AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety in Public Works: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office is urging Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning of serious risks like mesothelioma and lung cancer—especially for nearby schools starting 15 September. Energy & Air Quality Policy: Georgia adopted a nationwide emergency fuel waiver tied to the U.S. EPA, allowing certain gasoline blends to be sold Aug. 29–31 and winter-grade fuel two weeks early from Sept. 1, aiming to ease pump prices while keeping other safety rules. Invasive Species Watch: An invasive pasture mealybug was detected in Decatur County, with officials urging farmers to check hayfields and pastures and prevent spread via equipment, clothing, vehicles, and livestock movements. Coastal Development in Batumi: Origami Holding says it has acquired land on Ambassadori Island and plans a $200 million multifunctional complex, positioning Batumi for more Black Sea tourism and hospitality growth. Biodiversity Policy Link: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze accepted an invitation to join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit focused on biodiversity commitments.

Biodiversity Policy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze has accepted an invitation to join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit (Oct 19–30) focused on implementing biodiversity commitments. Protest & Governance: Euro-integration supporters kept up Tbilisi demonstrations for a 638th straight day, calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections; one 69-year-old protest participant was arrested for 15 days, while another jailed activist, Fridon Bubuteishvili, was reportedly included in a pardon list. Energy & Climate Risk: Abkhazia’s fuel crisis is being discussed alongside claims of unexpected petrol supplies from Tbilisi and calls (including from Turkey) to end Abkhazia’s isolation—framed by experts as a potential de-escalation step. Nature & Wildlife at the Zoo: Tbilisi Zoo is seeing summer cooling efforts, with visitors sharing video of animals enjoying relief during hot weather. Regional Connectivity: ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings—aimed at faster trade and logistics, while also noting links to environmental and public health risks from bottlenecks.

Biodiversity & Climate Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze will join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, after Nikol Pashinyan invited him by phone, with the agenda focused on implementing commitments to preserve biodiversity. Air & Public Participation: The US EPA is proposing to remove a federal requirement for public notice and comment on some air pollution permits, a move that could affect communities near data centers and other facilities. Water Security & Cyber Risk: US officials say hackers targeted more than 100 internet-exposed water and wastewater systems in July, raising fears about safety and resilience as operators scramble to restore control. Local Environmental Life at Tbilisi Zoo: A video roundup highlights keeping cool during hot days at Tbilisi Zoo, including “ice cream” and cold showers for animals and visitors. Protests in Tbilisi: Eurointegration supporters continued demonstrations for a 638th day, demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections—an ongoing backdrop to policy and public trust debates.

Coastal Development Watch (Adjara/Batumi): A UAE-based HOLM Developments has signed an investment agreement with Ambassadori Island Batumi to build a 140,000 sq m multifunctional waterfront complex, positioning the project as a major new FDI magnet for Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Urban Nature & Heat Resilience (Tbilisi): Tbilisi Zoo is running a summer heat plan—more water, cooling sprays, mud wallows for elephants and rhinos, and adjusted diets—to protect animals during hot spells. Climate Signal (Global, with local relevance): Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier has stopped reaching Berg Lake, ending direct calving—another vivid indicator of glacier decline tied to climate change. Air Quality Governance (US, policy with parallels): The US EPA is proposing to remove guaranteed public notice and comment for some minor air pollution permits, including those tied to data centers and generators—raising concerns for community input. Black Sea & Migration Pressure: Reports describe a long Black Sea escape by Russian deserters by kayak, underscoring the region’s ongoing security and human impacts. Maritime Strategy (Batumi): Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, aiming to boost maritime connectivity and the Middle Corridor.

Heat & Wildlife Care in Tbilisi Zoo: With summer temperatures rising, Tbilisi Zoo has switched to a cooling-focused routine—more frequent clean water, enclosure misting, floor hosing, and mud wallows for elephants and rhinos to protect from sun and insects. Coastal & Storm Watch: Georgia’s weather outlook includes showers and thunderstorms, with the risk of heavy rain and strong storms in the afternoon and evening—so expect wet, changeable conditions. Batumi Maritime Push: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, aiming to boost the Middle Corridor, transport security, and sustainable maritime transport with regional and international partners. Tourism Policy in the Region: Azerbaijan approved a tourism support programme targeting 3.8 million visitors by 2030, as arrivals and hotel activity have been slipping in 2026. Local Governance & Business: Adjara’s government met with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss investment, trade, and support for entrepreneurs and farmers, including plans for business forums in mountainous Adjara and Batumi. Education Reform Signals: Results from Georgia’s Unified National Exams after education reforms show a shift from state to private university enrolment.

Climate Change in the Caucasus: A new field observation from Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier shows the glacier has stopped reaching Berg Lake, ending direct calving into the water—another vivid sign of glacier decline tied to warming. Local Heat Relief: Tbilisi Zoo is running a summer cooling routine—more water, misting, mud wallows, and adjusted feeding—to protect animals from overheating. Coastal Water Monitoring: Adjara officials checked Black Sea water quality, keeping an eye on conditions that affect marine life and public health. Maritime Connectivity: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, with about 400 delegates to discuss sustainable transport and strengthening the Middle Corridor. Business & Investment Push (Adjara): The Adjara government met with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to plan B2B meetings, investment attraction, and expanded trade links. Governance & Rights: Protesters in Tbilisi continued their long-running demonstrations, demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections.

Tbilisi Zoo Heat Care: Keepers at Tbilisi Zoo are stepping up summer routines to protect animals from overheating, using more frequent fresh water, cooling sprays, mud wallows for elephants and rhinos, and heat-friendly feeding like frozen fruit. Black Sea & Maritime Connectivity: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, with about 400 delegates expected, focusing on the Middle Corridor, sustainable maritime transport, and transport security. Disaster Risk & AI: The Asian Development Bank launched an AI-backed project with Azerbaijan to strengthen infrastructure resilience and improve adaptation to disaster risks, aiming to help vulnerable communities. Black Sea Water Checks: Adjara officials are monitoring Black Sea water quality, as coastal conditions remain a key public health and environment concern. Weather Watch: Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry face hot, humid days with afternoon thunderstorms and possible severe storms, a reminder that extreme weather can quickly escalate. South Ossetia Livelihood Strain: Residents ahead of a snap presidential election cite unemployment, low wages, customs queues, and poor transport as major problems—pressures that often spill into local environmental management.

Maritime & Trade: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF) 2026 on Sept 7–8, drawing about 400 delegates from 40 countries, with a focus on the Middle Corridor, sustainable shipping, and innovation in maritime logistics. Climate & Disaster Risk: The Asian Development Bank launched an AI-backed regional project (including Georgia) to strengthen infrastructure resilience and help countries better assess and reduce disaster risks, with support aimed at protecting vulnerable communities. Energy & Security: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to diversify away from Russian crude as EU sanctions pressure grows, with July imports of Kazakh oil marking a first step before a planned shift ahead of January 2027. Local Resilience: Tbilisi public schools are undergoing major rehabilitation, including renovated yards, classrooms, and bathrooms, as the new school year approaches. Weather Watch: Across Georgia’s region, forecasters warn of hot, humid conditions and afternoon storms, with heavy rain and possible severe thunderstorms in parts of the wider area.

Armenia’s 2026–2031 policy push: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented Armenia’s next five-year action plan, with “institutionalizing peace” and border demarcation with Azerbaijan, plus transport and energy connectivity framed as long-term development priorities. Cybersecurity and energy risk: A UK power plant was shut down for four days after an Iran-linked cyberattack, with officials stressing the wider grid wasn’t threatened—still a reminder that critical infrastructure protection matters for climate and resilience. Disaster resilience via AI: The Asian Development Bank launched an AI-backed regional project with Azerbaijan (and others, including Georgia) to strengthen infrastructure resilience and help countries better assess and reduce disaster risks, aiming to protect vulnerable communities. Tbilisi school upgrades: Tbilisi public schools are undergoing major rehabilitation—yards, classrooms, and bathrooms—so the new school year starts with safer, improved facilities. Black Sea development spotlight: In Chakvi, Rogantini Development’s “Swiss Village” earned a luxury award, highlighting how coastal projects are marketed around preserving natural character and site vegetation. Georgia’s refinery shift: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to diversify away from Russian crude as EU sanctions tighten, with early imports from Kazakhstan signaling higher-cost logistics ahead.

Disaster-Ready Infrastructure (Georgia): The Asian Development Bank launched an AI-backed regional technical assistance project with Azerbaijan (also covering Armenia and Georgia) to help countries better identify, assess, and reduce natural-disaster risks and strengthen infrastructure resilience, funded with $800,000 from ADB’s special technical assistance fund. School Renovations in Tbilisi: Tbilisi public schools are getting major rehabilitation—yards and learning spaces, plus building, classroom, and bathroom upgrades—aimed at having schools infrastructure-ready for the new school year. Energy & Sanctions Pressure (Kulevi): Georgia’s Kulevi Oil Refinery is starting to shift away from Russian crude as EU sanctions tighten, with July imports showing a first-time Kazakh crude shipment and a broader push to diversify feedstock ahead of the January 2027 sanctions timeline. Wildfire Risk Abroad (US): A fast-spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada, forced large-scale evacuations and injured at least six people, underscoring how quickly human-caused fires can escalate. Water & Storm Alerts (Canada): Environment Canada lifted a heavy-rain warning for the Greater Toronto Area after forecasts of up to 40 mm, with earlier cautions about washouts and flooded roads.

Black Sea Watch: Adjara officials carried out continuous monitoring of Black Sea water quality, sampling at 14 points along the coast to track hydrobiological and chemical parameters and flag changes early for residents and holidaymakers. Biodiversity & Livelihoods: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing together 40+ beekeepers to promote Georgian honey, support local producers, and highlight the role of beekeeping in the region. Climate & Risk: Environment Canada lifted a special heavy-rain warning for the Greater Toronto Area after forecasts of 20–40 mm (up to 50 mm earlier), while still urging caution around washouts and flooded roads. Urban Environment: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said major rehabilitation of Rustaveli Avenue will cause difficult traffic conditions for about two months starting in September, with underground utilities being upgraded. Energy & Pollution Pressure: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to shift away from Russian crude as EU sanctions tighten, with July imports showing a first move toward Kazakh oil ahead of the 2027 sanctions deadline. Nature in Captivity: Tbilisi Zoo shared a video of Anea the raccoon cooling off with an improvised shower and planning a bigger “bath” for hotter days.

Black Sea Environment: Adjara officials carried out continuous seawater quality monitoring along the coast, sampling at 14 points each month to track hydrobiological and chemical conditions and flag changes early for residents and holidaymakers. Biodiversity & Local Food: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing together 40+ beekeepers to promote Georgian honey, support local producers, and highlight the role of beekeeping in healthier ecosystems. Climate & Public Health: Georgia’s heat remains a concern as forecasts warn of dangerous high temperatures and storm risk, with heavy rain and lightning possible in coming days—conditions that can worsen air quality and water safety. Urban Environment: Tbilisi announced major Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation starting in September, with two months of traffic disruption plus noise and dust—an air-quality and mobility issue for residents during peak season. Energy Transition: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is shifting away from Russian crude under EU sanctions pressure, including a first-time import of Kazakh oil—an energy-supply change that can affect regional pollution and emissions depending on logistics and processing.

Black Sea Environment: Adjara officials carried out continuous Black Sea water quality monitoring, taking seawater samples at 14 points along the coast and testing hydrobiological and chemical parameters to protect residents and holidaymakers. Biodiversity & Community: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing together 40+ beekeepers to promote Georgian honey, support local producers, and strengthen the beekeeping sector. Urban Environment & Public Health: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze warned that large-scale rehabilitation of Rustaveli Avenue will bring about two months of major traffic disruption starting in September, with underground utilities being upgraded after decades of deterioration. Wildlife Care: Tbilisi Zoo shared a video of Anea the raccoon cooling off with an improvised shower and plans for a bigger “bath,” highlighting how animal care adapts to hot weather. Climate Risk (Regional): South Georgia and the Lowcountry faced dangerous heat with storm chances, including lightning and heavy downpours—another reminder of how quickly weather can turn.

Black Sea Environment: Adjara officials continued continuous seawater quality monitoring along the Black Sea coast, sampling at 14 points monthly to track hydrobiological and chemical conditions for the safety of residents and holidaymakers. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Tbilisi Zoo shared updates on Anea the raccoon cooling off with an improvised shower, and on its macaws entering breeding season with chicks expected soon. Beekeeping & Food Systems: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing together 40+ beekeepers to promote Georgian honey and support local producers. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Georgia helped advance regional flash-flood early warning cooperation through the Global Flash Flood Guidance System steering committee meetings, hosted by the National Environment Agency with WMO and partners. Weather Watch: Reports across the region highlight ongoing heat and humidity with storm risk, underscoring the need for preparedness during extreme conditions.

Black Sea Environment Monitoring: Adjara officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and the National Environment Agency, are continuously sampling Black Sea seawater at 14 points along the coast to track hydrobiological and chemical changes and protect locals and holidaymakers. Biodiversity & Pollinators: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing together 40+ beekeepers to promote Georgian honey, support local farmers, and highlight the value of healthy beekeeping traditions. Heat & Storm Risk: Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry face another hot, humid day with Heat Advisories and a chance of severe thunderstorms after late afternoon, with threats including heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and frequent lightning. Agriculture Research: In Tifton, Georgia’s cotton and peanut commissions and UGA Extension will hold a free joint research field day on Sept. 2 to showcase current trials and help farmers connect directly with researchers. Flash Flood Early Warning (Georgia): Georgia’s National Environment Agency helped host regional steering talks under a Flash Flood Guidance System project, aiming to strengthen flash-flood forecasting and early warning cooperation.

Black Sea monitoring in Adjara: Adjara officials joined National Environment Agency staff to take seawater samples and track Black Sea water quality at 14 monthly monitoring points, aiming to spot changes early for residents and holidaymakers. Batumi beekeeping push: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, bringing 40+ beekeepers together to promote Georgian honey, support local farmers, and strengthen the beekeeping sector during peak tourism. Flash-flood early warning cooperation: Georgia’s National Environment Agency, with Global Water Partnership Georgia and the World Meteorological Organization, held final steering meetings under a US-funded Flash Flood Guidance System project to sustain regional early-warning work. Extreme heat & storms risk: Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry face continued high heat with feels-like 105–110°F, plus afternoon storm chances Friday and Saturday, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning possible. Wildlife update: Two rescued beluga whales arrived at Georgia Aquarium, adding to ongoing conservation and rescue efforts. Transport fire incident: A freight train traveling from Azerbaijan to Georgia in Tovuz had a wagon fire linked to smoldering sulfur powder; responders extinguished it quickly and an investigation is underway.