Two-day seminar on the topic: “Sources of macro- and microplastic pollution in the wetlands of the Chorokhi River Delta”

A two-day seminar/discussion was held on March 10-11 on the topic: Sources of macro- and microplastic pollution in the wetland habitats of the Chorokhi River Delta (sea, river, freshwater ponds).The first day, March 10, was dedicated to raising awareness among public school students about the causes of macro- and microplastic pollution and ways to reduce it. 

The seminar was attended by students from Batumi N 20 public shool, Pirveli Maisi school of Keda, Khelvachauri Municipality, Charnali and Erge villages; Chakvi N1, St. Andrew the First-Called Theological Gymnasium of the Municipality of Kobuleti and Georgian-American International School “Progress”.

Within the framework of the meeting, an interactive lecture was given to public school students on the topic: “Challenges and consequences of plastic pollution”, after which a discussion was held – “How can we reduce plastic waste”. Based on teamwork, the students jointly developed an eco-plan for reducing plastic pollution in everyday life. The students conducted simple experiments – measuring the amount of dust particles PM2.5 and PM10 in the air, noise, and toxic gases. At the end, the students participating in the workshop were awarded certificates and symbolic souvenirs.

March 11

On the second day, a seminar/discussion was held in a hybrid mode with students, residents, teachers of schools adjacent to the Chorokhi River: Charnali, Erge, Pirveli Maisi Public School, representatives of the Supreme Council of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, Batumi Municipality Hall, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, and the National Environmental Agency.

The following presentations were presented at the seminar:

• ,,Impact of Microplastics on Human Health and International Conventions” – Anana Devidze – Foundation “Caucasus Ecology”
• ,,Plastic Pollution of Rivers and Coastlines: Global and Local Challenges” – Guguli Dumbadze – Associate Professor of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health, BSU;
• “Tools and methods for monitoring marine and beach litter” – Mamuka Gvilava – Responsible Person for Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Georgia;
• “Circular Thinking and the Importance of Sustainability: Take, Make, Use, Return” Founder of plasticwatcher.ge;

At the end of the meeting, the results of the survey – “Sources, Challenges and Solutions to Plastic Pollution” were discussed.