On May 25, the thematic session dedicated to the International Day of Biodiversity was held in the session hall of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, organized by the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy: “Development of Agroforestry in Georgia”.

The session was attended by: Academician - Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, Academician Lasha Dolidze, Chief Academician - Secretary of the Academy, Academician Aleksandre Didebulidze, Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, Doctor of Agriculture Zviad Tiginashvili, Academy staff members - Ketevan Chipashvili, Larisa Chaika; Invited guests: Head of the Agro-pastoral Crops Research Service of the Agricultural Scientific and Research Center, Doctor of Agriculture Nana Goginashvili, Head of the Forest est Disease Control Service of the Achara Forestry Agency, Doctor of Agriculture Rezo Vasadze, 3rd year students of the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Chemical Technologies of the Georgian Technical University, specialty "Forestry".

The session was opened by Academician Lasha Dolidze, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, who emphasized the importance of the International Day for Biological Diversity and the involvement of citizens in actions aimed at preserving the biological diversity of the environment. It was noted that this day draws special attention to the fact that the diversity of plants, animals and microorganisms on Earth is the basis of life and a necessary prerequisite for human well-being. In the modern world, biodiversity is facing serious threats - climate change, ecosystem degradation, deforestation, environmental pollution and irrational use of natural resources. Therefore, the celebration of this day is not only educational, but also practical, as it calls on the international community, states and scientists to act together to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable development.

Then, Academician Lasha Dolidze handed over the floor to the Head of the Agroforestry Research Service of the Center for Agricultural Sciences, Doctor of Agriculture Nana Goginashvili, who made a report on the topic: “Development of Agroforestry in Georgia”. The speaker spoke about agroforestry, its importance and further development. It was noted that agroforestry is a land resource management system where forest woody plants are cultivated for various purposes. It combines agricultural, animal and forestry technologies and ultimately ensures the formation of a sustainable, productive and stable land use system, i.e. agroforestry means the cultivation of forest woody plants on agricultural plots for various purposes. The main components of agroforestry are: woody plants, agricultural crops and livestock. Agroforestry - as an established system in various countries of the world, it began in the 1970s-1980s, although its individual directions (arrangement of windbreaks, cultivation of riparian vegetation, etc.) originate from much earlier periods. Then the speaker briefly described the characteristics and main directions of agroforestry.

World Bee Day was solemnly celebrated at the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences

   Bees are one of the most important organisms in nature and of particular benefit to society. They not only produce valuable and biologically active products for human health — honey, royal jelly, beeswax and other products — but also perform the most important ecological function — pollination of plants, which is one of the main prerequisites for increasing crop yields and preserving biodiversity.

Bees are also considered a symbol of hard work, organization and harmonious coexistence with nature. Their existence is of particular importance in terms of both sustainable development of agriculture and protection of ecosystem balance. That is why events dedicated to World Bee Day, which is celebrated on May 20, are held annually in many countries of the world.

This date has been established as a tradition at the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences for many years. This year, the Academy's Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences organized a thematic session - "Current Issues, Problems and Solutions in Beekeeping", within which the important challenges and development prospects facing the sector were discussed.

The thematic session was opened by Academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy. In his welcoming speech, he congratulated the audience on World Bee Day and introduced the agenda of the session, which included the following issues: 1. Preservation of the genetic purity of Georgian bees, a necessary condition for the survival of their biodiversity. Speaker: Coordinator of the Academy's Beekeeping Direction, Doctor of Agriculture Maia Peikrishvili; 2. Hyperthermia as an alternative method of combating tropilelapsosis and varroatosis. Speaker: Member of the Coordination Group of the Academy's Beekeeping Direction, Master of Veterinary Science Nino Kipiani; 3. Overview of the challenges facing beekeeping in Georgia. Speaker: Expert in the field of beekeeping Roland Zirakishvili.

Dr. M. Peikrishvili focused on a very interesting and at the same time problematic issue in his report. The report concerned the uniqueness of the Georgian bee and the need to protect its genetic resources.

It was noted that among other bee breeds distributed in the world, the Georgian bee stands out both in biodiversity and in important biological and economic properties. It unites many populations within the breed, including: Megrelian, Gurian, Abkhazian, Kartli, Imereti-Rachuli, Upper Svan and Kakheti, which are characterized by both common and different features. Among the mentioned populations, the Megrelian, Gurian, Abkhazian and Kartli populations stand out with special importance.

The gray-colored Georgian bee is characterized by a docile nature, the ability to effectively utilize weak and medium-sized hives, a low tendency to swarm, and a high ability to maximize the use of the working day. Of particular note is the length of its proboscis — in the Mingrelian and Gurian populations it reaches an average of 7.2 mm, which allows the bee to obtain nectar from plants with deep nectaries, including red clover.

The report paid special attention to the threats that have recently threatened the genetic purity of Georgian bees. It was noted that as a result of the improper attitude of some beekeepers and the uncontrolled introduction of foreign breeds, different breeds and populations are often mixed, which negatively affects the gene pool of Georgian bees and, ultimately, may lead to disastrous results.

The need to take effective measures to protect and preserve the Georgian bee was emphasized. In particular, it is considered advisable to create special protected areas and reserves, where each population will be protected from the influence of other populations and foreign breeds. For the Megrelian population, the Khobistskali and Skuri gorges were designated as such areas; for the Guri population, the village of Zemo Surebi; for the Kartli population, the territories of Barisakho, Shuapkho and Chargali; and for the Abkhazian population, the area adjacent to the villages of Pskhu and Khabiu in the Gudauta district, however, due to the current situation, it is not possible to implement appropriate measures in the mentioned areas at this stage.

The speaker also drew attention to the need for effective implementation of legislative regulations prohibiting the illegal introduction and spread of foreign bee species in the territory of Georgia. In conclusion, it was stated that the implementation of the above measures will significantly contribute to the preservation of the biodiversity and genetic purity of Georgian bees.

 The challenges facing beekeeping in Georgia were discussed by beekeeper-expert Roland Zirakishvili. He drew attention to the fact that in recent times, a trend of decreasing bee populations has been observed in the world. The reasons for this process are multifactorial and not clearly defined. To some extent, this may be related to the spread of new diseases, climate change, anthropogenic impact and other factors.

According to the speaker, insufficient knowledge and lack of professional experience in the field of beekeeping are often added to the challenges facing Georgia. In order to reduce these problems, it is necessary to organize trainings, seminars and workshops for novice beekeepers, which will help increase knowledge about modern methods of beekeeping and develop practical skills.

It is noteworthy that each report aroused great interest among the audience. A number of questions were asked to the speakers, to which exhaustive and reasoned answers were given.

The thematic session was representative. Among the attendees were: Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Guram Aleksidze, Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, Academician Jemal Gugushvili and Dr. Zurab Makaradze.

Among the invited guests were: President of the Georgian Beekeepers' Union Ramaz Tavartkiladze, Chairman of the Society for Promoting Harmonious Human Development H&ZT Tsovinar Nazarova, Senior Research Fellow of the Forest Protection Department of the Vasil Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Doctor of Biology Medea Burjanadze, Former Research Fellow of the Beekeeping Scientific Research Institute Natalia Gardava, Head of the Cooperative "Kodi", Experienced Beekeeper Giorgi Merabishvili, Beekeeper Irma Amirajibi, as well as employees of the Academy's staff.

The thematic session was summarized by Academician-Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Academician Tengiz Kurashvili. He once again congratulated the audience on World Bee Day and wished them success and progress in their professional activities.

Conference

May 8 - National Wine Day

         On May 8 of this year, a conference was held at the National Youth Palace to discuss the progress and future plans of the program “Scientific Research on Georgian Vine and Wine Culture”. Within the framework of this program, in 2017, the international scientific community recognized Georgia as the homeland of wine. The conference also discussed the current state of the global wine sector, existing challenges, and market specifics.

Representatives of the Georgian wine industry, scientists, Georgian and foreign wine professionals participated in the conference, including: John Barker, Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV); Professor David Maghradze, Head of the “Scientific Project for the Research of Georgian Vine and Wine Culture”; Academician David Lortkipanidze, Director of the Georgian National Museum; Professor Stephen Batiuk, University of Toronto; Professor Gabriele Cola, University of Milan; Professor Gergely Szolnok, University of Geisenheim; Masters of Wine Debra Mayburg, Lisa Perotti and Konstantin Baum; Wine expert and writer Robert Joseph and others.

The conference was attended by the Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Guram Aleksidze, and the Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The conference was opened by the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili.

The participants of the event were addressed by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Minister of Environment and Agriculture, David Songhulashvili, and the Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), John Barker.

On the same day, a gala evening dedicated to the National Wine Day was held at the Tbilisi Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theater, in which famous representatives of ballet and opera art, choreographic troupes and various creative collectives participated. The event was attended by Academician Lasha Dolidze from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

 The Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia and the National Food Agency of Georgia organized the World Veterinary Day, dedicated to the global importance of the veterinary profession and the role of the "One Health" approach in ensuring public health.

The international conference was held at the PARAGRAPH FREEDOM SQUARE, LUXURY COLLECTION Hotel, which was opened by the Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, David Songhulashvili, the Secretary General of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Emmanuel Subeirani, the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection of Georgia, Mikheil Sarjveladze, and the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Gela Samkharauli.

David Songhulashvili congratulated the veterinarians on their professional day and thanked them for their work in the field. In his speech, the Minister emphasized the importance of the veterinary field in the development of the country's agricultural sector and the protection of public health. 

“The support of the World Organization for Animal Health once again indicates the importance of the event and demonstrates the progress of our country in this field. It is especially important that this platform creates an opportunity for professional discussion and debate on international and regional challenges. This contributes to the further development and advancement of the field, which is of particular importance for our country,” noted David Songhulashvili.

WOAH Secretary General Emmanuel Subeirani focused on the progress achieved by Georgia in the field of veterinary medicine and the role of the country in the region.

A panel discussion was held, in which the participants discussed global and regional challenges in the field of veterinary medicine. The focus was on animal health measures, prevention of transboundary diseases, strengthening laboratory capabilities and the implementation of the “One Health” principles. Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Chief State Veterinarian of the country and WOAH delegate Lasha Avaliani introduced the participants to Georgia’s political vision for the development of veterinary medicine. “The aim of this event is to both popularize the field and recognize veterinarians who are involved in state programs and the private sector. This year’s event is particularly important with its high representation. The visit of the Director-General of the World Organization for Animal Health to Georgia and the expressed support from the countries of the region make the event more meaningful and effective,” said Lasha Avaliani.

Within the framework of the international conference dedicated to World Veterinary Day, Minister of Environment and Agriculture David Songhulashvili and Secretary General of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Emmanuel Subeiran awarded veterinarians and successful students for their professional achievements.

The Minister thanked the veterinarians for their work, and wished the students a successful professional path and their contribution to the development of the field.

Representatives of about 20 countries and WOAH delegates participated in the conference held in Tbilisi, where global and regional challenges in the veterinary field were discussed. The event also developed the “Tbilisi Communiqué”, which provides for the official recognition of World Veterinary Day and the establishment of a specific date for its celebration.

The event was attended by the following from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences: Deputy President of the Academy, Academician Anatoly Giorgadze, Head of the Academic Department of the Academy, Academician Marina Barvenashvili, Academician Secretary of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy, Academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Academician Iveri Akhalbedashvili, Corresponding Member of the Academy David Goderdzishvili, Corresponding Member of the Academy Ekaterine Zviadadze.

International Day of the Veterinarian

   On April 30 of this year, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy organized a conference dedicated to the International Day of the Veterinarian on the topic: “Scientific Achievements in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry: From Theory to Practice”.

The conference was solemnly opened and the audience was welcomed by Academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy. His speech highlighted the importance of the event from both a scientific and practical point of view. Mr. Tengiz congratulated the audience on the mentioned date and drew attention to the current veterinary-sanitary situation in the country, the existing challenges and ways to solve them. He emphasized the need for disease prevention, compliance with biosecurity standards and the introduction of modern veterinary practice. In addition, he noted that achieving progress largely depends on raising the awareness of farmers, private entrepreneurs and people engaged in animal husbandry, since it is they who determine the quality of livestock products and, consequently, the food security of the population.

At the end of his speech, the speaker also touched upon the issues of veterinary education. He reviewed the existing problems, including the shortage of qualified personnel and the need for training focused on practical skills, and presented recommendations for their elimination. Special attention was paid to the modernization of the education system, sharing international experience and continuous professional development of specialists in the field.

In the same context, in the reports presented within the framework of the conference, topical issues of the field were discussed in more detail and in depth. One of these reports – “The Importance of Preventive Measures in the Control of Rabies” – was presented to the audience by Lena Ninidze, a senior specialist of the Animal Disease Management Division of the Animal Health Department of the National Food Agency, and a Master of Veterinary Medicine. The speaker considered rabies as a particularly dangerous zoonotic infection and presented its epidemiological and clinical features.

The report also emphasized that rabies is an endemic disease for Georgia. As a result of preventive and elimination measures implemented since 2013, the incidence of the disease has significantly decreased, although it is still recorded in both carnivorous and agricultural animals. Special attention was paid to the importance of preventive measures, the systematic and continuous implementation of which is the main basis for the control and eventual elimination of rabies, which ensures effective protection of both animal and human health. 

 The conference was addressed by Nona Paghava, a senior specialist of the third category of the Veterinary Control Planning Division of the Veterinary Control Department of the National Food Agency, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

The speaker drew attention to the fact that effective animal health control, especially in the context of preventing and limiting the spread of infectious diseases, requires systematic laboratory monitoring of food and raw materials. This process is not limited to determining the quality indicators of the product, but also involves a full assessment of its safety. Of particular importance is milk and dairy products, which are widely used in the human diet. In addition, they can be a significant source of infection transmission, as they often contain pathogenic microorganisms that can cause serious harm to human health. Therefore, it is necessary for laboratories to be equipped with modern equipment and appropriate instrumentation, which ensures timely detection and identification of pathogens.

Environmental factors play an important role in protecting both animal health and public health. Soil is often considered one of the main sources of water pollution, and livestock farming, along with other risk factors, is a significant source of environmental, especially soil, pollution. Clean water, soil and air have a significant impact on all stages of an animal’s life — growth, development and productivity. Accordingly, the above-mentioned environmental objects require constant and systematic control, including laboratory monitoring, which is one of the necessary prerequisites for protecting animal health and producing safe food products.

Professor Koba Mikadze of the European University made a presentation to the audience on the topic “The Relationship of Behavioral Characteristics and Their Monitoring to the Welfare and Productivity of Agricultural Animals”.

The speaker drew attention to the fact that increasing the productivity of agricultural animals is closely related to ensuring their well-being, which in turn requires optimizing care and feeding, strict adherence to veterinary safety, as well as the use of animals with high genetic potential.

Animal behavior is an important indicator of response to changes in environmental conditions. Ethology studies these behavioral reactions and their connection with the physiological state. Ethological monitoring allows assessing animal well-being, timely detecting stressful and pathological changes, and improving management conditions.

The use of modern technologies (computerized and sensor systems) increases the effectiveness of monitoring and creates the basis for the development of precision animal husbandry. Studies show that improving well-being directly affects health, reduces stress, and increases productivity and product quality.

The conference was attended by: Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, Academician Jemal Gugushvili, Corresponding Member David Goderdzishvili, as well as specialists from the LEPL Agricultural Scientific Research Center and employees of the Academy's staff.