On March 22, 2023, the launch event for the new EU-funded “Green Guria – Supporting Local Democracy and Rural Development for Inclusive and Resilient Green Growth” project was held in Ozurgeti Techno Park, Guria, organised by CENN with partner organisations. The project aims to reduce poverty and improve the economic and social environment and living conditions of vulnerable rural communities in the Guria region.
Nana Janashia, Executive Director, CENN; Ketevan Khutsishvili, Programme Manager for Rural Development, Civil Protection and Crisis Management of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia; Ekaterine Zviadadze, Head of the Policy Coordination and Analysis Department, MEPA; Giorgi Urushadze, State Representative, Guria; Giorgi Ghurjumelidze, Vice Mayor of Ozurgeti Municipality; Maia Kutubidze – Vice Mayor of Chokhatauri Municipality; Eka Gujabidze, Vice Mayor of Lanchkhuti Municipality, gave a welcome speech and opened the event.
“The European Union has been financing the rural development program in Georgia for ten years. Within the framework of this program, the main financing of the European Union is in the state budget of Georgia, followed by the financing allocated to international and non-governmental organisations. It is within the framework of this financing that we are pleased that a rural development program will be implemented in all three municipalities of Guria over the next three years, which is aimed at identifying needs based on rural priorities and allocating financial resources for these needs, which will be provided by the joint work of the local population, non-governmental sector, business and local government. We very much hope that the involvement of local communities will contribute to the better future in the Guria region,” stated Ketevan Khutsishvili, Programme Manager for Rural Development, Civil Protection and Crisis Management of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
Guests attending the conference were introduced to the project’s goals and designed activities to strengthen and support the Guria region’s rural and economic development. The event participants also received information about the public-private sector cooperation opportunities planned within the project.
“I would like to thank the European Union for the assistance provided to Georgia. CENN has been involved in the ENPARD program for more than seven years, and the projects implemented within the framework of this program have brought significant development to municipalities. We are glad that, this time, we have the opportunity to start a village development project in Guria. This region has great development potential and the project will work in this regard. We believe that the development of municipalities will be possible through cooperation and involvement with local businesses and civil society,” stated Nana Janashia, Executive Director of CENN.
Over three years, the project will operate in the Ozurgeti, Lanchkhuti, and Chokhatauri municipalities. The project will establish Local Action Groups (LAGs) in these municipalities and develop local development strategies that prioritise the needs of gender, youth, and vulnerable groups. The project will also promote sustainable practices and diversification of the local economy and empower women, youth, and civic organisations and communities.
Representatives of the European Union, local self-government and civil society, and local entrepreneurs attended the launch event.
CENN implements the Project in cooperation with partner organisations, the Young Pedagogues’ Union, the Institute of Democracy, and the Local Action Group of KEDA (LAG), supported by the European Union within the European Neighbourhood Program for Rural and Agricultural Development ENPARD IV.