2019-01-26
Greetings, dear friends!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A few months ago, I presented to the public our Government's vision of environmental, so-called green policy. Today, the civilized world agrees on environmental protection and the implementation of green policy as a key priority.
Protecting atmospheric air is one of the crucial directions of our green policy.
The Government's green policy is a long-term vision of the country's development. Moreover, I would say that it is a new way of life in that we cherish and care for nature, share responsibility to enjoy fresh air and, ultimately, healthy environment offering a life of safety to generations to come.
When it comes to environmental protection, protecting from air pollution and taking concrete steps to this end is of utmost importance, of course. Air pollution is one of the major challenges facing the modern world, especially in large urban settlements and industrial areas, and it calls for immediate action. Unfortunately, Georgia is no exception in this regard.
In terms of air pollution, Tbilisi is naturally most problematic, given its overpopulation and excessive number of cars. This is why a significant portion of green policy involves concrete measures for protecting air. I would lie to inform you that our updated Government Program dedicates a special place to air protection policy, which means the adoption of regulations based on European and international practices and a variety of far-reaching reforms. Concrete steps have already been taken toward protecting from air pollution, and this process will surely continue.
As you know, improving fuel quality is one of the mandatory preconditions for staving off air pollution. In 2017, we introduced a higher fuel standard, Euro 5. At the end of last year, the Government adopted new regulations and, on January 1, 2019, the quality of diesel matched Euro 4, while on January 1, 2020, Georgia will switch to Euro 5. Along with improving diesel standards, in 2019, control for sulfur content compliance with norms will be launched. Next year, we will start large-scale inspections.
In cooperation with the Tbilisi City Hall, the Government has developed a 40-point plan for bettering air quality. The plan defines concrete effective measures actively pursued by every agency.
As you know, since August 1, 2018, air quality is assessed based on modern European standards, and the monitoring and evaluation systems are being actively upgraded. In the same vein, new regulations involving the introduction of modern European norms have been developed for large manufacturing sites.
As you know, vehicle inspection will come into full force this year, and the vehicle fleet will be gradually rejuvenated, as it were. It is especially important to improve public transport, which involves overhauling the municipal bus fleet. We welcome the Tbilisi City Hall's interesting and important projects in this regard, and we fully support their initiatives.
Equally noteworthy is the fact that air pollution is largely due to construction. Unfortunately, our legislative framework is not flawless in this regard, which is why it is necessary to adopt norms regulating this area. New regulations on construction standards have already been developed and submitted as bills to the Parliament of Georgia.
Our Government Program also seeks to create as many green areas as possible and to expand existing ones. The Tbilisi City Hall will identify locations for future green areas in the city's central districts, and I am convinced that this new initiative will grow further in scope.
We believe that deep cultural shifts must take place in our society in relation to environmental protection. Better education and greater awareness are required for citizens to focus on the big picture when it comes to the importance of environmental protection. We must provide the public with timely information about both air quality and ways and planned initiatives to protect it. Raising awareness is a decisive factor in overcoming this serious challenge, because each of us can contribute to the cause of improving air quality. The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture has put in place an atmospheric air awareness portal, an excellent source of information on air quality and other interesting issues.
I am convinced that our joint efforts will enable us to create a better environment, cleaner air, and more green areas for future generations.
Thank you for your time.