In a nationwide initiative to boost innovation and youth engagement for a greener agricultural sector, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Environmental Information and Education Centre, conducted an Ideathon. The 2-day event was held under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded project Strategic Readiness to support the Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and its Climate Action for Georgia: Transforming Agriculture Sector through Low-Emissions and Climate-Resilient Pathways.

The goal of the event was to define key priority areas for the development of low-emission, climate-resilient agriculture in Georgia. In addition, it sought to foster inclusive dialogue and raise awareness by engaging central-level institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, youth, and local communities.

The event also aimed to generate innovative solutions for climate-resilient agriculture in Georgia and raise awareness on sustainable practices. Participants—individually or in teams—submitted climate-friendly ideas contributing to the transformation of Georgia’s agriculture sector into a more low-emission and resilient one. Out of 18 proposals received, four outstanding solutions were shortlisted and recognized by the event’s sponsors and partners. Among the awarded solutions, were:

• Reducing nitrogen oxide emissions using biogas production from manure;
• Use of Black Solider Fly in animal feed to reduce of organic biowaste;
• Implementation of sustainable manure management practices to reduce emissions;
• Soil cultivation technology for preventing wind and water erosion on slopes and maintaining soil moisture for Sagarejo Municipality.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives of Agricultural Policy department and Rural Development Agency (RDA) of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Georgian Farmers’ Association, policymakers, researchers, farmers, university professors and students, and experts of various fields.
Tamar Shervashidze, FAO coordinator of the project emphasized the collaborative spirit of the exchange: “Participants engaged in discussions and collaborations, sharing their unique perspectives and expertise to identify practical, scalable, and sustainable ways forward.”

“Agriculture is both deeply affected by climate change and a key part of the solution. Through this ideathon, we aimed to bring youth and other stakeholders into the conversation, not just as future farmers or professionals, but as active contributors to shaping a more resilient, low-emission agriculture sector in Georgia. The diversity of the proposals reflects the kind of innovation we need to move from theory to practice and action”- said Jeremy Schlickenrieder, Natural Resources Officer of FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

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FAO supports countries’ efforts to access the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support programme, which is aimed at enhancing climate change adaptation and mitigation actions. The Readiness Programme fosters country ownership of projects by strengthening institutional capacities, governance mechanisms, and planning and programming frameworks in accordance with NDCs, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and other national climate change strategies. More on FAO and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

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Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were established under the UNFCCC Paris Agreement and summarize efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and thus, contribute to the realization of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals. Many of these contributions are linked to the food and agriculture sectors, helping them to become increasingly adaptive to climate change impacts, strengthen their resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and ensuring an adequate adaptation response.
In line with the Paris Agreement, Georgia has committed to unconditionally reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% below 1990 levels by 2030. As emissions from agriculture are expected to rise by around 40%, Georgia supports low-carbon, climate-resilient development in the sector, recognizing its growing importance.