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CENN - SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Georgia's Protected Areas Ready Themselves to Market Their Future
Visitors
2. "Healthy Lifestyle" Subject to be Included in Armenian School
Curricula in 2006
3. IFAD New Credit Program to be Approved in December
4. RA Government to Strengthen Control over Armenia's Biosecurity
5. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
6. EIA Reports Submitted to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to
7. Announcement of the Ministry of Environment of Georgia
1. GEORGIA'S PROTECTED AREAS READY THEMSELVES TO MARKET THEIR FUTURE
VISITORS
Immediate Release
Lagodekhi, Georgia – September 6, 2004 – The Protected Areas Development
Project announced the successful completion of a 3 day Marketing
workshop held at Lagodekhi Nature Reserve's Headquarters in Lagodekhi,
Georgia. Protected Areas directors from Lagodekhi, Akhmeta, Vashlovani
gathered to work on the marketing strategies for their protected areas
so in the near future they may attract both local and international
visitors and at the same time uphold their conviction to protect this
precious national reserves and parks. Protected Areas Development Center
headed by Paata Shanshiashvili, hosted the event and he and his team
were joined by prominent players in the Protected Areas Development
Project such as the Chairman of the State Department of Protected Areas,
Mr.Eugine Asatiani, theChairman of the State Department of Tourism and
Resorts, Mr.Saba Kiknadze. In addition, the directors from both
Borjomi-Kharagauli and Kolkheti National Parks, Mr. Zviad Gotsiridze and
Mr. Marlen Patsatsia shared their experiences with the group about
their parks that have already opened and are being visited.
"Lagodekhi, Vashlovani, Tusheti, Batsara-Babaneuli and Ilto Protected
Areas are part of the Georgia's national heritage and we are taking
seriously the important job of sharing these areas with Georgians and
the International community alike," said Mr.Saba Kiknadze,, "How we
market and to whom we market will be of great importance as we get ready
to open the parks and so this workshop has been an important milestone
in our tasks to attract visitors."
Directors of Protected Areas are promising to their parks' future
visitors:
"Protected Tusheti Highlands" – walking and horseback riding in the wild
nature, sightseeing of historical - cultural monuments with exposure of
local mountain communities' household traditions – cooking, folk and
handicraft, accommodations in "bed & breakfast" family hotels or
overnight-stays in wild nature"
"Lagodekhi Protected Area - the oldest Nature Reserve - provides
scientists, families and people interested in cultural and natural
heritage overnight stays in a beautiful place with wonders of nature,
from 350 to 3500 m above see level, diverse and unique flora and fauna,
tertiary period's elements of nature, and breathtaking views".
"Wild Savannah of Vashlovani"- vast shallow forest, split canyons,
flood-plain forests and lots of unique species of fauna in vast steps,
fossils from 3-5 millions years of age, archeological monuments from
BCE, and extraordinary adventures in unique packages: rafting down the
Alazani river, enjoying the bird-watching; great accommodations,
legendary wine and cuisine".
"Also, "Grand Tour" - combining all these Protected Areas offering
unique pleasure to everybody, no matter are you alone or with family, or
friends, because of
o National Parks belong to you
o They are beautiful and unique cultural and natural heritage of Georgia
o They are great for gatherings
o They are affordable
o You are provided with full information about the nature and history of
these places
o Parks are served by professionals, including guides and rangers ".
Contact: Natia Kobakhidze
Georgia Protected Areas Development Project
Tel: (+995 32) 251566
E-mail: [email protected]
2. "HEALTHY LIFESTYLE" SUBJECT TO BE INCLUDED IN ARMENIAN SCHOOL
CURRICULA IN 2006
Source: Arminfo: September 3, 2004
The UNFPA is ready to assist Armenia's Education and Science Ministry in
introducing the Healthy Lifestyle subject in the curricula of Armenian
schools, says UNFPA country director for Armenia. Anne-Birgitte
Albrectsen.
The subject will be included in Armenian school curricula in 2006. It
will be taught to school-leavers and university students. The subject is
meant to acquaint young people with all the aspects of health care as
well as to raise their sexual awareness. This is a very important
agreement especially as the Armenian Government has adopted a law on
reproductive health, says Albrectsen. She notes that many Armenians are
reluctant to go to the doctor regularly and know very little about
reproductive health.
Among the other authors of the project is UNICEF. The agreement is part
of the UNFPA Plan of Action for 2005-2009. In late 2004 all Armenian
ministries, NGOs, MPs cooperating with UNFPA will be informed of the
measures to fulfill the project. Only then will the plan be ratified by
the Armenian Government. UNFPA provides Armenia with both technical and
consultative assistance. It implements $500,000 worth projects
in the country each year.
3. IFAD NEW CREDIT PROGRAM TO BE APPROVED IN DECEMBER
Source: Arminfo: September 3, 2004
At its general meeting in December, the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) is to approve a draft credit program
worth 15-20mln. USD, Alik Kalantaryan, IFAD Armenia office, told
ARMINFO.
He reported that the program is to be implemented in two directions:
crediting of agricultural business and economically sound restoration of
infrastructures. Kalantaryan pointed out that the program envisages over
10mln. USD for crediting. He added that this component will be realized
with the involvement of working financial organizations
and banks.
The maximum credit amount to be lent at this stage is 150,000 USD for up
to seven years. Kalantaryan reported that if agribusiness development
projects meet the requirements, funds will be provided to banks at the
lowest annual interest rates - 3.5% in case of small credits and 1.5% in
case of big ones. Thus, IFAD specialists calculated that credits will be
lent to agribusinessmen at an annual interest rate of 8%-11%. Also,
leasing operations will be performed.
Thus, it will allow farmers to purchase equipment worth up to 200,000
USD with 20% prepayment. A total of 5mln. USD will be allocated for the
realization of the second component. Kalantaryan added that negotiations
are currently under way with a number of international organizations,
and all preconditions for additional funding exceeding 5mln. USD have
been created. He reported that the program envisages technical
assistance to organizations, for which purpose a total of 300,000 USD
will be allocated. Organizations will render assistance to
agribusinessmen with preparing business plans and marketing. IFAD is
also going to conclude contracts with such organizations, under which
agribusinessmen will pay only 20% of the cost of organization's
services, with the rest to be paid after banks have lend credits. If the
bank does not approve the credit, IFAD will compensate for the rest of
the funds.
IFAD has implemented a number of programs in Armenia. The fund
implemented its first credit program in 1998-2001, allocating a total of
13.5mln. USD on various agricultural projects. The Fund allocated a
total of 20.2mln. USD for the implementation of its last credit program.
IFAD's credit line is 15.5mln. USD, the RA Government's share being
2.4mln. USD. The RA Social Investments Fund allocated 1.1mln. USD and
regional communities 0.8mln. USD. By July 1, 2004, about 14.858mln. USD
had been utilized under the program, over 3.8mln. USD of this in the
first half of 2004.
4. RA GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL OVER ARMENIA's BIOSECURITY
Source: Arminfo: September 2, 2004
The RA Government has decided to strengthen control over Armenia's
biological security.
At his news briefing, RA Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Artashes
Ziroyan reported that a national coordinating center is expected to be
formed simultaneously with a scientific-technical council, the latter to
be consisted of 17 experts representing 10 institutions and public
organizations. He pointed out that the Government will establish control
over the import of food products and fodder of animal origin in
conformity with the Cartagena Protocol. He said that the center will
examine documents on imported goods and their conformity to the
Cartagena Protocol. Ziroyan stated that no laboratory analysis will be
conducted for lack of funds and equipment.
5. HUBERT HUMPHREY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy has announced Hubert Humphrey
Fellowship program for Georgian citizens for the 2005-2006 academic
year. The Hubert H. Humphrey fellowship program will bring accomplished
professionals from Georgia to the United States at the midpoint in their
careers for a year of non-degree graduate study and related professional
experience.
Attached please find a detailed information and the application form of
the program. Please send this information to your contacts and potential
candidates. Please note that the application submission deadline is
October 8, 2004.
Additional information is available on the following address:
http://www.cenn.org/info/humph04.DOC
http://www.cenn.org/info/http://www.cenn.org/info/
6. EIA REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA TO
Source: "Sakartvelos Respublica" ("Republic of Georgia"), August 28,
2004
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. "Evrocement" submitted
EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Clay
Development and Processing along the Miriani Poultry Enterprise.
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. "JS&Neba" submitted
EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Processign of
the Gunia-kala Deposit in Tsalka Region.
EIA reports are available at the press-center of the Ministry of
Environment (68, Kostava Str., VI floor) and at the Department of
Environmental Permits and State Ecological Expertise (87, Paliashvili
Str., Tel: 25 02 19). Interested stakeholders can analyze the document
and present their comments and considerations until October 12, 2004.
Public hearing will be held on October 12, 2004 at 12:00, at the
conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.
7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA
The Ministry of Environment of Georgia announces competition on granting
the licenses for the following activities:
o Extraction of the mineral waters in Akhaltsikhe region, Pavliani
village;
o Extraction of the "Babanuri" mineral waters of Shuakhevi region;
o Processing and development of the "Vajas Tskaro" mineral waters
deposit in Dusheti region in for extraction the mineral water;
o Processing and development of the "Okhiri" mineral water deposit in
Akhalgori region for extraction the mineral water;
o Processing of the Sadakhlo deposit;
o Development of the Teshenati deposit and therefore processing of the
deposits in villages Bueti, Dzuknuri, Tsuskhvati, of the Tkibuli region;
o Extraction of the inert materials form the river Ksani, Mtskheta
region;
o Research and extraction of the water along the BTC route Kp248
Akhaltsikhe region along the measuring station 80;
o Processing of the "Dado" deposit (Akhalkalaki region) for extracting
the sand.
Deadline for submitting the relevant documentation: September 15, 2004
For the additional information please see: "Sakartvelos Respublica"
("Republic of Georgia"), August 27, 2004
Also you can receive additional information on the following address:
87, Paliashvilis str., Tbilisi
Tel: +995 32 25 17 22, 25 17 20
--
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org
Table of Contents:
1. Georgia's Protected Areas Ready Themselves to Market Their Future
Visitors
2. "Healthy Lifestyle" Subject to be Included in Armenian School
Curricula in 2006
3. IFAD New Credit Program to be Approved in December
4. RA Government to Strengthen Control over Armenia's Biosecurity
5. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
6. EIA Reports Submitted to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to
7. Announcement of the Ministry of Environment of Georgia
1. GEORGIA'S PROTECTED AREAS READY THEMSELVES TO MARKET THEIR FUTURE
VISITORS
Immediate Release
Lagodekhi, Georgia – September 6, 2004 – The Protected Areas Development
Project announced the successful completion of a 3 day Marketing
workshop held at Lagodekhi Nature Reserve's Headquarters in Lagodekhi,
Georgia. Protected Areas directors from Lagodekhi, Akhmeta, Vashlovani
gathered to work on the marketing strategies for their protected areas
so in the near future they may attract both local and international
visitors and at the same time uphold their conviction to protect this
precious national reserves and parks. Protected Areas Development Center
headed by Paata Shanshiashvili, hosted the event and he and his team
were joined by prominent players in the Protected Areas Development
Project such as the Chairman of the State Department of Protected Areas,
Mr.Eugine Asatiani, theChairman of the State Department of Tourism and
Resorts, Mr.Saba Kiknadze. In addition, the directors from both
Borjomi-Kharagauli and Kolkheti National Parks, Mr. Zviad Gotsiridze and
Mr. Marlen Patsatsia shared their experiences with the group about
their parks that have already opened and are being visited.
"Lagodekhi, Vashlovani, Tusheti, Batsara-Babaneuli and Ilto Protected
Areas are part of the Georgia's national heritage and we are taking
seriously the important job of sharing these areas with Georgians and
the International community alike," said Mr.Saba Kiknadze,, "How we
market and to whom we market will be of great importance as we get ready
to open the parks and so this workshop has been an important milestone
in our tasks to attract visitors."
Directors of Protected Areas are promising to their parks' future
visitors:
"Protected Tusheti Highlands" – walking and horseback riding in the wild
nature, sightseeing of historical - cultural monuments with exposure of
local mountain communities' household traditions – cooking, folk and
handicraft, accommodations in "bed & breakfast" family hotels or
overnight-stays in wild nature"
"Lagodekhi Protected Area - the oldest Nature Reserve - provides
scientists, families and people interested in cultural and natural
heritage overnight stays in a beautiful place with wonders of nature,
from 350 to 3500 m above see level, diverse and unique flora and fauna,
tertiary period's elements of nature, and breathtaking views".
"Wild Savannah of Vashlovani"- vast shallow forest, split canyons,
flood-plain forests and lots of unique species of fauna in vast steps,
fossils from 3-5 millions years of age, archeological monuments from
BCE, and extraordinary adventures in unique packages: rafting down the
Alazani river, enjoying the bird-watching; great accommodations,
legendary wine and cuisine".
"Also, "Grand Tour" - combining all these Protected Areas offering
unique pleasure to everybody, no matter are you alone or with family, or
friends, because of
o National Parks belong to you
o They are beautiful and unique cultural and natural heritage of Georgia
o They are great for gatherings
o They are affordable
o You are provided with full information about the nature and history of
these places
o Parks are served by professionals, including guides and rangers ".
Contact: Natia Kobakhidze
Georgia Protected Areas Development Project
Tel: (+995 32) 251566
E-mail: [email protected]
2. "HEALTHY LIFESTYLE" SUBJECT TO BE INCLUDED IN ARMENIAN SCHOOL
CURRICULA IN 2006
Source: Arminfo: September 3, 2004
The UNFPA is ready to assist Armenia's Education and Science Ministry in
introducing the Healthy Lifestyle subject in the curricula of Armenian
schools, says UNFPA country director for Armenia. Anne-Birgitte
Albrectsen.
The subject will be included in Armenian school curricula in 2006. It
will be taught to school-leavers and university students. The subject is
meant to acquaint young people with all the aspects of health care as
well as to raise their sexual awareness. This is a very important
agreement especially as the Armenian Government has adopted a law on
reproductive health, says Albrectsen. She notes that many Armenians are
reluctant to go to the doctor regularly and know very little about
reproductive health.
Among the other authors of the project is UNICEF. The agreement is part
of the UNFPA Plan of Action for 2005-2009. In late 2004 all Armenian
ministries, NGOs, MPs cooperating with UNFPA will be informed of the
measures to fulfill the project. Only then will the plan be ratified by
the Armenian Government. UNFPA provides Armenia with both technical and
consultative assistance. It implements $500,000 worth projects
in the country each year.
3. IFAD NEW CREDIT PROGRAM TO BE APPROVED IN DECEMBER
Source: Arminfo: September 3, 2004
At its general meeting in December, the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) is to approve a draft credit program
worth 15-20mln. USD, Alik Kalantaryan, IFAD Armenia office, told
ARMINFO.
He reported that the program is to be implemented in two directions:
crediting of agricultural business and economically sound restoration of
infrastructures. Kalantaryan pointed out that the program envisages over
10mln. USD for crediting. He added that this component will be realized
with the involvement of working financial organizations
and banks.
The maximum credit amount to be lent at this stage is 150,000 USD for up
to seven years. Kalantaryan reported that if agribusiness development
projects meet the requirements, funds will be provided to banks at the
lowest annual interest rates - 3.5% in case of small credits and 1.5% in
case of big ones. Thus, IFAD specialists calculated that credits will be
lent to agribusinessmen at an annual interest rate of 8%-11%. Also,
leasing operations will be performed.
Thus, it will allow farmers to purchase equipment worth up to 200,000
USD with 20% prepayment. A total of 5mln. USD will be allocated for the
realization of the second component. Kalantaryan added that negotiations
are currently under way with a number of international organizations,
and all preconditions for additional funding exceeding 5mln. USD have
been created. He reported that the program envisages technical
assistance to organizations, for which purpose a total of 300,000 USD
will be allocated. Organizations will render assistance to
agribusinessmen with preparing business plans and marketing. IFAD is
also going to conclude contracts with such organizations, under which
agribusinessmen will pay only 20% of the cost of organization's
services, with the rest to be paid after banks have lend credits. If the
bank does not approve the credit, IFAD will compensate for the rest of
the funds.
IFAD has implemented a number of programs in Armenia. The fund
implemented its first credit program in 1998-2001, allocating a total of
13.5mln. USD on various agricultural projects. The Fund allocated a
total of 20.2mln. USD for the implementation of its last credit program.
IFAD's credit line is 15.5mln. USD, the RA Government's share being
2.4mln. USD. The RA Social Investments Fund allocated 1.1mln. USD and
regional communities 0.8mln. USD. By July 1, 2004, about 14.858mln. USD
had been utilized under the program, over 3.8mln. USD of this in the
first half of 2004.
4. RA GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL OVER ARMENIA's BIOSECURITY
Source: Arminfo: September 2, 2004
The RA Government has decided to strengthen control over Armenia's
biological security.
At his news briefing, RA Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Artashes
Ziroyan reported that a national coordinating center is expected to be
formed simultaneously with a scientific-technical council, the latter to
be consisted of 17 experts representing 10 institutions and public
organizations. He pointed out that the Government will establish control
over the import of food products and fodder of animal origin in
conformity with the Cartagena Protocol. He said that the center will
examine documents on imported goods and their conformity to the
Cartagena Protocol. Ziroyan stated that no laboratory analysis will be
conducted for lack of funds and equipment.
5. HUBERT HUMPHREY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy has announced Hubert Humphrey
Fellowship program for Georgian citizens for the 2005-2006 academic
year. The Hubert H. Humphrey fellowship program will bring accomplished
professionals from Georgia to the United States at the midpoint in their
careers for a year of non-degree graduate study and related professional
experience.
Attached please find a detailed information and the application form of
the program. Please send this information to your contacts and potential
candidates. Please note that the application submission deadline is
October 8, 2004.
Additional information is available on the following address:
http://www.cenn.org/info/humph04.DOC
http://www.cenn.org/info/http://www.cenn.org/info/
6. EIA REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA TO
Source: "Sakartvelos Respublica" ("Republic of Georgia"), August 28,
2004
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. "Evrocement" submitted
EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Clay
Development and Processing along the Miriani Poultry Enterprise.
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. "JS&Neba" submitted
EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Processign of
the Gunia-kala Deposit in Tsalka Region.
EIA reports are available at the press-center of the Ministry of
Environment (68, Kostava Str., VI floor) and at the Department of
Environmental Permits and State Ecological Expertise (87, Paliashvili
Str., Tel: 25 02 19). Interested stakeholders can analyze the document
and present their comments and considerations until October 12, 2004.
Public hearing will be held on October 12, 2004 at 12:00, at the
conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.
7. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA
The Ministry of Environment of Georgia announces competition on granting
the licenses for the following activities:
o Extraction of the mineral waters in Akhaltsikhe region, Pavliani
village;
o Extraction of the "Babanuri" mineral waters of Shuakhevi region;
o Processing and development of the "Vajas Tskaro" mineral waters
deposit in Dusheti region in for extraction the mineral water;
o Processing and development of the "Okhiri" mineral water deposit in
Akhalgori region for extraction the mineral water;
o Processing of the Sadakhlo deposit;
o Development of the Teshenati deposit and therefore processing of the
deposits in villages Bueti, Dzuknuri, Tsuskhvati, of the Tkibuli region;
o Extraction of the inert materials form the river Ksani, Mtskheta
region;
o Research and extraction of the water along the BTC route Kp248
Akhaltsikhe region along the measuring station 80;
o Processing of the "Dado" deposit (Akhalkalaki region) for extracting
the sand.
Deadline for submitting the relevant documentation: September 15, 2004
For the additional information please see: "Sakartvelos Respublica"
("Republic of Georgia"), August 27, 2004
Also you can receive additional information on the following address:
87, Paliashvilis str., Tbilisi
Tel: +995 32 25 17 22, 25 17 20
--
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org