23-24 February, 2011 Geneva, Switzerland Nino Gokhelashvili Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia Workshop on Promoting the Application of the Principles of the Aarhus Convention in International Forums

 Take decision considering ecological, social and economical interest  Reveal optimal project decision  Prevention of harmful impacts on the environment  Reduction, mitigation or compensation of negative impacts on the environment  Maintenance of ecological balance One of the Main principle to Achieve Sustainable Development is a Broad Public Participation in Decision-making () One of the Main principle to Achieve Sustainable Development is a Broad Public Participation in Decision-making (Agenda 21) Main Principles of the Government of Georgia Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

Aarhus convention in Georgia  Georgia Ratified the Aarhus Convention in April 11, 2000  Public Participation Procedure is Provided in Environmental Impact Assessment  In Case of Differences in Public Consultation Period, the Stricter one is Operating Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

Why Government Chooses IFIs/Donors with PP Procedure in Their Policy  Easy for negotiation  Coincidence in procedures  Save effort  Preliminary identification of effective ways for implementation of project  Avoidance of conflicts  Successful implementation of projects Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

Why PP in the Policy of IFIs/Donors  To ensure  Broad participation  Identification of alternatives  Agreed decision  Successful implementation of projects  To avoid  Problems during the Implementation of project  Unforeseen changes  Additional financial resources for the project  Etc. Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

Examples of Some Differences  Georgia – Shorter  Georgia – Shorter (45 days for public consultation)  IFIs/Donors – Longer Operates longer period of time  IFIs/Donors – Longer (e.g. WB -120 days) Operates longer period of time  Special Case –  Special Case – Exemption from EIA Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

What Can We Offer IFIs/Donors (1)  Guidelines  Implementation Guide for Government Officials and the Public  Implementation Guide for Government Officials and the Public (Project “Environmental Information, Education and Awareness-raising in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine”. EuropeAid, Royal Haskoning, REC CEE, 2004.)  Initiatives  Capacity Building of Local Bancs  Capacity Building of Local Bancs on introduction of and compliance with the Aarhus Principles  Green Initiatives,  Green Initiatives, e.g. in a Frame of Social Programs  Good Practical Examples Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

What Can We Offer IFIs/Donors (2)  Coordination Meetings - MEPNR/Donors (General and Sector- specific, with NGO participation)  Exchange of information  Exchange of information on: policy, strategy, priorities, on-going projects and future plans  Avoid duplication  Avoid duplication of activities  Achieve synergies  Achieve synergies between the activities  Setting up agreed future plans  Improved communication b  Improved communication between MEPNR/Donors and Donors/Donors Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

Thank You Nino Gokhelashvili Head, Division of International Relations Department of Environmental Policy and International Relations Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia Tel/fax: ( )727223; e-mali: