Georgia to have “international-standard” weather forecasting, early warning systems by 2025 - Environment Minister

Otar Shamugia, the Georgian Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, on Friday said the country would introduce “international-standard” weather forecasting and early warning systems by 2025 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Environmental Agency and the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Helsinki.

The memorandum will enable us [...] to modernise meteorological and environmental observation networks, relevant equipment and laboratories. It will also involve the development of weather, climate, and air quality modelling and forecasting systems;  modernise the early warning service delivery platform and create new services and products that will benefit the population and interested users; and enhance research methods and tools focusing on climate change”, Shamugia said.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the hydrometeorological observation network with the installation of 231 stations across the country.

Petteri Taalas, the Director General of the Institute, welcomed the Georgian Government’s “commitment” to international meteorological standards, emphasising its importance for economic development in the country.

He said it was “very important” that Georgia had been implementing reforms that align with the standards of the European Union member states and expressed commitment to collaborating and sharing expertise with professionals from the country.