1. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth Implementation of Aarhus Convention in Georgia during Realization of projects and Public Participation in Decision Making Processes The overview of State approach in implementation of Aarhus Convention during implementation of different projects; Effectiveness of activities of Non-Governmental Organizations in the issues of Environment Protection; George Paresishvili

2. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth According to Aarhus Convention (article #3), member countries are taking specific responsibilities based on its national legislation and rules in order to ensure public participation in decision making processes (Laws on Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecological expertise). Although the Law on EIA of Georgia allows public to participate in decision-making, discussions, most of the times, are of a formal character and local population is not able to express their own opinions about the issues.

3. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth In 2009, Public discussions were held regarding the construction of detoured railway licensed by The Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia. With effort of local NGO sector, public discussions were open and population had an opportunity to express their ideas freely. Although, most of these ideas were not considered, population was still satisfied for the given possibilities to participate and influence the processes. Case I: Construction of detoured railway, 2009; Case II: Primary transmission line crossing the territory of Borjom-Kharagauli National Park, 2009 During public discussions, several problems were identified, that have been indicated farther in Environment Impact Assessment document. The awareness of public on real problems and threats was very low. Local NGOs succeeded to organize a number of awareness raising activities in order to increase the knowledge of general public on their rights and real threats, caused by implementation of above mentioned project. As a result of joint efforts, alternative solutions have been identified and accepted by the government.

4. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth The investor had to organize public discussions, although no actions have been organized for this purpose. Local NGOs succeeded to inform general public regarding the issue. Reaction of public was very negative. As a result, the State was forced to stop the construction. Case III: Construction of Hydro-electric Power-Station in 2009; Case IV: Construction of landfield in Chakhvi, 2009; With joint effort of local NGOs, international organizations and local population (more than 1000 signatures collected by population protesting against the construction), the permission on construction of landfield in coastal village Chakhvi was stopped.

5. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth During implementation of infrastructural projects, public participation according to Aarhus convention practically was not functioning. E.g. according to existing legislation, the infrastructural projects, as reconstruction of internal roads, don’t need Environment Impact Assessment. During construction of Tbilisi internal highway, the opinions of public was not taken into consideration. As a result, the project caused significant impact on local environment and contradistinction between state and population has been increased. Case V: Construction of Tbilisi highway, 2010;

6. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth Above mentioned facts prove, that: Public involvement and participation under the Aarhus convention, during implementation of big projects, having huge impacts on environment and human life, are not sufficiently implemented; In most cases, public is not involved or the level of involvement is such low, that it cannot influence the proceedings of the projects. Decision making processes are often implemented through incorrect procedures; The awareness of public on their right is very low; Legislation on the procedures of the Environment Impact Assessment is very poor and needs to be improved;

7. საქართველოს მწვანეთა მოძრაობა / დედამიწის მეგობრები Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth Thank you for your attention