Tech projects help public protect Georgia’s nature

Tomorrow a Caucasian network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will unveil three new technology projects to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting Georgia's environment.

To mark Green Tech and Innovation Day, on November 29 the Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) will launch three new green initiatives at the Technology Park in Georgia's capital about the importance of environmental protection, sustainability and recycling.

Firstly, CENN will present the "first ever environmental knowledge portal" for the South Caucasus - a platform providing information on environmental issues in the country and a place where the public can learn about the challenges facing Georgia's natural environment.

A photograph of wild capras in Lagodekhi Protected Area in east Georgia. Photo from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia's press office.

The new portal aimed to present "scientific and policy based information" available to general public as well as environmental professionals, said its creators.

Launching alongside a larger online project, an accompanying new mobile application will enable tech-savvy members of the public to use their phone and help combat environmental threats across Georgia.

Users of 'GreenWatch' can use the application to upload information on environmental threats they encounter, which will then give CENN and other agencies the ability to react to the problems.

Developers said the process of uploading information to the mobile app was simple and involved "easy taps and gestures" via their mobile devices. They encouraged everyone with a smart phone to get involved and embrace the mobile app.

The app will bridge the gap between the public and government, helping them to work together to take care of the environment," said CENN.

The third initiative by the Caucasus-wide network was an interactive video game titled Sort and Recycle, which was designed to raise public awareness on waste separation and recycling.

Created for children aged six and older, the educational software aimed to promote the importance among young children about the types of waste and help them understand the effects of recycling.

The goal of the game is to help the younger generation understand that not all waste is garbage; that it’s possible to produce useful items by sorting waste and recycling," said CENN project initiators. 

In addition to the three presentations, Green Tech and Innovation Day will also involve discussions of stories of environmental action from younger generations and a talk on new programs and opportunities launched by CENN.