Issue no: 1296
• MAY 14 - 20, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY
PRICE: GEL 2.50
In this week’s issue... Georgian, Armenian PMs Meet to Discuss Bilateral Relations NEWS PAGE 2
Melia: Free, but Unsure about Entering Parliament NEWS PAGE 3
Ghost Soldiers: Why Georgia Needs More Special Operations Support and Resources POLITICS PAGE 5
ISET Real Estate Market Laboratory | Market Highlights: Jan-Mar 2021 Caritas Czech Republic provided training and technical expertise to municipalities, and conducted awareness-raising activities among the local population based on a mantra of four Rs: repurpose, reduce, reuse, recycle. Source: CCR
FOCUS
ON WASTE MANAGEMENT Meet an award-winning entrepreneur using mushrooms instead of plastic, and hear how the Czech Republic helped Georgia's PAGE mountainous municipalities to deal with their waste
6&8
Mza Chitili’s GM on Helping Georgian Agriculture & Surviving the COVID Pandemic INTERVIEW BY ANA DUMBADZE
ISET PAGE 7
Bettering the Lives of Surrounding Communities: The Carrefour Sustainability Journey Continues BUSINESS PAGE 9
Georgian Honey Gets Major Boost as Regional Beekeeping Center Opens in Tbilisi SOCIETY PAGE 10
I
t’s a new and strange reality we have to live in nowadays. The global pandemic turned everything upside down, affecting each sector and changing our lifestyles, bringing human tragedy and posing serious challenges for the business sector and economies worldwide. Tourism and agriculture, the two main directions and pillars of the Georgian economy, closely connected to each other due to their specifics, are also in the same struggle. At such times, it is important to have as qualified field experts who can help share their experience and maintain stability with well-developed crisis management strategies that keep businesses diversified and strong, and staff employed and feeling secure. We discovered one such professional, boasting years of experience in the agricultural sphere, Erhan Zorlu. He is the General Director of two leading different profile companies in the Georgian market: WG TECHNO and MZA CHITILI, whose contribution to the development of local agriculture is significant, and which have both adapted particularly well during the crisis. MZA CHITILI offers customers a sophisticated, flexible service and high quality vegetable and flower seedlings. It produces vegetable and flower seeds and fresh vegetables in its greenhouses, and then distributes them to supermarket networks. Continued on page 6
Meet the Artist: Tutu Kiladze CULTURE PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by
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NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY
MAY 14 - 20, 2021
Georgian, Armenian PMs Meet to Discuss Bilateral Relations BY ANA DUMBADZE
O
n Wednesday, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, was again welcomed to Armenia at the Residence of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The Head of Government of Georgia was hosted by Nikol Pashinyan, incumbent Prime Minister of Armenia. The discussion focused on relations between the two countries, transport communications, and energy and road infrastructure. Cooperation between Georgia and Armenia in the fields of trade, economy, transport, logistics and culture was also mentioned at the meeting. “We had the opportunity to continue the constructive dialogue started with the Government of Georgia with Mr. Garibashvili. We touched upon the current situation and development prospects of cooperation in transport, energy,
Photo Source: Government of Georgia
economy and other important spheres,” Pashinyan said at a joint briefing after the meeting. He noted that the development of special good neighborly relations with Georgia occupies a key place in Armenia’s
foreign policy. “We decided to focus even more on trade and economic ties in our relationship. We especially emphasized the need for more efficient use of regional transport and communication
roads and the development of transit potential. We also highlighted the development of technology. As always, we discussed the development of relations in the fields of education, science, culture. We shared our views on the direction of combating the epidemic in our country. We touched on regional security issues. We have no doubt that the Armenian-Georgian partnership is one of the most important guarantees of stability in our region,” Pashinyan concluded. “The stability and democratic development of Armenia is extremely important for our country and the whole region,” PM Garibashvili stated, highlighting that Georgia has always been a supporter of peaceful cooperation and coexistence in the South Caucasus and this course “will continue in the future.” “I am glad to have had another chance to visit the Republic of Armenia. Our countries are connected by centuriesold historical-friendly relations. I am confident that future cooperation will continue in this spirit.
“Georgia and Armenia are distinguished by great history, original culture and interesting traditions. It is on these values that the future of our countries must be built, strengthened by strong state institutions, democracy, open and transparent governance, economic progress and innovation. We agree that all this can be achieved only in conditions of peace and regional stability. “The Covid-19 pandemic, on the one hand, and the war in Karabakh, on the other, have posed significant difficulties for the entire region. We think that there is no alternative to peace, negotiations, dialogue. “Georgia has always been a supporter of peaceful cooperation and coexistence in the South Caucasus, and this course will continue in the future. We are ready to facilitate regional dialogue on issues such as economy, trade, culture, other humanitarian issues. The Georgian people have chosen the European and EuroAtlantic path in order to strengthen stability, peace and democratic values,” he stated.
Georgia Releases New National Climate Pledge under Paris Agreement
Leli Blagonravova/UNDP
T
o accelerate national development that benefits people and the planet, Georgia updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), expanding the pledge to reduce its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the updated NDCs, Georgia committed to unconditionally reducing its GHG emissions to 35% below its 1990 baseline level (an approximately 16% per
capita reduction) by 2030. The government adopted the updated NDCs on 8 April, and submitted them to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on May 5. By updating its NDCs, Georgia reiterated its strong commitment to the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, through which world leaders agreed to take action to limit overall temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, aiming to keep
at a safe threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Georgia’s National Climate Change Strategy 2030 and its Action Plan 20212023, adopted by the government at the same time as the NDCs, outline the concrete actions the country will take to implement this ambitious agenda. “The NDCs is a strategic document that will define Georgia’s development path for years ahead,” said Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili. “It covers the key sectors of the economy, including energy, industry, agriculture, waste management and forestry.” Key components of Georgia’s new climate pledge include: Unconditionally limiting its total GHGs by 35% below the 1990 level by 2030 and potentially increasing this commitment (with sufficient international support) to 50 to 57%; Continuing to record GHGs not regulated by the Montreal Protocol in its National GHG Inventory; Setting out feasible targets for limiting emissions in seven sectors (transport, buildings, energy generation and transmission, agriculture, industry, waste and forestry). This includes reducing emissions by 15% below the reference level in the transport and the energy generation and transmission sectors, by 10% in
the forestry sector and by 5% in the industry sector; Shifting to low-carbon development approaches in the construction, waste management and agriculture sectors; Assessing specific impacts of climate change on coastal zones, mountain ecosystems, forests and water resources and introducing relevant adaptation measures; Assessing the economic, social and health impacts of climate change and introducing relevant adaptation measures; Promoting biodiversity conservation with a focus on endemic, indigenous and endangered species; Taking measures to reduce losses and damage caused by climate-induced disasters and extreme weather events; and Upholding Georgia’s commitments to the principles of gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals by empowering women as agents of change and increasing their participation in decision-making in all NDC areas, including energy efficiency and the sustainable use of water resources. “Georgia is updating its national climate pledge at a critical time when the world is moving away from ‘business as usual’ and sets out a visionary path to a low-carbon, post-pandemic future,” said
Resident Representative a.i. of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Anna Chernyshova. “The NDCs and the Climate Change Strategy provide Georgia with a roadmap leading to a sustainable economy, increases in renewable energy, expanded green jobs and the development of climate-friendly technologies, all of which will contribute to a speedy recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.” UNDP is supporting Georgia’s new climate pledge and efforts to build a climate-resilient society by working closely with the government and international partners, such as the European Union (EU), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the governments of Sweden and Switzerland. UNDP support includes the EU-funded regional EU4Climate program, designed to assist Georgia and other Eastern Partnership countries introduce climatesensitive policies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a robust initiative funded by GCF, Georgia, Sweden and Switzerland that aims to protect over 40% of the country’s population from climateinduced disasters, and the GEF-funded initiatives, designed to protect biodiversity and support green urban development.
Presidents of Georgia and Northern Macedonia Sign VisaFree Travel Agreement BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE
T
he Presidents of Georgia and the Republic of Northern Macedonia have signed an agreement on “Exemption from Visa Obligations between the Governments of Georgia and the Republic of Northern Macedonia,” the presidential press service reports. The aim of the agreement is to introduce favorable conditions for mutual access for the citizens of the two coun-
tries. The agreement provides for the right of persons holding a biometric passport to enter, stop or transit through the country without a visa. Further, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs of Georgia Tea Tsulukiani, and the Minister of Culture of Northern Macedonia Irena Stefoska signed a memorandum on cooperation in the field of culture. The memorandum aims to deepen relations between two countries, as well as to develop cultural ties, encourage research, exchange information, facilitate participation in seminars, conferences, and other cultural events.
Presidents of Georgia and Northern Macedonia Sign Visa-Free Travel Agreement. Source of photo: president.gov.ge
NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY MAY 14 - 20, 2021
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Corona Updates: Nationwide Public Holidays End in Georgia, Epidemiological Situation Still Difficult
BY ANA DUMBADZE
O
n Thursday, May 13, the nationwide public holidays aimed at reducing mobility across the country ended, with municipal transport and schools resuming operations in a normal regime. The government lifted all restrictions imposed during the May 3-12 period, however, the restriction on movement from 9 pm to 5 am, and the limits to serving in restaurants at the weekend remain in force. Despite the lockdown on municipal transport and schools for 10 days, the corona case numbers still remain higher than ideal. The statistics show that Georgian capital Tbilisi continues to record the daily highest number of COVID-19 cases. Georgia reported 1788 coronavirus cases, 1251 recoveries, and 31 deaths on Tuesday, with 28,532 tests conducted across the country. 963 new cases were recorded in Tbilisi. The country then reported 1409 new cases, 1256 recoveries, and 27 deaths on Wednesday, with 40,275 tests conducted in 24 hours. Tbilisi recorded 744 cases.
The numbers were slightly lower again on Thursday, with the country recording 776 coronavirus cases, 1,329 recoveries, and 16 deaths, with 31,982 tests conducted. That day, the Georgian capital recorded the highest number of 359 Covid-19 cases within 24 hours, followed by the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region with 84 cases and the Imereti region with 81 cases. The total number of confirmed cases since February 2020 has reached 326,441, among them, 306,264 people recovered and 4379 died. The daily test-positivity rate on Thursday stood at 2.43%, down from 5.56% over the past 14 days.
THE VACCINES To date, 77,343 Georgians have received a coronavirus vaccine from AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Sinopharm. This week, it was announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine age group had been reduced to 45 years, and since Wednesday, citizens over the age of 45 have been able to register for it. Prior to this, based on a decision made by the Immunization Council on April 8, AstraZeneca jabs could only be given to those over 55. On May 6, 43,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Georgia, sent
by the COVAX platform. These doses are intended for those who have already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. On May 12, the registration for the second dose of Sinopharm was opened. The population can be vaccinated with a second dose of Sinopharm after May 25. Georgia is expected to receive new doses of Sinopharm in June, while more Pfizer jabs will arrive in July. Vaccination registration portal: https:// booking.moh.gov.ge/. The COVID-19 Vaccination Information Hotline 1522 is open weekdays, from 09:00 to 23:00.
paigns, it is pummeling India and threatening to swamp Southeast Asian countries that until now had largely kept the virus at bay,” the New York Times reports. Taken together, the opposing regional trends add up to a leveling of global daily new cases at “an unacceptably high plateau” that leaves the world in continuing danger, the Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Monday. He noted that “cases and deaths in Southeast Asia are still increasing rapidly.” Scientists warn that if the virus is allowed to spread unchecked in parts of the world with lower vaccine coverage, dangerous variants will continue to evolve, threatening all countries. “Globally, we are still in a perilous situation,” Dr. Tedros said. About 772,000 new cases are reported on average each day globally, nearly half in India, where virus variant B.1.617 has been spreading. In the United States, Britain and parts of Western Europe where vaccines have been widely deployed, the virus is subsiding, and people are flocking back to restaurants and other attractions. Vaccines could soon be available to even more Americans now that the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot for 12- to 15-year-olds. As of Thursday, the coronavirus situation in several countries of the world was as follow: Germany: 3,558,148 total cases, 86,009
deaths, 3,240,300 recoveries, and 231,839 currently infected patients. According to the latest figures, 32.8% of people in Germany have received at least one vaccination, but only 9.4% of the population is fully vaccinated. Israel: 839,030 total cases, 6,379 deaths, 831,826 recoveries, and 825currently infected patients. 56% of the population is fully vaccinated. Ukraine: 2,135,886 total cases, 47,333 deaths, 1,816,643 recoveries, and 271,910 currently infected patients. 904,933 vaccine doses have been administered, meaning 2% of the population has received its first vaccination. The UK: 4,441,975 total cases, 127,640 deaths, 4,256,103 recoveries, and 58,232currently infected patients. 54,160,993 Brits have been vaccinated, with 53% having received their first dose and 28% being fully vaccinated. The US: 33,586,136 total cases, 597,785 deaths, 26,620,229 recoveries, and 6,411,633 currently infected patients. In the US, 46% of the population has had its first jab, while 35% of citizens are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. India continues to account for 50% of global cases and 30% of global deaths, according to the World Health Organization. 362,727 new cases were identified on Wednesday, leading the country’s total to 23.7 million cases. India has experienced 258,351 deaths since the start of the outbreak. 10% of citizens have received their first dose of vaccine, and 2.8% of the population is fully vaccinated.
CORONAVIRUS CASES FALL GLOBALLY, BUT THE VIRUS IS SURGING IN COUNTRIES THAT LACK VACCINES Recently, the coronavirus cases and deaths globally have been showing a decreasing trend. However, the situation in India and Asian countries in general remains severe. “After a devastating year with wave after wave of coronavirus infections around the world, new cases and deaths are falling in many of the Western nations that were once among the hardest hit. But while the virus recedes in wealthy nations with robust vaccination cam-
Melia: Free, but Unsure about Entering Parliament BY TEAM GT
O
n May 10, Tbilisi City Court ruled to release Nika Melia, the Chairman of the United Nat i o n a l Move m e n t (UNM), from prison. Nika Melia’s bail of 40 000 GEL was paid by the European Union on May 8. A statement was published on the website of the EU Delegation. “On May 8, a bail worth 40.000 GEL was posted in order to allow for Mr. Melia’s release from pre-trial detention. This follows the understanding reached by the political parties on 19 April 2021, in the context of the EU-mediated agreement. We would like to warmly thank two independent organizations who agreed to lend their valuable support in this process: the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), who made the funds available, and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), who transferred these funds to the authorities. “This is another important step taken to end the political crisis in Georgia and implement the agreement of 19 April. We expect this step to further facilitate all elected Members of Parliament to join the agreement and contribute to its implementation, in the interest of Georgia, its citizens, EU-Georgia relations
and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future,” reads the statement. Pre-trial detention was ordered for Melia on February 17. He stood accused of organizing group violence during anti-government protests in June 2019 (so-called ‘Gavrilov’s Night’). The UNM leader denies the charges. He was arrested on February 23. After his release, where he was met by loyal supporters outside the gates of Rustavi Prison, he noted that he was considering whether his party should enter Parliament or not. "The issue of the UNM's entering Parliament is being discussed. Consultations are expected to continue. It will take several days to make a final decision. I know for a fact that there are different positions in the party. The decision should be pragmatic and rational," Melia said. On May 12, it was announced that the European Court of Human Rights had accepted the case of the arrest of Nika Melia, alongside the cases of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and oppositionist Gigi Ugulava. The same day, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia released a statement regarding the launch of the three hearings of the lawsuits in the Strasbourg Court. "The cases, in which Mikheil Saakashvili, Nikanor Melia and Gigi Ugulava are suing Georgia, are at the initial stage of consideration and now the parties are
beginning to present positions and evidence. "The Georgian government has solid arguments in all three cases, which it will present to the European Court. The cases of all three applicants are being heard by the Strasbourg Court under the standard procedure, which means that the court will receive two written positions respectively from the applicants and the Georgian Government, with evidence, and make a decision based on that. The exchange of positions by the parties and the decision of the court will take at least two years. "Mikheil Saakashvili disputes that the verdict against him that pardoning Sandro Girgvliani's murderers contradicts the European Convention. The European Court indicates in its correspondence
that this is exactly the case in which the Strasbourg court itself found Georgia's violation in the case of 26 April 2011 'Enukidze and Girgvliani v. Georgia'. Saakashvili also considers that the rulings of the three-instance courts of Georgia, which confirmed that the brutal beating of MP Valeri Gelashvili on July 14, 2005, was carried out on the personal orders of Mikheil Saakashvili, and which sentenced him to six years in prison, is inconsistent with the European Convention. "Nikanor Melia claims that his arrest on February 23, 2021, does not comply with the requirements of the European Convention. The court described in correspondence sent to Georgia that Melia's arrest was preceded by him removing his bracelet on November 1, 2020, and
then his refusal to pay bail, after which the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Melia to pre-trial detention. "Gigi Ugulava disputed in his lawsuit all the criminal cases completed and ongoing in Georgia against him: 1) The so-called Tbilisi Development Fund episode in which Ugulava is convicted of misappropriation of large amounts of state property; 2) The so-called Rike episode; 3) The so-called Tbilservis Group episode in which Ugulava is convicted of abuse of power; 4) The incident that took place on December 11, 2019 at the Tbilisi airport, in which Ugulava is accused of violence," reads the statement issued by the Ministry of Justice. “When an absolutely righteous person is accused of a coup d'etat and the formation of organized criminal groups, he will naturally defend his rights and end up with a victory," Nika Melia noted of his appeal to the ECHR. He then highlighted that there are many political prisoners left in the country, and thanked the international partners and ambassadors for their contribution to his release. "I would like to once again thank EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell, European Council President Charles Michel, US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and Chairman of the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Committee Žygimantas Pavilionis for their contribution and their will to establish stability and democracy in the country.”
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POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY
MAY 14 - 20, 2021
Thoughts on the Russian Policy towards Unrecognized Territories. Part 2. ANALYSIS BY EMIL AVDALIANI
W
ith the results of the second Karabakh War, Russia’s policy toward the conflicts in the post-Soviet space has been put in the spotlight. Moscow’s policy toward the conflict zones is conditioned by the dynamics of Russia’s relations with the West, Turkey, and Iran, pursuit of military domination in the region, as well as ups and downs in bilateral ties with specific neighboring countries where the conflicts originated. Although it was hard to see the emergence of a veritable Russian strategy toward territorial conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s, by 2020 (as evidenced by the results of the second Karabakh war), it could be argued with some certainty that a purposeful use and subsequent management of conflict zones across the post-Soviet space has turned into an important part of Russia’s strategic thinking toward its neighborhood. The emergence of the strategy is also closely related to the ongoing geopolitical struggle Russia has with the West over the borderlands, i.e., the regions that adjoin Russia from the west and south. The competition is manifested in the expansion of Western institutions such as the EU, its related Eastern Partnership, and NATO into Eastern Europe and, as a countermeasure, the Russian efforts to build the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with the aim of engulfing what once constituted the Soviet territory. Therefore, maintaining buffer states around Russia has been a cornerstone of the Kremlin’s foreign policy against the West’s eastward projection of military and economic influence. The emergence of the Russian strategy toward territorial conflicts has also been conditioned by the arising constraints as an effective countermeasure against the neighboring states’ westward geopolitical inclinations. The Russian political elite knew that because of the country’s low economic attractiveness, the South Caucasus states would inevitably turn to Europe. The same was likely to occur with Moldova and Ukraine on
Image source: CSIS
Russia’s western frontier, as their geographical proximity to and historical interconnections with Europe render them particularly susceptible to the West’s attractiveness. To prevent Western economic and military penetration and the pro-Western foreign policy vector in the neighboring states, the Kremlin has in many cases deliberately fomented various territorial conflicts. This policy has proved successful so far. Although the EU and NATO refrained from extending membership to Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova because of economic and judicial problems even before the active phases of territorial conflicts, currently it is the land disputes and Russian military presence that serve as the biggest obstacle for the West’s institutional expansion.
However, Russia now faces a different problem: It has so far failed to produce a long-term vision for the separatist regions. Creating a unified economic space with the separatist territories is not an option, as usually little economic benefit is expected. Even if in some cases benefits could still be harnessed, the territories’ poor infrastructure prevents active Russian involvement. Additionally, local political elites are often sensitive to Russian domination. Lately, the system has been difficult for Russia to navigate. In the first years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia had to manage breakaway conflicts only in small and poor Georgia and Moldova. By 2020, Moscow’s responsibilities had increased significantly with the Donbas and Nagorno-Karabakh
conflicts added to its strategy. To this could also be added the dysfunctional Syrian government. The Kremlin now has to manage a range of territories that rely almost entirely, in both the military and economic senses, on Russia, but that are also geographically dispersed, rarely economically advantageous, and geopolitically vulnerable. This means that Moscow has to pour yet more money into multiple separatist actors spread across the former Soviet space, as well as Syria. It is more and more difficult for the Kremlin to maneuver across so many diverse conflicts simultaneously. At times, actors in the conflict zones try to play their own game independently from Moscow, and the latter has to closely monitor any deviations lest they harm the Kremlin’s stra-
tegic calculus. Geopolitical trends indicate that Russia’s long-term strategy to stop Western expansion in the former Soviet space is losing its rigor. While it is true that Moscow stopped its neighbors from joining the EU and NATO, its gamble that those breakaway regions would undermine the pro-Western resolve of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine has largely failed. Much will depend on democratic developments in these countries. Failure to promote favorable institutions will undermine the attractiveness of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine to pull the populations of the regions closer the central government. Emil Avdaliani is professor at European University and the director of Middle East Studies at Georgian think tank, Geocase.
Democracy in Georgia: Smart Questions, Sad Answers OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE
D
emocracy is one of the most frequently used words in Georgia, and probably in the world too, but that’s not surprising because most of humankind has chosen, or is in the process of choosing, democracy as a political system, with it seemingly best adjusted to the purpose of enhancing their standard of living and then maintaining their improved lifestyle. That’s the belief in this country too: democracy in Georgia is burgeoning at the highest possible speed, overwhelmingly embracing the entire national mind so much that our infants would utter ‘democracy’ as a first word rather than the conventional ‘mom’. Isn’t this bizarre, even if it is just one of my little political jokes? Yes, democracy has widely sprawled all over our cynically shrinking land, but another piece of obvious cynicism is that the selfsame Georgian land is not yet flowing with milk and honey as a result of that flourishing democracy. In my meekly ticking opinion, the reason for this unfortunate discrepancy is that democracy is not a panacea brought about with the wave of a magic wand, and not only that: nobody in the world can possibly guar-
antee that democracy is the best saver of the day for all of us on our precious but weird planet. There is another, less investigated, side to our local variety of democracy: how well the already materialized part of democracy in Georgia is actually working. For instance, is the Georgian electorate, with 30 years of experience, already living and voting to first elect and then, when the time comes, to change the old government for a new one through free
and fair elections? I wish I could say yes to this question, but the political strain of the latest six months suggests something else entirely. Another question: how dynamically and vigorously are our citizens participating in the nation’s political life? It would be wrong to say that our people are noticeably indifferent to the political process in the country, but they are also so tired of the electoral routine that their belief in the good of democracy has
weakened to the point of anemia. The third characteristic question about democracy would be whether the human rights of every civilian voter in Georgia are well protected, and the answer is that all is doubtful and incomplete in this part of the Georgian democratic crucible. And finally, the rule of law, one of the strongest components of democracy: are the laws and legal procedures equally applicable to the entire population of the republic? Doubts seem to be ines-
capable here too. I’m not going to proceed here with my wishy-washy reasoning about our flaw-ridden juridical system, making merely a straightforward statement that court and law enforcement leaves a lot to be desired in our everyday reality, within which crime and punishment need to be matched a little more fairly than is being done right now. In conclusion, democracy is certainly unsteady in Georgia, but as a matter of a bigger fact, it is faltering in the rest of the world too. How do we know that? Most of the now active political sociologists and leading contemporary scholars in the field of democracy studies would put it so: ‘for an election to be free and fair requires a lot of organization, preparation, and training of political parties, electoral officials, and the civil society organizations that monitor the process’. Are we doing such training? We might be, but, judging by what we see at the end of the day, we are failing to keep up, because ‘participation in the electoral process must be peaceful, respectful of the law, and tolerant of different views of other groups and individuals’. Are we aware of this? Hardly! Does the average voter respect the rights of his or her fellow citizens, and their dignity as human beings? Listen to our politicians and read the social media comments of our citizens about each other and the conclusion will be clear.
POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY MAY 14 - 20, 2021
5
Ghost Soldiers: Why Georgia Needs More Special Operations Support and Resources
Sgt. Monique ONeill/U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
OP-ED BY MICHAEL GODWIN
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eginning May 3rd, a blend of primarily Eastern European Special Operations forces are traveling the region for the annual training exercise Trojan Footprint 21. Georgia is not only sending its elite, the Georgian Special Operations Forces (GSOF), but also hosting training events locally. However, with warfare becoming more asymmetrical and requiring the skills of highly specialized small teams, the GSOF will need to not only expand, but also possibly branch out into new subordinate units. Like much of the Georgian military, the GSOF has its foundations in the old Soviet Spetsnaz formations. Their first test was the civil war and internal conflicts of the early 1990s, particularly in Abkhazia. As there was no established GSOF element, many were ad hoc and based on their prior associations in the Soviet Red Army. It was not until 1999 that Georgia officially set up a special-
ized military unit institution. The early 2000s formalized their ranks, and through foreign investment and training programs, they began to resemble the NATO-certified force they are today. Turkish commandos and United States Special Forces detachments worked with the early GSOF in a continual development program. GSOF even played supporting roles in the KFOR operations in Kosovo and in the 2001 Macedonian insurgency. This support of equipment and training continued successfully until the Russian invasion in 2008. GSOF, on multiple occasions, struck fear in the Russian invasion force through unconventional warfare tactics and sabotage. In one such instance, they launched an assault on the Russian command unit of the 58th Army, even wounding the commanding officer himself and almost destroying the unit. A testament to the overall Special Operations mission, they were able to overcome and disrupt a much larger enemy with fewer of their own resources. In the NATO sphere, their operations in Iraq and Afghanistan shed any remaining doubt of their
technical and tactical capabilities. Their recent defensive actions against attempted Taliban assaults have saved the lives of NATO service members and their civilian support staff on several occasions. The GSOF organization consists of three main components, as well as supporting logistic, administrative, and finance units. There is the Special Forces Battalion, the Naval Special Operations Company within that unit, and a separate Ranger Battalion added in 2009. In addition to these, there is also a staff company and the cadre of the Gela Chedia Special Operations Training Center. The need for more of these specialized soldiers has grown, not just in Georgia, but in the NATO arsenal overall. With missions ranging from humanitarian and advisory in Africa, counter-Chinese aggression in the South Pacific, and opposition to increasing small-unit incursions in Russian-occupied territories, Special Operations units will have an increased workload in the coming years. To deal with this rapidly increasing operational tempo, a surge in recruitment must take place to support those operations. Georgia is no different. While they have routinely kept their numbers confidential, it is estimated that the brigadesize element that makes up the GSOF numbers around 1,800 personnel. However, roughly half of that number are not Special Operations members, but rather support, administration, and command staff. Given this, 900 Special Operations members is not enough to match the national defense needs of the nation. One of the obstacles involved in this could be the general public perception of military service. While there is the Soviet relic of low opinion of the armed services as something only the uneducated or inept would venture into, many
see it as an avenue to nowhere. As the Army is far more modernized than even many of their Eastern European neighbors, the first step should be a total revision of the recruitment approach. In other terms, a rebranding. Encouraging other soldiers to ascend to the Special Operations community is another obstacle seen inside the military. Many times, either the soldier themselves or their commander do not want this. The soldier can often have unreasonable doubts or have a lack of understanding of the path it takes to achieve their position. More significantly, commanders are often reluctant to lose soldiers to this process, seeing it as a loss to their units in terms of personnel to an already stretched military force. However, this also becomes a recruitment issue as not enough recruits are being fed into the force. On a larger scale, the total defense framework must be rebuilt to its former glory. The absence of a naval force, despite the large stretch of coastline, is disgraceful. A new Georgian Navy is long overdue. With this, the underwater demolition teams (UDTs) that come with a special naval warfare force should not only be formed but separated as their own naval Special Operations element, in the United States Navy SEALs model. At the other end, the lack of any sizable Air Force is something that will spell doom in the next war. Air superiority is king in modern warfare, and the Air Force Special Operations elements that support and control ground units are key to success. These elements include the Combat Controllers, specializing in air-ground communications and combat command and control in adverse conditions. This communications and coordinating platform is essential to successful operations with both air and land units. Georgia
cannot continue to operate without these force multipliers in its arsenal. The total expansion and subsequent development of GSOF is overdue, but is also something that will take years, if not decades. A positive side effect of this is a total elevation of the total force training quality. Internal training events between conventional and special forces not only create a good bond between the two families in the armed forces, but also allows for the sharing of operational and tactical knowledge. This type of crosstraining environment in the Georgian armed forces, while surely not cheap, will only serve to better the national security picture of the country. As is the saying goes, it is better to start late than never. Trojan Footprint 21, and its litany of other training exercises, provide unrivaled experience and lessons for GSOF and their partners. However, it should be noted that the resources, manpower, and training conducted here in the homeland are vital and should be invested in. In the next regional conflict, Georgia may not be so lucky to evade involvement, such as seen in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh clash. GSOF, as all Special Operations states, are the tip of the spear and as a result need the numbers to support that position. In addition to its combat readiness, the cultivation of a healthy and strong Special Operations community within the Georgian military community will begin to formulate its own gravitas among the people. When the next “wave” comes, Georgia should not allow their Special Operations teams to be caught understaffed, but rather engage with their own trident of substantial air, naval, and land components, working together and not limited by equipment or supporting assets.
"Nika Melia understands my arguments and we remain friends," she said. At this stage, it is unknown whether former UNM Chairman Grigol Vashadze and former European Georgia Leader Davit Bakradze will join the new fraction. "I will work in the Parliament as a non-partisan, independent MP," Bakradze told journalists. He said he will co-operate with the opposition in Parliament, but does not plan to join any of the factions.
Former Deputy Mayor of Poti, Paata Lagvilava says that the Mayor Gocha Kurdghelia notified him about the dismissal, however, the initiative, he says, came from the Georgian Dream party. “He told me that there was a demand from the party that we resign. I noticed during the conversation that this was not his personal initiative,” said Lagvilava. The former Deputy Mayor of Martvili, Akaki Khuntselia, holds the same opinion. “The Mayor was in a very awkward situation. There was a request from the government. Consequently, I made the decision to resign. I was considered a member of Giorgi Gakharia’s team,” he said. The Second Deputy Mayor of Poti, Konstantine Topuria, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Senaki, Kakhaber Kupreishvili, were dismissed. Earlier, Gori Deputy Mayors Erasti Elijarashvili and Paata Ivanishvili, as well as Khashuri Deputy Mayor, were dismissed from their posts. Gakharia resigned as PM on February 18 due to differences of opinion about the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the National Movement. Following his resignation, the former PM stated that he is not going to leave politics and is planning to establish a political party and a new political force.
Government Ins & Outs BY TEAM GT
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his week, like many, has not been without some changes to the political structure, with the PM taking on two new advisors, a new faction being formed in Parliament, and deputy mayors countrywide accusing the government of forced resignations. Check out the updates below.
FORMER MINISTER OF ECONOMY OF SLOVAKIA HIRED AS PM’S FOREIGN INVESTMENT ADVISOR The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, on May 7 announced that he had appointed Vazil Hudak, former Vice-President of the European Investment Bank and former Minister of Economy of Slovakia, as his “Foreign Investment Advisor.” “We are working on a new economic recovery plan in the difficult situation caused by the coronavirus,” the PM noted. “In this plan, foreign investment will play a leading role. The country needs investments to help the economy recover faster, meaning more employment and more income for our citizens. We chose Vasil Hudak to assist us in this direction. “He is a great citizen of Georgia and a great friend, who worked as VicePresident of the European Investment Bank, Minister of Economy and Finance of Slovakia, and previously worked in private banks. He knows Georgia very well, and he knows our economic team well,” Garibashvili said. Hudak noted that Georgia is very close to his heart and his goal is to help the Georgian government mobilize various resources through international assistance.
“It is a great honor for me to work as the special representative of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the development of the country, the promotion of the government, and the development of society,” he said.
FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE DEFENSE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE APPOINTED PM’S ADVISOR ON DEFENSE AND SECURITY Irakli Sesiashvili was this week appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister of Georgia on Defense and Security. The head of the government, in announcing the new appointment, highlighted that defense and security are priority areas for the Georgian government. Irakli Sesiashvili was a member of the Parliament of Georgia of the 10th convocation, in 2012-2020, and was the Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Parliament of the 8th and 9th convocations. He has many years of experience in both the private and non-governmental sectors, as well as in the academic field. He received his higher education in various specialties at Tbilisi State University, Heidelberg, and Bamberg Universities, and holds a Master’s degree in Security Research from the Institute for Peace and Security Studies at the University of Hamburg.
RIGHT-WING BUSINESSMAN LEVAN VASADZE TO ENTER POLITICS Georgian businessman and one of the founders of the ‘Georgian Demographic Society XXI,’ Levan Vasadze, well-known for his conservative and right-wing views, announced on May 6 that he had decided to enter politics. “I made a very personally challenging decision to say goodbye to the status of
private citizen and step towards the public and political life of Georgia. The ongoing political, economic, cultural, social and ideological crisis in the country prompted me to do so,” he stated. His public movement is called ‘Unity, Identity, Hope,’ which will be made into a political party in the future. Vasadze announced that the public movement ‘Unity, Identity, Hope’ will hold a rally on May 16 in Tbilisi, in the April 9 garden, and begin a push for Georgia to return to presidential rule. Vasadze is known for his extreme hate speech. He has actively participated in anti-LGBT campaigns in recent years.
LELO CREATES A NEW FACTION IN PARLIAMENT A new faction will start functioning in the Parliament of Georgia, called ‘Lelo - Partnership for Georgia,’ Mamuka Khazaradze, the leader of Lelo, said at a briefing in Parliament on Thursday. Besides the members of Lelo, MPs Salome Samadashvili, Armaz Akhvlediani and Shalva Shavgulidze will be in the faction. Mamuka Khazaradze announced that Badri Japaridze will be the chairperson of the faction, and Salome Samadashvili will be the deputy chairperson. "I believe we all understand that today is a new, very important stage in the political history of our country. We must leave behind the worst political crisis that has deprived the country of a chance for development, and we must prepare to defeat the Georgian Dream in the local elections. Then we will say goodbye to the oligarchic regime once and for all through early elections," Samadashvili said. On May 13, Salome Samadashvili officially left the 'United National Movement,' noting that she had been waiting for the party chairman Nika Melia to be released from prison.
DEPUTY MAYORS SAY THE GOV’T FORCED THEM TO RESIGN FOR BEING “GAKHARIA SUPPORTERS” Gori Deputy Mayors Erasti Elijarashvili and Paata Ivanishvili, and Khashuri Deputy Mayor Zurab Rosebashvili resigned this week, while statements on resignation were written by Senaki Deputy Mayor Kakhaber Kupreishvili, Martvili Deputy Mayor Akaki Khuntselia, and Poti Deputy Mayors Paata Lagvilava and Konstantine Topuria. All the above former public officials say the reason for their leaving was the demand to do so of their mayors, who allegedly received instructions from the ruling party Georgian Dream, because the former deputy mayors consider themselves members of Ex-Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s team.
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BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY
MAY 14 - 20, 2021
Sokosia: An Award-Winning Enterprise Working towards Georgia’s Green Economy
INTERVIEW BY ANA DUMBADZE
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owadays, making a business as eco-friendly as possible is of vital importance to us all, and, thankfully, mentalities are changing in this regard, with increasing pressure being put on business owners to take responsibility for the waste management of their products- both by the government and society as a whole. A company’s causing as little harm to nature through its activities is a concept that managers of all businesses should keep in mind while implementing their ideas. In this process, the role of young people with innovative and creative ideas is especially important. Georgian youth are particularly involved in this trend, and are more and more actively focused on creating a “green” economy for Georgia. One such young entrepreneur is Anni
Chkoidze, co-founder of Sokosia, an innovative social enterprise which she runs with her sister, Nino. Their company received GEL 60,000 after winning the Solid Waste Management and Packaging Ideathon, a joint activity of the USAID Economic Security Program, UNDP, and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA). Sokosia is an environmentally-focused enterprise that produces mycelium, a vegetable-based alternative to plastic. The startup is innovative, as it utilizes what amounts to agricultural waste to produce a plastic substitute that is environmentally-friendly and totally biodegradable. Anni and her team received a GEL 60,000 award (GEL 20,000 each from USAID, UNDP, and GITA) which will help them develop a prototype that can warrant private sector investment in the future. "Within two years, we believe Sokosia will not only be a social enterprise, but that we’ll have created a hub where pro-
fessionals such as biologists, product designers, and environmental specialists will be able to gather and work together on their ideas," Anni told GEORGIA TODAY. The Ideathon’s primary purpose was to catalyze innovation in waste management, encouraging entrepreneurs and business owners to develop biodegradable packaging and other alternatives to plastic waste. Anni’s concept of producing packaging using organic materials was selected as the most innovative. "The project gave us the opportunity to transform our idea into reality, and we have already taken the first steps in implementation,” she says. The Ideathon, jointly funded by the USAID, UNDP, and GITA, was also supported by two business associations: the Packaging Material Manufacturers Association (PMAG) and the Georgian Waste Management Association. GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Anni to find out more about her exciting and environmental-friendly business.
TELL US WHAT YOU DID BEFORE ESTABLISHING SOKOSIA. I’ve been actively interested in environmental issues for several years, more specifically in solving the problems caused by waste. Three years ago, my friends and I established the first zerowaste space in Georgia, ‘Zero Effect.’ Zero Effect is a movement against waste and at the same time a shop at 7 Melikishvili Street, where people can buy environmentally friendly, reusable, unpackaged items and thus reduce their negative impact on the environment.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR SOKOSIA?
Sokosia is an environmentally-focused enterprise that produces mycelium, a vegetable-based alternative to plastic
As a result of my activities, I and the people around me are constantly thinking about how to solve the huge problem of waste generated by people: Sokosia was born as a result of such solutionseeking. My sister Nino and I discovered technology already in use in America and Europe, which has very interesting results. The idea is to produce mycelium, a mushroom vegetative body, a vegetablebased alternative to plastic, to replace plastic packaging and other items made with plastic products. Interestingly, the whole production chain is sustainable: we use agricultural waste for production, a small amount of electricity and water, and the final product is 100% compostable and does not contain any chemical elements.
HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH USAID BEGIN? The idea would have remained unimplemented if not for the USAID Economic Security Program and their partner
organizations' project, ‘Produce for the Customer, and Pack it for the Earth.’ Our idea met the project criteria exactly, and we decided to apply. We went through a two-week acceleration process led by the organization ‘Forset,’ during which we turned the idea into a business plan and apparently merited the approval of the jury.
YOUR COMPANY RECEIVED A GRANT OF GEL 60,000. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONS. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO USE THE MONEY? The victory was unexpected and at the same time very exciting. It gave us more incentive to get results. Thanks to our win, USAID, UNDP and GITA will buy the necessary equipment for us, to the amount of GEL 60,000, which is what is required for the operation of the enterprise. This award is very important and allows us to first create a prototype of the product, and then to organize the wider production process.
Mza Chitili’s GM on Helping Georgian Agriculture & Surviving the COVID Pandemic Continued from page 1 MZA CHITILI is the first company in Georgia to produce not only ordinary but also grafted seedlings, for which the latest Italian technologies and robotics are used. The aim is to take and implement foreign technologies in Georgia, which will help the local farmers improve their knowledge and skills in the field and get a larger, higher quality yield at lower cost. In the near future, it is planned to export seedlings from MZA CHITILI, alongside the agricultural tools, such as pipes, fittings, etc., produced by WG TECHNO, to neighboring countries. GEORGIA TODAY was interested in how Zorlu had brought his companies through a crisis which was so devastating to the agriculture sector as a whole. We spoke to him about his crisis management strategy, the future prospects of agriculture, and MZA CHITILI’s current offers for both customers just now stepping into the world of gardening and private agriculture, and those with longterm experience in this direction.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES TODAY? The main difficulty for companies has been the fact that due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, the number of
tourists coming to the country significantly decreased, with the knock-on effect that many restaurants and cafes were closed, and, accordingly, the demand for vegetables went down. This lack of demand led to a drop in prices, and a lot of farmers, discouraged, didn’t even bother to harvest their crops last year, leaving fruit and vegetables to rot in the field. Naturally, this meant that bankruptcy was high, and some farmers chose to give up farming entirely, afraid of a repeat situation this year. Higher prices on vegetables are expected as a result in 2021, as are prices on polyethylene and the other plastic materials we need to produce agricultural equipment and containers. However, against this background, a lot of individuals have developed an interest in growing their own vegetables in their private gardens, guaranteeing them natural and healthy products produced as a result of their own labor.
HOW DID THE COMPANY’S STRATEGY CHANGE DURING THE PANDEMIC? In terms of crisis management, when MZA CHITILI lost a share from farmers in the market, it turned its attention to those mentioned individuals newly engaging in agriculture. As a result, today, we are growing the same amount of seedlings, but have changed our direction of marketing, trying to reach people
who have houses in villages and need seeds for their gardens. We’re spending more time on digital marketing and digital services in general. And internet statistics show that ladies are particularly interested in gardening, so the company’s marketing strategy is currently working with that focus. In our shops, customers can find almost everything they might need for their gardening and vegetable-growing work, in one space. And, to make shopping easier and more comfortable, people can shop online at www.farmershop.ge, a site offering everything for the successful operation of both an individual’s and experienced farmers’ businesses, from seedlings and fertilizers to irrigation and greenhouse systems and pipes.
DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS, MANY BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES. HOW IS THE SITUATION IN YOUR COMPANIES? Despite the difficult situation, we managed to keep all our employees, appreciating their experience and hard work, and recognizing that our success is based on their work and knowledge. We realize that in such stressful times, companies need to boost their employees’ feeling of belonging and unity, so as to protect their mental health and keep them motivated. We’ve been doing so
intensively by improving our team's skills through various trainings, showing them support and appreciation, and being that company which shows it cares. We are a united and strong team.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE OTHER BUSINESSES? Based on my own experience, I would advise other business representatives in such difficult situations to be flexible and, if necessary, change their business focus. Even small changes can bring about a big effect. Adapting to the existing conditions and keeping staff motivated is the only way for a company to survive such crises.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE? If we all, and here I mean both private individuals and business representatives, are careful and work to protect the safety norms in the country, we can get tour-
ism back on track and start hosting foreign guests again. Along with the increasing number of tourists, naturally, the demand from restaurants for fruit and vegetables will increase, which itself will improve the situation for agricultural companies. All businesses have an impact on each other, and the agricultural sector, just like the hospitality industry, is cautiously hopeful that the summer will bring an improved epidemiological situation, a decreased number of coronavirus cases, and more tourists to demand their products. I believe that Georgia can become a production hub in the near future, from which diverse materials will be exported to the neighboring countries. The two companies I manage will use all their resources and our team will spare no efforts to significantly contribute to this process and the development of the agrarian sector in the country.
BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY MAY 14 - 20, 2021
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ISET Real Estate Market Laboratory | Market Highlights: Jan-Mar 2021 per m2. By ARP, the most expensive districts in Q1 2021 on average were Tsavkisi-Shindisi-Tabakhmela (8.8 USD), Mtatsminda-Sololaki (7.7 USD), and Kiketi-Kojori (7.0 USD).
Graph #1. Monthly Dynamics of Average Sale and Rent Prices for Residential Property in GEL and USD, 2019-2021
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PRICES
Source: REMLab 2021
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fter a decline in January 2021 compared to December 2020, the Tbilisi Residential Sales Price Index (SPI) showed an upward trend in Q1 2021, increasing from 110.7 index points in January 2021 to 113.5 index points in March 2021 (the index equals 100 in the base period, January 2019).
Nevertheless, compared to the first quarter of 2020, the SPI showed a decline in Q1 2021, with the highest drop of 2.4% (YoY) in February 2021. Unlike the SPI, the Rent Price Index (RPI) was characterized by a consistent downward trend throughout Q1 2021, declining from 78.2 index points in January 2021 to 77.2 index points in March
2021. Similar to SPI, compared to the previous year, RPI presented a decrease in every month of the first quarter, with the highest decline in February 2021, 17.7% (YoY). During Q1 2021, the Average Sales Price (ASP) in Tbilisi increased from 942 USD per m2 in January 2021, to 949 USD in March 2021 (monthly average), while
Graph #2. Monthly Dynamic of Average Sale and Rent Prices for Commercial Property in GEL and USD, 2019-2021
Source: REMLab 2021
the Average Rental Price (ARP) decreased moderately from 5.9 USD per m2 in January to 5.8 USD in March (monthly average). In Q1 2020 on average, the most expensive districts by ASP were MtatsmindaSololaki (1,402 USD), Vera (1,215 USD), and Vake-Bagebi (1,159 USD), while the cheapest district was Lilo at 419 USD
In Q1 2021 on average, commercial SPI for Tbilisi increased by 12.0% compared to Q4 2020 and amounted to 152.2 index points, while, compared to Q1 2020, SPI presented a decline of 6.1% (YoY). The Rent Price Index (RPI) for commercial properties continued to decrease and presented a 2.8% decline in Q1 2021 on average, compared to the previous quarter. During Q1 2021, ASP for commercial properties increased from 1,037 USD per m2 in January 2021, to 1,033 USD in March 2021 (monthly average). As for the ARP, it increased moderately from 7.6 USD per m2 in January to 7.7 USD in March 2021 (monthly average). On average in Q1 2021, ASP decreased by 3.1% (YoY) and the ARP decreased by 3.8% (YoY).
TBILISI AND GEORGIA REAL PROPERTY SALES In comparison to Q4 2020, the GEO real property market contracted moderately, by 4.3% in Q1 2021 (from 32,197 units sold in Q4 2020 to 30,825 in Q1 2021), while the annual increase is observed at 9.0% (YoY) compared to Q1 2020. This annual increase was mainly caused by a significant increase of 44.2% (YoY) in number of sales in March 2021 compared to March 2020 (from 8,796 units sold in March 2020 to 12,682 in March 2021). Tbilisi dominated the real property market with a 39.3% share in total sales in Q1 2021 (Tbilisi held 41.3% of total sales in Q4 2020). The Tbilisi market was followed by Kakheti and Adjara, with a respective 11.0% and 10.3% of GEO sales. In Q1 2021 Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti experienced the highest increase (YoY) in sales (189.9%), followed by Guria (62.3%), Mtskheta-Mtianeti (57.6%), and Imereti (18.7%). In total, the market outside the capital grew by 12.4% (YoY). More than half (51.0%) of GEO sales were registered in the three largest cities: Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi.
Graph #3. Quarterly Dynamic of Average Sales Prices for Residential Property in Batumi and Kutaisi, GEL and USD, 2018-2021
BATUMI & KUTAISI RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
Source: REMLab 2021
In Q1 2021, the real property market decreased by 7.4% (YoY) in Batumi and increased by 16.5% (YoY) in Kutaisi. As a result, there were 2,804 transactions registered in Batumi and 832 in Kutaisi. The SPI for Batumi residential properties decreased by 11.7% (YoY) and settled at 84.8 index points in Q1 2021. Compared to previous quarter, Batumi SPI increased by 3.8% (QoQ). For Kutaisi, the SPI increased by 6.5% (YoY) and amounted to 135.1 points. Compared to previous quarter Kutaisi SPI also increased by 5.4% (QoQ). In Q1 2021, the ASP of residential properties decreased by 9.3%, YoY, (-6.5% QoQ) in Batumi and increased by 11.7%, YoY, (6.0% QoQ) in Kutaisi, amounting to 690 and 457 USD per m2, respectively.
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SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY
MAY 14 - 20, 2021
“We Help Where Needed" - Caritas Czech Republic Tackles Georgia’s Waste Management Problem
In March, Caritas Czech Republic handed over sixty 1100-liter metal waste containers to the Oni municipality.
BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE
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very year, about 900,000 tons of municipal waste is generated in Georgia, 700,000 tons of which are dumped in landfills. Currently, data on the amount and specificity of generated waste is not available in 47 out of 56 municipalities (that is to say, with the exception of relatively larger cities and towns such as Telavi, Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Ozurgeti, Batumi, Tbilisi, Rustavi and Borjomi). According to the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgia has an obligation to implement necessary reforms and to harmonize legislation with a
number of EU directives, including in the fields of environment and sustainable development. Among these obligations, waste management remains as perhaps the most acute and toughest challenge to overcome. The practice of waste control, reuse, recycling and recovery in Georgia is severely underdeveloped, and is currently limited to materials such as paper, glass, and plastic. A new law on waste management, in line with EU standards, the “Waste Management Code”, entered into force in January 2015 with the aim of protecting human health and the environment by preventing or reducing waste generation and its adverse effects; introducing effective waste management mechanisms; and promoting more efficient use of resources. The latter has long been one
of the cornerstones of Georgia’s waste problem: there are not enough resources to start with, and whatever is available is often mismanaged. Clearly, Georgia's waste management sector needs to change significantly, but steps in this direction are already being taken, with numerous foreign and local organizations working to support Georgia in meeting the challenges. One example is Caritas Czech Republic (CCR)'s continued assistance to the country in the sector of waste management, seeing it help several Georgian municipalities to develop a sustainable framework for waste management, as well as provide them with necessary equipment, including garbage trucks and waste containers, significantly easing the waste collection and transportation challenges that these
municipalities have been struggling with for years. Waste management has long been one of CCR’s priorities in Georgia, and they have stayed true to their motto: “We help where needed". Sharing the Czech and Slovak know-how, they have developed a much-needed waste management plan for the protected areas of Pshav-Khevsureti, which was incorporated to the existing Waste Management Acton Plan of the Dusheti Municipality. For improved waste management practices, a sustainable waste management model has also been worked on for the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. “With the sustainable waste management model in place, CCR provided trainings and technical expertise to municipalities, as well as conducting awareness-raising activities among the local population based on a mantra of four R-s: repurpose, reduce, reuse, recycle,” Jan Blinka, Head of Mission at Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia, told GEORGIA TODAY. “Special emphasis was put on actions focusing on biodegradable waste practices- composting and other ways to reuse organic waste. Considering that the majority of waste generated is of a biodegradeable nature, composting not only decreases its overall quantity, but can also be converted into an organic fertilizer, thus improving farming practices and decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers.” As mentioned above, CCR has not been supporting municipalities only with technical assistance, but also with the procurement of hardware and equipment. Recently, garbage trucks equipped with modern technologies and waste containers were handed over to the Khulo, Oni, and Dusheti municipalities. Dusheti municipality is the largest in Georgia by territory. In Dusheti, settlements are tens of kilometers away from each other, which creates severe obstacles in terms of transportation. In December 2020, Caritas Czech
Republic handed over to the municipality a 14-cubic-meter garbage truck of modern standard worth 100,000 Euros, and fourteen 1110-liter metal garbage bins. The garbage truck was put into immediate service for the population of the region. “At present, waste is collected and disposed of from about 85% of the settlements,” Dusheti municipality representatives told us. “The garbage trucks have to travel hundreds of kilometers every day from one spot to another. For example, in order to reach the mountainous Shatili settlement, a truck has to travel about 230 kilometers, so the proper condition of the truck is important to cover these distances. We have a total of four garbage trucks, but one was damaged in an accident. As such, it was a tremendous relief to receive a new 14-cubic vehicle, for which we are once again grateful to Caritas Czech Republic.” Moving to another mountainous region, Racha, the Oni Municipality is now being served by a 4WD seven-cubic meter waste collection truck for the transportation of separated waste. The municipality already received one hundred and thirty-five 240-liter waste containers for separated waste and sixty 1110-liter metal waste containers from Caritas Czech Republic. The project and the transfer of inventory to the municipality of Khulo was funded by the European Union within the Promoting Rural Development and Diversification in Khulo Municipality ENPARD project. In the cases of Dusheti and Oni Municipalities, the purchase of the equipment was financially supported by the Slovak Government. It is expected that Caritas Czech Republic will continue to help Georgian municipalities to manage waste more efficiently, safely and quickly, and that environmental protection in Georgia will eventually be pushed back as a challenge, thus enabling the country to meet its EU Association obligations more efficiently.
SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY MAY 14 - 20, 2021
9
Bettering the Lives of Surrounding Communities: The Carrefour Sustainability Journey Continues
BY ANA DUMBADZE
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s the pandemic runs its course and communities pull together to help one another, the action and conduct of businesses have also moved further into the spotlight as consumers look to brands to play their part. Over the last few months, we have witnessed corporate citizenship in action. Organizations have responded swiftly to exceptional circumstances, adapted ably, and taken several leaps forward to become even more sustainable. They have accomplished all of this while giving back and contributing to the lives of the people they serve. This
calls attention to the importance of corporate citizenship, and emphasizes the positive role brands can play in shaping their communities. Carrefour, operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Georgia, is one example of a brand that is very active when it comes to Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship. Since its establishment in the country, not only has it introduced local customers to high-quality and best service through customer experience, but it has also prioritized its sustainability agenda. Carrefour prides itself on its commitment to bettering the lives of its surrounding communities, and is guided by its desire to operate in an environmentally and socially-responsible manner. Its various sustainable projects have been successful in raising understand-
ing around environmental protection and have also supported the socially vulnerable. Focusing on sustainability, Carrefour has been at the forefront of championing reduced plastic-use through educational campaigns, community volunteering activities, and incentive programs. The company’s sustainability journey continues intensively. Most recently, in relation to Easter, Carrefour decided to once again bring happiness to people and congratulate them on this special date. ‘the holiday saw the Carrefour Georgia team distributing traditional Easter cakes to doctors, nurses, firefighters, police and the general Georgian population using a Carrefour-branded open bus. It provided a pleasant surprise to all- recipients and passersby, and guaranteed a day to remember. Showcasing Carrefour’s commitment to the communities it serves, especially during the global crisis, has become especially important, as it gifted one pleasant day to citizens currently living under continuous stress and tried to bring joy and bright colors into the gloomy reality. Following the Easter Holiday was Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, and seeing Georgia celebrating the World War II Victory Day with the global community which commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. On the day, Carrefour Georgia team, together with the Governor of the Shida Kartli region in eastern Georgia, Mamuka Sagareishvili, and mayors of Kaspi and Gori, visited war veterans living in the Shida Kartli and congratulated them on this important and historic occasion by handing over special gifts. With the support of Carrefour Georgia and the organization of the Shida Kartli Regional Administration, gift baskets were handed over to all World War II veterans living in the region. Through this move, the company once again showed veterans that their great contribution and dedication to their homeland, its freedom and well-being, is well appreciated by their fellow citizens. In this way, Carrefour also set an example to other business representatives that people should never forget their heroes and should always respect and take care of them. "For Carrefour, spending May 9 with World War II veterans has already become a sort of tradition. Every year, we greet veterans living in Tbilisi or different regions and congratulate them on Victory Day. This is the least we can do to make these heroes feel that we remember their devotion," said Nino Ramishvili, Head of PR and Communications of Carrefour Georgia. Yet another important action implemented by Carrefour, together with UNDP, was the recent gifting of reusable bags to customers at Carrefour Hypermarkets to promote environmental protection. The above initiative was part of the UNDP-GEF Kura II Project: which is addressing priority needs in the ministerially endorsed Strategic Action Plan (SAP) through implementation of the SAP and national Integrated Water Resources Management Plans to strengthen and harmonize coordinated conjunctive transboundary ground and surface water management. “Reduce plastic waste to save the environment, a single use plastic bag substitution means a world with less plastic pollution. Free the rivers from
plastic waste to have better quality water because WATER IS LIFE! #SaveEnvironment #SaveWater #EveryDropMatters,” - this is the main slogan of the project. Notably, Carrefour Georgia was the first to introduce the locally produced reusable bag - MADE IN GEORGIA. Later, it also launched reusable bags with wheels as part of its Honor Nature campaign. “Honor Nature. Purchase a bag and get infinite benefits,” was the main motto of the campaign. The campaign aimed to minimize plastic usage throughout Carrefour stores by increasing sales of Foldable Wheeled Bags and F&V eco-friendly bags, while continuing to raise awareness on how detrimental plastic bags are to the environment. It was another notable move by a brand which has already replaced single use plastic bags in its chains with compostable ones. Launched in April 2018, the Honor
Nature was a campaign to educate Carrefour customers on the environmental harm of plastic bags and the advantages of using reusable bags. Since the launch, sales of Carrefour reusable bags have increased by 120%. As an added incentive, Carrefour rewarded all customers who chose to use a reusable bag. During the campaign. more than one and a half million customers were offered rewards. The launch of these campaigns in Carrefour stores have since marked an 80% reduction in the use of single-use bags. The French brand actively continues its sustainability journey in Georgia, just as in each other country it operates. As a company known for its particularly high social responsibility, constantly underlining its commitment to the people and communities it serves, Carrefour does not intend to stop, and is expected to continue its environmental and social activities in the future along with partner organizations, bringing more benefits and opportunities to society.
10
SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY
MAY 14 - 20, 2021
Li(ing)lo BLOG BY TONY HANMER
K
akheti… already in full spring mode, while back in Svaneti, there would be several mornings of hard frost in our absence. At least the fruit trees’ flowers seem to have bounced back from January’s debacle of RAIN followed by inevitable deep freezes. So there might be a temperate fruit harvest after all: apples, sour and sweet plums, cherries the same, pears, walnuts. We hope. My wife and I had some days in the east visiting friends and relatives (the joy of having one’s own car, especially when little public transport is to be had with the Lockdown). Then more of the same in Tbilisi; it’s rare that we are both there together, so we wanted to maximize this opportunity to catch up with everyone that we could. The day before returning to Svaneti, we got up early and drove to Lilo (pronounced lee-low), the original Mall of Georgia, to stock up for our shop. This acres-wide, sprawling 1-story emporium, made of many hundreds of individual stalls and buildings, is the biggest and cheapest place in the country to buy almost anything. For luxury items you might want to go to specialists elsewhere, but for the everyday stuff, if your list is long, this is the go-to place. It’s on the Kakheti highway, past the airport; coming from that direction, you drive past it, then U-turn at the next lights. Go early to avoid busyness. There normally is public minivan transport from a few
places in Tbilisi, but not during lockdown, of course. You enter across one of those scary sets of protruding metal spikes which are strictly one-way. They go down harmlessly into the ground if you drive over them in the right direction. Reverse that, though, and you’ll have at least 2 (possibly all 4) tires punctured in multiple places. Hats off to the inventor of this simple device to control traffic flow: so simple and effective! You’ll exit elsewhere, so all is fine. Parking used to cost 3 GEL (coins only, pay on exit), but is currently free. Then to find parking, for which there are vast areas set aside. It’s best to have a shopping list because if you just browse (unless that’s your preferred mode), it might be quite a time-waster. At least now the whole place is mapped out, main zones marked with alphabetic letters, their individual shops numbered. This is helpful if there are two or more of you. One can phone the other(s) and describe one’s location exactly if you need to converge. My wife’s way of shopping with me is that she, being our shop manager, goes around and buys everything, but asks to leave each set of goods in its shop for a while, which is common practice. Then, when she is ready to gather it all up, she phones and asks me to meet her at the car. Hiring one of the ubiquitous cart drivers, she the revisits all her locations, has him pile it all up, and they go to the car to unload. She and I pack it carefully for the long journey back to Svaneti. I must be able to see out the back window (something she, as a non-driver, doesn’t fully understand but I try to insist on for
the long trips). Heavy and solid things on the bottom, lighter and fragile ones on top, trying for maximum stability as well. The Mall has a full set of facilities for its customers and shop-owners. Toilets, of course. Eateries, mostly featuring shawarma and shish kabobs; coffee, tea, soft drinks. Ladies also continually wander the whole place with more hot and cold drinks and khachapuri or ice cream. There are banks, police, traffic controllers, all the infrastructure employing thousands could need, really. There are a few special shops which have unique items. At one, you can buy fire extinguishers and esoteric electronics. Here I found, and had wired up, a
set of over-counter LED lighting for our kitchen’s upper cupboard undersides. This has become simpler and much easier over the years. Originally, it needed a converter from 12 volts to 220, a bulky box specially wired in. The LED strips were thick plastic, though they worked well, and you had to nail or screw them in place. Now you can buy much thinner, lighter ones with a separate plug and on-off switch (no more voltage converter needed); in half- or 1-meter lengths which snap together. Get a roll of strong double-sided tape too, and you’re all set. I have an older version in place in Svaneti, but this one is for our Tbilisi flat, much more elegant and easy. As for the rest: manufactured goods of
all types and descriptions, at the best prices, but usually with no guarantee, beware! Clothing, furniture, tools, appliances, toys, stationery, accessories, hardware, software, plumbing, electrical and so much more. Lilo really is The Mall. Worth checking out! Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti
Georgian Honey Gets Major Boost as Regional Beekeeping Center Opens in Tbilisi Jan Sliva, Head of the Czech Development Agency, to find out more. “There was an institute of beekeeping in Georgia, which served Transcaucasia,” Svanidze tells us. “This beekeeping laboratory no longer exists, which is why a kind of expertise vacuum has been existing in this field for years. That is how the idea was born to restore it all. Our association had a small project with the Czech Embassy, which funded a small beekeeping farm in Gardabani. So we started the relationship with the Czech Embassy. Then they became interested in the idea of creating a center of expertise, a go-to place for beekeeping excellence to help the field develop further. After a long cooperation with them, when the project was completed, we decided to establish a structure similar to the beekeeping laboratory in Tbilisi, which we conditionally called a multifunctional regional center for beekeeping development.”
WHY REGIONAL?
INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE & LALI PATSIA
B
eekeeping has always been a cherished and special field in Georgian agriculture. However, this is also one of the areas where clear prospects are conjoined with hitherto unrealized potential, and for its further development, the Czech Embassy, in cooperation
with the Tbilisi City Hall and the trade union association "Agora," recently opened a regional multifunctional beekeeping center in Tbilisi. The center boasts the latest European equipment, with the total amount of investment of 405,565 Euros. According to its supervisors, the aim of the center is to promote the development of beekeeping in the country, as well as the export of products related to this field to the international market. GEORGIA TODAY interviewed Tengiz Svanidze, Director of Agora, and
Regional, because we cooperate with Azerbaijani and Armenian beekeepers. There was no such precedent in the Caucasus region, and we thought it should be done in Georgia; in particular, in Tbilisi, where it all came together. Our idea was liked by both the Czech Embassy and the Czech Development Agency. Following the design of the building, the Czech Development Agency allocated funding for both the architectural part and the construction. We started construction in March 2020 and now, a year later, we have completed it. “Tbilisi City Hall allocated 2000 square meters in Bagebi, which was handed over to the center for 10 years. We will be offering many useful and good things: seminars, various trainings, inviting spe-
cialists from the Czech Republic to give lectures and trainings to amateur beekeepers and professionals. The function and purpose of such trainings is to facilitate the export of our products to Europe and to further popularize them. One of the challenges Georgian honey production faces today is that we do produce export-quality honey, but we can’t sell it, so the center will help develop marketing as well.
HOW DOES GEORGIAN HONEY DIFFER FROM THE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN OTHER REGIONS? The only thing that distinguishes Georgian honey from honey produced in other countries is chestnut honey, which is practically not found anywhere else. This unique product is made with the chestnut flower, and is called monohoney. Chestnut forests bloom here from July 10 to 25. There are chestnut forests where nothing else blooms around except for the chestnut flower, and the bees do not take honey from any other plant. Of course, there are places in Georgia where other plants bloom along with the chestnuts, but honey taken in such places is not called chestnut honey because it contains “impurities.” The goal of our center is to create products that will be sold on the European market. Honey is not taxed when imported to Europe, so, if we meet the standards there, we have an open market to explore. That’s what we’re all working towards.
HOW DO THE CZECHS EVALUATE THE PROJECT? “The Czech organization allocated money and studied the situation of beekeeping in Georgia. They concluded that Georgia has excellent potential to export honey.
If this is given the right direction, export is possible. That is why this project was launched.” “This is proving to be a nice sustainable enterprise,” Jan Sliva, Head of the Czech Development Agency, noted. “And, of course, when the Czech Development agency finances something, it is also interested in a sustainable use. “Beekeeping is very important for Georgians, their honey is excellent. So, we asked our Georgian colleagues, how can we help in this? I hope this center will contribute to even better beekeeping practices. It’s very important to have access to good labs to make sure that the honey is produced without pesticides and any poisonous agents,” Sliva says. “We hope this center develops into a center of expertise and excellence in the beekeeping sector. We provided funding for the facility, we provided the equipment, and it’s now up to the Georgian beekeepers to make the most of it, as the actual education and expertise is performed by the local side. They do this best, we just provide the means for them to develop further. Usually, in our projects, when and where experts are needed, we send them from Prague, but not in this case here, as the Georgian expertise is already at a high level.”
CULTURE
GEORGIA TODAY MAY 14 - 20, 2021
11
Meet the Artist: Tutu Kiladze just become a mother to twins: Tutu Kiladze.”
BY TEAM GT
W
ithin the scope of GEORGIA TODAY’s collaboration with BI Auction, we are offering our readers exclusive interviews from Georgian artists and designers. “May is always a special month, as it promises upcoming sunny days and the additional excitement of celebrating International Mother’s Day,” says Bengü Akçardak Küçük Co-Founder& Partner of BI Auction. “This month, to celebrate both the summer and Mother’s Day, we want to introduce GT readers to a very special artist in soul and art, who has
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? WHICH COMMON TRENDS IN ART OR IMPORTANT ARTISTS THEMSELVES HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR WORK? Mood is important to me. I try to be honest in my art. My paintings are influenced not by particular artists, but by different circumstances: it can be my relationships, friends, location, travel and many other factors.
HOW HAS THE CORONAVIRUS CHANGED YOUR CREATIVE VISION, THE ART MARKET IN GENERAL, AND YOUR
SPECIFIC SALES? The coronavirus has not affected my creative vision, although, due to the fact that the exhibition spaces are closed, I have to work through online sales. But in today's online space, you can browse through many interesting exhibitions and also present yourself, so not all opportunities are lost!
DUE TO THE PANDEMIC AND SHIFTING OF THE WORLD TO MORE DIGITAL RAILS, WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF ART? I think the biggest loss is the closure of public spaces, which has led to the restriction of relations. This is what I miss the most.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE VIRTUAL ART SPACE, EXHIBITIONS, AND SALES? Of course I have a positive attitude to it, as, today, you can organize exhibitions and sell paintings without leaving home.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BI AUCTION AND ITS ROLE IN ARTISTS’ LIVES, BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE? I have participated in the BI Auction actions more than once, and I think it is a very good initiative to organize auctions, because there is financial support for artists, which is a great incentive for their continued work.
Artist Tutu Kiladze was born in Tbilisi and studied in and graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Georgia.
Minister of Culture Continues to Meet with Art Representatives Countrywide BY TEAM GT
C
ontinuing her tour of the arts, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia, Tea Tsulukiani this week met with the heads of three art institutes, the Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film State University of Georgia, the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, and the Tbilisi State Conservatory, to discuss the reforms that need to be taken in the field of art education. It was noted at the meeting that art schools should contribute to creating employees that are needed in relevant fields, and that professions for which there are no curricula in higher art schools at this stage should be restored, although
there is a current shortage of these professions in the country. They agreed at the meeting that the higher education institutions should make calculations in this direction and the heads of those art schools should submit their vision to the Ministry on how they intend to carry out reforms in their field. “It is important to invest more financial and human resources in each student and not to focus on quantity, but on quality, so that the graduates of these institutions know that they will be employed and freely able to pursue careers in the arts,” Tsulukiani said. This week, she also visited the youth center ‘Art Hall’ to find out more about the inclusive art education project operating in the center. In Art Hall, children learn the peculiarities of acting and directing, prepare
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scenery for performances, and, most importantly, are involved in the learning process together. After visiting the educational-creative and technical workshops, the Minister asked about the issues that pose obstacles to achieving success for the children with different needs involved in the project. The issue of the building’s condition was highlighted, as workshops are held in the building of an old film studio owned by the state, which is in need of repair. Further, the fee paid by the students of the center is only enough to pay the rent set by the board of the Georgian Film Development Fund, which significantly reduces the development opportunities of the center. “Art Hall is one of the most important projects for our Ministry, as it offers a creative inclusive learning process where
Journalists: Ana Dumbadze, Vazha Tavberidze, Tony Hanmer, Emil Avdaliani, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Michael Godwin, Ketevan Skhirtladze, Ana Giorgadze Photographer: Aleksei Serov
Source of photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia
all children, no matter what their needs, are involved. It also has the opportunity to create the scenery for its own perfor-
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mances on the spot. The Ministry will always actively support such projects,” Tsulukiani noted after the visit.
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