Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Inaugurated in Batumi
Environmental pollution monitoring
Within the framework of the project “Save the Nature - Georgia," supported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Swiss government, a new automatic station has been added to the ambient air quality monitoring network in Batumi.
The new station was officially inaugurated by Mr. Vasil Gedevanishvili, Head of the National Environmental Agency, and Ms. Anna Lyberg, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Georgia.
The Head of the Agency highlighted the importance of expanding the ambient air quality monitoring network and the need to enhance country's capabilities in this area.
“In recent years, the government of Georgia has taken significant steps to implement both legislative and practical measures aimed at improving ambient air quality monitoring. Particularly noteworthy is the expansion of the ambient air monitoring network, as well as the support from the international community, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the country's capabilities in this area," stated Mr. Vasil Gedevanishvili.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia underlined the importance of fruitful cooperation between two countries.
“Save the Nature – Georgia” is a project ongoing under the grant agreement signed between the governments of Georgia and Sweden. Its priority areas include promoting the protection and restoration of biodiversity, enhancing the air quality monitoring network, and also strengthening the institutional capacities of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies. Significant and effective steps have been taken recently to improve air quality monitoring in the country”, said Ambassador Anna Lyberg.
“Within the project, 8 automatic and 1 mobile station have been purchased. Today, we inaugurated the fifth stationary station in Batumi. We will also be inaugurating air quality monitoring stations in Zugdidi, Telavi, and Mestia. This is a very significant achievement not only for reducing air pollution but also for improving overall environmental quality in Georgia,” she added.
The inauguration event was attended by Ms. Khatuna Zaldastanishvili, Head of the Development Cooperation Environmental Program at the Swedish Embassy, Ms. Lela Surmanidze, Deputy Mayor of Batumi, Mr. Zaza Shavadze, Minister of Agriculture of Adjara, Ms. Natia Beridze, Project Manager / Head of the Central Implementation Unit for the 'Save the Nature—Georgia' project, as well as representatives from international organizations and local governments.
Mr. Zaza Shavadze, the Minister of Agriculture of Adjara, addressed the meeting participants, emphasizing the importance of having a modern air quality monitoring system in the region. He noted that this is particularly crucial as the country faces numerous challenges, including urban development, an increase in construction, and a rise in vehicle numbers.
It is important to note that 14 ambient air quality monitoring stations are currently operational across the country, including 12 automatic and 2 mobile stations. As for the data from the new stations, it will gradually become available on the agency's portal at www.air.gov.ge.
