July -29, 2021. – We are pleased to announce that CENN in partnership with the partner organizations the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Agrotourism Development Association (RLS-ADA) and the Young Pedagogue’s Union (YPU) has conducted intensive online training on the mechanisms of citizen involvement in the decision-making process by the local self-government bodies and their use for the Guria and Racha-Lechkhumi Region Climate Action Groups (CAGs) and local active citizens in Guria and Racha-Lechkhumi under the EU-supported Georgia Climate Program (GEO-CAP).
The main purpose of the training was to promote community involvement in addressing and solving issues of local importance in Oni, Ambrolauri, Ozurgeti, and Lanchkhuti municipalities. In particular, providing information on the mechanisms needed to involve local people and civic groups in the decision-making process; develop the ability to use appropriate mechanisms to solve local problems.
During the intensive training, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with interesting and important issues of local self-government, such as:
- The essence of self-government and the principles of implementation
- Powers of local authorities and principles of implementation
- Decision-making process and stages of participation
- Legal mechanisms for involvement in the decision-making process
- Local budget process and participation opportunities
- Participatory budget as a mechanism for citizen involvement
Upon successful completion of the training, a total of 80 participants gained significant experience and expertise in selecting the appropriate legal mechanism to participate in the decision-making process, putting the issue on the agenda of local authorities, using legal leverage, and participating in the local budget process.
The European Union-supported Georgia Climate Action Program (GEO-CAP) is implemented by CENN together with the Kakheti Regional Development Fund (KRDF), the Chiatura Union (ACU), the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Agrotourism Development Association (RLS-ADA), and the Young Pedagogue’s Union (YPU). The target municipalities of the project are Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Akhmeta, Zestaponi, Tkibuli, Chiatura, Lanchkhuti, Ozurgeti, Oni, and Ambrolauri.
