“The Economics of Nature. Can Georgia afford Economic Growth without Taking Care of its Nature?” was the title of a panel discussion jointly organized by GIZ and ISET, and examined an important issue facing the country.

Pavan Sukhdev, the coordinator of the global TEEB (The Economy of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) Study, and Kavita Sharma, the leader of the TEEB Scoping Study for Georgia, held keynote presentations outlining international experiences regarding TEEB. The event highlighted the economic importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, emphasized the relations between these services and development goals, and provoked a discussion on the greening of economies as a new, sustainable engine for economic growth.

This high-level panel discussion was held within the framework of the German-Georgian Year, and as part of the annual celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). The discussion was attended by more than 300 participants, including economic leaders, diplomatic corps representatives, financial experts, as well as students of economic and environmental Master's programs in Georgia.

The event was moderated by ISET President Eric Livny.