The municipalities of Oni and Ambrolauri in Georgia are setting the stage for a more sustainable future through the development of the Green Concept Document. Led by the Student-Youth Consultative Council with support from the European Union and CENN, this document aims to provide a clear roadmap for implementing green policies that will foster a cleaner, more environmentally responsible approach to local development. Drawing inspiration from successful EU Green Cities, the Green Concept is designed to address key environmental challenges while improving the overall quality of life for the residents of these municipalities.
Gege Kervalishvili, a representative of the Student-Youth Consultative Council, offered insights into the development of the Green Concept, its objectives, the challenges encountered, and the potential benefits that lie ahead for the municipalities of Oni and Ambrolauri.
The Goal of the Green Concept
The Green Concept’s primary goal is to create an ecologically clean environment in both Oni and Ambrolauri while promoting green policies. Kervalishvili emphasized that the concept is about more than just environmental protection—it’s about setting a vision for the municipalities that will benefit both the people and the environment. “The idea is to create an ecologically clean environment and promote green policies that will help these municipalities grow in a more sustainable way,” he explained.
The Green Concept is not just an environmental document; it is also a strategic plan for the future. By introducing green practices and focusing on sustainability, the concept aims to transform these two regions into models of eco-friendly development within Georgia. The Student-Youth Consultative Council’s role in this project has been central, with the organization working alongside local stakeholders, officials, and community members to ensure that the concept meets the needs of the people living in these municipalities.
Inspiration from EU Green Cities
The Green Concept was inspired by the experiences of EU Green Cities, which have successfully implemented green policies to improve environmental quality and enhance urban life. The Student-Youth Consultative Council was particularly influenced by the EU-supported Georgia Climate Action Project, which aimed to introduce climate mitigation and adaptation practices in the regions of Georgia. Kervalishvili highlighted that “the inspiration for the concept came from this project, which helped us understand how European cities have applied green development policies to improve the environment.”
The goal was to apply similar strategies that have been successful in European cities to the context of Oni and Ambrolauri, adapting them to local conditions. The Green Concept is designed to take the best practices from cities that have participated in initiatives like the EU’s “Green Leaf” competition and tailor them to the specific challenges and opportunities of these two municipalities.
Challenges in Creating the Green Concept Document
Developing the Green Concept Document was a complex and challenging process. One of the primary obstacles was understanding the existing environmental conditions in both Oni and Ambrolauri. According to Kervalishvili, a significant part of the challenge was “studying the current situation in Oni and Ambrolauri municipalities in terms of green development,” which involved researching the existing infrastructure, policies, and resources available in both regions.
Another challenge was finding European cities with similar characteristics and environmental challenges that could serve as models. Kervalishvili explained that it was crucial to study the successes of cities that had implemented green policies with similar conditions, and adapt their practices to suit the local context of Oni and Ambrolauri. Through research, the team identified four cities—Lappeenranta in Finland, Gabrovo in Bulgaria, Velenje in Slovenia, and Winterswijk in the Netherlands—that had successfully implemented green development policies. These cities served as key examples and provided valuable lessons for developing the Green Concept.
Key Recommendations of the Green Concept
The Green Concept Document includes several key recommendations aimed at improving the sustainability and environmental health of Oni and Ambrolauri. One of the central recommendations is to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. By focusing on clean energy solutions, both municipalities can reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs over time. Additionally, promoting energy-efficient practices among residents and businesses is essential to creating a more sustainable energy landscape.
Promoting environmentally friendly transport is another important focus of the Green Concept. Kervalishvili noted that the document recommends encouraging the use of electric vehicles, improving public transportation options, and expanding cycling infrastructure. These measures aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and make the municipalities more livable for residents.
Waste management and the circular economy also play a key role in the Green Concept. The document calls for better waste separation, recycling programs, and initiatives that encourage the reduction of waste at the community level. By adopting a circular economy approach, the municipalities can minimize waste, reuse materials, and reduce the need for landfills.
Another key recommendation is the development of green spaces, including parks, nature reserves, and community gardens. Expanding green areas will help improve local biodiversity, enhance the beauty of the area, and provide residents with recreational spaces that contribute to their well-being.
Addressing Local Environmental Challenges
The Green Concept is tailored to address the specific environmental challenges of Oni and Ambrolauri. Kervalishvili emphasized that the implementation of the recommendations will have a direct and positive impact on the local environment. “The implementation of these recommendations will create an environmentally friendly environment and will clearly improve the situation in terms of environmental protection,” he said. The concept focuses on practical, achievable solutions to the region’s most pressing environmental issues, such as waste management, energy consumption, and green space development.
For example, waste management in both municipalities is currently a significant challenge, with limited recycling programs and high levels of waste generation. The Green Concept proposes solutions to address these issues, including improved waste separation and better recycling facilities. Similarly, energy consumption in the area relies heavily on non-renewable sources, and the concept recommends transitioning toward renewable energy solutions to reduce the environmental impact.
Research and Collaboration
The development of the Green Concept involved extensive research and collaboration with local stakeholders. Kervalishvili explained that the project team studied the green policies of European cities that have successfully implemented sustainable practices. By looking at cities such as Lappeenranta, Gabrovo, Velenje, and Winterswijk, the team gained insights into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to green urban development. This research provided a foundation for developing the recommendations in the Green Concept.
The process also involved working closely with local officials in Oni and Ambrolauri. The Student-Youth Consultative Council met with department heads and municipal leaders to gather information on existing green development projects and future plans. By engaging with local stakeholders, the Green Concept ensures that the recommendations align with the priorities of the community and are feasible for implementation.
Community Engagement and Local Support
A crucial element of the Green Concept’s development was the involvement of the local community. Kervalishvili noted that the Student-Youth Consultative Council facilitated discussions with local residents and stakeholders to ensure the document reflects the needs of the people. “We wanted to make sure that future generations have a say in the environmental decisions that will impact their communities,” he said. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the Green Concept is not only practical but also widely supported by the local population.
Expected Benefits of the Green Concept
Implementing the Green Concept promises to bring several benefits to the municipalities of Oni and Ambrolauri. Kervalishvili is optimistic about the positive changes the concept will bring, stating, “The environment in the municipalities of Oni and Ambrolauri will significantly improve.” The recommendations for renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste management, and green spaces will help create a cleaner, healthier environment for local residents. In addition, the concept offers economic opportunities by encouraging private sector investment in green initiatives, such as renewable energy projects and waste management solutions.
By fostering a more sustainable environment, the Green Concept also has the potential to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance the local economy. The development of green spaces and infrastructure projects could lead to increased tourism, improved property values, and a higher quality of life for residents.
Spreading the Green Concept Across Georgia
While the Green Concept was created specifically for Oni and Ambrolauri, Kervalishvili mentioned that it could be shared with other municipalities in Georgia. “Although the primary focus was on Oni and Ambrolauri, the document can be shared with other regions if they are interested,” he said. This openness to sharing the Green Concept could inspire other municipalities across Georgia to adopt similar green policies and work toward more sustainable futures.
A Bright Future for Oni and Ambrolauri
The Green Concept for Oni and Ambrolauri represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future for these municipalities. With support from the Student-Youth Consultative Council, the European Union, and CENN, the document provides a clear and actionable plan for implementing green policies that will benefit the environment and improve the quality of life for residents. By focusing on energy, waste management, transportation, and green spaces, the Green Concept offers a comprehensive approach to sustainability that can serve as a model for other municipalities in Georgia. As Oni and Ambrolauri begin to implement the recommendations, they set a strong example of how sustainable development can create lasting, positive change for communities.
