Environment Minister meets FAO representative during GCF Regional Dialogue

Georgian Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili met with Raimund Jehle, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Georgia, in Tbilisi on the sidelines of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture reported.

The meeting focused on opportunities to mitigate the impact of climate change, develop climate-smart agriculture, attract investment to the sector and mobilize relevant financial resources.

“It is important to strengthen cooperation with international partners and mobilize financial resources that will help the country implement climate-related projects. In this regard, cooperation with FAO and the implementation of joint projects will significantly contribute to achieving our common goals,” Songhulashvili said.

The sides also discussed ongoing and planned projects supported by FAO, including the development of agricultural policy and the extension system, land consolidation, restoration of windbreaks, fisheries and aquaculture, food safety, and strengthening the national animal identification system.

The meeting also focused on a new project planned with the support of the European Union, with a total budget of approximately €3 million. The project envisages the development of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture in Georgia. Within the agricultural component, particular attention will be paid to strengthening farmer field schools and extension services.

“As part of our cooperation with Georgia, it is important for us to support the sustainable development of agriculture and strengthen the knowledge and services needed by farmers. Work in the field of extension is particularly important to provide farmers with greater opportunities to gain practical knowledge and support.

“Fisheries and aquaculture are also among our important priorities. Georgia has significant potential in this area, and I believe that strengthening relevant expertise and technical support will significantly contribute to the development of the sector,” Jehle said.

Representatives of the relevant departments of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and FAO attended the meeting.