Issue no: 1293
• APRIL 23 - 29, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY
PRICE: GEL 2.50
In this week’s issue... Mikhail Lomtadze Named Best CEO in Kazakhstan for 3rd Successive Year NEWS PAGE 2
Georgia-Europe Trade: The UK BUSINESS PAGE 5
Bazaleti Green Engineering Center Awarded Quality Mark by Architects’ Union
FOCUS ON EARTH DAY 2021
In this issue, we take a look at how Georgia is responding to its environmental needs Image source: viconsortium.com
On Earth Day 2021, CENN Hosts Kick-Off Meeting of EU Supported Georgia Climate Action Project
E
nvironmental protection and addressing the issue of climate chan On Earth Day ge has become a major topic the international society needs to be focusing on. Along with the development of modern technologies, it is vital not to forget about one of the main components of our lives, important for each person’s health and well-being: jointly caring for environmental protection and addressing climate change issues, which poses a great danger to our planet’s future as a whole. Climate change threatens people with food insecurity, water scarcity, flooding, infectious diseases, extreme heat, economic losses, and displacement. These impacts have led the World Health Organization to call climate change the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. Continued on page 3
BUSINESS PAGE 6
CENN, with Support of the Norwegian Embassy, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, is Developing a National Plastic Waste Prevention Program BUSINESS PAGE 8
Georgian Schools Join National Efforts to Reduce Climate Threats SOCIETY PAGE 10
After Digitizing the Florence Uffizi, Centrica Will Hold a Masterclass at BTU CULTURE PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by
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NEWS
GEORGIA TODAY
APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
Mikhail Lomtadze Named Best CEO in Kazakhstan for 3rd Successive Year BY TEAM GT
T
he 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) CEO Survey has named Georgian businessman Mikhail Lomtadze, co-founder and CEO of Kaspi.kz, as Kazakhstan’s best CEO: the third year it has done so. “Thank you to everyone for appreciating our work and to PwC for organizing the survey,” Lomtadze told Forbes. “This is another recognition of Kaspi.kz’s amaz-
ing management team, which continues to lead from the front, developing innovative mobile digital products that fulfill our mission to improve people’s everyday lives and play a major role in Kazakhstan’s digital transformation.” In 2020, Kaspi.kz successfully completed its London IPO, firmly placing Kazakhstan on the global innovation map and helping to significantly increase the country's attractiveness to international investors. “We promise to continue surprising with innovative, technologically advanced products and services,” Lomtadze said.
PwC surveyed 71 CEOs from major Kazakh companies, active across numerous sectors of the economy. Respondents pointed to the successful IPO of Kaspi. kz, the professionalism of its management team, the company's innovative technology, and the strategic vision of its CEO. PwC has been conducting its CEO Survey worldwide for 24 years, and for the past nine in Kazakhstan. The main aim of the survey is to understand CEOs’ views on the global and national economic environment, as well as the opportunities and risks for future business development.
Image source: Forbes
Most Georgian Politicians Sign Michel Agreement, Parliament Plenary Session Scheduled for April 27
BY TEAM GT
A
greementinGeorgia!Sakartvelos Gaumarjos! - President of the European Council Charles Michel wrote on Facebook, following his witnessing of his agreement signed by the majority of Georgian politicians, both ruling and opposition. “Congratulations to the political leaders for signing the agreement to exit the current crisis. You give priority to the interests of the people and let democracy prevail. Thank you President Salome Zurabishvili and all parties!” he added. Charles Michel released a new proposal at the beginning of the week, suggesting electoral and justice reforms and offering a pardon for all violations and convictions stemming from the 19-21 June 2019 protests. Based on the mediators’ document, the persons assessed as political prisoners should be released within a week after
the signing of the agreement between the government and the opposition. In addition, based on Michel’s proposal, early elections should be called in 2022 if the Georgian Dream party gets less than 43% of votes in the local elections. Opposition parties that have signed the EU-mediated agreement with the ruling Georgian Dream party will enter Parliament on April 27 to submit an amnesty bill, which President Salome Zurabishvili has agreed to sign. Presently, only the United National Movement and European Georgia parties have refused to sign the EU Council’s updated compromise document. Three MEPs, Marina Kaljurand, Sven Mikser, and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, released a joint statement on the resolution of the political crisis in Georgia, calling on the remaining political parties and Members of Parliament to sign the agreement. “We do believe that this proposal is politically balanced and places the needs and legitimate expectations of all Georgian citizens at the center of the debate.
It offers a way out of the current political impasse and can help to reduce the political polarization that has poisoned Georgia's political life for too long. The proposal gives fresh impetus to the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, thus matching Georgia's European aspirations,” the MEPs wrote. “We solemnly call on the remaining opposition parties and individual Members of Parliament to show the same courage for the greater good of Georgia. For this political crisis to be totally and definitively behind us, we hope that the Parliament of Georgia becomes fully functioning in the nearest future, and ensures that the agreement is thoroughly implemented in word and spirit. The European Parliament remains ready to continue its close cooperation with the Parliament of Georgia by providing assistance, among others, via parliamentary electoral dialogues and mediation between the different political factions.” “The implementation of the agreed moves now requires a new spirit in politics, a spirit of working for mutual success,” said German Ambassador to Georgia Hubert Knirsch, who was one of the facilitators in the ruling Georgian Dream party and the united opposition’s post-election talks. British Ambassador to Georgia Mark Clayton also spoke publicly of the agreement signing, as did the US Embassy. “The United Kingdom supports the agreement reached by many parties and individuals. We call on the parties that have not signed the agreement to show courage and sign it. This is a very important step forward for Georgia, for its future, for Georgia to continue to move forward, to continue on the path of integration into Euro-Atlantic structures,”
Ambassador Clayton told reporters. “The United States welcomes the agreement reached by the parties today, under the auspices of European Union President Michel’s mediation, to bring an end to Georgia’s political crisis,” the US Embassy posted April 19. “This agreement required difficult compromises by all sides. Above all, it required political courage and a commitment to the people of Georgia to continue the hard work of building democratic institutions and strengthening the rule of law. “While the signing of this agreement is a significant step, ending months of negotiations, we recognize that its implementation is equally important. The United States is committed to assisting the Parliament to ensure this agreement achieves its aspirations. “We invite individual Members of Parliament and remaining parties to sign the agreement so that all of Georgia’s elected representatives can begin working together in a fully functioning Parliament on the pressing issues facing
Georgia. “As always, the United States stands ready to support Georgia on its path toward full integration into the EuroAtlantic family of nations.” The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, responded to the signing of the document proposed by Charles Michel and said that it was a “victory for Georgia.” “[By signing], we have taken the most important step towards strengthening democracy. This is a victory for Georgia!” he posted on Facebook. “We thank President Michel for his unprecedented support, US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell, and Mr. Danielsson, President Michel's Special Envoy, and all those who worked tirelessly for this agreement. “Most importantly, thank you to the Georgian people for waiting so patiently for the political talks to end. “Now it is time to focus on the major challenges facing the country,” the PM said.
Regional Multifunctional Beekeeping Center Launched in Tbilisi BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE
O
n April 22, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia, in cooperation with the Tbilisi City Hall and the Trade Union Association 'Agora,' organized the opening of a multifunctional regional beekeeping center in Tbilisi, at 63 Tskneti Highway. During the opening ceremony, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech Development Agency, Tbilisi City Hall and 'Agora.' The ceremony was attended on behalf of the Czech side by the Head of the Czech Development Agency, Jan Sliva. “This is proving to be a nice sustainable enterprise, and of course, when the
Czech Development Agency finances something, it is also interested in terms of its sustainability. Beekeeping is very important for Georgians, their honey is excellent. So, we asked our Georgian colleagues: how can we help?” Sliva said. “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 produced is without pesticides or poisonous agents. We hope this center develops into a center of expertise and excellence in the beekeeping sector,” he added. The multifunctional regional beekeeping center was built and equipped with the latest equipment by the Czech Development Agency, Tbilisi City Hall and 'Agora.' The total investment amounted to EUR 405,565.
The main vision of the center is to be a key player in the growing beekeeping sector of Georgia, and to promote the optimization and development of the beekeeping sector in the country, as well as the export of beekeeping products to the international market. It also aims to promote rural and urban ties, the development of sustainable agriculture, and the vision of Tbilisi as a green city, adhering to the center's principles of environmental protection, sustainable use of resources, and inclusive growth. “We may have provided the funding and equipment, but it’s for the Georgian beekeepers, who already have a high level of education and expertise in the field, to make the most of this center. I wish them every success,” Sliva concluded.
POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
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Earth Day 2021: An Unprecedented Opportunity to Restore Our Planet OP-ED BY RAN GIDOR, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO GEORGIA
T
he coronavirus pandemic has presented us with one of the most acute challenges of our generation. It has also, however, presented us with a unique opportunity to pursue economic recovery programs following the pandemic that incorporate strong sustainability and low-carbon dioxide measures. The world could effectively use the exit from COVID-19 to accelerate a green transition, and the commemoration of this year's Earth Day has thus taken on an even deeper meaning. In Georgia, too, air pollution had decreased in the capital city of Tbilisi as well as in the whole country, the National Environment Agency of Geor-
We only have one planet, and we must all work together to protect it
gia announced a year ago: “The levels of atmospheric air pollution are significantly reduced. The content of nitrogen dioxide in the air is particularly reduced, which is likely to be related to the reduction in emissions from vehicles" (May 20, 2020). Similarly, methodical analysis by the CRRC (Caucasus Research Resource Center) of air quality data collected by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, prove that particulate matter in Tbilisi’s air had fallen by as much as 45% following the introduction of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 (March 30, 2020). However, this is merely a short-term gain rather than a long-term trend. For over a decade, the UN Environment Program has produced an "Emissions Gap Report" that analyzes the disparity between where greenhouse gas emissions should be by 2030, and where they are actually predicted to be. The 2020 report found that, despite a "brief dip" in greenhouse gas emissions caused by the pandemic's broad economic slowdown, the world is still headed towards a temperature rise of over 3 degrees this century, well above the goal of 1.5 degrees set out in the Paris Agreement. In fact, there is a direct link between environmental crises, climate change, and the novel coronavirus. Experts have found that global warming has led to the emergence of new infectious zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19, meaning that our current global pandemic is most probably tied to the grim environmental situation of our planet. This fact should
serve as a strong and urgent call to action for all of us. When it comes to climate innovation and sustainability, Israel can serve both as an example and as a provider of solutions to global problems. The country's arid and water scarce conditions, combined with its entrepreneurial and problem-solving spirit, have made Israel a leader in the field of environmental innovation. Drip irrigation and the development of resistant, fortified crops are world-renowned and highly sought after technologies that were actually originally developed in Israel. The country is also at the forefront of one of the world's latest trends in sustainability: animal protein replacements. Innovative Israeli companies have successfully produced lab-grown protein that is almost indistinguishable from high-quality meat, and have even grown real meat from animal cells in a lab. Israel also happens to be a global water powerhouse. The country holds the world record for water reuse, recycling
almost 90% of its wastewater for use in agriculture. It also has one of the most unique national water systems in the world, with some 80% of its drinking water being desalinated saltwater. Over a century of experience in reforestation have also made Israel a leader in the reforestation of semi-arid areas, expertise that will only grow in value as largescale tree planting and other nature-based solutions become ever more prevalent as methods of mitigating against the effects of climate change. Israeli embassies across the globe commemorate Earth Day on an annual basis. Just like every year, Israel's diplomatic missions will be launching a global campaign to mark the occasion, highlighting the many innovative and cutting-edge solutions that Israel has provided to global problems. Whether opening a community garden in Beijing, cleaning beaches in Spain, educating new biology and sustainability graduates in Rwanda, or holding an online panel on Israeli solutions for sustainably recovering from
the coronavirus pandemic in Delhi, Israeli diplomats will truly be at the forefront of this year's Earth Day. Israel has an exceptional set of assets that mean it is well-placed to make a unique contribution worldwide when it comes to pursuing green recovery programs from COVID-19. Its cutting-edge technologies and decades of practical experience were all borne of the demanding environmental challenges that Israel faced from the very outset of its statehood, and the solutions it developed to meet those challenges could now serve the world well. As Georgia is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its rebirth as a state, it is worth remembering that environmental awareness has always played an inseparable part of its historic drive towards self-determination and independence. MASHAV, the Israeli International Development Cooperation Agency, has been operating in Georgia since 1992 and has trained over 1,500 Georgian women and men in various spheres, contributing to environmental protection, among them sustainable agriculture, water purification, and clean and renewable energy. With all of the hardships that the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted upon us, it has also provided us with a unique opportunity to change our ways moving forward. Israel is willing to share its experience and knowhow with our Georgian friends and partners; we only have one planet, and we must all work together to protect it.
On Earth Day 2021, CENN Hosts Kick-Off Meeting of EU Supported Georgia Climate Action Project
Continued from page 1 One of the best examples of caring for the environment and addressing climate change at the international level was the introduction of Earth Day, an annual event marked on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held in 1970, it now includes a wide range of events organized globally. Earth Day is recognized as the largest civic event in the world. Earth Day demands immediate action to be taken to tackle industrial pollution, oil spills, toxic waste disposal and more. As a result, environment and earth conservation became a topic of discussion on the national level worldwide. To contribute to this process and saving our planet Earth, CENN has launched yet another important initiative: Georgia Climate Action Project (GEO-CAP): Promoting Civil Society Engagement in Climate Change Policy Design and Implementation, the opening of which symbolically coincided with the annual celebration of Earth Day, on April 22. By implementing the GEO-CAP project, the EU, together with CENN, supports Georgia to act on climate change by reinforcing climate-friendly behavioral change, building trust, and support-
ing concrete actions with the local communities. Within the frames of the project, CENN is promoting civil society engagement in climate change (CC) policy design and implementation with the project’s implementing partners – KRDF, ACU, YPU and RLS-ADA. Poor engagement of CSOs in national climate policy design and formulation in Georgia is due to a multitude of reasons: lack of understanding of climate policy processes, institutions and actors, weak strategies for policy engagement, lack of valid data and inadequate use of evidence, poor communication approaches, and working in an isolated manner and a limited capacity over policy influence. CSO engagement at the local level is even lower. The project will work nationwide and engage with CSOs and other actors at national and local levels in 10 municipalities of the four target regions of Guria, Imereti, RachaLechkhumi and Kakheti to create and empower regional multi-stakeholder Climate Action Groups (CAGs) and launch locally-owned participatory processes for increased climate resilience and improved water security. The project is based on the vision that strong and competent civil society fosters self-reliance and resilience in society by sup-
porting the state as the main provider of social services. The project implemented by CENN, will strengthen the role of CSOs in tackling climate change by establishing a multi-stakeholder national platform and regional action groups on climate change, and building trust and collaboration between state and non-state actors for increased climate change resilience and water security. The project will empower local CSOs in their actions for inclusive governance and equitable development, demonstrate benefits of innovative projects on water security contributing to CC mitigation and adaptation and protection of human health and the environment as well as increase awareness and recognition of the role of CSOs in advocating for the protection of the environment and human health. On April 22, CENN hosted the kick-off meeting of the EU-supported ‘Georgia Climate Action Project’ (GEO-CAP). The launch took place at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in a partly hybrid format, as participants were also able to attend it virtually, via Zoom. “Climate change is already affecting our everyday life, health and economic development through reduction of productivity of most crops, resulting from draughts, strong winds, unevenly distributed precipitation, hail, heat waves and evapotranspiration growth. We understand Georgia’s role in contributing to the global fight against climate change, which is why the GEO-CAP kick-off event is aimed at informing participants about the project, discussing the ongoing processes regarding climate change in Georgia, and supporting partnership opportunities between different stakeholders in the climate change sector,” CENN representatives announced. The event hosted representatives from the Ministry of the Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia,
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Georgia and other partner organizations in the country. This networking platform was a good opportunity to activate discussion on climate change issues, build connections and partnership opportunities among participants, exchange feedback or suggestions for further development and share experiences. “More than 1 billion people in 192 countries now participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world,” Nana Janashia, Executive Director of CENN told us. “When life around the world returns to normal, our world cannot return to business-as-usual. We understand that we can make a difference in every industry, but that can only happen when we work together. Today, we are pleased that CENN, through the implementation of the EU-supported Georgia Climate Program, will work on climate change issues and play an active role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Since the theme of Earth Day 2021 is climate change, today’s event is symbolic and aims to bring together different stakeholders to discuss the importance of collaborative climate action. Organizing this event on Earth Day is an opportunity for people to participate and express their support for fighting climate change. We thank our donor, the EU, for supporting collaboration between the state and civil society actors to address the climate crisis and unite forces to promote environmentally-friendly and climate resilient behavioral change in Georgia," Janashia noted. “Through the European Green Deal and other initiatives, the European Union has made environmental protection and the fight against climate change key priorities, in line with our ambition to be climate neutral by 2050,” said Alexandre Darras, Attaché, Team Leader Connectivity, Energy, Environment & Climate change, EU Delegation to Georgia. “Here
in Georgia, our common efforts to protect the environment are advancing year by year, thanks to the actions of the government, of civil society, and of so many Georgians aware of the importance of being ambitious in this field. “The Georgian CSOs play a significant role in tackling climate crisis. Through the Georgia Climate Action project, the EU helps empower CSOs and local actors to respond to climate change by building resilience and achieving water security in their communities. The project will be an important element of our joint efforts to create a better future by reinforcing climate friendly behavioral change and collaboration between the state and civil society. “When speaking about the climate change, we should remember that each of our small actions can have a significant impact,” Darras noted. “By uniting forces, we can become movers and shakers when it comes to bringing about the necessary changes. Each citizen, organization, and government institution can become a role model for what a sustainable lifestyle should look like. We welcome CENN’s initiative of uniting important stakeholders and express our support to fight climate crisis for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly Georgia!”
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POLITICS
GEORGIA TODAY
APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
Josep Borrell: Why and How the EU is Supporting Ukraine
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ecurity and the conflict in Ukraine were the main topic at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 April, says EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in his blog, published the day after the meeting. EU foreign ministers exchanged views on Ukraine and were joined via video conference by their Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. “Tensions are rising fast in and around Ukraine. At the Foreign Affairs Council, we sent a clear signal of our collective support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in front of Russia’s military deployment and its continued negative actions and provocations,” Borrell wrote. The High Representative says reforms in Ukraine were also in the focus during the meeting. He highlighted that the EU has mobilized more than €16 billion in support of reforms since 2014, making Ukraine the biggest recipient of EU financial support: “Ukraine has made a lot of progress, but more remains to be done, in particular on anti-corruption and judicial reforms.” Borrell added the EU would continue to support Ukraine in combating the pandemic. “Last Friday, COVAX delivered 117,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine, and is scheduled to deliver almost 3 million doses of vaccine by the end of June. As we don’t stop repeating, the EU is a strong supporter of vaccine multilateralism and one of the biggest contributors to COVAX,” said Borrell. Read his blog below: “Once again, our monthly meeting of EU Foreign Ministers had to be held via videolink because of the enduring pandemic,” he wrote. “And we devoted, yet again, a lot of attention to the growing tensions on the eastern part of our continent. This time, our core focus was on Ukraine and
how we can best support that country, as it faces a growing array of challenges. Chief among them is Russia’s continued, even increased, military presence. “I had invited the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dimytro Kuleba to join us so that we could hear directly his assessment of the challenges that Ukraine is facing and how the EU and its member states can best tailor our already substantial support. Our exchanges covered several aspects. “First, security and the conflict in Ukraine. For years now, Ukraine has been facing Russian aggression. Moreover, Kyiv’s steps towards conflict resolution are not reciprocated by Moscow. What is especially worrying is the military build-up in the proximity of the Ukrainian border and in the illegally annexed Crimea. There are more than one hundred thousand Russian troops amassed. With G7 partners, we have called on Russia to stop this dangerous escalation. In addition, Russia has announced the closure of certain parts of the Black Sea until October 2021, for military maneuvers, which is another provocative move and violates the freedom of navigation as guaranteed by UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “From my side, I stressed that we must commend Ukraine for its restrained response; we must continue to urge Russia to de-escalate and defuse tensions, and we should all push back on Russia’s attempts to portray itself as a mediator, rather than a party to the conflict. “We reiterated our strong support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and our insistence on the need for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. “Escalating tensions require both a principled stance but also intensified diplomacy. We agreed that we should speak with one voice bilaterally in our conversations with Russia and in all rel-
Image source: EU
evant international fora, the G7, the OSCE, with the US, and pass coordinated messages of steadfast solidarity with Ukraine. We will keep supporting the efforts in the Normandy format and the OSCE including its Special Monitoring Mission, and peacebuilding measures. Now is the time to de-escalate. We are keeping these developments under close scrutiny, and we should stand ready to look into our options should the aggression continue. “Looking ahead, President Michel and myself have confirmed our participation in the Summit on the International Crimean Platform planned for 23 August in Kyiv, which will be an important occasion to keep the spotlight on the illegal annexation of Crimea as well on our broader support for Ukraine.
“Second, we discussed reforms. Ukraine has made a lot of progress, but more remains to be done, in particular on anticorruption and judicial reforms. Indeed, reforms make Ukraine more resilient and stronger and that is why we have mobilized more than €16 billion in support of reforms since 2014, making Ukraine the biggest recipient of EU financial support. With Minister Kuleba, we agreed that Ukraine’s economic integration and regulatory approximation with the EU is beneficial for Ukraine’s trade and economy. “Discussing Ukraine of course also means reflecting on the situation in and with Russia. Unfortunately, the negative trend that we have seen for some time in Russia continues. The treatment of Mr Navalvy is a key illustration. I went
to Moscow in early February to raise the issues directly with the Russian leadership but Russia has clearly opted to persist in its course. “This has now led to a very worrying situation with respect to Mr Navalny’s health. We have made clear that we expect him to receive the medical care that he needs and from doctors he trusts (which is only logical given that he’s been poisoned before). We will hold the Russian authorities accountable for his fate. “I have set out earlier that Russia is disconnecting from Europe. As the EU, we need to and we will draw the consequences, upholding the principles underpinning European security and supporting partners that share our interests and values,” Borrell concluded. Source: eeas.europa.eu
The Agreement Signed: A Way Ahead for Georgia OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE
B
eing euphoric has never been part of my nature, but this time I have a tremendous reason to feel elated. Had this happened in Georgia in the early 1990s, we would have been much better off today, but as it seems now, it was impossible for it to materialize in those roaring times, the reason being our political culture, with zero chance of civilized negotiations between opposing political forces. Incidentally, the absence of the necessary political civility then was what ultimately resulted in Georgia’s sociopolitical and economic breakdown and the loss of many precious lands. Moreover, the recovery of that tragic loss and the reclaiming of our historical territories is presently quite unfeasible. I’m talking about this week’s signing of the act of reconciliation between the current ruling power and its multifaceted opposition, minus the most craven part of the oppositional bunch who refused to join the signatories but did a little better later. The highly valuable historic document, diligently prepared and persistently promoted by the European Council, is titled ‘A Way Ahead for Georgia.’ Without an iota of exaggeration, there is a lot of good in it for this nation. Political polarization is not the biggest news in Georgia, because we’ve seen worse ideological fallouts here in the last thirty years, but the one we’ve been experiencing in the last six months put the country on the verge of a total fiasco.
Charles Michel in Tbilisi, with President Salome Zurabishvili. Source: CharlesMichel/FB
The language of hatred and venomous assaults in the Georgian political realm have been commonplace political behavior since the demise of socialism, but now, when the 21st century is moving into its maturity with totally altered human thoughts, goals and priorities, our image in the eyes of the world began to deteriorate at a very fast pace.
But look at our good luck! The West all of a sudden demonstrated unbelievable good will towards our nation and the sincerest readiness to help out the Georgian people, when hope of rectification had already gone awry, seeing us almost catapulted from the Euro-Atlantic orbit! It is so good to know that both Europe and America want to save the
day for Georgia. On the other hand, I was surprised at their level of endurance and tolerance towards us. I have never in my long life watched a scene of the immensity we all witnessed last Monday evening, when in his virtual but overwhelming presence, the President of the European Council himself, and in their heedful attendance, the American and
the European Union Ambassadors, Georgia was able to celebrate an end to the tormenting political controversy and the beginning of a peaceful era of hope and new democratic development, all this happening at the presidential palace in Tbilisi under the aegis of Georgia’s sitting President. Well, it is also true that not all the nine gentlemen and two ladies, the actual signatories to the famous document, were willing to at least greet the Georgian President as the host of that magnificent event, but that’s OK, considering the excitement and the chance to ignore protocol. Frankly, I wasn’t terribly surprised. The selfsame signatories didn’t even congratulate each other with the cherished triumphant finale to the long acid story of a painfully prolonged political squabble. After thirty years of travelling along the bumpy roads of progress, suffering the egregious paucity of a proper political culture, we can certainly hope that the protocol formalities will soon be no problem in this part of the world. As a matter of fact, nothing really matters here as much as the achieved bottom-line, which in the first place is the newly reappeared chance to maintain the empathy and support of our western brethren, as well as the freshly acquired feeling that it is our people that need the politicians’ shoulder and hand, not vice-versa, as it has been perpetuated in our young and faltering democracy. Without our people being taken care of, any political move and gesture is not even worth a nickel. This is what the West has prompted us to with her adamant support and brilliant piece of mind.
BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
5
Visa Deepens Global Commitment to Environmental Sustainability with Pledge to Reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2040 SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE COMMERCE
Image source: esgtoday.com
V
isa, a leading global payments technology company, has announced a new global commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, and noted that it achieved carbon neutrality across its operations in 2020. Visa also outlined plans to become a climate positive company through new partnerships and expanded initiatives to support sustainable commerce and the transition to a low-carbon economy beyond the company’s own footprint. “Visa is committed to creating a more sustainable future,” said Al Kelly, Chair-
man and CEO of Visa. “Our new net-zero commitment and enhanced efforts across our network in support of sustainable initiatives are immediate ways we will achieve our goals to help build a better future for our planet.”
NET-ZERO BY 2040, 10 YEARS AHEAD OF THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT GOAL As part of the commitment to reach netzero emissions by 2040, Visa announced it is a new signatory of The Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, as well as a
new member of the Climate Business Network, a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative to accelerate action toward a net-zero future. Visa’s net-zero commitment is aligned with emerging global standards and definitions, and will include efforts with suppliers to abate a significant portion of the greenhouse gas footprint of the company’s purchased goods and services. Visa has also committed to set science-based targets through the Science Based Target initiative at the 1.5-degree Celsius ambition level. These new commitments join Visa’s existing sustainability leadership, including its
transition to 100% renewable electricity usage in 2020. “This Earth Month, Visa is using the power of our network to accelerate transformation in sustainability and economic recovery, while helping ensure that the planet and economies around the world thrive,” said Douglas Sabo, Visa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “By prioritizing clean energy and sustainable practices, investing in environmentally innovative initiatives, and engaging with corporate and civil society leaders on climate, we are committed to being a part of the global solution to climate change.”
Visa is expanding its initiatives to use its products, services, network, data, payments expertise and brand to support sustainable commerce and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Visa announced its collaboration with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) to work together to identify new opportunities to apply electronic payments capabilities and the Visa network toward realizing a sustainable future. Results of the collaboration are anticipated in Summer 2021. Visa’s collaboration with CISL complements the company’s efforts to work across its network to support a lowcarbon future, including: • Partnerships advancing sustainable payment cards and accounts; • Global initiatives supporting sustainable behaviors, such as in mobility and travel; • Developing sustainable insights to support stakeholders in commerce in understanding consumer barriers and drivers of sustainable living behaviors; • Using the brand’s platforms to inspire sustainable living among millions of consumers Visa’s new goals and efforts to support sustainable commerce build upon the company’s existing recognized industry leadership in sustainability, including inclusion on the following: Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index, America’s Most Responsible Companies, 100 Best Corporate Citizens and 100 Most Just Companies. For more information, please visit: https:// usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/blog/ bdp/2021/04/15/sustainable-commerceand-1618453815474.html.
Georgia-Europe Trade: The UK ANALYSIS BY SOLOMON ALVARES
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ight now, both the UK and Georgia can boast of limited economic contacts. For Georgia, trade is low; while British FDI into the country is on the rise high, it is overall rather meagre. Yet, Brexit could unravel the existing situation and propel the UK to assume a larger economic role for Georgia, boosting trade and FDI numbers. Georgia and the UK have enjoyed a thriving partnership, underscored by the fact that both states signed a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 2019, the first deal in the region which came into play after Brexit, and which aims for free trade between Georgia and the UK. Signed in October 2019 in London, the document entails partnership in various fields, but most of all it includes provisions on trade in goods (including provisions on preferential tariffs, tariff rate quotas, rules of origin and sanitary and phytosanitary measures), trade in services, intellectual property, including geographical indications, and government procurement. The new agreement stipulates that the
tariff rates for bilateral trade in goods continues to apply, as set out in the EUGeorgia agreement. However, in some cases, the non-preferential applied rates may, in fact, be lower because of changes to the UK’s Most Favored Nation tariff schedule. The UK continues to use the EUR1 and EUR-MED format for movement certificates with trade partners that have mutual FTAs with the EU, including Georgia. These movement certificates are identical to those previously in use, but the place of origin on the certificate is now marked as the United Kingdom instead of the European Community. Both parties also aim to promote political partnership and economic cooperation based on common values, common interests, and close ties. This is helped by the fact that Tbilisi has long been pursuant of EU and NATO membership and has built deep partnership ties with the United States, the UK’s foremost ally. Thus, the basis for Georgia-UK relations is solid and wide enough to build upon. Indeed, the UK is one of the 10 leading investors in Georgia, while two of the country’s banks, TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia, are included on the FTSE 250 share index.
In trade, the numbers are not overly promising, but much more could be achieved. Georgia is the UK’s 139th largest trading partner, accounting for less than 0.1% of UK’s total trade. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Georgia was £95 million in 2018. This year, UK exports to Georgia were £75 million, making it the UK’s 123rd largest export market (accounting for less than 0.1% of all UK exports). UK imports from Georgia were £20 million, making it the UK’s joint 143rd largest import source (accounting for less than 0.1% of all UK imports).
TOP 5 UK GOODS EXPORTS TO GEORGIA: Vehicles other than railway or tramway stock; Pharmaceutical products; Machinery and mechanical appliances; Beverages, spirits and vinegar; and Precious stones and metals.
TOP 5 UK GOODS IMPORTS FROM GEORGIA: Precious stones and metals; Fertilizers; Iron and steel; Aluminium and articles thereof; and Inorganic chemicals. In terms of foreign direct investments though, the UK’s position in Georgia
Image source: UKGeorgianTradeHub
seems more promising. For instance, in Georgia, it amounted to $237.8 million in the second quarter of 2020, which is a 0.5% increase compared to the same period of 2019, according to the data of the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). The top three countries that invested the most in the second quarter of 2020 were: the UK (24.8%), the Neth-
erlands (22.4%), and Turkey (13.3%). Overall, in 2020, of all FDI into Georgia, 32% came from the UK, which made it the biggest source for Georgia. To promote bilateral trade and investment, Georgia and the United Kingdom last autumn launched the 'UK-Georgia Trade Hub' project. We eagerly await the results.
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BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY
APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
Bazaleti Green Engineering Center Awarded Quality Mark by Architects’ Union
BY ANA DUMBADZE
T
he circular economy requires a reorganization of the industry into appropriate business models. These models must be much more cost effective than the business models we have had before. To achieve this goal, today, the development of green (sustainable) architecture and approaches is of vital importance for countries worldwide, and Georgia is no exception, especially considering that this field is relatively new to the country and requires a more professional approach, with the involvement of experts for proper development and results. Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings through efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem as a whole. Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built environment. The Bazaleti Green Engineering Center is among the pioneers in the field locally, actively contributing to introducing sustainable architecture principles and encouraging others to follow their example. It is also one of the few places in Georgia where interested people, especially professionals in architecture and engineering, can learn about the latest approaches and solutions,and use this knowledge in practice in their activities for a better and ‘greener’ future forGeorgia, with the chance to make a comparative analysis of the latest technologies on display. The center is located 60 kilometers from Tbilisi, on 1200 square meters on the shore of Lake Bazaleti, and combines various functional spaces. Located in
Mr. Kheladze is the author of many important initiatives related to the Georgian architectural industry. We are ready to support his initiatives Davit Abuladze, Head of the Architect’s Union
an amazingly cozy and beautiful environment, the building is completely eco-friendly, and itself follows the principles of sustainable architecture to protect the nature around it, being equipped with solar panels, and using the energy generated as a result. Further, the space can be hired for conferences or meetings, allowing businesspersons to share the practical experience of the center in terms of sustainable architecture and environmental protection. Zaal Kheladze is the founder of the Bazaleti Green Engineering Center. The main motivation for him, he tells us, was the active development of green technologies in Georgia, which in turn promises great support to the country’s overall and circular economy. It is noteworthy that Kheladze’sentire family, including his wife and son, have been actively involved in the center’s activities, jointly caring for the development of the green living concept, and promoting environmental protection. On April 12, a special event was held at the center, seeingits efforts and significant contribution to protecting the country’s ecosystem praised by the Georgian Union of Architects, who awarded the center building a quality mark for following and maintaining the principles of sustainable architecture. The event was attended by representatives of the Architects’ Union. Prior to the awards ceremony, the sides jointly discussed various important initiatives and future cooperation prospects for better results, particularly emphasizing an upcoming project aimed at encouraging business representatives to join them in establishing green architecture principles in their activities via a contest entitled ‘Green Wine Enterprise 2021.’ The contest, aimed at developing “green” production of wine, and revealing and strengthening the opportunities of running green, eco-friendly busi-
nesses in Georgia, envisages the involvement of local winemakers, winemaking being one of the oldest and most distinguished fields of the Georgian economy. Gradually, the annual contest will be expanded to cover more and more areas, such as healthcare facilities, as medical institutions use a large amount of energy, and establishing an energy efficiency policy and the principles of green architecture in this sector is of utmost importance. The competition includes various nominations, among them: Best Green Cellar Architectural Project of the Year, Best Engineering Decision of the Year in the Wine Industry, Installation of the Best Green System of the Year in the Georgian Wine Industry, Best Wasteless Winery of the Year, Best Green Startup of the Year in the Wine Industry, Best Green Management of the Year in the Wine Industry, Green Operation and Maintenance of a Winery, Green Innovation in Winemaking, and Green Suppliers and Contractors. Prior to the competition, seminars in green technologies will be organized for the participating companies. Further, jury members will personally visit and
certification of businesses that show green approaches in the above nominations. Certification (green business registration) will be carried out based on the competition materials submitted by the Green Business Institute. During the meeting on April 12, the sides agreed to create a working group consisting of the members of the Bazaleti Green Engineering Center, the Architect’s Union, and representatives of the winemaking sector, to agree and negotiate on the main issues of the contest and also to expand future collaboration opportunities for the healthier and greener future of Georgia. The working meeting was followed by the awards ceremony, which saw the Architect’s Union head, Davit Abuladze, handing over the prize, a quality mark, to the center for its being so eco-friendly and energy-efficient. “Today is a day of ‘rebirth,’ as here, in my center, a new idea and new initiative emerged, which is very exciting,” Kheladze said. “We talk a lot about green living, but today we actually started to take concrete steps for the green industry in Georgia. The fact that we chose to start from winemaking should come as no surprise, considering its importance in
get acquainted with the operation of the participating enterprises. The jury will include specialists working in the field of green business, as well as specialists in agriculture and the processing industry. Competition prizes will include green
the country. I’m proud that this center is becoming a hub and initiator for such projects. Our 10 years of work has been well appreciated, with the Architects’ Union awarding us a quality mark, a very exciting prize. This is a mark of architectural quality, giving us even more respon-
We talk a lot about green living, but today we actually started to take concrete steps for the green industry in Georgia - Zaal Kheladze, founder of the Bazaleti Green Engineering Center
sibility, which we take on with pride.” “We’ve been collaborating with Mr. Kheladze’s company for many years,” said Abuladze. “He’s the author of many important initiatives related to the Georgian architectural industry. Accordingly, we are ready to support his initiatives, because we are well aware that they are aimed at the better future of our country, and based on his knowledge and experience in the field, they are always beneficial. We plan to further expand our collaboration . “Today, we discussed the interesting idea of a contest on green production of wine in Georgia, where we also plan to join forces,” Abuladze added. “Such contests will also encourage representatives of other fields to participate and follow the principles of sustainable architecture and green entrepreneurship, without which it’s unimaginable to care for our natural resources. “The Center building itself and all the technologies used here are built in full accordance withsustainable architecture principles, which is why we appreciated their work and awarded them with a quality mark in Sustainable Architecture. They definitely deserve it!” The Green Engineering Center has many exciting plans ahead, and it is expected that its contribution to the establishment of green architecture principles in Georgia will expand to cover even more sectors, in collaboration with partner organizations.
BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
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The Perfect Gift: An Exciting Spring Offer from Project Moedani
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reaming of living in a historical part of the capital, surrounded by the excitement of tourist attractions and all modern amenities, while still being able to enjoy comfort and safety? Looking to invest in a top quality development? If your answer is “yes,” then new multifunctional complex Moedani is the ideal destination for you! Moedani, a comfortable and healthy space in historical Avlabari, is the perfect place to live, work, entertain and rest, both mentally and physically. Until May 31, customers who purchase an apartment in the complex will receive a renovation voucher as a gift, depending on the category of apartment chosen. When purchasing an apartment from 80 sq.m., the price of the gift voucher will be 15,000 GEL; from 120
sq.m. - 20,000 GEL; and from 170 sq.m. - 30,000 GEL. Although Avlabari is located in the central, historic part of the capital and is quite popular among tourists due to its attractions, until now, the district has not been able to boast such a wonderful residential space. Historically, Avlabari was the place of gatherings and various cultural and social events for residents and guests of the capital, and now the authors of the project aim to contribute to the return this part of the city to its old purpose in a modern context, making it once again a space of gathering, recreation, entertainment and work. It will be a space for free business people, artists, tourists and just for those who want to relax in the evening with friends. On top of that, it is a commercial project that can become a source of income for future homeowners. The Moedani project is to consist of 220 residential apartments, a hotel, cafés, bars, restaurants, stores and coworking spaces. With an atmosphere similar to old Tbilisian yards, Moedani is the future hot spot. The distinctive and unique architecture includes four residential buildings, with restaurants, bars and cafes to be located on the first floor. The complex will boast a minimalistic design, which, combined with the style of Old Tbilisi, makes this part of the capital even more attractive. However, the complex is not high-rise and in this respect organically merges with the architecture of the old town. Moedani is close to many historical sights of Old Tbilisi, among them Wine Rise, Metekhi and Sharden streets and the ancient fortress of Narikala. These historic attractions will be organically combined with entertainment, leisure and shopping facilities. The multifunctional complex, located on an area of 1.4 hectares, also provides 5200 sq.m. of public space for socialization. Tourists who visit the old part of the capital will gather there to relax and enjoy real comfort. Entry to the terri-
tory of the complex will be free for everyone, however, at the same time, security measures will be strictly observed, making it a sensible investment for long-term commercial benefits. The complex will provide modern safety standards, equipped with smart lockers, and the latest fire and video surveillance systems. Residents and guests of the complex will be able to enjoy a variety of comfortable conditions, including a variety of social spaces, cafes/bars, exhibition space, parking, shared workspaces, shopping facilities and a well-arranged infrastructure. Moedani offers future home owners the most flexible payment terms, and special offers apply in case of advance payment. Pay 20% of the cost with flexible payment terms before the project is completed, and the remaining 80% of the amount can wait until handover. At the same time, those interested can use a TBC Bank loan to pay the remaining amount, with the guarantee of the same apartment. Construction will be completed in the summer of 2022, with an additional six months devoted to the arrangement of the complex.
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BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY
APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
CENN, with Support of the Norwegian Embassy, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, is Developing a National Plastic Waste Prevention Program
Microplastics can get into the human food chain
BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES
C
ENN, with the support of the Norwegian Embassy in Georgia, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, is working on a National Plastic Waste Prevention Program (NPWPP) based on the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. They have international and national experts working on the program, and have created a working group that unites those experts and relevant governmental organizations. This week, they held the first working group meeting, where they presented the structure and main contents of the program. The working group kick-off meeting was opened by Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Solomon Pavliashvili, who spoke about the importance of establishing circular economy practices in the country, as well as about the steps taken forward by the country in this direction. “The development of a national plastic waste prevention program will significantly contribute to this process, and will support Georgia in meeting the obligations set out within the Association Agreement, as well as in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. A global problem, plastic waste is a vital issue today’s society urgently needs to deal with. Plastic can be found in typical single-use items, like packaging, bags, drinking straws, and one-use cups,
cutlery and plates. It can also be found in other areas you might not think to look, among them textiles, cosmetics, and in industrial waste. About 8 to 10% of our global oil supply goes to making plastic. It is estimated that about 12 million barrels of oil a year are used in making the plastic bags used in the US, yet the average American throws away about 10 bags a week. In 2019, worldwide, 360 million tons of plastic was produced, and of that, 100 million tons was for single-use plastic items. Plastic is everywhere. And it is one of many types of waste that take too long to decompose. Normally, plastic items can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. Even plastic bags we use in our everyday lives take anywhere from 10 to 1,000 years to decompose, and plastic bottles can take 450 years or more. Awareness of the plastic waste issue is growing in Georgia, but not fast enough. Serious investment and policy changes are needed to complement the ongoing educational actions and short-term ecocampaigns run by various NGOs and city administrations. The main task in moving forward is prevention of plastic waste production. Dr LudwigStreff,atthisweek’skick-offNPWPP working group meeting, highlighted key steps in this regard as the reduction of the quantity of waste, including through the re-use of products or the extension of the life span of products; reducing the adverse impacts of the generated waste on the environment and human health; and controlling the content of hazardous substances in materials and products. The NPWPP team has analyzed the
existing situation in Georgia with regards plastic management, which includes import, export, re-export, and recycling and disposal of plastic waste, after which it will assess the potential challenges moving forward, taking on board international experience in plastic prevention; identify investment needs in the short, mid and long term; create an action plan; and push for the necessary policy changes. “The Norwegian Embassy is happy to support the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia in developing this program, and we are happy to partner with CENN on this endeavor,” said Ambassador of Norway to Georgia, Helene Sand Andresen. “Plastic waste represents one of the priority waste streams due to the sheer amount that is produced, and causes harm not only to human health but also to the environment. We are really pleased to see Georgia’s urgent response to this global concern by initiating the development of this program.” The strategy takes into account the need for life-cycle re-thinking, and recognition of plastic waste as a resource. The market, consumer awareness, local recycling capabilities, collection and clean-up, and environmental and occupational health and safety are just some of the many aspects that need to be taken into account in the planning and monitoring of the NPWPP strategy.
LIFE-CYCLE THINKING This is an approach used for recommending methods for the management of plastic waste. The concept involves an assessment of all stages of the product’s life in order to find out if and where the producer may act to reduce environmental impacts and optimize use of resources. It allows for assessment of the environmental impact, taking into account local factors, such as the distance to treatment facilities, the energy recovery efficiency of the facility, and the required quality of the outcome.
WASTE AS A RESOURCE The strategy presents numerous opportunities for increasing the utilization of plastic waste as resource. For example, for recycling and for heat, electricity and fuel by means of incineration, thereby reducing the generation of waste and promoting a more sustainable economy.
END-OF-WASTE The use of end-of-waste criteria, as specified in Article 6 of Directive 2008/98/ EC on Waste, to clarify when certain plastic waste that has undergone recovery ceases to be waste.
PREVENTION This concept mainly refers to the prevention of plastic waste, and generates solutions to achieve waste prevention in the waste stream. Initially, within the NPWPP project, following thorough analysis of the above, an immediate Action Plan for plastic waste reduction will be created for Georgia for the next five years, with realistic measures designed for completion by 2024, 2027, and a final long-term plan set for completion by 2031.
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN The NPWPP team has already identified what needs to be done to reduce plastic waste production in Georgia, and the short, mid and long term action plans include, in general terms: Actions to improve product design, Actions to boost recycled content, Actions to improve separate collection of plastic waste, Actions to reduce single-use plastics, Actions to tackle sea-based sources of
marine litter, Actions to monitor and curb marine litter more effectively, Actions on compostable and biodegradable plastics, Actions to curb microplastic pollution, Actions to promote investment and innovation in the value chain, Actions in support of multilateral initiatives on plastic, and Actions relating to international trade. The Executive Director of CENN, Nana Janashia, during this week’s kick-off meeting spoke of CENN’s many years of experience in waste management, including in matters related to plastic waste, which also entailed policy development. In addition, she remarked on CENN’s experience in supporting institutions to develop and establish proper waste management systems, strengthening the business sector, and building the capacity of stakeholders. “I am certain that the process of developing a National Plastic Waste Prevention Program will be just as successful,” she told participants. The Working Group is made up of repre-
sentatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, LEPL L. Sakvarelisdze Disease Control and Public Health National Center, the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the Parliament of Georgia, Tbilservice Group Ltd., and Adjara Solid Waste Management Company Ltd. Consultation meetings will be held with the business associations and international organizations.
SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
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Interagency Coordination Council Upholds All Existing Restrictions BY ANA DUMBADZE
T
he Interagency Coordination Council decided not to impose new restrictions this week. At the same time, as the head of the operational staff of the Interagency Coordination Council, Giorgi Gibradze said after the meeting of the council, great importance is attached to the strict protection and enforcement of preventive measures. He noted that in order to avoid strict restrictions and further aggravation of the epidemiological situation, by the decision of the Interagency Coordination Council, restriction on movement (curfew) from 21: 00 to 05: 00 will remain in force countrywide. The curfew will not be lifted even during the Easter Holiday. “Also, the restrictions on the operation of eateries on weekends remain in force, which means that they work only on the delivery service on Saturdays and Sundays. We call on both the public and the private sector once again and recommend that they switch to remote work-
ing mode as much as possible; at the same time, the control over the selfisolation of persons in isolation, their contacts and those entering the country will be tightened as much as possible;
in the enterprises where cases are detected, epidemiological security measures should be tightened as much as possible and active testing should be provided with the maximum involve-
ment of employers,” Gibradze said. Based on the decisions of the council, the proper use of face masks and the protection of social distance will be controlled more strictly, as well as the hold-
ing of gatherings, including social events, the holding of which is prohibited by a government decree. The council advises the elderly to stay home as much as possible. Deputy Health Minister Tamar Gabunia said that the government will monitor the epidemiological situation in the country during the Easter Holiday, and if the numbers of newly detected cases increase alarmingly, it might become necessary to impose additional restrictions. The meeting also discussed the importance of further intensification of the ongoing vaccination process in the country. It was noted that the country will receive new doses of vaccines in the near future. Active negotiations are underway with vaccine manufacturers and partner countries to mobilize additional doses as soon as possible, the council noted. To make a reservation for vaccination, citizens should visit booking.moh.gov. ge or call 1522. Georgia reported 1,310 coronavirus cases, 632 recoveries, and 12 deaths on Wednesday. The daily test-positivity rate stands at 4.33%, while it was 3.38% in the past 14 days. 31,911 people got the coronavirus vaccine so far.
Georgia’s Mask Mandate is Backfiring in a Big Way
Photo by Lindsey Nicholson / Education Images / Universal Images Group
ANALYSIS BY MICHAEL GODWIN
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ince the Georgian Government forced the people to wear their masks in every public and many private places, the flimsy cloth sheets have been seen on almost every storefront and with many street vendors. In addition, it has also been seen in the streets, smashed in the mud, and floating in bodies of water. What was never foreseen is the ecological effects of forcing the people to embrace a required, punishable by law, and disposable addition to their daily routine. What’s more is the negative health effects that come with fixing a piece of cloth to one’s face for often hours a day. Some of this is nothing new to many. People often complain of headaches and breathing issues when forced to wear their mask over long periods of time, such as during a shopping session or during long walks outside. Now, more rising evidence is suggesting that there may be more truth behind this suspicion. Since the beginning of the “pandemic”, healthcare workers, police, and now the general populace are using and disposing of these plastic-based masks. These
masks, that come in a variety of models and styles, were never originally designed for mass general use, but rather specific use by trained medical personnel that would dispose of a relatively small number in biohazard receptacles. Their final disposal and handling would be treated in a specific way, but now they are found in normal trash cans, garbage piles, and littering public spaces. It’s no surprise, as most people don’t understand the long term effects of this new form of litter. The government, in a rush to look like the heroes by recommending this “wonder-mask” solution, did not display any environmental forethought when applying this mandate: these masks are not made of biodegradable materials, but rather of a thermoplastic composition known as polypropylene. Many of these polypropylene masks, which comprise almost all mainstream models of masks sold to the general public, can be found polluting gutters, roadsides, and open areas where trash collects. Like much of the waste, these discarded masks make their way into sewage systems and waterways, where they cause more problems with public waste service maintenance and local ecosystems. In these waterways, the masks can take almost 450 years to
completely break down. A quickly generated solution is the implementation of a special disposal system for the public, however, the costs of design, implementation, and servicing of this plan could be astronomical to the government, which is to say, the taxpayers. It’s clear that in an attempt to put a “bandaid on a gunshot wound,” the mask mandate has created a new ecological and public service problem that could be even more costly to correct than any virus. The environment isn’t the only one
Photo by Tracie Williams / Greenpeace
suffering from the widespread use of masks. People that are being forced to use them for any significant length of time (more than 1 hour of uninterrupted use) are showing physiological signs of distress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of the United States Department of Health & Human Services, has quietly released more data showing that any lengthy use of these masks is actually detrimental. Simply put, they have found something that should have been obvious from the beginning: Having your primary means of inhalation and respiratory health restricted and confined against your face is not good, forcing the CO2 that one exhales to be kept and inhaled again. According to the CDC, this change in respiratory abilities results in; • Headaches; • Increased pressure inside the skull; • Nervous system changes (e.g., increased pain threshold, reduction in cognition, altered judgement, decreased situational awareness, difficulty coordinating sensory or cognitive, abilities and motor activity, decreased visual acuity, widespread activation of the sympathetic nervous system that can oppose the direct effects of CO2 on the heart and blood vessels); • Increased breathing frequency; • Increased “work of breathing”, which is the result of breathing through a filter medium; • Cardiovascular effects (e.g., diminished cardiac contractility, vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels); • Reduced tolerance to lighter workloads. While the CDC notes that the simple remedy for this is the removal of the
mask, this is not quite an option to someone experiencing this in public. Police fines and threats from security guards of removal from the premises don’t allow for this. Government mandates continue to strangle the people. As the weather warms and the prospect of having a sheet of sweat-absorbent cloth strapped to one’s face becomes more undesirable, this useless mandate should fade just as the winter weather does. Repeatedly in Western circles, reports have cropped up indicating the failure of masks to be significantly effective against the virus we have been coaxed to fear so much. A multitude of medical professionals have tried to come forth to expose the fallacy of the mask, but the damage has been done. People associate the mask with good will, of people doing something good for their community in the midst of the “killer pandemic” with a murderous virus lurking in every corner (especially after the nightly curfew). This couldn’t be farther from the truth, and it has been buried under a mountain of propaganda and poorly substantiated research. The only way to advance society and curtail the poisoning of the beautiful Georgian ecosystem is to rescind this detrimental mask mandate. The government's compulsive need to make itself relevant has become more burdensome than usual, and it is past time for the correction to be implemented. With a recent weekly death rate of 0.00024%, it is beyond ridiculous that any restrictions continue. Statistically based on cases, the population only has a roughly 8% chance of even catching the virus. Even if they catch the virus, 95% will recover, not including the ones who contract it and remain asymptomatic. You have a greater chance of dying in a car accident, shark attack, or lightning, barring any preexisting comorbidities or severe old age. This is not a basis to ruin an economy and force people to cripple their health and the ecosystem via other means. Responsible politicians, public figures, diplomats, and the public masses need to make it known that this direction is no longer an option. The ecological and health concerns notwithstanding, the anthropological effects of shifting our society are egregious. The people want it, the economy requires it, and the environment begs for it: Unmask Now!
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SOCIETY
GEORGIA TODAY
APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
Playing Chicken: Etseri, Svaneti BLOG BY TONY HANMER
H
aving poultry (and, earlier, alongside them, cows) was a first for me when we moved from Tbilisi to Etseri. Not for my farmraised wife, of course. But I had a lot to learn about working with these birds. What do they eat? Seeds such as corn or wheat; grasses and other plants; insects and worms. The seeds are all that is available to them in winter, given morning and evening; except winter, a smaller amount of corn in the morning, thrown outside to encourage them out, and they’re good to go. They also need a source of water, in the barn in winter, and local streams otherwise. Preferred environment is, of course, under the open sky. In winter with its deep snows, they won’t venture out of the barn, but once the white is going and gone, they would rather spend most of their day outside. They will scratch the bare soil and then turn on it to see if a worm has appeared. Or, if I am hoeing near the barn, they seek worms in the newly exposed earth. But we discourage them from venturing into our raspberry canes or herbs at the other end of the property, with fences high enough that they can’t get over them. They are a flock animal, like many birds, and prefer to stay together. Predators include foxes, large enough raptor birds, and sometimes a naughty dog, which should be punished (or its owner should, for letting it loose if it’s going to behave thus off home soil!). Domestic cats are not much of a threat. Stopping the predators from entering the barn, while allowing the chickens to come and go, is only half the battle. During the day, beyond winter, they are outside and thus more vulnerable. Each of my neighbors has a rifle, mostly for shooting raptors
out of the sky, unfortunately. The chickens also sometimes get into other people’s nearby fields, and can wreak minor havoc on their shallow potatoes! The best numbers of roosters to have in your little flock are either none (if you don’t want fertilized eggs) or one. If you have two, one will dominate the other in fights. The same can happen, as I discovered, if your one rooster isn’t as strong as that of a neighbor, which can exploit this weakness and make the home boy’s life hell. I had to lure the invader into the barn, enter and shut it behind me, then he led me on a merry chase until I finally caught him and gave him back to his owners with a firm request to keep him away from my hens! Rinse, repeat, until at last they were able to imprison him long enough to break this bad habit. If you provide the right conditions, the hens will of course lay an egg every two days. Here, some psychology is needed to work with their instincts. A sheltered place in the barn with a bit of hay, not out in the open; a box a couple of times larger than a shoebox, say. They start laying once winter is on the retreat and things are warming up. You can take the eggs, and store them in a cool place, but leave the last one to encourage further laying. When you have 12 or so, if you like you can return them to the hen, and she will sit on them to hatch them after about three weeks. Where the trouble starts is in multiple hens laying their eggs in one place, despite your best efforts to give each her own nice box. Then, if two or more get into brooding mode at the same time, a strong instinct, they will start fighting over that place, and destruction (of the eggs) ensues. Once they have hatched, you may have to help the chicks down if they were in a box or off the ground, and settle them on the ground. They will eat crumbled unsalted cheese for a few days, then
wheat seeds. The hen will imprint them to herself by her presence and the unique clucks she makes so that they will get used to only her voice. The sweetest thing in the world is to see a hen with a chick or two or more peeking out from under her wing, as sheltered as can be. She takes them outside as soon as it’s warm enough, to teach them how to be themselves. Rain, outside, can be quite a threat to the new chicks. It can make them too cold and wet, or trap them in mud, if they get separated from their mother. They are fragile little things. We did have one, of all the hundreds hatched so far, born with deformed legs and quite unable to walk. The kindest, and indeed only
thing for it was a quick death, to save it from a lingering one. And I’ve lost one or two to cold, and a few to raptors. Red in tooth and claw, after all, is Nature. If a hen is playing up and trying foolishly to hatch only one egg, her brooding instinct may have gone too far, when you may not have other eggs to give her. The apparent cure is to dip her a few times in cold water, and put her under a bucket (of course she must have air!) in a cool place overnight. Drastic, but it seems to work. Fresh farm eggs for breakfast, along with Svan salt and cheese or toast and Marmite: the breakfast of kings. In an omelet a hundred different ways, anytime. As ingredients in baking, which
for me is more science than art, and best left to my wife, who does it so well. We won’t talk here about free-range chicken except to mention that its taste is far superior to that of a poor fat soulless imported battery bird. We’re just trying to live local. 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 Schools Join National Efforts to Reduce Climate Threats
The Heretiskari school will have a weather lab that will provide practical meteorological training to students and regular weather forecasts to the community.
T
he ‘Safe Learning Environment’ contest for schools drew participants from more than 40 public schools across 10 Georgian munic-
ipalities. The contest’s goals included climate-proofing schools and educating students and communities about climateinduced disasters. Organized by the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) in partnership with Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), the contest covered the Abasha, Akhmeta, Gori, Khobi, Kobuleti, Lagodekhi, Samtredia,
Senaki, Sighnaghi and Telavi municipalities. The top five projects received small but essential funding from UNDP and MEPA that will be used to implement the following activities: 1. A public school in the Heretiskari village in the Lagodekhi municipality will establish a weather lab that will provide practical meteorological training to students and regular weather forecasts to the community; 2. A school in the Khala village in the Kobuleti municipality will plant windbreaks and reinforce riverbank stability to increase the climate resilience of its premises; 3. A public school in Telavi will install a winter belt on its roof and engage school children in climate blogging and a photo contest; 4. A school in the Atskuri village of the Akhmeta municipality will make drainage canals to protect its premises from flooding; and 5. A public school in Gori will plant trees and organize a conference on climate change. “Climate education starts in schools where young people learn to understand the causes and consequences of climate change and take actions to adopt more sustainable lifestyles,” said Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili. “The Georgian government places great priority on climate education as part of the national effort to adapt to climate change and reduce its negative impacts on people and the economy.” “Georgia is experiencing climate change
first-hand, but people tend to assume that someone else is responsible for protecting them from climate-induced disasters,” said UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Anna Chernyshova. “Our support helps youth and communities to take climate action and contribute to building a climate-proof society.” In Georgia, climate change is increasingly recognized as a direct and immediate threat to people’s lives and livelihoods. According to recent research commissioned by UNDP and the European Union, Georgians see climate change as one of the top three challenges that humanity faces (along with poverty and infectious diseases). Almost 94% of the population recognize that climate change is affecting Georgia, not just other countries. Nevertheless, the same research shows that only a small percentage of the public translates this impressive awareness into climate-friendly behavior or actions. As a strong supporter of Georgia’s national climate action, UNDP is assisting the country to adopt climate-friendly policies, introducing sustainable practices and protecting people from climateinduced disasters. UNDP assistance comes from the $74 million program implemented by UNDP and MEPA, with funding from the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Georgia and the Swedish and Swiss development agencies. This seven-year program will reduce the risk of floods and other climate-driven disasters in all 11 of Georgia’s major river basins, provide direct protection to more than 1.7 million people and will assist the country in building a climate-proof future.
CULTURE
GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 23 - 39, 2021
Exhibition ‘Heads of Georgian Books’ Opens at National Center of Manuscripts
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Source of photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia
Restoration of Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum Begins BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE
O
Source of photo: tbilisi.gov.ge
BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE
W
ithin the framework of the Tbilisi City Hall and the UNESCO project ‘Tbilisi – the Capital of the Book World,’ the exhibition ‘Georgian Book Origins’ was opened at the Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Center of Manuscripts. The exhibition is in two parts and combines important materials preserved in the repositories of the Manuscript Center. “Tbilisi City Hall celebrated the State Language Day with an interesting event.
This exhibition is a continuation of this day, and I’m glad to present to our citizens and guests of Tbilisi the historical wealth of Georgia in this way,” said Deputy Mayor Andria Basilaia. “This week, Tbilisi will host the UNESCO project ‘Tbilisi – World Book Capital,’ and with such projects, I believe that by this time next year, our society, our future generations, will be even closer to books.” The first part of the exhibition presents the collections of the National Center of Manuscripts as the beginning of the history of Georgian books. Among them are the first written fragments (Palimpsests of V-VIII centuries), the first translations, literary works, unique manu-
scripts reflecting the thought of medicine, jurisprudence, astrology, chemistry, physics, geography-cartography, or encyclopedic character. This part of the exhibition also features manuscripts of different sizes and shapes. The second part of the exhibition, ‘Meeting with the classics – in the world of autographs’ presents the autographs of classic works preserved in the collections of the National Center of Manuscripts. Among them are the works of Ioane Shavteli, Chakhrukhadze, Mose Khoneli, Teimuraz I, Archil, Teimuraz II, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, Besik, Nikoloz Baratashvili, Davit Guramishvili, Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, VazhaPshavela, and Grigol Robakidze.
n the initiative of the Minister of Culture, Tea Tsulukiani, the restoration of the Art Museum named after Georgian scientist and art critic Shalva Amiranashvili has begun. “We have decided to start a great, glorious cause, in which we hope, together with our society, we will succeed,” Tsulukiani said. “Today, work on the restoration of the Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum begins. For many years, this museum has been closed, though a total of 140,000 unique exhibits were once preserved here. The first task will be to register the funds, calculate them, and determine the action plan for the restoration of the museum.” Minister Tsulukiani stated that the order of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of April 19, 2021, was issued, according to which four museums/groups of museums will be established on the basis of the National Museum: 1. The Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum, National Gallery and Sighnaghi Historical-Ethnographic Museum; 2. The Sports
Museum; 3. The Giorgi Chitaia Ethnographic Museum; and 4. The Simon Janashia Museum, which also includes all other museums currently under its umbrella. Shalva Amiranashvili (1899 – 1975) was a Georgian art historian, one of the first to engage in the systematic scholarly treatment of the art of Georgia. His name was given, in 1991, to the Art Museum of Georgia, which he directed for 36 years, from 1939 to 1975. Prior to its renaming as an Art Museum, the National Art Gallery, now on Liberty (Freedom) Square, was opened through the efforts of Western-educated young Georgian artists in Tbilisi on February 1, 1920. It grew into the Central Museum of Fine Arts, opened in 1923. In 1945, following a special agreement between the Soviet and French governments, numerous works of art constituting the National Treasury of Georgia, manuscripts, metalwork, jewelry, enamels, paintings, evacuated by the Georgian government-in-exile following the 1921 Red Army invasion, were returned to Tbilisi and added to the museum’s collection. The eminent Shalva Amiranashvili, who was to head the museum for more than thirty years, played an important role in the formation of the collection.
After Digitizing the Florence Uffizi, Centrica Will Hold a Masterclass at BTU
F
ollowing the digitization of the Florence Uffizi Museum, the leading Italian tech brand Centrica will hold a masterclass in Georgia for people working in the field of art and culture, on May 18, 2021. The aim of the masterclass is to train representatives in the field of the latest technologies from the network of the Georgian National Museum, various galleries, companies in the field of art, culture and technology. The direction of cultural technologies is aimed at modern technological integrating achievements in museums and other cultural areas. Integrating more than 1,000 unique works of art created by Da Vinci, Giotto, Caravaggio and other artists into a virtual environment, and offering an innovative experience to the viewer is the project by which the company has made a name for itself. Using interac-
tive systems and digital technologies, widescreen projections are created for educational purposes and are considered to be the most advanced technology in culture. Centrica masterclass "A Digital Experience with Art & Culture" will be held with the support of the Italian Embassy in Georgia, in partnership with the Business and Technology University and the Georgian National Museum. Representatives from the network of the Georgian National Museum, various galleries, companies in the field of art, culture and technology will be invited among the participants. Registration for those wishing to attend the event is available at this link: https://docs. google.com/ forms/d/1yEcrAMEYZYxFWhhykMvLe3AoU6pMp_zbedQw4mtC_c/ edit?ts=6073f233&gxids=7628
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