With the support of the European Union, CENN launched a new project titled “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia: Building Local Capacities to Advance Waste Prevention and Circular Economy in the Regions of Georgia”. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally resilient future for Georgia by promoting resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production practices while significantly reducing waste generation in the Kakheti region and Adjara Autonomous Republic (AR).
“The European Union is proud to support CENN in this new initiative, which promotes sustainable development and environmental resilience in Georgia. This project closely aligns with the European Green Deal’s objectives of achieving climate neutrality by advancing resource efficiency, waste prevention, and circular economy principles. It also plays a vital role in building climate-resilient communities and ensuring a fair and inclusive transition for all. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance local capacity, foster innovation, and strengthen collaboration, addressing environmental challenges while simultaneously creating economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for communities,“ said Lieze Vanwymelbeke, Team Leader for Green Deal, Connectivity, Economic and Investment Plan at the EU Delegation to Georgia. (TBC)
The EU-funded four-year initiative specialises in three key waste streams: packaging, biodegradable, and construction and demolition waste. With a total budget of 1,799,849 EUR and in partnership with ICLEI Europe, CENN will build capacity and foster cross-sectoral collaboration and multi-stakeholder partnerships among stakeholders to support inclusive and participatory circular economy and waste prevention policy development and implementation. The project will engage diverse stakeholders according to their roles to introduce and apply WP&CE practices at regional and local levels. Considering sector needs, impact potential, and inclusivity of processes, the project will work with civil society organisations, state entities, private sector actors, educational institutions, women-led groups, youth organisations, business associations, waste recycling companies, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), donors, and other key players from the public and private sectors. The project also aims to implement learning mechanisms, pilot circular solutions, and enhance public awareness and knowledge to drive behavioural change toward sustainable, green practices.
„The near absence of waste prevention and circular economy practices in the Adjara AR and Kakheti region exacerbates the socio-economic and environmental challenges within the waste management sector. Most waste is currently disposed of in landfills, contributing to climate change and putting excessive strain on natural resources. With CENN’s extensive experience in waste management and our partnership with ICLEI Europe, the world’s leading network of local and regional governments dedicated to sustainable development, we are committed to accelerating local sustainable development and driving real, impactful change on the ground,”- says Nino Shavgulidze, Economic and Green Growth Lead at CENN.
The EU-funded project, “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia: Building Local Capacities to Advance Waste Prevention and Circular Economy in the Regions of Georgia,” launched in October 2024 and will run until the end of 2028. By fostering collaboration with civil society organisations, the private sector, and educational institutions, the project will support Georgia in EU policy alignment by promoting the country’s long-term transition to a low-carbon and circular economy.
About the European Union
For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
About the project
The EU-funded four-year initiative “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia: Building Local Capacities to Advance Waste Prevention and Circular Economy in the Regions of Georgia” is implemented by CENN in partnership with ICLEI Europe. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally resilient future for Georgia by promoting resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production practices while significantly reducing waste generation in the Kakheti region and Adjara Autonomous Republic (AR).
