Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili met with Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, to review findings of the study “Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Black Sea of Georgia” under the Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) program.
The report analyzed the scale of marine plastic pollution, technologies for river waste removal, state policies and investment priorities, and levels of microplastic pollution.
Songulashvili stressed the urgency of action, announcing plans to launch consultations with the private sector and establish a working group to reduce and eventually eliminate plastic use.
Pryce welcomed Georgia’s commitment, highlighting strong cooperation between the World Bank and the ministry.
The BBSEA program promotes a regional framework for sustainable Black Sea management, focusing on reducing pollution, restoring ecosystems, fostering sustainable fisheries, and creating jobs. It involves Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine, along with international partners.
Deputy Ministers Solomon Pavliashvili and Zurab Ezugbaia also attended the meeting.
