The Georgia Climate Action Project, implemented over four years with financial support from the European Union, and led by the CENN, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling Georgia’s environmental challenges while strengthening civil society and promoting human rights. The project, which was executed in partnership with the Kakheti Regional Development Foundation (KRDF), Association of Chiaturians Union (ACU), Racha-Lechkhumi and Low Svaneti Agrotourism Development Association (RLS-ADA), and the Young Pedagogues’ Union (YPU), was designed to focus on issues like water security and a healthy environment. Megi Gamtkistulashvili, the Project Manager, provided GEORGIA TODAY with key insights into the initiative’s goals, implementation, and the lessons learned from engaging with communities across Georgia’s diverse regions.
Strengthening Civil Society for Climate Action
One of the core aims of the Georgia Climate Action Project was to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) and engage them in policy advocacy, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental protection. Megi Gamtkistulashvili explains that the project was driven by the understanding that CSOs play a crucial role in shaping national policies, especially those related to climate action and human rights. “Our project focused on empowering CSOs to be able to participate effectively in national climate policy design,” she says. This approach was particularly important given that many local organizations in Georgia had limited experience in policy advocacy and a weaker understanding of the complex processes involved in national-level policy-making.
The project aimed to fill gaps in CSOs’ capacity, particularly in terms of policy processes, communication strategies, and collaboration with stakeholders. Megi highlighted that CSOs were traditionally service-focused, often addressing immediate community needs but not necessarily engaging in long-term policy advocacy. By building their capacity to influence decisions at the municipal and national level, the Georgia Climate Action Project sought to integrate local environmental challenges and community needs into the broader climate agenda. “Our goal was to not only support organizations in their existing work but also to help them understand how to advocate for environmental issues at the highest levels of governance,” she adds.
In line with this goal, the Racha Youth Assembly contributed to the development of the Green Concept Document for Oni and Ambrolauri municipalities. This document proposed sustainable development strategies, including renewable energy and waste management initiatives, based on successful European examples. It exemplified how local actors, particularly youth and community groups, can contribute meaningfully to the creation of policies that align with sustainable, climate-resilient development.
Local Engagement and Empowering Grassroots Movements
An essential component of the project’s strategy was the engagement of local communities, which was a key aspect of ensuring its long-term success. Megi emphasized that, to be truly effective, the project needed to directly involve local CSOs, municipalities, and community members in addressing climate-related challenges. The initiative worked to strengthen up to 50 CSOs across Georgia, helping them develop new projects that promoted water security, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
The project also included a grant competition for local CSOs, which were encouraged to propose innovative, community-driven projects. Megi explains that local CSOs had an unparalleled understanding of their communities’ needs, allowing them to develop solutions tailored to local contexts. “We gave local organizations the freedom to choose their partners and implement projects that directly addressed the issues they saw in their regions. This grassroots approach made a real difference,” she says.
The grants, totaling 9,000 EUR, were awarded in two rounds, funding a total of 20 regional projects. The initiatives funded through these grants focused on a range of critical themes, including climate change mitigation, renewable energy and energy efficiency, water security, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. By addressing pressing environmental challenges, these projects not only improved local resilience but also raised awareness about the importance of climate action and environmental protection.
A nice example of local community engagement was a project in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha, which focused on strengthening farmers’ skills in climate-smart agriculture to support local farming communities. A total of 60 local farmers were trained in viticulture, horticulture, and beekeeping, with additional outreach through informational brochures distributed in remote villages.
Focus on Renewable Energy and Climate-Smart Agriculture
The project paid particular attention to promoting renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, two sectors deemed crucial to building resilience in Georgia’s rural communities. Megi explains that both sectors offer practical, sustainable solutions for local communities, particularly those in rural areas where agricultural practices heavily influence environmental outcomes.
In addition, promoting renewable energy solutions, particularly in remote areas, was a key strategy for reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. Megi emphasizes that local farmers and rural communities were encouraged to adopt energy-efficient technologies and explore alternative energy sources like solar power. “By introducing renewable energy technologies, we aimed to provide local communities with not just environmental benefits but also economic ones. These projects create local jobs and help communities become more self-sufficient,” she explains.
One notable initiative led by the Kakheti NGO was the installation of a 3-kilowatt solar power station in the village of Kasristskali, Akhmeta Municipality. This project provided a reliable, sustainable energy source to the newly renovated kindergarten, addressing the community’s long-standing issues with unstable power supply. In addition to providing the community with a dependable energy solution, the initiative also served as an educational tool, raising awareness about climate change and renewable energy through training sessions for local youth. The success of this project has sparked interest in similar renewable energy initiatives in other remote villages, showcasing the potential for solar power to improve infrastructure and promote sustainability in underserved areas.
Similarly, in Akhmeta Municipality, the AAIP Matani XXI led an initiative that focused on integrating solar energy into local schools, promoting climate change awareness among students. The project involved installing solar panels in five schools, conducting training sessions on climate change, and organizing an art competition on environmental issues. These efforts not only demonstrated the practical use of renewable energy but also inspired the next generation to become active participants in environmental conservation. The initiative has received widespread support, with plans to expand the program across the region.
In Kakheti, the Georgian Civil Development Association (SAGA) launched a project at Velistsikhe Public School that aimed to enhance environmental education and energy efficiency. SAGA established an energy efficiency laboratory equipped with renewable energy devices, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in sustainability. In addition to providing students with valuable knowledge, the project also trained teachers on how to integrate energy efficiency topics into their curricula. The project became a model for other schools in the region, helping to create a more informed and proactive community around renewable energy.
Engaging Local Communities and Youth in Climate Action
Another focal point of the Georgia Climate Action Project was engaging young people and educational institutions in climate action. However, a key component of the project was the establishment of Climate Action Groups (CAGs), which brought together representatives from local CSOs, municipalities, youth organizations, and educational institutions. These groups were instrumental in advocating for policy change, raising awareness, and encouraging collaborative action on climate issues. “The creation of these Climate Action Groups was one of the most important mechanisms for community involvement,” Megi says. Through their active involvement in advocacy and collaboration, the CAGs played a key role in shaping local and national dialogues around climate change.
Youth empowerment was also a central aspect of the project. Megi highlights that empowering youth was not only about providing them with knowledge but also about giving them the tools to take action. The project organized youth-focused green camps, which offered a platform for young people to learn about climate action and work on environmental projects. Megi explains that the green camps provided a space for youth empowerment, helping participants to develop leadership skills and environmental initiatives. Following the camps, youth grants were awarded to support outstanding projects, providing young people with the resources to implement their ideas. “These grants allowed young people to implement their own projects, which in turn inspired broader community participation in climate initiatives,” she says. A total of 60 youth participants were divided into groups to implement 12 innovative projects across their regions. Each project was valued at 1,000 EUR, enabling the participants to bring their environmental ideas to life.
Overcoming Challenges
While the project achieved significant success, it also faced challenges, particularly related to the regional diversity within Georgia. Megi explains that the project’s success varied across different regions, as some areas, like Racha, were less familiar with development initiatives. This meant that additional efforts were needed to engage local communities, build trust, and encourage participation. “In regions where there was less previous exposure to development work, we had to make extra efforts to build awareness and gain trust,” she notes.
Another significant challenge came from the introduction of the “foreign agent” law, which created political tensions in the country. The law, which viewed certain CSOs as foreign agents, undermined the trust between the public and civil society. Megi explains that the project had to navigate this complicated political landscape and adapt its strategy to continue working effectively. “The law introduced new divisions, making it harder for CSOs to operate freely. But we remained committed to fostering trust and collaboration, especially at the local level,” she shares.
International Expertise and Partnerships
The support from international experts and the EU partnership was vital to the project’s success. Megi explains that international partners brought essential expertise in climate action, sustainable development, and civil society engagement, which greatly enhanced the project’s impact. “The international community provided critical guidance and expertise, ensuring that we were using the best possible approaches in our work,” she says. “In addition to the invaluable support from international experts and the EU partnership, we actively shared the experience of European organizations with representatives from regional organizations. This exchange of knowledge helped to align local strategies with best practices from across Europe, enhancing the overall impact of our climate action efforts.”
The partnership with the European Union was particularly important in securing funding and enabling the scale of the project. Megi emphasizes that this partnership played a central role in ensuring the project’s success, providing both financial resources and technical guidance to strengthen local efforts in climate action.
Evaluating Success and Sustainability
Looking back on the project, Megi expresses pride in the empowerment of local CSOs and youth, which were the project’s most significant achievements. The project successfully helped strengthen CSOs’ capacity to advocate for climate policies, engage in environmental projects, and collaborate with other stakeholders. “We’ve built a foundation for ongoing advocacy, which will continue to shape policy and action on climate change in Georgia,” she concludes.
The project’s sustainability is ensured through the networks it created among CSOs, local governments, and youth groups. These multi-stakeholder networks are equipped to continue driving climate resilience efforts long after the project’s formal conclusion. Megi emphasizes that CSOs and youth empowerment, would have a lasting impact. “By investing in youth and civil society, we have created a generation of climate leaders who will continue to push for change,” she says.
A Legacy of Change and Climate Resilience
The Georgia Climate Action Project stands as a model of how community-driven initiatives can lead to meaningful change. By empowering local CSOs, engaging youth, and promoting renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, the project has helped create the foundation for long-term climate resilience in Georgia. As the project concludes, its impact will continue to resonate, driven by the networks it has built, the youth it has empowered, and the policies it has influenced. Ultimately, it has laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future for Georgia, ensuring that climate action remains a priority for years to come.
By Kesaria Katcharava
