Kutaisi, Georgia: A new automatic atmospheric air quality monitoring station has been opened in Kutaisi city within the framework of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the Swedish Government International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) project “Save Nature – Georgia”.
The new station was opened by Vasil Gedevanishvili, the head of the National Environmental Agency, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden Emergency and Plenipotentiary to Georgia Anna Lieberg.
The head of the National Environment Agency spoke about the importance of expanding the atmospheric air quality monitoring network and the need to strengthen the country’s capabilities in this regard.
“We are actively cooperating with international partners towards expanding the atmospheric air quality monitoring network, which is important for both fulfilling the commitments made under the Association Treaty with the European Union and improving air quality in Georgia. I would like to thank the Swedish government for its support and successful cooperation,” said Vasil Gedevanishvili.
It should be noted that within the framework of the project “Save Nature – Georgia”, 8 automatic and 1 mobile atmospheric air quality monitoring stations have been purchased, four stationary stations have already been installed and operated in Batumi, Zugdidi, Telavi and Mestia.
Sweden’s Emergency and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Georgia emphasized fruitful and productive cooperation between two countries.
” Within the framework of the grant agreement between the governments of Georgia and Sweden, the priority directions of the project “Save Nature – Georgia” are to promote the protection and restoration of biodiversity, improve the air quality monitoring network and strengthen the institutional capabilities of the Ministry and its agencies.
Recently, important and actionable steps have been taken in the direction of improving air quality monitoring in Georgia. Expansion of the atmospheric air quality monitoring network is an important achievement not only for reducing air pollution, but also for improving the environment in Georgia in general,” said Anna Lieberg.
Mayor of Kutaisi Municipality, Joseb Khakhaleishvili, has emphasized the importance of opening an atmospheric air quality monitoring station for the region and noted that the new station will make perfect air quality information available to the population.
The opening event of the station was attended by Khatuna Zaldastanishvili Head of the Swedish Embassy Development Cooperation, State Commissioner Zviad Shalamberidze, Rector of Akaki Tsereteli State University Shalva Kirtadze, representatives of international organizations and local self-government.
It should be noted that there are already 13 atmospheric air quality monitoring stations in operation across the country, including 11 automatic and 2 mobile. Regarding the data received from the new stations, it will gradually affect the agency’s portal www.air.gov.ge.
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