According to the Draft Law on Environmental Liability, over 85 enterprises operating in Georgia must introduce self-monitoring systems and register harmful substances from pollution sources. In case of non-fulfillment of obligations, they will be fined.
Nino Tandilashvili, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture Protection notes that a fund will be created where the money paid for environmental damage will be collected.
"In case of non-fulfillment of the obligation, the sanctions are high – it amounts to 20,000 GEL. In case of repetition, it will be doubled, and then tripled," she added.
According to her, the resource will be used to solve environmental problems in some municipalities.
“A new rule is being approved. According to it, a specific fund will be set up, where paid sums for environmental damage will be directed. Representatives of the civil sector, as well as local municipalities will be involved in the management process," she said.
According to Nino Tandilashvili, the involvement of the civil sector is important to make the process transparent and determine which municipality needs it the most.
"This is the first precedent in the region. However, such funds are operating in European countries for a very long time, and this has brought many tangible results in terms of improving the environment. I think it will be the same in our case, "- added the Deputy Minister.
