In order to advance innovative scientific and engineering disciplines in the fields of water resources management and environmental protection in the South Caucasus region (Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia), and to foster the development and dissemination of environmental education across the former Soviet area, one of the earliest non-governmental organizations – the Hydrotechnician Cooperative – was founded in 1985. The organization was established through the initiative of Academician Tsotne Mirtskhulava and Professors Pridon Shatberashvili and Otar Sichinava.
In Georgia, the organization’s legal status evolved in parallel with legislative reforms. Initially, it was reorganized as a public organization under the name Ecocenter for Environmental Protection from Floods and Inundations. In subsequent years, it was further transformed into a LEPL Eco-Center for Environmental Protection (Ecocenter).
Since 2011, the organization has been led by Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and Professor Givi Gavardashvili.
In recognition of its implementation of numerous international projects in environmental engineering across the South Caucasus, Kazakhstan (Central Asia), and other regions, as well as its sustained contribution to enhancing environmental education through international conferences, training programs, and seminars, the Eco-Center was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) by decision of June 18, 2019. This designation represents a significant institutional milestone for a non-governmental organization.
At present, the Eco-Center operates through an administrative unit and three specialized departments, employs more than 50 scientists and engineers, and maintains active international cooperation with partners in over 20 countries, including major international organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, the European Union, NATO, FAO, ICID, and others.
On January 10, 2020, the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection marked its 35th anniversary. In connection with this occasion, Professor Jerzy Jerznach of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland), a specialist in environmental protection studies, published a detailed overview of the organization’s activities in the GEORGIA TODAY newspaper (January 10–13, 2019 issue).
The following section presents an overview of selected innovative projects and grant-funded initiatives implemented by the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection under the leadership of Academician Givi Gavardashvili over the past five years (2020–2025).
Owing to its geographical position, the Black Sea represents a region of strategic and environmental interest for numerous countries, including Georgia. Within this context, in 2020 the Eco-Center implemented a project entitled “Assessment of Environmental Risks to Beaches Resulting from Storm Events along the Batumi–Sarpi Section of the Black Sea Coastline” (funded by a private individual). It is noteworthy that this coastal area lies along the Georgian-Turkish border, where ensuring coastal environmental safety and assessing storm-induced beach erosion risks are of considerable practical importance for both states.
2022 – Following its successful participation in a state tender, the Eco-Center prepared the project “Preparation of Design and Cost Documentation for the Installation of Drainage Systems at the Niko Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi,” funded by the LEPL “National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation Georgia” under the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia. To safeguard the Niko Dadiani Palace foundation from groundwater impacts, the project introduced an innovative three-tier combined drainage system, the originality of which is protected by a Georgian patent (patent holder: G. Gavardashvili).
Within the framework of the project “Preparation of Hydrological Recommendations for the Rehabilitation of the Ivane Javakhishvili Memorial House-Museum and Ensuring Flood Safety of the Territory” (funded by Arc-Light LTD, 2023), comprehensive hydrological recommendations were developed to support the subsequent design and implementation of engineering flood-control measures. The project was aimed at the rehabilitation of the Ivane Javakhishvili Memorial House-Museum, a cultural heritage site located in the village of Khovle, Kaspi Municipality, and at ensuring effective flood protection for the surrounding area.
UNESCO Grant Project – conducted within the framework of the Participation Programme for 2022–2023, announced by the Georgian National Commission for UNESCO, entitled “Forecasting Natural Disasters and Innovative Risk Reduction Measures.” The primary objective of the project was to develop and implement a comprehensive national safety strategy and an action plan for risk management, alongside assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to potential natural and anthropogenic hazards.
The project facilitated active collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations in contemporary risk management practices and their operational implementation. This collaboration enabled the establishment of an effective national platform for integrated and systematic risk management, aimed at preventing and mitigating the impact of natural and anthropogenic disasters. During the project period, conferences were organized to enhance environmental awareness among local communities in Tbilisi and the municipalities of Dusheti, Kazbegi, Kvareli, Telavi, and Akhmeta.
Additionally, as part of the project, a UNESCO Green Alley was developed in the courtyard of the public school in the village of Ozhio (school director: Zhana Akhalkatsishvili), Akhmeta Municipality, where approximately 100 evergreen plants were planted.
Grant Project of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth – “Elastic Anti-Debris-Flow Barrage” (AR-18-1244). The leading institution for this innovative project is the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Institute of Water Management at the Georgian Technical University, with the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection serving as the project partner (funded by the Science Foundation).
The Eco-Center for Environmental Protection conducted applied scientific field research, which included the identification of a river in the mountainous regions of Georgia exhibiting active debris-flow processes, suitable for the construction of an innovative debris-flow protection barrier (patent holders: G. Gavardashvili, E. Kukhalashvili, Sh. Kupreishvili, N. Gavardashvili). The project encompassed both the installation of the barrier and its subsequent field testing under natural conditions. For this purpose, Eco-Center specialists selected the catchment basin in the gorge of the Mleta River (Dusheti Municipality), where the innovative flexible debris-flow barrier was successfully constructed. Field studies confirmed the structure’s stability and operational reliability.
With financial support from the World Bank and assistance from the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Eco-Center staff (2021–2022) developed the grant project CARYS_19_305: Innovative Integrated Measures Against Snow Avalanches (patent holder: G. Gavardashvili). As part of the project, a test facility for an innovative avalanche-protection structure was constructed in Gudauri, within the Stepantsminda Municipality, where scientific field experiments continue to be conducted.
International Project NATO SPS G6028 – “Safety Monitoring and Pollution Risk Control Using Digital Models” – funded under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The NATO Project Director (NPD) is Dr. Charles Hyler, Director of the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), California State University (CSU). From Georgia, the NATO Project Co-Director (PPD) is Academician Givi Gavardashvili, Director of the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Institute of Water Management at the Georgian Technical University (GTU). Partner organizations include the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection (Georgia). Key contributors to the project are Professor Kadir Seyhan (Turkey), Doctor of Technical Sciences Mikhail Yatsenyuk (Ukraine), Academic Doctor Dragos Marin (Romania), and Professor Emil Burnavski (Bulgaria).
The primary objective of the project is to investigate the environmental parameters of the Black Sea and, within this framework, to establish a Black Sea Scientific Research Observatory in accordance with NATO standards at the Poti Environmental Base of the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Institute of Water Management of Georgian Technical University.
Following the Eco-Center’s successful bid in a 2025 state tender, the organization developed the project “Preparation of Design and Cost Documentation for Water Drainage Measures from the Territory of the Niko Nikoladze House-Museum and Garden-Park, Located in the Village of Didi Jikhaishi, Samtredia Municipality,” funded by the LEPL National Agency for Cultural Heritage. The project has been completed, successfully passed state examination, and, according to the documentation, is ready for construction commencement.
In the first two months of 2026, the administration of the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection has already signed an agreement with a private individual – master’s degree student Lika Tandilashvili – for the conduct of scientific field and laboratory research in the channel of the Duruji River as part of a grant-funded project. Simultaneously, negotiations are ongoing with the Gori Municipality regarding a second project involving scientific fieldwork, laboratory research, design activities, and environmental protection measures in the Tana River catchment basin, with the aim of finalizing a contract for the implementation of an EU-funded project.
The past five years of work(2020-2025) by the Eco-Center for Environmental Protection stand as a compelling testament to its leadership in advancing both scientific innovation and practical solutions in environmental engineering and management. Through impactful research, pioneering engineering designs, and sustained international collaboration, the Center has significantly contributed to addressing complex environmental challenges across Georgia, the South Caucasus, and beyond. On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, I extend my sincere congratulations to my esteemed colleague and friend, Academician Givi Gavardashvili, and his dedicated team. Their vision, commitment, and achievements have elevated the Eco-Center to an internationally recognized institution, including its distinguished consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). I wish the Eco-Center continued success in its vital mission of advancing resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship both regionally and globally.
Professor Bilal M. Ayyub, PhD
Director, Center for Technology and Systems Management, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
Academician (Foreign Member), Georgian National Academy of Sciences
Honorary Visiting Professor, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
Senior Economist, US National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce, USA (2023-24). Co-Director, International Joint Research Center for Resilient Infrastructure, Tongji University, China. Science Advisory Board (member), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA.
By Team GT
