Automatic Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Inaugurated in Kutaisi
Environmental pollution monitoring
Within the framework of the "Save the Nature - Georgia" project of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), a new automatic ambient air quality monitoring station has been inaugurated in Kutaisi city.
The new station was officially opened 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 discussed the importance of expanding the ambient air quality monitoring network and the need to enhance of country's capabilities in this area.
"We are actively collaborating with international partners to expand the ambient air quality monitoring network. This is essential as for fulfilling the obligations under the association agreement with the European Union, so for ensuring the improvement of air quality in Georgia. It should be noted that, within the 'Save the Nature - Georgia' project, eight automatic and one mobile air quality monitoring station have been purchased. I would like to express my gratitude to the Swedish government for its support and successful collaboration," said Mr. Vasil Gedevanishvili.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia underlined the fruitful and productive cooperation between the two countries. "The priority directions of the 'Save the Nature - Georgia' project, which is ongoing under the grant agreement between the governments of Georgia and Sweden, include promoting the protection and restoration of biodiversity, enhancing the air quality monitoring network, and strengthening the institutional capacities of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies. In recent period, significant and effective steps have been taken to improve air quality monitoring in Georgia. The expansion of the air quality monitoring network is an important achievement not only for reducing air pollution but also for advancing overall environmental quality in the country," stated Ambassador Anna Lyberg.
Mr. Ioseb Khakhaleishvili, Mayor of Kutaisi Municipality, emphasized the importance of opening of the ambient air quality monitoring station for the region. He noted that the new station will provide population with comprehensive information about air quality.
The inauguration event was attended by Khatuna Zaldastanishvili, Head of the Development Cooperation Environmental Program at the Swedish Embassy, Zviad Shalamberidze, State Representative in the Imereti region, Shalva Kirtadze, Rector of Akaki Tsereteli State University, Natia Beridze, Head of the Central Implementation Unit for the 'Save the Nature - Georgia' project, and representatives from local self-government.
It should be noted that 13 ambient air quality monitoring stations are already operational across the country, including 11 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.
