Georgia’s political crisis, “foreign agent” laws, and climate change threaten environmental activists, prompting safe space initiatives.
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The second part of a series examines the environmental situation in Georgia amidst its ongoing political crisis, which began with opposition accusations of electoral fraud against the ruling Georgian Dream party. The country is also facing intensifying climate issues, including abnormal drought and precipitation, and melting glaciers. A key element of the political turmoil is the passage of a “foreign agent” law, similar to Russia’s, which stigmatizes and restricts NGOs receiving foreign funding, severely impacting environmental organizations like Green Alternative. Georgian Dream uses strongarm tactics against dissent and has promoted anti-LGBT+ legislation while downplaying climate change concerns. Environmental activists are struggling due to reduced financial support, political pressure, and societal polarization. Ecovillage Georgia, co-founded by Nini Khuroshvili, is serving as a “safe space” for activists despite facing challenges like grant difficulties. While some rural areas show positive trends in migration and sustainable practices, the overall climate agenda is being neglected by authorities. Activists emphasize the need for international cooperation to sustain environmental efforts.
