In Georgia, EU4Environment supports the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia in developing the Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Hydropower Sector, with a special focus on transboundary aspects.
Effective application of EIA to hydropower projects is an important task for Georgia as a country which embraces many transboundary river basins. Since early 2020 UNECE – the EU4Environment Implementing Partner – has developed an initial outline of the Guidelines which is currently being consolidated in close cooperation with the Ministry to serve as a road-map for preparing the Guidelines.
This work will continue with the help of electronic communication and virtual consultations while the COVID-19 related restrictions are in place. Based on the relevant provisions of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention), the EU EIA Directive and Georgia’s Environmental Assessment Code, the Guidelines will provide a useful tool for ensuring a high degree of environmental protection and the sustainability of hydropower development.