1	Agricultural Research, Extension and Training Project ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM 2001-2007 BLACK SEA CATCHMENT AREA OF GEORGIA Dr. Nıno Inasarıdze, Head of EPCP Ankara 2007
2	"Overall Goal" Overall Goal Improve management of the land and water resources that will ultimately lead to the decreased nutrient pollution of the Black Sea.
3	Construction of BGDs 2002-2007 Implementation area: Black Sea coastal zone, West of Georgia. 292 farms in 64 villages; total area – 163ha, In 2002 - 2006 - 272 units of 6M³volume BGDs constructed. In 2007 - 10M³ volume BGDs constructed and already operational.
4	Impact of BGDs constructed in 2002-2007 Improved Environmental Situation: Significantly reduced deforestation and decreased nutrient pollution. Improved Socio-economic Conditions of farmers: - 700-800 m³ of methane produced annually per farm to substitute 7 m³ of firewood; - 14-20 tones of organic fertilizer produced annually per farm to substitute brand mineral fertilizers; - 1000 GEL annual savings per household from reduced use of mineral fertilizers, firewood and liquid gas; - Cash/in-kind exchange of processed manure initiated.
5	BGDs Program’s Outcomes - Increased awareness of Georgian farmers on benefits of BGDs; Increased demand on BGDs among farmers throughout the Georgia; Farmers investing in BGDs without a leverage of donor assistance (about 30 individuals); Fabrication capacity increased at local level and employment generated (10 construction companies, more than 2000 local employees);
6	BGDs Program’s Impact Local Government support gained. The Adjarian government financed 10% of construction 80 biogas digesters in 2002-2007; Political Support strengthened: The Presidential National Program envisages implementation of activities for support of introduction of biogas digesters; International Development Agencies support leveraged (GTZ, UMCOR, MERCY CORPS, CARE).
7	USAID Caucasus Georgia Rural Energy program Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Program implemented by WINROCK Georgia – USAID contractor. Construction of 10 BGDs in 5 villages in different parts of Georgia started; Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia cooperates with USAID to pilot the BGDs new design with polymeric construction materials.
8	Future vision Optimization of design of BGDs to make it more suitable for specific conditions and to avoid the difficulties during construction and operation; Reduction of self-cost of BGDs through replacing its expensive construction materials (concrete) by cheaper polymeric or other materials; Enlargement of small – scale digesters to increase and diversify the BGDs benefits: electricity, heating; Enhanced Political and Institutional support resulted in sound governmental subsidies, donor assistance, private sector Investments.