Info days Report
IBEDC project team has organized the IASON+ project Info-days in Batumi on November 14 and in Poti on November 28, 2024. Objective of the meeting was to present info on the project to the stakeholders and beneficiaries. The Info-day aimed at informing local communities and stakeholders about the initiatives and goals of the project, prospects for environmental and socio-economic impact of IAS on ES and the functions of the Observatory. Also the contribution on sharing the experience was the main massage for the meeting attendants. The Info-days were attended by up to 30 representatives of stakeholders from various institutions and organizations of the target regions. Various spectrums of invited persons were introduced: Representatives from Agency of Protected Areas, National Environmental Agency (Department of Fishery, Aquaculture and Water Biodiversity), Local Municipalities from target regions; Environmental NGO’s, Universities, General Public lived in the target region etc. Introductory speech was presented by the Project Coordinator of International Business and Economic Development Center, David Tsiskaridze. He overviewed the project schedule, its partners, target regions, project objectives, project activities and main deliverables to be resulted. He emphasized importance of adoption of the law on Biodiversity in time in terms of requirements of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
Detailed presentation on implemented, ongoing and envisaged activities within the project was floored by the project expert, Irakli Mikeladze. He summarized content of project activities, results and future expectations. The first action was undertaken in September-October, 2024 related to the field visit to the target regions and surveyd the listed invasive species of the project. The project expert has outlined scope, activities and main deliverables of the IASON project and did focus on capitalization of the results in the project IASON+. He mentioned about publications on negative impacts of invasive species on forestry, meadow, mires, and inland waters’ and Black Sea ecosystems were reviewed. Also harmful effect on human activities was assessed during the speech. Expert went through several national and international regulations.
Zurab Manvelidze – Botanist introduced the historical estimation of invasive species, their impact and nature of surveys developed in Batumi Botanical Garden. He mentioned that invasive species assessments had already been implementing within the protected areas of Ajara including Kolkheti National Park being a part of Kolkheti Lowland. As for Chorokhi Delta, during Soviet Periods Military Polygon was arranged on the area and any of scientific surveys were prohibited. Nevertheless that the area is very important for flora and fauna biodiversity point of view, still there are some unkind ongoing processes related to the overloaded traffic of heavy machines and obtaining the inert materials off the river bed. Consequently, starting the surveys of invasive species would profit development of relevant database and set out mitigation measures. Common methodologies of surveys would contribute to enhance trans boundary interaction and maintain joint approach.
Izolda Machutazde – Scientist, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University – Introduced the presentation on the Ecosystem Services of Kolkheti Lowland. She has outlined existed the Ecosystem Services, IAS impact on ES, challenges and benefits in the target region. Finally, questions were raised amongst audience regarding: the selection of invasive species, wording and meaning of the invasiveness, list of the most harmful invasive species, updating status of invasive species, mitigation measures and recommendations, climate changes directly connected to IAS influence on Ecosystem Services. Particular discussion was opened up on joint approach to the selection of invasive species and monitoring methods. Experts shared their experiences and feedback to each other and accorded for the upcoming cooperation.
