Some geographical dimensions of Georgia’s sustainable development

DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-408-415

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About the Authors

Nodar Elizbarashvili

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: nodar.elizbarashvili@tsu.ge

Sandro Gogoladze

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: san.gogoladze@gmail.com

Rusudan Elizbarashvili

Ministry of Regional Develoment and Infrastructure of Georgia, Roads Departament, Divison of Enviromental Protection and Social Issues,
Al. Kazbegi Ave, 12, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: rusoelizbarashvili@gmail.com

Lado Grigolia

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: ladogrigolia@gmail.com

Gela Sandodze

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: gela.sandodze@gmail.com

Abstract

Modern Georgia faces many challenges. An important part of them is geopolitical, social, economic and environmental problems. Because of this, the Georgian Geographic School should further intensify action towards integrating its separate fields (directions), geographical research regionalization, and a unified research on sustainable development issues. The rapid dynamics of environmental factors and the interests of the country raise new challenges, which are a major challenge for the Georgian Geographic School. Such tasks include the use of geographic (space-time) research and its methodology to solve sustainable development problems.

Georgia is a unique country. It has many features in the world. These include natural and landscape diversity, unique soil and climate resources, favorable geographical (and not geopolitical) location, traditions of agriculture and food industry, healthy ecological conditions, relatively high share of natural environment, fresh and mineral-thermal water resources, tourism-Recreational potential, et al. Despite these circumstances, many recognized directions for sustainable development are virtually unfulfilled. This situation contributes to the nihilism of the population. As a result, the economic, social, environmental and demographic situation in the regions of Georgia is particularly difficult. This can be remedied by the introduction of special state policies, European legal regulations and regional scientific and geographical surveys.

The article discusses issues related to Georgia's sustainable development, such as: promoting decentralization, preventing negative demographic trends (creating centers of attraction), optimizing the use of nature (green economy prospects), and the need for regional specialization in agriculture.

Keywords

sustainable development, tourism decentralization, landscape services, agriculture development

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For citation: Elizbarashvili N., Gogoladze S., Elizbarashvili R., Grigolia L., Sandodze G. Some geographical dimensions of Georgia’s sustainable development. InterCarto. InterGIS. GI support of sustainable development of territories: Proceedings of the International conference. Moscow: Moscow University Press, 2020. V. 26. Part 4. P. 408–415. DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-408-415