A workshop took place on 6 May in Tbilisi to raise awareness on Green Economy and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). Participants reviewed overall SCP progress in the Eastern Neighbourhood subregion, exchanged experiences and learned about case studies and success stories.

The event formed part of the EU-financed “Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood” (EaP GREEN) project. Presentations were made on the Green Economy and the SCP concept, resource efficiency throughout the subregion and UNEP’s approach to helping countries to develop a strategic policy framework. Also presented were key practices including organic agriculture, sustainable lifestyles, education and green jobs in sustainable transport and waste management.

A presentation was also made on assessing Green Economy and SCP strategies from an NGO perspective. Among the side events that were held were the launch of the Russian translation of the report on Resource Efficiency: Economics and Outlook for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, and an exhibition of SCP initiatives in Georgia. Thirteen NGOs and business representatives presented innovative on-the-ground practices that contribute to SCP.

Among the 42 participants attending the workshop were representatives of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy, civil society and business from the EU’s EaP countries.

The "Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood" – EaP GREEN partnership project is an EU-financed regional programme to help six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries in their transition to green economies: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

The programme involves four international organizations, which work together to provide comprehensive support. These four partner organisations are OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). Each organization is working in its area of expertise to assist the EaP countries to strengthen the analysis, policy instruments and capacities needed to make the transition to a green economy.

More information: rie.tsutsumi@unep.org