G.Info:State of the Environment - Georgia - Toxic Contamination

Under this chetegory fall pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators and other chemical substances (except radioactive), which are known to have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

The system for the management of toxic chemical substances is not capable of function effectively without major changes in existing practices. During the Soviet era there was a centralized system of distribution and use of pesticides and fertilizers. The law, regulating the activities in this field did not exist. Separate agencies and organizations were acting in accordance with guidance’s, instructions and government standards, issued by central Union-wide authorities.

As an example, the organization called “Saksoplnakopiereba”, which belong to the Ministry of Agriculture, was responsible for centralized distribution of pesticides and fertilizers to agricultural producers. 22 similar types of district stations (Raibaza) were in operation to organize country-wide storage, distribution and transportation of pesticides, as well as the provision of pest control consultancy, prognosis and management. The dynamics of pesticide supply in Georgia is illustrated on figures (source: “Saksoplnakopiereba”). Currently pesticides are used by numerous government organizations, as well as by the private sector. Illegal trade with pest control products is wide-spread. At the same time, as a result of privatization and reorganization of more then 1200 collective farms, great number of small privately owned farms were established. Number of users increased significantly and under the changing circumstances the old-fashioned consulting system is not able to operate effectively.

There is, therefore, the necessity to introduce adequate system to manage the production, import-export, use and disposal of potentially toxic chemical substances.

Currently efforts are under way to develop the novel regulations, norms and rules to guarantee the enforcement of the existing law...., which was adopted by Parliament in 1994. The Department of Land Resources and Waste Management within the Ministry of Environment is coordinating these efforts in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Particularly, attention should be paid to the public information and participation in effective functioning of the system of management of potentially toxic chemicals.

On the way of developing new approaches, it is important to utilize fully the international experience and the support of UN specialized agencies (UNEP/IRPTC, FAO, IPPC, UN/ECE, etc.) and to take fully into account existing realities and experience within the country.