Public Group on Water and Sanitation

Introduction

Georgia is a lower-middle income country and ranks 72nd out of 194 countries/territories in the 2012 UN Human Development Index. Poverty, particularly amongst the rural population, remains a major concern with 25% of the population living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate was calculated at 16.5% in 2011, the highest in the region.

Following comprehensive EU consultation with the Government, Civil Society Organisations, multilateral and bilateral donors, International Financial Institutions and International Organisations, a consensus has been reached regarding three priority sectors of interventions to be financed through the SSF: Public Administration Reform; Agriculture and Rural Development; Justice Sector Reform.

Focus Sectors budget

Water

Overall objectives

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source: EC

Water resources sustainability is under the Agriculture and Rural development sector that has as overall objective is to ensure sustainable agricultural and rural development in Georgia with a view to poverty alleviation in rural areas.

Country Context

Environmental management is an important area for the rural economy and Georgia needs to seek a sustainable balance between stimulating private involvement and the Government’s appropriate regulatory and monitoring role. Similarly, greater involvement by the Government in integrated planning and management of watershed areas would be appropriate.

Specific objectives and the main expected results

SO 3 - To support environment sustainability in rural areas ensuring agro-biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources through the identification and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures including disaster risk reduction and water basin management.

• R11 - Improved sustainable management of water resources.