The National Environmental Agency of  the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia has presented a draft Aquaculture Law for Georgia which will regulate Aquaculture activities in the country, a sector that can significantly increase its production, from the actual 2 300 tons per year up to 30 000 tons in both inland waters and the marine environment. The initiative was supported by FAO under the EU-funded ENPARD project.

The draft law was developed in line with the international practices with active involvement from FAO experts. It aims to promote and regulate the aquaculture sector in Georgia, as well as to help attract investments into this sector. The draft law defines critical steps for the authorization of aquaculture activities allocated in the inland and marine waters, such as the definition of aquaculture zones, the legal aquaculture permits and licenses needed for this activity, as well as the creation of a scientific advisory committee that will support the implementation of the law.

The document safeguards interests of local people, providing access for inland waters such as lakes and reservoirs to fishing associations comprising of persons living in the neighboring municipalities and to fish farming cooperatives.

The interministerial presentation and discussion of the draft Aquaculture Law was organized by FAO within the EU-supported ENPARD project. The event gathered representatives of the Government of Georgia, the Government of Adjara, members of the Parliamentary Committees on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and Agrarian Affairs, state agencies and other representatives of the sector.

The meeting was opened and moderated by Levan Davitashvili, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. He expressed his gratitude to EU and FAO for providing expertise and technical support in developing the Aquaculture Law.

“Sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, environmental protection and conservation of biodiversity will further stimulate the increase of income, create jobs and promote socio-economic development in the country. Georgia is rich in water resources, has great potential and needs proper management of these resources,” Mr. Davitashvili said.

A lively discussion followed regarding the challenges and opportunities related to the aquaculture, permits, permit holder’s obligations, zoning, management systems, environmental monitoring and basic requirements to grant the aquaculture permits. The meeting also served to raise awareness of the social, economic and environmental implications of the aquaculture activity, and the need for a proper regulation and planning to ensure the sustainability of this activity.

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for rural populations that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge