Integrated Natural Resources Management in Watersheds (INRMW) of Georgia Program Technical Report 1: Rapid National Assessment

The program is part of a broader effort to address environmental and natural resources management challenges in Georgia. The program's objectives and scope are centered on assessing the existing legal-regulatory, policy, and institutional framework for environmental and natural resources management in Georgia. The study aims to identify gaps and areas for improvement in the current framework, with a focus on creating an enabling environment for integrated natural resources planning and management within watersheds. The methodology employed in the study involves a rapid national assessment, which includes an analysis of existing laws, policies, and institutions related to environmental and natural resources management. The assessment covers various sectors, including disaster management, agriculture water use, food security, potable water, and the energy sector. The study reveals that Georgia has a comprehensive legal-regulatory framework for environmental and natural resources management, with several laws and regulations in place to protect the environment and natural resources. However, the implementation of these laws and regulations is often hindered by institutional and policy gaps. The analysis of existing policies and planning frameworks indicates that environmental considerations are integrated into development and sectoral planning, but there is a need for more effective implementation and coordination among government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. The study also highlights the importance of creating an enabling environment for integrated natural resources planning and management within watersheds, which requires a coordinated approach among various stakeholders. The program's recommendations focus on creating an enabling environment for integrated natural resources planning and management within watersheds of Georgia. This includes strengthening the institutional framework, improving policy and planning frameworks, and enhancing coordination among government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. The study also emphasizes the need for capacity building and awareness-raising activities to promote sustainable management of natural resources in Georgia's watersheds. The program's findings and recommendations have significant implications for the development of effective policies and strategies for integrated natural resources management in Georgia's watersheds. The study provides a valuable framework for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to work towards creating an enabling environment for sustainable management of natural resources in the country's watersheds. The study's analysis of existing laws, policies, and institutions related to environmental and natural resources management in Georgia highlights the importance of a coordinated approach among various stakeholders. The program's recommendations focus on strengthening the institutional framework, improving policy and planning frameworks, and enhancing coordination among government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. The program's emphasis on creating an enabling environment for integrated natural resources planning and management within watersheds of Georgia is critical for promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental and natural resources management challenges in the country. The study's findings and recommendations provide a valuable framework for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to work towards creating an enabling environment for sustainable management of natural resources in Georgia's watersheds.