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Assessment of Natural Disasters and Climate Change for Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area, Plan of Mitigation & Adaptation Measures Republic of Georgia

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Assessment of Natural Disasters and Climate Change for Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area, Plan of Mitigation & Adaptation Measures Republic of Georgia Assessment of Natural Disasters and Climate Change for Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area, Plan of Mitigation & Adaptation Measures Republic of Georgia Technical Report Number 17 Integrated Natural Resources Management in the Republic of Georgia Program Technical Report Number 15 Assessment of Natural Disasters and Climate Change for Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area, Plan of Mitigation & Adaptation Measures Republic of Georgia Funding for this publication was provided by the people of the United States of America through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under Agreement No.CA # AID-114-LA-10-00004, as a component of the Integrated Natural Resources Management for the Republic of Georgia Program. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Agency for International Development of the United States Government or Florida International University. Copyright © Global Water for Sustainability Program – Florida International University This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. No use of the publication may be made for resale or for any commercial purposes whatsoever without the prior permission in writing from the Florida International University - Global Water for Sustainability Program. Any inquiries can be addressed to the same at the following address: Global Water for Sustainability Program Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus 3000 NE 151 St. ACI-267 North Miami, FL 33181 USA Email: [email protected] Website: www.globalwaters.net For bibliographic purposes, this document should be cited as: GLOWS-FIU. 2013. Technical Report 17: Assessment of Natural Disasters and Climate Change for Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area, Plan of Mitigation & Adaptation Measures . ISBN: Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................................................................. 7 Tables ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Maps ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Methodology of Reserch ....................................................................................................................... 12 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 14 1. General Characterization .................................................................................................................. 15 1.1. Akhmeta municipality ................................................................................................................ 15 1.1.1 General Information ................................................................................................................ 15 Location ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Relief ............................................................................................................................................. 15 1.1.2 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... 16 Ongoing Changes in Climate ......................................................................................................... 16 Expected Change of Climate in Years 2020-2050 ......................................................................... 18 1.1.3 Hydrographic Network ............................................................................................................. 22 1.1.5 Landscapes ............................................................................................................................... 26 1.1.6 Natural Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 27 1.1.7 Agricultural Activities ............................................................................................................... 30 1.1.8 Tusheti ...................................................................................................................................... 33 1.2 Telavi municipality ...................................................................................................................... 36 1.2.1 General Information ................................................................................................................ 36 Location ......................................................................................................................................... 36 Relief ............................................................................................................................................. 36 1.2.2 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... 38 Ongoing Changes in Climate ......................................................................................................... 38 Expected Change of Climate in Years 2020-2050 ......................................................................... 40 1.2.3 Hydrographical Network .......................................................................................................... 44 1.2.4 Soil ............................................................................................................................................ 47 1.2.5 Landscapes ............................................................................................................................... 49 1.2.6 Natural Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 50 1.2.7 Agricultural Activities ............................................................................................................... 52 2. Vulnerability to Climate Change and Natural Disasters in Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area ..... 54 Upper Alazani Pilot Watershed Area - Assessment of the Vulnerability to Natural Disasters and Climate Change 2.1 Akhmeta municipality ................................................................................................................. 54 2.1.1 Possible activation of Hazardous natural processes ................................................................ 54 2.1.2 Problems related to possible changes of climate in 2020-2050 .............................................. 56 2.1.2.1 River Run-off ......................................................................................................................... 56 2.1.2.2 Landslide Processes .............................................................................................................. 56 2.1.2.3 Floods .................................................................................................................................... 57 2.1.2.4 Mudflows .............................................................................................................................. 57 2.1.2.5 Drought ................................................................................................................................. 57 2.1.2.6 Forest .................................................................................................................................... 57 2.1.2.7 Sub-alpine and Alpine Meadows .......................................................................................... 58 2.1.2.8 Impact of Future Climate Conditions on the Health of the Population ................................ 58 2.1.3 Assessment of Vulnerability and Disaster Risks by Communities ............................................ 61 2.1.3.1 Jokolo Community ................................................................................................................ 61 2.1.3.2 Khalatsani Community .......................................................................................................... 67 Omalo Village ................................................................................................................................ 69 Dumasturi Village .......................................................................................................................... 70 Zemo Khalatsani Village ................................................................................................................ 70 Shua Khalatsani Village ................................................................................................................. 71 Kvemo Khalatsani Village .............................................................................................................. 72 2.1.3.3 Duisi Community ................................................................................................................... 74 Duisi Village ................................................................................................................................... 75 Tsinubani Village ..........................................................................................................................
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