The National Environmental Agency continues to expand its air quality monitoring network across the country
Environmental pollution monitoring
Elene Ghubianuri, Head of the National Environmental Agency, together with representatives from the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), inaugurated a new ambient air quality monitoring station in the city of Gori.
Support for air quality monitoring is part of an EU-funded program implemented by UN agencies in cooperation with the Environment Agency Austria.
"With the support of the Government of Georgia, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme, we have opened another automatic ambient air quality monitoring station in Gori. It is crucial that strengthening air quality management—and planning appropriate measures to improve air quality based on monitoring results—remains a priority for the country," stated Elene Ghubianuri, Head of the National Environmental Agency.
In recent years, the Georgian government has taken numerous significant steps toward improving ambient air quality management, both in terms of legislation and the implementation of practical measures. The support of the international community, aimed at strengthening the country's capacities in this regard, deserves special emphasis.
"We are pleased that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with EU support and in cooperation with the National Environmental Agency, is participating in the launch of 10 air quality monitoring stations across the country. These stations will enable the measurement of concentrations of carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter in the air. The data obtained will facilitate more effective decision-making regarding disease prevention, cooperation with the industrial sector, and the review of regulations, ultimately improving air quality for all citizens of the country," noted Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.
It is worth noting that 23 ambient air quality monitoring stations are already operational across the country, enabling continuous monitoring of air quality. Data from the stations is available online on the ambient air quality portal: www.air.gov.ge.
The air quality monitoring network will be expanded, and by the end of the year, monitoring will be conducted using 28 automatic stations.
