1. Agricultural Research, Extension and Training Project ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM 2001-2007 BLACK SEA CATCHMENT AREA OF GEORGIA Dr. Nıno Inasarıdze, Head of EPCP Ankara 2007

2. Overall Goal Improve management of the land and water resources that will ultimately lead to the decreased nutrient pollution of the Black Sea. Environment Pollution Control Program

3. Construction of BGDs 2002-2007 Implementation area: Black Sea coastal zone, West of Georgia. 292 farms in 64 villages; total area – 163ha, In 2002 - 2006 - 272 units of 6M 3 volume BGDs constructed. In 2007 - 10M 3 volume BGDs constructed and already operational.

4. Impact of BGDs constructed in 2002-2007 Improved Environmental Situation : Significantly reduced deforestation and decreased nutrient pollution. Improved Socio-economic Conditions of farmers: - 700-800 m 3 of methane produced annually per farm to substitute 7 m 3 of firewood; - 14-20 tones of organic fertilizer produced annually per farm to substitute brand mineral fertilizers; - 1000 GEL annual savings per household from reduced use of mineral fertilizers, firewood and liquid gas; - Cash/in-kind exchange of processed manure initiated.

5. BGDs Program’s Outcomes - Increased awareness of Georgian farmers on benefits of BGDs; -Increased demand on BGDs among farmers throughout the Georgia; -Farmers investing in BGDs without a leverage of donor assistance (about 30 individuals); -Fabrication capacity increased at local level and employment generated (10 construction companies, more than 2000 local employees);

6. BGDs Program’s Impact -Local Government support gained. The Adjarian government financed 10% of construction 80 biogas digesters in 2002-2007; -Political Support strengthened : The Presidential National Program envisages implementation of activities for support of introduction of biogas digesters; -International Development Agencies support leveraged (GTZ, UMCOR, MERCY CORPS, CARE).

7. USAID Caucasus Georgia Rural Energy program Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Program implemented by WINROCK Georgia – USAID contractor. Construction of 10 BGDs in 5 villages in different parts of Georgia started; Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia cooperates with USAID to pilot the BGDs new design with polymeric construction materials.

8. Future vision  Optimization of design of BGDs to make it more suitable for specific conditions and to avoid the difficulties during construction and operation ;  Reduction of self-cost of BGDs through replacing its expensive construction materials (concrete) by cheaper polymeric or other materials ;  Enlargement of small – scale digesters to increase and diversify the BGDs benefits: electricity, heating ;  Enhanced Political and Institutional support resulted in sound governmental subsidies, donor assistance, private sector Investments.