? Five training sessions were conducted for representatives of target groups, with 115 participants.
? Two educational tours were organized to introduce the composting process, involving 33 participants.
? Ten workshops were held in pilot schools, engaging 221 participants.
? A Green Camp was organized with 27 participants.
? A brochure on composting was prepared and distributed, with a total of 200 copies.
? Additionally, a booklet on composting was created and distributed, with 1000 copies.
? One thousand copies of a coloring album were prepared and distributed as part of the project.
A total of 436 young people actively participated in the project activities. Specifically, in 10 selected schools where composting sites were established as part of the project, workshops on composting issues were conducted with the involvement of senior students. Across selected public schools in Tskaltubo and Lanchkhuti municipalities, a total of 10 workshops were organized, engaging 219 students.
Furthermore, 27 young people actively took part in the activities of the Green Camp.
Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples
As part of the project:
Composting sites were established in three farms across three rural communities. Each farm received three-section composting boxes dedicated to composting biodegradable waste.
A series of five composting training sessions will be conducted, engaging 115 representatives from the target groups.
Two educational tours were organized at the Kutaisi Composting Center, where 33 representatives enhanced their knowledge about industrial composting.
Demonstration composting sites will be set up in 10 pilot schools. This initiative will involve conducting 10 workshops and 10 informational meetings on composting in these schools, with the participation of 431 students and teachers.
A green camp will be organized, with the participation of 27 students.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
At the designated locations, a minimum of 300 m3 of green waste was collected for composting, yielding a total of at least 0.9 tons of ready-made compost. This compost was utilized based on specific requirements, primarily for enriching depleted soil, both on farms and in the maintenance of greenery within schoolyards. Notably, the total allocated land area is no less than 0.2 hectares. Compost production has empowered the targeted farms to initiate the cultivation of organic products, providing them with an additional advantage
Gender Focus
Men and women will benefit equally from the project as the improved state of the environment will have a uniform impact on all members of society. The project's outcomes are expected to enhance the living conditions of the rural population, including women.
A total of 321 women and girls, constituting 53% of the participants, were directly involved in the project's activities. Men and women were engaged in the project activities with equal rights, including participation in trainings, meetings, and access to publications. The results of the project not only contribute to increased social equality between women and men but also aim to improve the health of women and children, including girls. Women have gained knowledge and practical skills about composting on an equal basis with men.
Inovative Financial Mechanisms
Publications:
? Booklets with a total circulation of 1000 copies.
? Brochure on composting with 200 copies.
? Coloring album with 1000 copies.
Held:
? 5 training sessions with 115 participants.
? 10 workshops with 221 participants.
? 10 information meetings in pilot schools with 210 participants.
? One green camp with 27 participants.
Information Dissemination:
? Regular posting of project-related information on the social network www.facebook.com/spectriGE.
? Information available on the website of "Spectri" (www.spectri.org.ge).
Policy Impact
The implementation of the project and the introduction of composting in affected communities align with and contribute to the realization of the goals outlined in Georgia's climate change and waste management strategies. Specifically, the goals and outcomes of the project are in accordance with:
? Georgia's National Waste Management Strategy (2016-2030) and Action Plan (2022-2026): These documents define national indicators for waste separation and management of biodegradable waste.
? Georgia's 2030 Climate Change Strategy and 2021-2023 Action Plan: These initiatives include provisions for the introduction of biodegradable waste recycling and composting to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of awareness-raising activities for local governments, entrepreneurs, and farmers to enhance composting capacity.
Project sustainability
The project's outcomes will play a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable development of chosen rural communities and mitigating the adverse effects of biodegradable waste on the environment. The implementation of composting techniques and the integration of compost in agriculture will diminish soil degradation, leading to a substantial enhancement in the bioproduct production process and the promotion of eco-friendly agricultural methods
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Various means were employed to communicate with the population of the pilot rural communities as part of the project:
Meetings were conducted with the residents of the pilot rural communities.
A presentation on the project goals and results was held in Tskaltubo and Lanchkhuti municipalities.
Information about project activities was regularly shared on the social network (www.facebook.com/spectriGE).
Consultations were provided for interested individuals, both through face-to-face meetings and online.
Press releases will be prepared and distributed to further disseminate information about the project.
Project Results
Significant progress has been made in introducing composting of biodegradable waste and promoting the use of compost to reduce soil degradation in selected rural communities. Specific achievements include:
Composting Sites:
? Three composting sites were established in three farms in Tskaltubo municipality.
? Ten composting sites were created in 10 selected public schools.
Waste Collection and Compost Production:
? At the selected sites (3 farms and 10 pilot schools), at least 300 m3 of green waste (agricultural waste, branches, leaves, grass, etc.) was collected for composting.
? A total of at least 0.9 tons of ready compost was obtained.
? The total area of the allocated lands for composting is not less than 0.2 ha.
Inspiration for Organic Farming:
? The production of compost inspired target farms to start producing organic products. For example, bio-strawberry production using compost has been initiated in one farm.
Knowledge and Skills Enhancement:
? Representatives of the target groups increased their knowledge and skills about recycling/composting of biodegradable waste.
? Five training sessions were conducted with 115 participants, including farmers (37), representatives of local governments (20), and teachers (51, including 74% women).
Workshops and Green Camp:
? Ten workshops on composting were held in pilot schools with 221 participants, including 209 students and 12 teachers.
? A green camp was organized with the participation of 27 students, including 15 girls.
Informational Meetings and Tours:
? Informational meetings were conducted in pilot schools, reaching 210 students and teachers, providing information about environmental protection and the advantages of composting.
? An educational tour was organized at Kutaisi Composting Center, involving 33 representatives of Tskaltubo Municipality, including 11 farmers, 22 local government representatives, and 21 women.
Environmental Awareness:
? The environmental awareness of the target groups, including youth and women, has been significantly raised through the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills about composting.
? A total of 606 representatives of the target groups increased their knowledge and skills about composting, with 53% being women and girls, and 72% being young individuals.
