Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the South Caucasus Mountains

hydrological posts equipped with modern equipment were established and rehabilitated thus increasing the spatial coverage of the monitoring network. Research and analysis revealed about 300 active landslide points with a total area of 11,470 ha. Ninety- eight mudflow rivers were identified, and cadastres for all detected points were drawn up. Meteorological and hydrological data from 26 hydrological stations/posts were digitized and uploaded to the project’s server. Socio-economic data were collected by the project from six pilot municipalities and additionally from 12 municipalities of Rioni River basin. All collected digital data were used for landslide hazard assessment. National and local staff of the NEA was trained in weather, hydrological, flood, flash flood, landslide and mudflow risk assessment, as well as in forecasting and early warning systems (Delft-FEWS training), GIS and data management software, and the operations and maintenance of observation stations. Local emergency response staff were also trained to ensure better local emergency preparedness planning and response coordination. The project also provided a number of community- based adaptation solutions to be implemented at the local level. After intensive work with target municipalities and the local population, territories for agro-forestry were selected in six pilot municipalities. These territories mostly encompass downstream municipalities (Tskaltubo and Samtredia). In all, eight plots were selected with a total area of 10 ha. During the project, different species of trees (e.g. walnut, hazelnut, acacia) will be planted on afforested plots to protect the soil from riverbank erosion.

Rioni River, Georgia

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