The document summarizes an environmental pollution control program in Georgia from 2001-2007. The program's overall goal was to improve land and water resource management to decrease nutrient pollution in the Black Sea. Under the program, 292 farms constructed 272 biogas digesters from 2002-2006 and 10 more large digesters in 2007. These digesters improved environmental and socioeconomic conditions by reducing deforestation, producing methane and organic fertilizer, and saving farmers money. The program increased awareness of biogas digesters among farmers and the local biogas industry, gained political and institutional support, and leveraged support from international organizations. Going forward, the vision is to optimize digester design, reduce costs, and increase support and subsidies to scale up the

1. Agricultural Research, Extension and Training
Project
ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION CONTROL
PROGRAM
2001-2007
BLACK SEA CATCHMENT AREA OF GEORGIA
Dr. Nıno Inasarıdze, Head of EPCP
Ankara 2007

2. Environment Pollution Control Program
Overall Goal
Improve management of the land and water resources that will
ultimately lead to the decreased nutrient pollution of the Black
Sea.

3. Construction of BGDs
2002-2007
Implementation area: Black Sea coastal zone, West of Georgia.
292 farms in 64 villages; total area – 163ha,
In 2002 - 2006 - 272 units of 6M3 volume BGDs constructed.
In 2007 - 10M3 volume BGDs constructed and already operational.

4. Impact of BGDs constructed
in 2002-2007
Improved Environmental Situation:
Significantly reduced deforestation and decreased nutrient pollution.
Improved Socio-economic Conditions of farmers:
- 700-800 m3 of methane produced annually per farm to substitute 7 m3 of firewood;
- 14-20 tones of organic fertilizer produced annually per farm to substitute brand mineral
fertilizers;
- 1000 GEL annual savings per household from reduced use of mineral fertilizers,
firewood and liquid gas;
- Cash/in-kind exchange of processed manure initiated.

5. BGDs Program’s Outcomes
- Increased awareness of Georgian farmers on benefits of BGDs;
- Increased demand on BGDs among farmers throughout the
Georgia;
- Farmers investing in BGDs without a leverage of donor
assistance (about 30 individuals);
- Fabrication capacity increased at local level and employment
generated (10 construction companies, more than 2000 local
employees);

6. BGDs Program’s Impact
- Local Government support gained. The Adjarian government financed 10%
of construction 80 biogas digesters in 2002-2007;
- Political Support strengthened: The Presidential National Program envisages
implementation of activities for support of introduction of biogas digesters;
- International Development Agencies support leveraged (GTZ, UMCOR,
MERCY CORPS, CARE).

7. USAID Caucasus Georgia Rural Energy
program
Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Program implemented by
WINROCK Georgia – USAID contractor.
Construction of 10 BGDs in 5 villages in different parts of Georgia started;
Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia cooperates with USAID to
pilot the BGDs new design with polymeric construction materials.

8. Future vision
 Optimization of design of BGDs to make it more suitable for specific
conditions and to avoid the difficulties during construction and operation;
 Reduction of self-cost of BGDs through replacing its expensive construction
materials (concrete) by cheaper polymeric or other materials;
 Enlargement of small – scale digesters to increase and diversify the BGDs
benefits: electricity, heating;
 Enhanced Political and Institutional support resulted in sound governmental
subsidies, donor assistance, private sector Investments.