Policy Briefs
Georgia’s biodiversity: urgency of effective policies
Thursday,
14
December,
2023
Thursday,
14
December,
2023
Biodiversity, as defined by the Convention of Biological Diversity (CDB), refers to “the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems” (CDB). Generally, it refers to the diversity of ecosystems and the variety of life on Earth.
Biodiversity conservation plays a fundamental role in maintaining the health of the planet and ensuring the well-being of all species, including humans. It is vital for ecological, economic, cultural, and ethical reasons as it ensures the sustainability of ecosystems and benefits both present and future generations. Protecting biodiversity is a global responsibility and a key component of sustainable development.
Georgia, which is situated in the Caucasus eco-region, is identified as one of WWF's 35 "priority places" and encompasses two of the 34 globally recognized "biodiversity hotspots": the Caucasus and Iran-Anatolian hotspots. Nestled in the mountainous expanse of the South Caucasus, Georgia boasts a remarkable level of biodiversity, featuring abundant endemic species, rare habitat types, and diverse ecosystems.
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Green growth strategy: how is the renewable energy sector in Georgia progressing, and what else is still required?
03
April
2023
The increasing proportion of renewable energy in the world’s overall energy supply indicates the growing popularity of renewable energy globally. From 2010 to 2021, this percentage rose from 3.2% to 5.2%, while modern bioenergy increased from 5.7% to 6.7%.
Price controls and their impact on economy
14
March
2023
Over the past few years, food prices have been increasing and Georgia has been facing food price inflation in the double digits. This is primarily due to international market trends that reflect concerns over decreased production, increased crude oil prices, as well as COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine increased pressure on international food markets already struggling with soaring prices.
Overview of the hazelnut sector in Georgia: past trends and the way forward
20
February
2023
Historically, hazelnuts have been one of Georgia’s main crops in terms of economic value; as the country is located on the Black Sea coastal area, which has suitable soil and climate conditions for growing hazelnuts. Even as early as the fourth century B.C., populations grew wild forms of hazelnut, which later adapted to local conditions and formed regional varieties (GEONUTS, 2023).
Air quality in Georgia: need for urgent policy solutions
01
February
2023
Pollution is an existential threat to modern society, one which endangers both human and planetary health. It includes contaminating the air with ozone, sulfur, nitrogen-containing nitrous oxides, and delicate particulate matter (PM2.5). Reduction of air pollution is a key aspect of Green Growth, which, together with attaining the goals of the Paris Agreement, could save around a million lives a year worldwide by 2050 (Rijsberman, 2019).
