Nino Shavgulidze Project Manager Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) Tbilisi, September, 2009

CENN mission: CENN’s mission is to foster modern and sustainable development values and practices through bridging society and environment. We strive to build strong and responsible civil society, good governance and accountable business to safeguard our environment and improve people’s life. CENN mission, values

International Financial Assistance to Georgia There have been 3 different periods for Georgian’s financial support from international organizations. Each of this three periods is linked with the political events taking place in the country. Period I started from Georgia’s independence in 1991 and lasted till Rose Revolution in 2003 Period II starts from Georgia’s Rose Revolution in 2003 and lasted till Georgia-Russian armed conflict in summer 2008 Period III so called “post conflict period” started from 2008 and continues up to the present.

Period I Georgia’s independence in Rose Revolution in 2003 General situation: high level of corruption, institutional weakness Financial support of international organizations for Georgia’s Civil Society Sector in was quite big. The financial support for civil society was mainly coming from bilateral donors: USAID, different foundations like Eurasia Foundation, Soros Fund, Dutch and Swiss governments etc. Civil society sector was supported to monitor the government’s activities. Multilateral organizations like UN, EU, the World Bank supported Georgian governmental institutions for developments of infrastructure, energy sectors, etc.

Period II Rose Revolution in 2003 – Georgian-Russian Armed Conflict in 2008 General situation: Formation of new governmental institutions and policy Financial support of international organizations was mainly directed to support new government, assess its capacity and facilitate new reforms. Civil Sector suffered from: lack of financing and “brain migration” to governmental sector. Results: many NGOs disappeared, tension increased between civil society and government.

Period III – “Post Conflict” Georgian-Russian Armed Conflict in 2008 – Up to the Present In post conflict period financial support increased comparing the previous period, however the most part of these funds goes directly to the Georgian government. Donors and CSOs do not have any tools for monitoring the funds spent by the government as in most cases it goes to the direct budgetary support.

Effectiveness of Financial Support -Needs Assessment for the country -Multi stakeholder approach -Evaluation of the effectiveness of running programs and projects -Evaluation of results obtained from already accomplished programs

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