKING FORWARDS AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITY AHEAD OF ITS INEVITABLE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU AND NATO

approximately 45 percent of which have been already fulfilled, giving Georgia a quite solid stance in terms of European integration. By implementing the Associated Agreement, Georgia is carrying out substantial reforms across all sectors to bring the country closer to the EU and ensure further political association and economic integration with the EU.

Visa liberalisation with the EU/Schengen states was yet another important step to bring Georgia closer to the European Union. By opening the borders of the EU Member States, the country’s European partners recognised the progress made by Georgia and demonstrated the willingness and readiness to enhance peopleto-people contacts. Visa-free travel offers Georgian citizens new opportunities that have already been translated into concrete, tangible results in the form of tourism, business, student exchanges, scientific co-operation and so on.

CLEAR WARNING SIGNS IN 2008

In fact, Russia’s aggression against Georgia did not end by its full-scale military invasion in August 2008. Over the last 14 years, Georgia and its people have faced all forms of Moscow’s lasting hybrid war, combining conventional as well as non-conventional tools, further deteriorating the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions of Georgia occupied by the Russian Federation.

The European Union granted European Perspective to Georgia in June, and there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its prospects at joining both the EU and NATO

A COUNTRY ON THE MARCH

Georgia has always been committed to the fundamental values that form the cornerstone of the modern European Union: namely, democracy, the rule of law, equality, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. These very values laid the groundwork for the Constitution of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1921, which due to the progressive ideas it embraced, was remarkable even in Europe at that time. The values enshrined in the 1921 Constitution remained indelibly imprinted on Georgians` historical memory. Aſter regaining independence, they continue to guide them to their historic home – the European family.

A century later, much has changed, but European aspiration is intact: aſter reasserting its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, it has been taking giant strides, both politically and economically,

in its bid for European integration. Thanks to countries like Denmark taking steps towards Georgia, the roadmap to become a member of the EU and NATO is as clearly drawn as the increasingly popular shipping routes along its Black Sea coastline.

Georgia`s geopolitical position has never been more advantageous: with the world anxious to bypass Russia, its hostile neighbor to the north, it is ideally located to capitalise as a gateway to Asia for trade, commerce and energy, and vice versa.

Last June, the EU granted European Perspective to Georgia and many believe a green light is inevitable in the future for Candidature Status – among them the country’s many friends in Denmark, with whom Georgia is this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations.

On a positive note, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Georgia in June: “The enormous desire you have and the longing to the European Union is the strongest push forwards on the path towards the European Union.”

As Georgia prepares for EU membership, it continues to successfully implement the Associated Agreement with the EU –

Furthermore, Russia’s military aggression against Georgia in August 2008 leſt a lasting imprint on European security architecture as this flagrant attack on the fundamental norms and principles of the international law was the first attempt by Russia to forcibly redraw sovereign borders on the European continent in the post-Cold War era. It was a watershed

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili reaffirmed Georgia`s commitment in a Twitter message to promise: “We are ready to implement all priorities in order to get the candidate status soon.”

The Queen of Kingdom of Denmark, Her Majesty, Margrethe II during her visit in Georgia in 1975. Prince Henrik and Vakhtang Beridze, Professor of history of Arts, the Head of the academy of science

The Queen of Kingdom of Denmark, Her Majesty, Margrethe II and, the Chairperson of Parliament of Georgia, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili.

event having marked a new phase of the evolution of Russia’s aggressive policy visà-vis the democratic world and rules-based international system. In fact, the attack on Georgia was an attack on the democratic and free world.

The War in Ukraine represents an escalation in Russia’s policy, which continues to detrimentally affect Europe’s collective sense of security, international law and values.

It has underlined that the civilized world can no longer tolerate ‘frozen conflicts’ under the damaging illusion of peace. A European Court of Human Rights judgment in January 2021 has gone some way to confirming the injustice of the occupation by finding Russia guilty of grave human rights violations.

Fast-tracking Georgia into the EU would clearly signal to Russia that it’s aggressive policy of intervening, annexing or occupying sovereign states with the aim of establishing the spheres of influence and thus undermining European security and rules based international order is unacceptable.

DENMARK’S CONTINUED SUPPORT

Denmark is a staunch supporter of Georgia’s destiny to join the EU and NATO.

In March, a Danish delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeppe Kofod, and a group of Danish parliamentarians visited Georgia and met with the Prime Minister, President and Foreign Minister of Georgia. In May, the Georgian Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations, led by the chairperson of the committee, Nikoloz Samkharadze, visited Denmark to discuss Georgia’s bid for EU and NATO membership.

A month later in June, Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairperson of Georgia’s Parliament, met with Henrik Dam Kristensen, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, and others to discuss the war, as well as Georgia’s democratic reforms. He also discussed the matter with the Danish Queen, Her Majesty Margrethe II, who in fact visited the country back in 1975. The visits took place in the framework of Denmark’s continued support for Georgia’s bid to join the EU. Aſter naming it a priority country to assist, in the spring of 2014,

the then Danish Foreign Minister, Martin Lidegaard, made several visits to Georgia in the space of 12 months.

Furthermore, Denmark has been making its own efforts to assist Georgia – most notably through the Danish Neighbourhood Programme (DANEP) since 2017.

Over five years it allocated 860 million kroner (around 115 million US dollars) in funding to support peaceful and stable developments in Georgia and Ukraine – all in adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This support has a dual focus: promoting human rights and democracy, and strengthening sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Danish Foreign Minister, Jeppe Kofod, has again reaffirmed Denmark’s support for Georgia and condemned plans for a referendum in Georgia's Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region, which could result in the province joining the Russian Federation, as “unacceptable”.

Denmark then followed up on its support with the opening of a Danish embassy in Tbilisi in the autumn of 2022. “The fight for stability and democracy in eastern front states is more important than ever. You can count on our support,” Minister Kofod wrote on Twitter in May. The choice of ambassador is aptly Anne Toſt Sørensen (see factbox), who served as the deputy head of the Danish Embassy in Kyiv.

IMMENSE EFFORTS SO FAR

According to the results of the 2020-21 Eastern Partnership Index, Georgia has already secured considerable normative and sectoral approximation to the EU, mainly by implementing respective Association Agreements and demonstrating a good record in upholding the Copenhagen Criteria.

By also granting Georgia candidacy status, alongside Ukraine and Moldova, and applying a revised enlargement methodology, the EU would retain sole leverage on leading the accession phases on a merit-based approach, while demonstrating strong political support to the ‘Trio Countries’.

“The decision to open a Danish embassy in Tbilisi was a part of the broad parliamentary agreement ('The National Compromise') to strengthen the defence and security of Denmark and to strengthen the Danish diplomatic presence in the frontline states neighbouring Russia, in light of Russia’s unjust war against Ukraine," explained Ambassador Sørensen.

"With our new permanent presence in the Southern Caucasus, Denmark gets a first-hand opportunity to follow the developments closely in a very strategically important area for connectivity, energy supply and regional power dynamics. Just as important is the opportunity to expand and strengthen the already good bilateral relations.”

Toſt Sørensen

Following the invasion of Ukraine, Georgia contends that the entire security architecture of Europe is under serious threat and the Union’s strategic autonomy must start with a strategic responsibility for development and stability in its Eastern neighborhood.

Georgia looks forward to deepening its co-operation with the EU within an array of security instruments, European Peace Facility and PESCO – among others. As a

contributor to EU-led crisis management missions since 2014, Georgia has already established itself as a reliable security partner of the EU.

It is promising that in its Strategic Compass the EU has recognised the Black Sea maritime security as bearing key importance for the EU’s security, economic development, free trade, transport and energy security. The Black Sea is ripe for trade, offering alternative routes for its energy security and transportation. Its potential to be a sea of peace, co-operation and development should not be overlooked. Georgia itself can emerge as a key transport hub.

Throughout the years, Georgia actively participated in the NATO-led operations in Afghanistan – the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Resolute Support Mission (RSM). At the peak of the ISAF operation from 2012-2014, Georgia had up to 1,500 military personnel on the ground. As part of the RSM mission, Georgia deployed 857 personnel under different Allied commands, making it the largest per-capita contributor to the mission and the single largest non-NATO provider of manpower. During these missions Georgia’s airspace and its territory was used as a transit route to Afghanistan. In the final stage of the RSM mission, Georgia supported the withdrawal of the NATO and partner forces from Afghanistan, providing the host nation support and full transit opportunities through Georgian territory.

President of Georgia, H.E. Salome Zourabichvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, H.E. Jeppe Kofod.

Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Irakli Gharibashvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, H.E. Jeppe Kofod.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, H.E. Ilia Darchiashvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, H.E. Jeppe Kofod.

Anne

Danish Ambassador to Georgia

An economy brimming with investment opportunity

DENMARK IS JUST ONE OF MANY COUNTRIES REALISING THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL OF GEORGIA

Nestled into the eastern corner of the Black Sea at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia has a lot going for it.

Known as the Cradle of Wine, the country has long been known for its outstanding wine industry (see page 9).

And it also enjoys a thriving tourism industry thanks to its spectacularly diverse scenery – its thousands of historical and cultural monuments are a big draw for tourists from all over the world (see pages 12-13).

But there is much more to Georgia’s economy than wonderful wine and stunning scenery.

The country is swiſtly gaining recognition for being an excellent market for doing business – a reputation that is more than deserved.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

Georgia’s business environment is very favourable and the country ranks high in a number of areas when compared to its competitors.

In the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business study, which ranked 190 countries in terms of ease of doing business, Georgia was number one in its region and seventh in the world.

Within the subcategories, Georgia had the lowest number of procedures required to start a business and register property, followed by the shortest processing time.

“The Doing Business 2020 report commends Georgia for dealing with construction permits, an effort which improved building quality control by increasing public access to information.

Georgia has shown immense improvement in recent years thanks to a multitude of reforms aimed at promoting the development of a free and transparent market economy.

According to The Heritage Foundation, Georgia ranked 26th on its 2022 Economic Freedom Index – a stunning turnaround from 2005 when it was ranked 99th.

A similarly strong upward trajectory has occurred in other areas of the country – in 2005, Georgia ranked 130th on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Today, it’s in the top 50 – far ahead than many members of the EU.

BIG BUSINESS TAKING NOTE

And all the right ingredients are in place for setting up shop in Georgia – the

country ranked 19th overall in the 2021 Global Services Location Index.

Thanks to its flexible labour market, high literacy rates and proximity to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the eagerness of so many global companies to enter the Georgian market is understandable.

Heavyweights Amazon, PwC, Microsoſt, KPMG, Deloitte, IBM, Huawei and BP are just a few of the big hitters to have found a home in Georgia.

And a flourishing IT development sector has also seen the country become an preferred emerging market for tech firms and startups – Glovo, Wolt, Freelancer, Evolution and Upgrade, to mention a few.

LINING UP TO INVEST

So it’s little wonder that companies

Levan Davitashvili, the Georgian Economy Minister, and Jeppe Kofod, the Danish Foreign Minister

from Denmark are also seeing the light – particularly given the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement that Georgia has enjoyed with the EU since 2014.

In 2020, Denmark was among the top investor countries in Georgia. Only the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Turkey, Malta, Russia and Germany invested more.

The two countries celebrated 30 years of diplomatic ties this summer and a key aspect of the Danish Neighbourhood Programme from 2017 involves the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth in Georgia.

The Danish company A.P. Møller Maersk is among many Danish firms that have embraced a presence in Georgia. Maersk owns 100 percent of the Poti Port Corporation and has invested 71.6 million US Dollars in infrastructure since 2011.

Other Danish businesses to gain a foothold in Georgia include wood design firm Dinesen and sustainable tree producer Fair Trees (see pages 14-15).

A REGIONAL LOGISTICS HUB

Georgia’s advantageous location makes it a preferred hub when it comes to trade and transport.

Ports are cost-competitive compared to alternative routes – routes through Georgia take 7-9 days from China to Europe instead of the 45 days it takes going through traditional transport routes.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, TransCaspian International Transport Route, Caspian Sea - Black Sea International Transport Route and International Transport and Transit Corridor Persian Gulf – Black Sea all facilitate Georgia’s position as a top regional logistics centre.

Not resting on its laurels, the country seeks to consolidate its position as a credible trade partner through continuous upgrades to its regional transport infrastructure.

AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM

Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the Georgian economy with an important potential for further development, offering import substitution, export and productivity gain opportunities.

Georgia can offer investment opportunities for the production of hazelnuts, apples, blueberries, cherries, mandarins, peaches, persimmons, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, greens, potatoes, beef, pork, poultry meat, freshwater fish, honey, tea, wheat, and dairy products.

Georgia’s unique geography and biodiversity has also led to its rise as a premium tourist destination.

Snow-capped mountain peaks, semideserts and subtropical marshes all exist within a 100km radius of one another.

And with over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments – three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – over 100 resorts, eight national parks and 2,400 mineral springs, it’s understandable why more and more tourists flock to this pearl in the South Caucasus.

NOT A TAXING ENDEAVOUR

The country also boasts a tax environment that is very friendly to investors. The fact that 80 percent of goods are free from import tariffs and the absence of quantitative restrictions is another incentive.

There are special tax exemptions and incentives ranging from free industrial zones to zero percent tax on retained profit. Georgia has the world’s third smaller tax burden at just 9.9 percent of the total tax rate.

Personal income taxes are at a low 20 percent, and corporate profit taxes are even lower. Property taxes are below 1 percent, and import taxes range from 0 to 12 percent.

Transportation of goods is also an area that Georgia excels in – the country is a member

of the Middle Corridor and TRACECA transport programs and is connected to the EU’s Trans European Transport Network.

The country is also ambitious when it comes to the future – free trade agreement negotiations are in the works with the likes of the US, India, Indonesia, Israel and the Gulf Region.

Integration into immense markets such

as the EU, China, EFTA, the UK and Turkey has created the conditions to significantly increase the country’s attractiveness as a valuable investment destination.

Georgia already enjoys GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) regimes with the US, Canada and Japan, which encompasses an additional 490 millionconsumer market.

A TALENTED WORKFORCE

And there is a young and ambitious pool of work talent just waiting to be recruited.

Over the past five years, over 122,000 Georgians have completed a bachelor, master’s or professional education program, while over 46,000 graduated from vocational education institutions.

The country enjoys a 98 percent literacy rate and 92 percent of the population has at least a secondary education.

From agriculture and manufacturing to business, law and engineering, Georgia’s workforce is as skilled as it is diverse.

“We have found the Georgian workforce to be highly skilled, highly educated and to add value to our company,” enthused Ann Davies, BP’s Head of Country in Georgia.

So as Georgia gravitates towards Europe and continues to usher in reforms to improve its economy, governance, civil society and climate ambitions, there’s no telling how far the country can go.

Georgia: The cradle of wine

THE COUNTRY’S WINEMAKING TRADITIONS DATE BACK 8,000 YEARS – EVEN ITS ANSWER TO ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’ IS HOLDING A CUP!

least 8,000 years and is still practiced today. Qvevri wine is unique for its rich chemical composition, its distinctive bouquet and taste, and for its nutritional and curative qualities. The ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri winemaking method is one of the country’s biggest cultural achievements and treasures.

Wine has a crucial place in social interactions in Georgia, playing a role in the traditional hospitality of the country and facilitating friendship and good will.

SPIRITUALITY OF THE ‘SUPRA’

A revered feature of Georgian social life, the ‘Supra’ is one of the symbols of Georgian identity. It is a feast held in celebration of all major rites of passage, from births and birthdays to homecomings, weddings and funerals. Its name comes from the word for tablecloth, which the dishes piled on the table are meant to cover.

Universally recognised as the ‘Homeland of Wine’, Georgia has one of the world’s longest uninterrupted traditions in viticulture and winemaking, dating back to ancient times.

Its wine culture is strongly entwined with the country’s national identity. Wine is in the blood: even its most famous statue –‘Mother Georgia’ in Tbilisi, the country’s answer to ‘The Little Mermaid’ – is holding a cup of wine.

POWERHOUSE OF THE VINE

Georgia has more species of indigenous grapes and a longer wine heritage than any other country in the world, dating back 8,000 years. Those vintages can still be tasted today, for example, in wines made from the Vitis Vinifera grape, which originated in South Caucasus, the Georgian region recognised to be the source of the world’s first cultivated grapevines

An established powerhouse of wine in the 18th century, production stuttered during the Soviet era, but since independence in 1991 its reputation for making world-class wine has soared again, along with exports (over 105 million of bottles of wine exported last year).

ORIGINS OF THE WORD WINE

The majority of linguists agree that the semantics of the word ‘wine’ is rooted in the Kartvelian languages. The ‘ghv’ in ‘ghvino’, the Georgian word for wine, from which vino is derived, is purely Georgian and found in many Georgian words from ancient times to

the modern period.

Georgia’s ancient traditions and its wine culture are deeply entwined with everyday life. ‘The ancient Georgian tradition of Qvevri winemaking’ has accordingly been awarded a National Monument of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

THREE CLASSIC METHODS

Georgia also stands out for the way it produces the beverage, using three different winemaking technologies: European (classical), Kakhetian and Imeretian.

The classical method, which produces a low astringency wine with a highly even taste, uses ‘satsnakheli’, large wooden containers made from peeled twigs, to store the grapes, which are then crushed with bare feet.

In the Kakhetian method, the seeds and crushed grapes are not separated from the juice. Placed in ‘qvevri’, special ceramic vessels, for up to six months underground, the wines tend to contain a higher percentage of antioxidants and polyphenols.

The Imeretian method combines the European and Kakhetian techniques, producing wines with a higher acidity, lower astringency and smoother taste.

IMPORTANCE OF ‘QVEVRI’

Since ancient times Georgia has been known as a country of grapes and wine. Traditional Georgian wine is hardly imaginable without a qvevri. The history of making wine in traditional qvevri vessels has existed for at

Yet, what distinguishes Georgia’s feasts is not the food, but the central role played by the toastmaster, the ‘Tamada’. The tamada must orchestrate the rule-governed homogeneity at the feast. A good Tamada can evoke the spirit of community and culture, which to most Georgians is associated with wine, as the wine is integral to Georgian spirituality, symbolising both life and faith.

Since ancient times, the ‘Marani’, the wine cellar of a house, has been treated as a sacred temple, while the gathering around the table at the supra is an occasion for celebrating nationality and kinship and welcoming friendship, with a strong, underlying spiritual theme.

While much less strictly adhered to these days, there is a very strict supra etiquette. Each round of drinking begins with a toast proclaimed by the tamada. Only after the tamada has drunk can others do so, and they must first, one after the other, give toasts of their own on the same theme.

AMAZING VARIATION

Twelve climate zones give the industry an abundance of grape varieties – to the extent that the same type will grow differently from region to region! The wine accordingly comes in all shapes and forms: red or white, sweet or acidic, strong or subtle, new or aged. Tasting it is an essential part of visiting the country.

Around 75 percent of the grapes can be found in the Kakheti Region – a perfect place to take one of the many wine tours on offer. In total, there are 525 known endemic grape varieties in Georgia, of which Saperavi, Mtsvane, Chinuri, Rkatsiteli, Aleksandrouli and Tsolikauri are the most famous.

Today, while only about 45 are in current commercial production, the Georgian government is engaged in concerted efforts to increase the genetic diversity within the country’s vineyards.

In 2014, it launched a program to encourage and support the planting of more of the forgotten varieties, which involved much academic research.

For more information, visit the LEPL National Wine Agency website at wine.gov.ge/En.

Huge energy potential

WITH CONSUMPTION EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2030, GEORGIA IS A COUNTRY WITH GROWING NEEDS. FORTUNATELY IT HAS THE RESOURCES TO MORE THAN MEET THEM!

GEORGIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

HYDRO POWER - Georgia has more than 20,000 rivers and almost 300 of them provide excellent conditions for hydropower generation. New HPPs have priority access to transmission lines to Turkey. Generation and Export activities are exempt from VAT. HPPs smaller than 15 MW do not need a generation licence. HPPs smaller than 2 MW do not need an Environmental Impact Permit WIND – Georgia’s wind potential is estimated to be 4TWh, with a higher generation capacity during winter. Wind power’s share of the country’s total energy output is expected to reach 10 percent by 2025.

SOLAR – The potential is high given the high emanation of sun due to the country’s favourable geographic location. Most regions experience 250-280 sunny days per year, yielding around 1,900-2,200 hours per year.

GEOTHERMAL - Georgian geothermal water reserves amount to 250 million cubic metres per year. The country has more than 250 natural and artificial water channels where the average temperature of the geothermal waters ranges from 30 to 110 degrees Celsius.

INCENTIVE FOR INVESTORS

Georgia, a signatory to the Energy Charter Treaty since 1995, became a fully-fledged contracting party of the Energy Community Treaty in July 2017. Membership of this organisation confirms the reform of the Georgian energy market and the establishment of new standards.

Transit projects add great value to the country’s political significance and the energy security of the region, and Georgia actively supports the development of different projects to enable an alternative transportation corridor for the Western markets.

Today, the total installed capacity of electric power plants operated in Georgia amounts to 4,573 MW. From this, 3,395 MW is generated by 119 HPPs (Hydro Power Plant), 1,160 MW by five TPPs (Thermal Power Plant) and 20.7 MW by a wind power plant.

Meanwhile, domestic demand is expected to almost double by 2030 from the current consumption rate of 14.1 TWh, resulting in an estimated deficit by 2025 of about 3 TWh.

Meanwhile, domestic demand is expected to almost double by 2030 from the current consumption rate of 12.8 TWh, resulting in an estimated deficit by 2025 of about 3 TWh.

RENEWABLES TO THE RESCUE

Acting is understandably paramount and, in 2019, the Parliament of Georgia adopted a new law concerning ‘Promoting the Generation and Consumption of Energy from Renewable Sources’.

The law governs the state policy on the generation and utilisation of energy from renewable sources (RES).

Furthermore, it defines the key concepts, national support schemes and national common target indicators of the share of energy received from renewable sources, along with anticipated consumption, as projected between now and 2030.

And the figures add up well, as Georgia possesses considerable power generation potential in hydro, wind, solar and other renewable sources, creating highly favourable opportunities to invest in its renewable energy sector (see factbox), along with multiple incentives (see factbox).

CO-OPERATION WITH DENMARK

There has been fruitful co-operation in the field of energy between Denmark and Georgia for many years. With the support of the Danish Government, a number of important projects have been implemented and are ongoing.

Considerable results were achieved within the DANEP I program, which concerned “Support in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy”. This included the elaboration of normative acts, according to the EU Energy Community Acquis, conducting studies, promoting the implementation of demonstration projects, educational training, information, and awareness-raising campaigns in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy field.

The current partnership will be further reinforced and will bring substantial results in the next years within the DANEP II program, which has been launched with the cooperation of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

DANEP II was launched: “Enabling Environment for sustainable energy in Georgia (2021-2023) - creating a favourable environment for sustainable energy development”. The agreement has been signed on 31th of March 2022. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA - Danish International Development Agency), has allocated a grant of 14,750,000 Danish kroner (approximately 2 million euros) to Georgia.

Huge untapped potential – with consumption expected to double by 2030, exploiting the potential of Georgia’s natural energy sources is a huge priority.

Liberalised and deregulated market – Build-OwnOperate (BOO) principle is applied to renewable projects. No tariffs for newly built renewable energy plants. Investors are free to trade on an open market and negotiate the price.

Energy sector already one of the largest recipients of FDI - TATA Power (India), K-Water (Korea), Clean Energy (Norway) and many more have entered the Georgian energy market.

Access to Finance in Energy Sector – Georgia’s Partnership Fund acts as a partner for private investors, providing mid to long-term collateral for co-financing (equity, mezzanine, etc) of investment projects at the initial stage of development. The Fund co-invests only in commercially viable investment projects. The Fund’s participation in projects is limited to a minority share (up to 49.9 percent). The Fund provides greenfield as well as brownfield financing and acts as a ‘Sleeping Partner’ with a predetermined, clear exit strategy.

Georgian Energy Development Fund (GEDF) - 100 percent state owned. The Fund identifies and develops prospective renewable energy source projects. In case of investor interest, a memorandum between the investor and the GEDF (and third party if such exists) is signed that defines the mutual responsibilities of the fund and investor. The Fund’s strategy is to own a minority share in the joint enterprise – preferably up to 30 percent of the company’s capital or up to 10 percent of the total investment.

Divine dining

GEORGIA HAS A WELL DESERVED WORLD-CLASS REPUTATION FOR BOTH WINE AND FOOD. IT IS INTRINSIC TO THEIR NATIONAL IDENTITY AND FOSTERS STRONG BONDS WITH EACH OTHER AND GOD

By BEN HAMILTON

“They could out-eat us, out-drink us, out-dance us. They had the fierce gaiety of the Italians, and the physical energy of the Burgundians. Everything they did was done with flair … nothing can break their individuality or their spirit,” a famous writer observed in 1948.

The scribe in question was none other than John Steinbeck. He knew a thing about wine and cuisine … aſter all, he named his most famous book ‘The Grapes of Wrath’!

POWERHOUSE OF CUISINE

And not much has changed since 1948. Visitors to the country continue to be blown away by the diversity on offer. As food writer Darra Goldstein observed, it is, thanks to its varied climate, a “Shangri-la of bounty, tucked away in mountain valleys and fertile lowlands.”

Each historical province of Georgia has its own distinct culinary tradition, such as Megrelian, Kakhetian and Imeretian cuisines. And while meat plays an important part in Georgian cuisine, very close attention is also paid to locally-produced salad, vegetables, fruit and greens.

Many people come to Georgia and marvel at the sweet tasting produce and wonder how such flavour can be grown here. The secret is in the country’s history, location and soil type.

MINERAL-RICH SOILS

Original and very specific to the country, Georgian cuisine is the natural extension of a fertile, mineralrich landscape fed by the pure waters of the Caucasus Mountains. The cuisine offers a variety of dishes, rich in herbs and spices.

Meat plays a central role in Georgian cuisine, but vegetarians won’t feel leſt out, particularly when they discover ‘Pkhali’: – chopped and minced vegetables seasoned with ground walnuts, vinegar, onions, herbs and spices. They’re also well looked aſter by Georgian salads, which tend to feature fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and walnuts.

Make sure you seek out the organic fresh meats such as pork, lamb and chicken, the abundant seafood on offer, and a long list of cheeses, pickles and pungent seasonings. For veggies, fill up on eggplants, plums, corn on the cob, pomegranates, kidney beans, wild herbs, coriander, scallions, hot peppers, mint, basil, garlic, hazelnuts and walnuts, and so much more.

AND HEALTHY TOO!

Incorporating fresh meat and vegetables, herbs and spices, Georgian cuisine has a reputation for being one of the healthiest in the world.

It occupies a central position at the centre of Georgian social life. No visit is complete without a ‘supra’, one of the country’s legendary feasts, traditionally held to mark a landmark in somebody’s life. Supra is derived from the word for tablecloth, which traditionally is rendered invisible as the plates pile up.

The rituals of the supra go back many generations, fostering a shared Georgian community, identity and spirituality. Led by the designated ‘tamada’ (toastmaster), the beverages come thick and fast, as does the singing and storytelling, and feelings of community, culture and belonging. Each supra starts with three toasts – to the God, peace and motherland – and then each course with one more.

ESSENTIAL DELICACIES

Cheese – Sulguni (a semi-hard cheese with a smoky flavour) and Imeruli (a traditional cow’s milk cheese – a favourite on Khachapuri) are the country’s most popular varieties – and make sure you try some of the smoked cheeses from the mountain regions. Generally known for their saltiness and elastic texture, most Georgian cheeses are consumed on their own,but also a regular addition to hotpots. Two cheeses have such unique production techniques that they have earned a spot on the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation’s list of monuments of intangible cultural heritage: Tenili, a variety of string cheese from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, and Dambal-khacho, a moulded cheese (like blue cheese) from the Pshavi region.

Honey – Georgia is home to 13,000 species of flora, of which 380 are endemic to the region and 40 percent of the country is forested. Coupled with its wide range of agro ecological zones – ranging from semi-desert to sub-tropical and alpine, with altitudes ranging from zero to 5,201 metres – with conditions like these, it’s no surprise to note that Georgia was one of the first civilizations to cultivate honey, namely the Acacia, Blossom, Linden, Chestnut, Alpine and wild honey 'Jara' varieties. Archaeological evidence suggests honey was being made in Georgia 7,000 years ago, exceeding the honey remnants found in Tutankhamen's tomb (just over 3,300 years ago). Xenophon writing in the fourth century BC tells of the defeat of the Greeks invading the Black Seas coast using poisoned honey. The healing qualities of Georgian honey are mentioned in texts dating back to the 13 century AD. Georgia is the homeland of the Caucasian Grey bee, famous for its

long 7.2 mm tongue, high resistance, docility and outstanding ability to obtain nectar. There are 14,000 beekeepers with up to 240,000 beehives producing 2,500 to 4,000 tonnes of honey annually.

Khachapuri – baked bread with a butter, cheese and egg filling. Best served piping hot oozing with cheese and butter, this pastry snack is Georgia’s national dish. There are several varieties of Georgian cheese bread and they differ from region to region.

Khinkali – traditional dumplings wrapped around a savory meat filling, typically flavoured with coriander and chilli. A juicy mixture of beef and pork is the most popular filling, but they are also known to feature lamb, cheese, mushroom or mashed potato.

Rustic soups – as thick as a stew, varieties include chrianteli (cold fruit), chikhirtma (lemon chicken), kharcho (meat and vegetables), and matsoni ( tart yogurt and herbs). The most popular is Khashi – a garlicky soup made with tripe, bread, and milk, which is a well known hangover cure.

Fresh meat and fish – prepared relatively simply (grilled or roasted), both feature heavily in the cuisine.

Jonjoli – of all the pickles you should try, opt for this one made using pickled sprouts from a local shrub.

Pkhali – chopped cooked vegetables mixed with walnuts and herbs, formed into balls, and topped with pomegranate seeds

Soko ketsze – cheese-filled mushrooms baked with butter in clay dishes

Fresh herbs and oils – the range is outstanding, as is the walnut oil.

Dessert – the nation’s favourite tends to be pelamushi/tatara, a pudding made of grape juice and cornmeal.

A country rich in culture

FROM ITS UNIQUE ALPHABET TO ITS VIBRANT POLYPHONIC MUSIC TRADITION, GEORGIA’S STRONG TRADITIONS INSPIRE ITS CREATIVES TO EXCEL

Which country has the longest history of producing wine and honey? And the most unique alphabet?

Answers to these questions, and many more, are provided in Georgian classrooms, and like in most countries, education does start with the learning of the alphabet. At 33 letters long, it does take more time than most!

UNIQUE ALPHABET

Certainly, the Georgian language is one of the oldest in the world. Its alphabet is unique to the language, and it differs from any other languages.

Described as a "living culture of three writing systems”, the Georgian alphabet, has been added to UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Meanwhile, Georgian calligraphy is an ancient tradition. The Georgian language is written using its three unique scripts. Certainly, the language is a unique treasure of Georgian culture and proudly represents a true brand of the Georgian people.

RECOGNISED BY UNESCO

Once they’ve learned the alphabet, Georgian school children can move to academic subjects and art, such as folk music and dance, which like the fantastic food, excellent wine and hearty toasts, occupy an integral position in the culture of the country.

Georgia’s polyphonic singing tradition is worldrenowned and calls upon an enchanting combination of ancient and modern harmonies. Its unique, slightly dissonant style has not changed for centuries.

Singing is an integral component of the legendary Georgian hospitality and is an important part of the Georgian feast, the ‘Supra’. In 2001, UNESCO acknowledged the country’s polyohonic singing as “a masterpiece of the world’s intangible cultural heritage”.

CHARMING COPENHAGEN

In 2019, the Georgian Embassy in Denmark gave Copenhagen a delectable taste of its appeal when it invited the popular Shavnabada folk music ensemble to perform their best songs at Mormorkirken on the occasion of the Georgian National day. As the first Georgian professional polyphonic group to ever perform in Copenhagen, it was a huge success.

Georgian dance, like its polyphonic songs, remains a major cultural export – The Georgian National Ballet "Sukhishvili", for example, tours the world all year round. The vigorous, vibrant men leap high in the air, clashing swords amidst flying sparks and throwing razor sharp daggers onto the floor in a frenetic, breathless choreography.

All this contrasts with the women’s graceful, elegant dances. Dressed in fabulous multi-coloured costumes from the many mountain villages, and accompanied by wild drumming, pipes and accordions, the overall effect is mesmeric and truly unforgettable.

DANISH ARCHITECTURE COLLABORATION

An architecture collaboration in 2022 demonstrated how Georgian and Danish students effectively complement each other – underlining the huge mutual interest in one another’s countries.

Involving young architect students and carpenters from both Denmark and Georgia, the Oni Hub-in Project received funding from the New Cooperation Fund to fulfil a vision for the region that both promotes sustainability and traditional building styles.

Among those involved in the people-to-people collaboration were the Institute of Architecture and Culture at the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture, Dinesen, Oni Carpentry School, VAADS -Visual Arts, the Architecture & Design School, Oni Municipality and Fair Trees Fund.

The student exchange brought together different cultures

and disciplines for the project – specifically at a spring and autumn school in Georgia in 2021 and then a summer school in Denmark in 2022 – where friendliness and unity prevailed.

The results of Oni Hub-in will be exhibited at VAADS, the Cultural House (Ambrolauri), the Dinesen Showroom (Copenhagen) and the Royal Danish Academy later in 2022.

GEORGIAN CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS IN CPH

In May 2023, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk in collaboration with the National Museum of Georgia and the Fondation Beyler in Basel, Switzerland will exhibit a retrospective of the work of the World famous Georgian primitivist artist Niko Pirosmani. Barely a year passes without another exhibition dedicated to the work of ‘Nikala’, who remains one of Georgia’s greatest artists.

‘Brighton 4th’, the Georgian nominee for this year’s Oscars, was shown at Cinemateket on November 9 as part of East by Southeast 2022, an annual festival that regularly screens Georgian films. The 19:00 screening was followed by a

Georgian wine reception.

The Georgian short film ‘An Hour’ by director Giorgi Tavartkiladze was selected for the main competition at Odense International Film Festival 2021. Shortlisted from a pool of 3,229 short films, it was one of only 123 selected. It can be viewed on YouTube.

Users of streamingguide.kino. dk can view Tatia Skhirtladze’s film ‘Glory to the Queen’, a compelling 2020 film about the success of four Georgian female chess players – the perfect companion piece to the US miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, particularly as one of them sued Netflix for defamation and won!

A dominion of unrivalled diversity

VISIT 12 DIFFERENT CLIMATE ZONES IN A LAND BARELY A THIRD OF THE SIZE OF BRITAIN … WITH SUCH SHORT JOURNEY TIMES, GEORGIA REALLY IS THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR TRAVEL

Known for its rugged beauty, fortresses, vast canyons and unique cave cities, Georgia is the perfect place for anyone’s travel bucket-list.

It is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, boasting 12 different climate zones, including sub-tropical marshes, semi-deserts and alpine zones, all within a few hundred kilometres of one another. This makes it the perfect destination for nature lovers, eco tourists and birdwatchers.

IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS

Furthermore, it has over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments, of which three are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Additionally it has 13 national parks, 94 protected areas, 103 resorts and 2,400 mineral springs to marvel at.

MTSKHETA

The religious capital of Georgia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another mustvisit spot thanks to stunning buildings such as Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The latter is the important monument of Georgian culture, art and architecture. It is distinguished not only through its artistic value, magnificence and harmoniousness, but also by the special role it fulfilled in the history of the Georgian people. The first wooden church was built here by St King Mirian and St Nino in the 4th century in the spot, where according to church tradition, the Robe of Jesus Christ had been buried, having been brought to Mtskheta in the 1st century.

Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Kartli, the East Georgian Kingdom, from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, and was also the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of Georgia in 337.

TBILISI

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, is a hub of stunning architecture, culture and cuisine. As a onetime Silk Road capital, it is historically captivating – particularly the Old Town, which boasts many impressive buildings such as the Narikala Fortress. Make sure you take a stroll along the Mtkvari River, which divides the city in two, and visit one of the eccentric nightclubs and restaurants that helped Tbilisi gain an enviable reputation for its night-life. And a big shout-out for the Mother of Georgia statue overlooking the Old Town, which is also worth visiting.

KOLKHETI NATIONAL PARK

LAGODEKHI NATIONAL PARK

This is the one that started it all. Back in 1912, the government of Georgia recognised it had something worth protecting and declared Lagodekhi (now Lagodekhi National Park) its first natural protected area. And as far as Lagodekhi is concerned, not much has changed since. Your spirit will soar when you encounter Lagodekhi’s well-preserved beech and hornbeam virgin forests, along with astounding views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Five well-marked nature trails will take hikers to amazing views of Grouse Waterfall, Ninoskhevi Waterfall, Matchi Fortress, Black Rock Lake and Nature Interpretation Path. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer and wild boar, and enjoy horseback riding, picnics and camping.

The ‘Georgian Amazon’ is rich in wildlife. It’s not unusual for visitors to feel the unique joy that comes from watching dolphins frolicking in the Black Sea. Bird watchers have plenty of species to observe here, especially during the migratory seasons of late spring and early autumn. Observation towers are arranged in the park to observe more than 100 different species of migratory birds.

For the first time in the history of Georgia, four protected areas have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. ‘Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands’ comprised of Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks along with Kintrishi and Kobuleti Protected Areas were added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in July 2021.

Find out more via nationalparks.ge.

Vardzia

Mtskheta

A port city on the Black Sea, Batumi was once the main port on the ancient Silk Road. Today visitors luxuriate on the beach, meander through the historic town centre and stroll the ‘Boulevard’ – a 7 km walkway that runs along the seashore. Batumi is a city that’s easy to love with its narrow streets and colourful buildings. Cafe culture is alive and well, especially during the warmer months when a stop at a sidewalk cafe can delight you with hours of people watching. Or maybe venture 9 km out of town to the Batumi Botanical Garden, which is renowned for its spectacular portfolio of flora (over 5,000 species) and views of the Black Sea that will make you feel joyful and in the moment. Other resort towns dot the nearby shoreline, as well, offering spas and other rejuvenations for weary bodies and souls. Anaklia, for example, is home to several music festivals, while Kobuleti, nestled between the mountains and the shore, offers healing beach holidays.

KATSKHI PILLAR

Some 40 metres high, this limestone monolith is known locally as the ‘Pillar of Life’. A place of medieval hermitage, the pillar was first officially scaled for research purposes in 1943, where an inhabitant was discovered, who had apparently been living there for 20 years! It is believed the monolith was first inhabited by a religious group of the 4th century called the ‘Stylites’, who believed sitting on top of the pillar would bring them closer to God. Alongside ruins of various buildings, a relatively new church stands today. Visiting it is a unique experience, which has become much harder since the removal of an iron ladder!

VARDZIA

Georgia is well known for its cave cities, but in the case of Vardzia it was actually more of a cave monastery. Built in the 12th century under the reign of King Tamar, the first woman in Georgia to be crowned as a king and not a queen, it was completely hidden until an earthquake hit the area in 1283. Monks eventually abandoned the site in the 1570s following the Ottoman invasion. Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, a visit to the monastery’s ruins is an unforgettable experience.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

There’s nothing better than getting to the top of a ski-lift, breathing in the cold, pure air and gazing across the snowy peaks, realising that you are about to ski down the side of a mighty mountain. Here in Georgia we are lucky enough to have some of the most impressive and highest mountains in Europe, with many peaks in the Caucasus mountain range higher than Mont Blanc, along with extremely modern and impressive skiing conditions. Ongoing upgrades and investment have raised standards at traditional ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani, while the brand new resort Mestia will be one of the most advanced in the world. New runs are being opened every year, but if on-piste isn’t enough for you, Georgia is one of the few countries in the world that offers heli-skiing. The opportunities to heli-ski in Georgia are virtually limitless and is probably the most exhilarating activity an advanced skier can experience anywhere in the world.

PARADISE FOR NATURE LOVERS

According to one study, just seeing trees can make us feel healthier. And should you find yourself wanting to partake of the healing powers of nature, Georgia is here for you. From the mighty Caucasus Mountains –Europe’s highest – to the whispering forests and placid seaside, Georgia offers a seemingly endless variety of ways to comfort the soul. Georgia boasts no fewer than 94 protected areas, covering 792 916 ha, 11.38 % of the entire country. Here you can bathe in the natural bliss of 13 spectacular national parks offering a variety of climate zones, settings and wildlife.

BATUMI

SOMETHING FROM GEORGIA

Do you know where your Christmas tree comes from?

HOW THE DANISH COMPANY FAIR TREES IS SEEDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF GEORGIA TO HOMES ALL ACROSS EUROPE

By CHRISTIAN WENANDE

They slowly ascended into the canopy, over a hundred feet up into the majestic Nordmann firs towering above the ground below.

With the peaks of the Ambrolauri mountains just visible, they moved cautiously from branch to branch, stuffing pine cones into their catchment bags.

And though most people are unaware of it, their labour up in the dizzying heights of the ancient forests yields something that most of us enjoy but oſten take for granted over winter: the Christmas tree.

The work is as strenuous as it is perilous, but it’s been a way of life for communities in the Georgian region of Racha – about a four-hour drive from the capital of Tbilisi –for generations.

Historically, local cone harvesters have had to risk their lives for meager pay in order to support their communities.

A FACILITATOR OF REAL CHANGE

But Danish seed company Fair Trees is working tirelessly to promote change across the board. And it all starts with cone pickers and their communities, maintains founder Marianne Bols.

“At Fair Trees, we help ensure the livelihood of our cone pickers by providing a so-called living wage to them, even when there is no harvest, as well as health insurance for both them and their families,” said Bols.

It's critical for pickers to have an income during no-harvest years, particularly given that these years are becoming more frequent due to effects of climate change. And for Bols, who has been going to Georgia since 1991, fostering change in the local community is essential.

Fair Tree pickers only source two-thirds of cones per tree to help forest regeneration and wildlife, but warmer temperatures

have led to increased pest infestation.

Safety is paramount for Fair Trees. Training for EU-approved safety equipment, health checks, first aid courses and health insurance for pickers and their families are just a few measures Fair Trees has embraced in its bid to transform working conditions for its staff and others.

“Crucially, we guarantee safety through yearly climbing training, adapting international safety standards and thus developing the standard for the entire cone picking industry,” said Bols.

Bols is particularly proud of the impact Fair Trees is having in local communities in the region, thanks to her firm’s connected NGO, the Fair Trees Fund.

“With numerous social investments, the Fair Trees Fund is highly involved in the positive development of the Racha region. This year alone, 48 young people were

awarded scholarships to pay for their university tuition, while over 2,000 children receive dental treatments every year from a dental clinic fully supported by the fund,” beamed Bols.

“We have also co-founded and financed a local girls’ football club, allowing local girls to participate in a sport and community that was previously reserved for boys.”

ACROSS THE PRODUCTION CHAIN

But for Bols, encouraging real change means doing so across her chain of production – and that means with her business partners in Europe.

For instance, for every sold Fair Trees Christmas tree, the producer commits to replanting a Fair Trees seedling or purchase the corresponding quantity of Fair Seed for seeding. Moreover, a fixed amout per sold tree is earmarked for investment into Fair Trees Fund social projects.

Cone picking in Racha is not for the faint of heart

Furthermore, for every sold kilo of Fair Seed, 10 Euro is transferred to the Fair Trees Fund.

The production areas of partners are regularly controlled and inspected to ensure products are of a high quality and to promote transparency.

One of Fair Trees’ big partners is toom Baumarkt, which has around 330 shops and over 15,000 employees across Germany. It is part of the Rewe Group, one of Europe’s biggest retail groups and sells some 650,000 Christmas trees annually.

Bols underlined that toom has set the standard for the Christmas tree industry by bringing all players of the production chain together, acting in a socially responsible and progressive way.

“Toom is a crucial and professional partner in pioneering Fair Trade in the market for Christmas Trees, providing consumers all over Germany access to our product. We share many values and have a common mission, which has certainly helped Fair Trees grow as a brand and NGO,” said Bols.

A WORTHY CONCEPT INDEED

The Fair Trees concept, which takes root in the 17 UN global Sustainable Development Goals, is approved by Fair Trade Denmark and the World Fair Trade Organization.

And that is key, considering that some 45 million Nordmann fir trees are sold in the EU annually, contended Bols.

In contrast to commodity certifiers, Fair Trade assesses the entirety of a business, not just a specific product, ingredient, or supply chain. It includes an assessment of the enterprise’s structure and business model, its operations and its supply chains.

“Fair Trees depends on the natural resources and the people of Racha, and we truly believe that the only way to have a sustainable business in the long run, both ethically and economically, is by evenly sharing the value across the value chain, which makes Fair Trade an obvious, unique, and innovative model.”

CONE WITH A CONSCIENCE

That's probably why Fair Trees so thoroughly embraces the circular economy in its business. Nothing should go to waste.

Fair Trees is dedicated to ensuring that its raw waste products are reused down the line.

From food products like fibre crackers, bread and jam to cosmetics and organic gin, Fair Trees has teamed up with researchers to investigate improved methods of recycling waste products along its value chain.

FINGERS IN MANY PINES

Fair Trees also engages in a number of initiatives geared to raising awareness about the situation, including eco-tourism and collaborations with external partners, such as the Oni Hub-in Project.

The Oni Hub-in Project involves a co-operation with the Royal Danish Academy and aims to develop Racha’s traditional wooden building construction types towards a sustainable building culture.

The project takes root in cultural heritage, commercial production of timber and building parts, tourism and sustainable forestry in a framework of mutual respect, co-operation and democratic responsibility.

“I am proud that we have been able to bring together different humans and cultures as well as approaches and attitudes to craft and architecture,” said Peter Møller Rasmussen, from the Institute of Architecture and Culture at the Royal Danish Academy.

CAPTIVATING KATIE

But, importantly, raising awareness also extends to the local community in Racha – the local stakeholders. More and more pickers are becoming enlightened to the fact that picking cones doesn’t have to require risking one's life in squalid conditions for paltry pay. Fair Trees is trailblazing a path to a better way.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why Fair Trees was awarded the 2019 Responsible Employer Award in Georgia and that one of its ambassadors is Georgianborn British singer and songwriter Katie Melua.

“I’m thrilled that Fair Trade, by way of Fair Trees, has reached the cone pickers in Georgia. Fair Trees is a wonderful project that helps improve the lives of many people in remote areas of Georgia,” said Melua.

So if you’re pining for a more sustainable Christmas this year, order a Fair Trees tree at www.fairtrees.dk and celebrate in a sustainable style … and with a better conscience.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Fair Trees Fund is focused on the Georgian cone pickers. Each Fair Trees cone picker receives work and health insurance for themselves and health insurance for their families.

• The Fund purchases quality approved safety equipment to the highest European standard. The fund also provides first aid courses to both cone pickers, their families and specific groups in the local population eg. teachers.

• For the Fair Trees Fund, it is important that decisive development takes place for the entire community. The Fair Trees Fund grants funds to improve educational facilities in schools. The fund has its own dental clinic, which offers free dental care to all children in the area.

• In addition, the fund offers free health checks to the area’s children every year. The fund also offers specific health surveys to the local population (e.g. cancer screening).

• The fund awards scholarships for university education to Georgian students from the local area.

• The Foundation works to raise awareness of sustainability and the environment – for example, on preserving the more than 100-year-old primary forest from which the cones are harvested.

• Find out more and make a personal or business donation to help the cause at www.fairtreesfund.com

Fair Trees founder, Marianne Bols