The event was attended by the heads of Ministry system as well as representatives of 13 agrarian organizations from all over the country, bringing the total number of participants to 60. Successful young cadres were awarded by the Academician Tengiz Urushadze’s award certificate of honor.

Mr. Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, addressed the audience and spoke at length about the importance of raising public awareness on soil protection, and highlighted the measures implemented by the Ministry for the adoption of sustainable soil management principles. ‘Sustainable soil management is directly linked to food security, but it has remained a global challenge. Soil degradation is also a significant problem that has been increasing over the years due to the climate change. In order to manage soil sustainably and eliminate existing challenges, qualified specialists, including young cadres are of vital importance for the country. I am convinced that with joint synergy and support, we will be able to take care of the fertility of our soils", said the Minister.

From left to right: (1) Vice Prime minister of Georgia together with the President of the National Academy of Georgia; (2) Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture cutting the World Soil Day cake and (3) First Deputy Minister of Georgia handing over the certificates to the granddaughter of Prof. academician Tengiz Urushadze.

During the event, The Vice Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr. Levan Davitashvili, addressed the participants stressing the importance of soil fertility. He noted that sustainable development of the country's economy largely depends on soil fertility. Also, the President of the National academy of Sciences of Georgia, Academician Giorgi Kvesitadze, emphasized the significance of soils and pointed out that in a small country as Georgia, most of the world soils are found.

Successful young cadres employed in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors of agrarian-direction, students of higher educational institutions, and researchers working in the scientific research sector were awarded with the Academician Tengiz Urushadze’s award certificate of honor. Professor Urushadze, a renowned academician, was an internationally recognized scientist, researcher, educator, and academic. The achievements of this honorable, benevolent and professional person serve as an excellent example for future generations. In accordance with the Minister’s order, the award ceremony is celebrated every year and has become a tradition. It contributes to the appreciation of the name of such an outstanding scientist, as Prof. Urushadze, increases the motivation of young successful cadre, and undoubtedly contributes popularization of soil science in Georgia.

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. George Khanishvili; Deputy Ministers, Mr. Yuri Nozadze, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, and Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili; and the representatives of I. Javakhishvili State University, National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, Agrarian University, Georgian Technical University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli University, Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, National Environmental Agency, Agricultural Scientific Research Center, Georgian Farmers' Association (GFA), Biological Farming Association ‘’Elkana’’, the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus), and the Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN).

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