The Public Defender of Georgia presented a special report on Environmental Impact Assessment System - Policy, Legislation and Enforcement Challenges. The event was opened by Public Defender Nino Lomjaria. Nino Atabegashvili, an representative of the Public Defender's Office, introduced the main findings and recommendations of the special report to the audience.

Realization of the right to live in a healthy and safe environment enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia is one of the priority directions of the Public Defender's Office. At the same time, for many years, energy infrastructure projects have become one of the most pressing topics for the public.

The special report discusses challenges identified in terms of state policy and legislative regulations relating to the environmental impact assessment system and major energy infrastructure projects, including:

• Public awareness-involvement
• Quality of EIA reporting
• Problems with screening procedures and EIA-related activities.

The report also reflects the proposals/recommendations issued to the responsible agencies.

The meeting was attended by representatives of state agencies and civil society, who were actively engaged in interesting and informative discussion on the above issues.