This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the CENN ( Caucasus Environmental NGO Network) eco camp at the Bulachauri Green Center, just outside Tbilisi. It was a five-day adventure that opened my eyes to the huge problem of plastic waste and showed me how we can all make a difference. If you care about the environment, this camp is something you’d absolutely love!
Right from the start, I was excited to meet 50 other students from various regions of Georgia who shared my passion for protecting our planet. We stayed in a beautifully renovated village house surrounded by a massive garden where we could chill in the shade of trees or play games. It was such a refreshing escape from the plastic-filled chaos of city life.
One of the most impactful parts of the camp was our discussions about plastic waste. We learned why it’s crucial to think about the products we buy and what happens to them when we’re done using them. I discovered that, in Georgia, we don’t have many recycling points, which makes the problem even worse. It made me realize that we all need to reduce our plastic consumption and find smarter ways to deal with our waste.
The trainers were super knowledgeable and broke down complex ideas about the circular economy and sustainable development into easy-to-understand concepts. It felt empowering to learn how we can change our habits and promote these ideas in our communities.
What really stood out to me was the incredible atmosphere among everyone at the camp. Everyone was friendly and supportive—there was no judging or negativity at all. We even did a fun gift exchange, kind of like a Secret Santa! Some gave books, and others brought sweets and small ornaments. It was such a fun way to bond and create lasting memories together.
One of the most memorable experiences was our visit to a recycling facility called “Polyvim.” Seeing the entire plastic recycling process up close was eye-opening. The challenges they face made it clear that while organizations like CENN are working hard, it’s on all of us to do our part too.
In addition to plastic waste, we discussed important topics like media literacy and civic responsibility. Some amazing speakers shared their insights on how we can engage our communities in environmental issues. By the end of the camp, we had created action plans to tackle plastic waste in our neighborhoods. I felt so inspired and ready to make a change!
We also had a session on European values, which helped us understand Georgia’s history and its path toward closer ties with the West. It was fascinating to see how our country fits into global environmental efforts. We even received certificates from Rebecca Lie, the Deputy Ambassador of Norway, for our commitment to these important issues!
The whole experience was not just informative but also incredibly motivating. I left the camp feeling empowered and eager to share what I had learned with my friends, family, and classmates. It’s crucial that everyone understands how important it is to reduce plastic use and make better choices as consumers.
I know that many families in Georgia are dealing with financial issues, and environmental problems might not seem like a top priority. But, as I learned at the camp, every small action counts. We can’t wait for the perfect moment to start making changes. If we all take small steps now, we can build a cleaner and more responsible society for the future.
I can’t wait for next summer to attend the eco camp again! If you’re passionate about the environment and want to make a difference, I highly recommend joining. Together, let’s tackle plastic waste and create a better world for ourselves and future generations!
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The eco-camp was organized by CENN with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Norway as part of the project ‘End Plastic Pollution in Georgia.’ This project is implemented under the broader LEAD (Leadership, Equality, Advocacy, Democracy) program, supported by UNDP and Norway.
Blog by Lily Davies-Dolaberidze
Photos taken by CENN and UNDP staff.
