Training Workshop on Application of Strategic Environmental Assessment for Municipal Spatial Plans in : Preparation of SEA Report, Quality Control in SEA and Final SEA Recommendations

Tbilisi, Georgia, 19-20 September 2019

Training Workshop Report

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Background

A two-day training workshop on “Application of Strategic Environmental Assessment for Municipal Spatial Plans in Georgia: Preparation of SEA Report, Quality Control in SEA and Final SEA Recommendations” was held on 19-20 September 2019, in (See Annex 1. Training Workshop Agenda). The event was organized by UNECE in co-operation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) within the framework of the EU-funded project “European Union for Environment” (EU4Environment) with co-funding from the Czech Republic. The training mainly focused on the preparation of SEA covering baseline analysis and impact assessment, quality control in SEA, and the preparation of SEA recommendations as the final step of the SEA process in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Code of Georgia (EAC). It was based on the ongoing SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation Plan (DRP) – still as a draft plan - and the outcomes of the first training workshop organized by the UNECE in cooperation with the MEPA on 16- 17 May 2019, in Tbilisi. The training was attended by 49 participants including the staff of the MEPA, mainly the Department of Environmental Assessment, the National Environmental Agency and other sectoral units of MEPA including Forestry and Biodiversity Department, Land Resources Division, Waste and Chemicals Management Department. The training was also attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia (MRDI), the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs (MoH), Tbilisi City Hall, mainly Municipal Department of Environmental Protection, Municipal Transport Department, and Municipal Department of Urban Development. The representatives of other selected municipalities also attended the training (See Annex 2. The List of Participants). Opening Session

The training workshop was opened by Ms. Nino Tandilashvili, the Deputy Minister, MEPA, and Ms. Maia Bitadze, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi City Municipality. Mr. Jiří Preclik, Chargé ď Affaires, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia and Mr. Alexandre Darras, Attaché, Sector Coordinator Connectivity, Energy, Environment and Climate Change, from the EU Delegation to Georgia also welcomed the participants. Mr. Leonid Kalashnyk, Environmental Affairs Officer, EU4Environment Project Manager welcomed the training participants on behalf of UNECE and introduced a new EU-funded EU4Environment Programme, which will further support the Georgian government, along with five other Eastern Partnership countries in strengthening the application of a new EIA/SEA system through comprehensive capacity and institutional building activities. These activities will cover training, SEA pilot, updating existing national guidance documents as well as preparation of a sectoral guiding document for the application of SEA in Georgia, etc.

Introduction to the Training

Following the opening session, Mr. Smutny, UNECE International Consultant, introduced the objectives and the agenda of the training workshop. He also presented a summary of the previous training workshop held in May 2019 in Tbilisi (https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=51475) to recap the topics discussed and conclusions made. After the presentation, he together with Ms. Irma Melikishvili, UNECE National Consultant, moderated a discussion preceded by a tour de table in which participants voiced their expectations from the workshop and specific topics/questions to discuss during its training sessions.

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It was important to remind the participants of the Lebarde plan development and associated environmental and health conditions to make sure that all the participants were sufficiently aware of the case used as a practical example in the following training sessions. Therefore, following a tour de table, the current status of the SEA of the Resort Lebarde DRP was presented by Ms. Nino Gvencadze, Head of Special Planning Department of the MRDI. She explained that the scoping application of the Resort Lebarde DRP had been already submitted to the MEPA.

In the next session, Ms. Melikishvili presented main steps of the SEA process in accordance with the UNECE Protocol on SEA, the EU SEA Directive, and the Environmental Assessment Code (EAC) of Georgia. This included SEA report preparation, decision-making on SEA and SEA recommendations to help the participants recall procedural steps of the SEA process before the preparation of SEA report and to link them to subsequent steps and elements in the SEA process (i.e. baseline analysis, impact assessment/mitigation measures etc.).The presentation of the Resort Lebarde DRP addressed topics related to the planned development of the resort and the likely change of the environmental and health conditions associated with the Resort Lebade DRP.

Theoretical Sessions

Similarly to the first training workshop in May, this workshop combined theoretical and practical sessions. Sessions on the main principles of the SEA process in accordance with the SEA Protocol, EU SEA Directive and the EAC were followed by practical sessions to allow the participants to work in groups with a focus on the case of the Resort Lebarde DRP.

Theoretical topics, presented by Mr. Smutny during the first day, included baseline analysis (its purpose, main principles, methods and tools) and impact assessment (i.e. identification and evaluation of risks, opportunities and/or likely impacts related to the implementation of a strategic document as well as measures to be formulated to avoid, minimize or compensate likely adverse impacts of a proposed development). The second day of the training continued with several other theoretical presentations by Mr. Smutny and Ms. Melikishvili, including on the SEA report,

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quality control in SEA, and decision-making process in SEA, taking into consideration the requirements of the UNECE Protocol on SEA, EU SEA Directive and the EAC.

Practical Sessions

Each theoretical presentation was followed by Q&A sessions and a practical session (discussion/work in groups). For the practical sessions, the participants were split into mixed groups (i.e. with participants from different institutions) to address assignments related to the Resort Lebarde DRP. In the first exercise, they were asked to develop an outline of the baseline for 2-3 key issues, which were identified during the first training workshop in May. These breakout groups were assigned the following environmental issues:

Group 1: Air quality and health The group concluded there is no air polluting facility directly in the site in Lebarde, however, it is important to analyze air pollution related to the future traffic. For that, a transport model would be needed indicating maximum transport intensity, to make it possible to define a maximum level of air pollution. For health aspects, a WHO approach was proposed to be employed (i.e. health determinants), including surface and water quality, drinking water accessibility etc.

Group 2: Socio-economic issues and waste management A socio-economic study should address broader aspects i.e. service providers, and benefits related to the development of the resort for the local population.

Group 3: Biodiversity The group concluded that shape files for the master plan would be needed to allow carrying out a habitat study.

Group 4: Soil and water resources The group emphasized that the likely consequences of climate change in relation to soil erosion and landslides should be considered.

The following practical session was dedicated to an evaluation of the likely environmental/health effects of Resort Lebarde DRP on the key issues (areas) elaborated in the previous exercise on the baseline. The session helped formulate measures to avoid or mitigate those likely environmental/health effects related to the implementation of the proposed development. Presentations by the groups emphasized the need to consider both the likely impacts on site as well as those in the wider area (mainly, those related to the adjacent transport infrastructure and tourism activities). Requirements should be defined for the transport infrastructure including a delineation of zones to ensure mitigation of air pollution (“green belts”). The issue of potential loss of/impact on medical herbs (due to an increased number of tourists) was raised. It was, therefore, proposed to identify areas with herbs and establish a protection regime. A biodiversity monitoring system should be established and implemented by the planning agency.

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These practical group exercises were followed by plenary discussions with a focus on information available and required for the preparation of the SEA report as well as on the challenges in the preparation of the SEA report for the Resort Lebarde DRP. The discussion covered the issue of quality control i.e. what quality criteria could be applied for the assessment of the SEA report and the SEA process of the Lebarde case. SEA recommendations - as the final step of the SEA process according to the EAC - were then addressed, particularly in relation to how the final SEA recommendations should be formulated in order to ensure the decision-makers will consider them in the final decision (approval of the Resort Lebarde DRP). For the development of final recommendations, the groups were asked to suggest 2-3 main recommendations that they would propose to decision-makers for consideration when making the final decision on the approval and implementation of the Resort Lebarde DRP.

Closing Session

After the last practical session on SEA recommendations, the training was concluded by the closing session. Final remarks from the side of the MEPA and on behalf of the UNECE were delivered. It was underlined that technical assistance to strengthen the capacity for the systematic and effective application of SEA in Georgia would continue in 2019-2022 within the framework of the EU-funded EU4Environment Programme. The need for further capacity building was reiterated – in particular, SEA training – including with a special focus on health aspects in the SEA process - for practitioners and health experts, and support of SEA pilots as an effective capacity-building mechanism were noted.

Summary of Next Steps

As a summary of the training, the following aspects need to be finalized from the side of UNECE consultants:

• To develop a final matrix for the Lebarde Resort DRP covering issues to be considered in the scoping and for the baseline analysis, particularly the data/information needed to be collected and examined, as well as summarizing the likely impacts and mitigation measures formulated at the training (together with recommendations that could be considered for the final approval and implementation of the Resort Lebarde DRP).

The MEPA shall coordinate sending a final matrix (translated into Georgian) to the participants of the training workshop. Annex 1. Workshop Agenda

Training Workshop Strategic Environmental Assessment Application for Municipal Spatial Plans in Georgia: Preparation of SEA Report, Quality Control in SEA and Final SEA Recommendations

AGENDA

19-20 September 2019 Tbilisi, Georgia Training Workshop Strategic Environmental Assessment Application for Municipal Spatial Plans in Georgia: Preparation of SEA Report, Quality Control in SEA and Final SEA Recommendations

19-20 September, 2019 (19/09 10:00 – 18:00, 20/09 10:00 – 14:30) Holiday Inn Tbilisi (address: 1, 26 May Square)

Background The plans and programmes at the local level (in particular, spatial plans) represent an important group of strategic documents the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) should be applied to. A number of municipalities in Georgia have already launched preparation of the local spatial plans and others will initiate the planning process in the course of 2019. Therefore, there is an obvious demand for the technical assistance to ensure the local-level SEAs are conducted in accordance with the new national legislative framework. This event is organized within the EU-funded “European Union for Environment” (EU4Environment) with co-funding from the Czech Republic. The workshop will focus on the preparation of SEA report (including relevant analyses), quality control in SEA, and preparation of SEA recommendations as the final step of the SEA process in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Code of Georgia (EAC). It will be based on the ongoing SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan. The workshop will build on the outcomes of the first training workshop organised by UNECE in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture on 16-17 May 2019 in Tbilisi (https://www.unece.org/index.php?id=51475). Meeting objectives, expected outputs and outcomes • enhance capacities for the application of SEA in Georgia in line with the requirements of the UNECE Protocol on SEA and EU SEA Directive, which Georgia has transposed into the national legislative framework through the adoption of the EAC; • follow up and build on the outcomes of the first training workshop • facilitate the ongoing SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan. Participants Up to 40 staff of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, National Environmental Agency, Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Tbilisi City Hall and other selected municipalities. Practical Information Simultaneous interpretation in English and Georgian will be provided. About EU4Environment The “European Union for Environment” (EU4Environment) aims to help the six partner countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine preserve their natural capital and increase people's environmental well-being, by supporting environment- related action, demonstrating and unlocking opportunities for greener growth, and setting mechanisms to better manage environmental risks and impacts. The Action is funded by the European Union and implemented by five Partner organisations: OECD, UNECE, UN Environment, UNIDO and the World Bank based on a budget of some EUR 20 million. The Action implementation period is 2019-2022. For further information contact: [email protected] AGENDA

DAY 1, 19 SEPTEMBER 2019, Thursday Time Item

09:30 – 10:00 Registration of participants 10:00 - 10:20 Opening remarks • Ms. Nino TANDILASHVILI, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture • Ms. Maia BITADZE, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi • Mr. Alexandre DARRAS, Attaché, Team Leader Connectivity, Energy, Environment & Climate change, EU Delegation to Georgia (tbc) • Mr. Jan Černík, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of the Czech Republic to Georgia • Mr. Leonid KALASHNYK, Environmental Affairs Officer, EU4Environment Project Manager in UNECE 10:20 - 10:45 Introduction to the workshop Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Objectives and agenda • Brief summary of the first training workshop • Participants’ expectations from the training 10:45 - 11:00 Current status of the SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Presentation by Ms. Nino Gventsadze, Head of the Spatial Planning Department and Mr. Kakha Photskhishvili, Deputy Head of the Spatial Planning Department, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development 11:00 - 11:45 SEA process after scoping: Steps and analyses in accordance with the UNECE Protocol on SEA, EU SEA Directive and the Environmental Assessment Code Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE

Questions and answers 11:45 - 12:15 Coffee break

12:15 - 12:45 Baseline analysis – introduction Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY, consultant to UNECE • Purpose and objectives and link to the scoping stage • Methods and tools • Expected outcomes • Case examples Questions and answers 12:45 - 13:30 Baseline analysis in the SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Introduction to the exercise • Group work on baseline analysis • Presentation of results • Discussion 13:30 - 14:30 Lunch 14:30 - 15:00 Evaluation of effects and formulation of mitigation measures – introduction Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY, consultant to UNECE • Purpose and objectives • Methods and tools • Expected outcomes • Case examples Questions and answers 15:00 – 16:00 Evaluation of effects and formulation of mitigation measures in the SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Introduction to the exercise • Group work on baseline analysis • Presentation of results • Discussion

16:00 – 16:30 Coffee break 16:30 – 17:45 SEA report Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Purpose of SEA report • Requirements of the Environmental Assessment Code • Information to be included • Case examples

Discussion on the SEA report for the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Information available and needed • Challenges in the preparation of SEA report • Considering conclusions of SEA report in the draft Development Regulation Plan 17:45 – 18:00 Closing of Day 1: Summary and further steps

DAY 2, 20 SEPTEMBER 2019, Friday

Time Item

10:00 - 10:15 Opening of Day 2 10:15 - 11:30 Quality control in SEA – introduction Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Purpose and expected outcomes • Requirements of the Environmental Assessment Code • Approaches and methods • Case examples

Discussion on quality control in the SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • What quality criteria should be used • How quality control will be arranged • How the conclusions of the quality control should be used

11:30 - 12:00 Coffee break 12:00 – 12:30 SEA and decision-making – introduction Presentation by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Purpose and objectives • Requirements of the Environmental Assessment Code • Case examples

Questions and answers 12:30 - 13:30 SEA recommendations for the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE • Introduction to the exercise • Group work on SEA recommendations • Presentation of results • Discussion

13:30 - 14:30 Further steps in the SEA of the Resort Lebarde Development Regulation draft Plan Facilitated by Mr. Martin SMUTNY and Ms. Irma MELIKISHVILI, consultants to UNECE

• Roles and responsibilities • Timeline • Possible challenges

14:30 Closing of the workshop and lunch Annex 2. List of Participants

Training Workshop Strategic Environmental Assessment Application for Municipal Spatial Plans in Georgia: Preparation of SEA Report, Quality Control in SEA and Final SEA Recommendations

List of participants

19-20 September 2019 Tbilisi, Georgia

Number of participants: 49 (male:18, female: 31)

# Name Title Contact information 1. Nino Deputy Minister of Tbilisi, Georgia TANDILASHVILI Environmental Email: Protection and [email protected] Agriculture 2. Maia BITADZE Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi Email: [email protected] 3. Jan ČERNÍK Head of Development Tbilisi, Georgia Cooperation, Embassy Email: [email protected] of the Czech Republic to Georgia 4. Leonid KALASHNYK Environmental Affairs Geneva, Switzerland Officer, Email: [email protected] EU4Environment Project Manager in UNECE 5. Malkhaz ADEISHVILI National Action Tbilisi, Georgia Coordinator of Phone: 599531427 EU4Environment, Email: [email protected] Georgia 6. Martin SMUTNY International Czech Republic Consultant, UNECE Email: [email protected] 7. Irma MELIKISHVILI National consultant, Tbilisi, Georgia UNECE Email: [email protected] 8. Zura RIKADZE Senior Specialist, Phone: 598882331 Department of Email: [email protected] Geology 9. Sofio BERIDZE Employee of the Tbilisi, Georgia Department of Phone: 591404020 Hydrometeorology Email: [email protected] 10. Giorgi Head of Division, Tbilisi, Georgia KARGARETELI Department of Phone: 599704177 Environmental Email: [email protected] Pollution Monitoring; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 11. Diana EGIAZAROVA GIS Specialist; Tbilisi, Georgia Ministry of Phone: 598984521 Environment Email: [email protected] Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 12. Sopio Strategic Planning Tbilisi, Georgia GOGICHAISHVILI Division; Ministry of Phone: 595776903 Environment Email: Protection and [email protected] Agriculture of Georgia 13. Beso GELUTASHVILI Department of Land Tbilisi, Georgia Resources Protection; Phone: 595350816 Ministry of Email: [email protected] Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 14. Salome DVALI Strategic Planning Tbilisi, Georgia Division; Ministry of Phone: 595101775 Environment Email: [email protected] Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 15. Kristina Biodiversity Division; Tbilisi, Georgia KOROSHINADZE Ministry of Phone: 599313125 Environment Email: Protection and [email protected] Agriculture of Georgia 16. Sopio NACHKEBIA Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 598448100 Assessment Email: [email protected] Department 17. Mariam Tbilisi, Georgia MIRIANASHVILI Personnel employed Phone: 598351651 by the Environmental Email: Assessment [email protected] Department; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

18. Eva TSOMIKURIDZE Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 574861890 Assessment Email: Department; Ministry [email protected] of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 19. Gvantsa SIBASHVILI Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 577080782 Assessment Email: Department; Ministry [email protected] of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 20. Salome Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia GOGILASHVILI by the Environmental Phone: 557584328 Assessment Email: Department; Ministry [email protected] of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 21. Keti CHOKURI Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 599159514 Assessment Email: [email protected] Department; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 22. Irina KIKVADZE Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 599800700 Assessment Email: [email protected] Department; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 23. Eka Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia ELGENDARASHVILI by the Environmental Phone: 593949490 Assessment Email: [email protected] Department; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 24. Aleksandre Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia PAPUNASHVILI by the Environmental Phone: 595920303 Assessment Email: Department; Ministry [email protected] of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 25. Nino OBOLASHVILI Personnel employed Tbilisi, Georgia by the Environmental Phone: 595402512 Assessment Department; Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia 26. Ketevan Municipal Service for Tbilisi, Georgia KANDELAKISHVILI Environmental Phone: 591926236 Protection, Tbilisi City Email: Hall [email protected] 27. Maia JOLOKHAVA Municipal Service for Tbilisi, Georgia Environmental Phone: 568018822 Protection, Tbilisi City Email: [email protected] Hall 28. Gvantsa Municipal Service for Tbilisi, Georgia NIKOLAISHVILI Urban Development, Phone: 577951414 Tbilisi City Hall Email: [email protected] 29. Nana Municipal Service for Tbilisi, Georgia ZAZANASHVILI Urban Development, Phone: 593942849 Tbilisi City Hall Email: [email protected] 30. Davit JAIANI Transport Service, Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi City Hall Phone: 558797260 Email: [email protected] 31. Tea JIKIA Transport Service, Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi City Hall Phone: 593000308 Email: [email protected] 32. Nino GVENTSADZE Head of the Spatial Tbilisi, Georgia Planning Department, Phone: 577171011 Ministry of Regional Email: [email protected] Development and Infrastructure of Georgia 33. Kakha Deputy Head of the Tbilisi, Georgia PHOTSKHISHVILI Spatial Planning Phone: 599140437 Department, Ministry Email: [email protected] of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia 34. Sopo MAISURADZE Spatial Planning Tbilisi, Georgia Department, Ministry Phone: 591197776 of Regional Email: [email protected] Development and Infrastructure of Georgia 35. Nana NINASHVILI Environmental health Phone: 595956107 division, National Email: [email protected] Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) 36. Nana GABRIADZE Environmental health Phone: 595459497 division, National Email: [email protected] Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) 37. Tamar KASHIBADZE Environmental health Phone: 551170051 division, National Email: [email protected] Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) 38. Nino JIBGASHVILI Environmental health Phone: 598953445 division, National Email: [email protected] Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) 39. Nino Public Health Phone: 597055599 DEDABRISHVILI Specialist, National Email: [email protected] Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) 40. Tamar BAKURADZE Environmentalist, Phone: 599503289 Geographer,specialist Email: [email protected] in GIS and RS tools, GIS and RS Consulting Center GeoGraphic 41. Lika SALIA GIS Specialist, LEPL Phone: 577101418 Agency of Protected Email: [email protected] Areas 42. Malkhaz ADEISHVILI National Coordinator, Phone: 599531427 EU for Environment Email: [email protected] 43. Jambuli Head of Infrastructure Phone: 591935176 GEGECHKORI Service, Martvili City Hall 44. Tamta DAGARGULIA Head of Urban Phone: 591417511 Planning and Spatial Email: [email protected] Arrangement, City Hall 45. Koba MORGOSHIA Head of Department Phone: 599852395 of Architecture, Email: [email protected] City Hall 46. Grigol GARUCHAVA Spatial Arrangement Phone: 593312048 Architect, Ministry of Email: [email protected] Finance and Economy of 47. Giorgi Head of Architecture Phone: 577286694 GOGINASHVILI Department, Gori Email: [email protected] Regional Division 48. Mamuka Department of - KUBLASHVILI Architecture, Urban Planning and Monument Protection, City Hall 49. Zakaria TSINTSADZE Infrastructure Service Phone: 599530366 Representative, Email: [email protected] City Hall