The National Environmental Agency of Georgia, under the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, held a working meeting with stakeholders of the EU-funded project BS-SEOS at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University within the framework of the INTERREG project. The EU project “Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System” aims to strengthen ecological connections between the countries of the Black Sea Basin, promote sustainable resource management and care for the well-being of the local population.
The lead partner of this project is the Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries, Turkey, partners are the National Environmental Agency, Georgia, Istanbul University, Turkey;
National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”.
The current ecological status of the Black Sea will be determined within the framework of the project, the main threats will be assessed, which will be achieved based on the use of innovative technologies, without human intervention. At the points of interest for measurements, certain basic parameters are monitored based on a predetermined program and reliable, practically the most accurate data is created. It is envisaged to compile databases based on this information and, moreover, to conduct certain modeling using artificial intelligence.
This issue is relevant, especially in modern times, because the Black Sea, as a vital marine ecosystem and our living environment, is facing significant environmental challenges due to pollution, overfishing and climate change.
The working meeting was attended by Tite Aroshidze, Rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Anil Ozgar, Project Manager, representatives of the project partner countries - Romania and Turkey, academic staff of the faculties of natural sciences and health and technology, students of the ecology and geography specialty, the National Environmental Agency itself, Representatives of Batumi City Hall, Supreme Council, Adjara Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Service and other organizations, teachers of public schools.
The participants of the meeting were welcomed by the Head of the National Environmental Agency Vasil Gedevanishvili and the Rector of BSU Tite Aroshidze. Reports on the project were made by the Project Manager Anil Ozgar, Advisor to the Head of the Hydrometeorological Service of the National Environmental Agency, Project Coordinator from Georgia - Giorgi Kordzakhia, and representatives of the National Environmental Agency - Elina Bakradze, Vitali Machavariani, Marina Mgeladze, Ramaz Mikeladze. A total of three sessions were held with interesting reports. All sessions were accompanied by discussions, feedback from stakeholders and identification of areas of future cooperation.
It is important that within the framework of the project, an expensive drone will be purchased, which will be used to assess the current ecological state of the Black Sea, data obtained as a result of monitoring will be shared, and also, which is especially noteworthy, scientists and experts engaged in Black Sea research will be given the opportunity to use the created pollution databases.
The meeting was held in an interactive format. The participants actively participated in the discussions, expressed their opinions, shared their experiences, and identified specific opportunities for further cooperation. It is worth noting the involvement of young people - students and academic staff, which will significantly strengthen environmental awareness for future generations.
The working meeting with the project stakeholders ended with a common agreement that such initiatives serve not only to improve the ecological state of the Black Sea, but also to promote the development of marine science, strengthen international cooperation, and introduce the principles of sustainable environmental management.
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