Scientific Conference “Climate Change and Agrobiodiversity”

          On September 25, 2020, Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with the Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth-Georgia held an online scientific conference on the topic: “Climate Change and Agrobiodiversity,” in the work of which about 60 leading and young agricultural scientists, , also representatives of ministries, various agencies and non-governmental organizations took part. Important issues of climate change and agrobiodiversity were discussed at the conference. Scientific conclusions have been made and important agreements have been reached.

     The main purpose of the conference was to raise and discuss issues related to the impact of the negative effects of climate change on agriculture. Emphasis was placed on important measures for the conservation and protection of agrobiodiversity. The aim of the conference was also to remind the country’s leaders of the challenges facing Georgian agriculture in the face of climate change and agrobiodiversity.The goal of the conference was also to remind the leaders of the country what challenges facing Georgia’s agriculture in the face of climate change and reduce of agrobiodiversity. Within the framework of the scientific forum, scientists shared experiences among each other, relevant recommendations and proposals were developed, the consideration of which will significantly mitigate the negative effects of climate change and the threat of agrobiodiversity reduction that is a cornerstone of food security in any country.

       The Conference was opened by the Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze. Natia Iordanishvili, Deputy Head of the National Forestry Agency greeted the conference participants. Scientific reports were heard and a discussion was held. The work of the conference was summarized by the Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze. At the end of the conference, a Declaration was unanimously adopted by the participants.

Meeting at the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture

            On May 22, 2020, the leadership of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture met with scientists from the Georgian National Academy of Sciences and the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

  The meeting was attended by Minister Levan Davitashvili, First Deputy Minister Giorgi Khanishvili, Deputy Ministers Khatia Tsilosani and Solomon Pavliashvili, Heads of Departments Ekaterine Zviadadze and Tengiz Kalandadze, Head of the Division Nodar Khokhashvili.

   Meeting of GAAS members with with Georgian National Science was attended by President of the Academy Acad. Giorgi Kvesitadze, Academician-Secretary of the Academy, Acad. Ramaz Khurodze, Academician-Secretary of the Scientific Department of Agriculture Otar Natishvili, Corresponding Member of the Academy Alexander Didebulidze.       

 The meeting from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences was attended by the President of the Academy Acad. Guram Aleksidze, Vice-President of the Academy Acad. Givi Japaridze, Head of the Academic Department, Acad. Elguja Shapakidze, Advisor to the Presidium of the Academy Acad. Nodar Chitanava, Academician-Secretary of the Food Safety and Food Technology Scientific Department Zurab Tskitishvili, Vice President, Dr. Anatoli Giorgadze.

   The main purpose of the meeting was the importance of the role of science in the main strategic measures and directions of rural and agricultural development in the country during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period and the preparation of relevant proposals and recommendations for solving these problems.

  The meeting was opened by Minister Levan Davitashvili, who briefed the audience on the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia and the government's position on the strategic plans for agricultural development in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic and the measures taken by the government in this regard. The state of implementation of the practical proposals implemented and to be implemented by the Ministry in the conditions of the pandemic and in the following years and the course of the Ministry's activities were also mentioned.

The President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Acad. C. Aleksidze, President of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Acad. C. Kvesitadze, Acad. R. Khurodze, Vice-President of SSMM Academy, Acad. C. Japaridze, Academicians of SSMM Academy N. Chitanava and Z. Tskitishvili, Academician of the Academy Didebulidze.

The speakers noted that COVID-19 should be evaluated objectively and find ways to overcome it, develop a strategy to break the situation, generalize and implement the results of modern technologies and scientific research.

Please note that the suggestions (recommendations) of the members of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences on Rural and Agricultural Development have been approved in regards to implementation of an anti-crisis plan in terms of practical steps for the main areas of agricultural management for the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent period, and implementation of relevant recommendations for the development of individual agricultural sectors.

The results of the meeting were summed up by Minister Levan Davitashvili, who stressed the importance of meeting with scientists and their readiness to fight the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in any position.    

 The participants of the meeting agreed that in the future the Ministry and the Academies of Sciences and their members will take an active part in joint cooperation in various areas of agriculture to solve the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the final defeat of the coronavirus.   

International Biodiversity Day

In 2000, the UN General Assembly declared May 22 as International Day

for Biodiversity

               The aim of foundation of the Day was to increase knowledge of biodiversity issues and increase human awareness in this area.

The Assembly called on States that did not accede to the Convention to become immediate supporters of Biodiversity, and 
States parties to the Convention to sign and ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety as soon as possible.

The Center actively cooperates with the South Korean Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the National Center for Agrobiodiversity of the Agricultural Development Administration of Korea.

Based on the Memorandum of Understanding, a 5-year joint project is being implemented, within the framework of which a system of bilateral cooperation in the exchange, management and research of plant genetic resources is being implemented.

Bilateral expeditions to Georgia and South Korea are conducted annually to collect plant genetic resources.It should be noted that samples of Georgian cereals, vegetables and vines (more than 2000 samples in total) are stored for a long time in the General Bank of the National Center for Agrobiodiversity of the Agricultural Development Administration of Korea. 

In Georgia, Korean vegetable crops are being tested. At the same time active work is being done in terms of the exchange of vine genetic resources.

120 varieties of vines have been introduced from Georgia to Korea in this direction, which are used by the South Korean Institute of Viticulture. In addition, a subtropical culture - figs - was introduced from Georgia to Korea.

Active joint work on the study of the origin of Georgian wheat and barley varieties is underway with scientists from the Japanese and Russian Vavilov Institute of Genetic Resources. The researches to study vegetable crops are conducted in collaboration with Dutch, Czech and Russian specialists in the field.

Currently, the main goal of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Environmental Protection, Plant Genetic Resources and Agrobiodiversity Coordination Center is to protect the Georgian environment;

Study of genetic diversity of cultural and wild plants, agricultural and wild animals and birds in Georgia; Storing material in relevant local and international gene banks for the purpose of finding, exchanging and protecting plant and animal genetic resources;

Establishing relations with international organizations; Organizing expeditions to study the agro-biodiversity of Georgia; Processing of extracted materials and scientific analysis; Prepare relevant publications and inform the public.

All of the above are short lists of activities carried out by the Academy at the Coordination Center for Environmental Protection, Plant Genetic Resources and Agrobiodiversity.

As we see, the conservation of biodiversity is a global issue in which all of humanity must be involved. As for the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, through its activities it makes a significant contribution to the preservation of the country's biodiversity.

(Information on the International Day of Biodiversity was prepared by the Academic Secretary of the Scientific Departments of the SSMM Academy, Dr. M. Barvenashvili).

World Bee Day

    Bees are the most beneficial insects that have been working for human well-being for 
many millennia. According to scientists, bees live on Earth for 50-80 million years. 
At first people were engaged in collecting wild bee honey, later they "tamed" it to use all the
 useful products produced by bees.

Image of man-made bee-hives date back to 3000 BC. Such images were found in the territory 
of ancient Egypt and the Kingdom of Israel.

Bees are the most industrious insects in nature, bringing the greatest good to humans, plants 
and the outside world. Flowering pollinators provide not only a high yield of grains, fruits
 and other fruits, but also contribute to the diversity and quality of plants, as well as food 
safety and nutrition.

It is noteworthy that worldwide, three-quarters of the fruit and other crops require pollination performed by hardworking bees.

World Bee Day is celebrated all over the planet on May 20. It was founded because people paid attention to the problems of
 beekeeping and stressed the importance of bees in maintaining the world eco-balance and the "health" of the planet.

There are studies that predict catastrophic ecological consequences in the event of the extinction of an important bee-plant pollinator.

There are studies that predict catastrophic ecological consequences in the event of the extinction of an important bee-plant pollinator.

The proposal for the establishment of World Bee Day was made by the Republic of Slovenia and the International Federation
 of Beekeepers Associations ("Apimondia") and was unanimously approved by the UN General Assembly Resolution 
(A / RES / 72/211) on December 20, 2017

Day - May 20 was chosen in honor of the famous European beekeeper Anton Jansa (1734 - 1773), who was born on May 20,
 1734 in Slovenia. He made beekeeping the main activity of his life and even managed to write an auxiliary textbook, which 
was published in 1771 in German.

The establishment of the International Bee Day once again reminded people of the importance of honey bees in the process 
of pollinating plants, including crops.

Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences on the occasion of World Bee Day offers an article about Georgian bees, the
 authors of which are Dr. M. Peikrishvili and Dr. M. Barvenashvili.

Internet Scintific Conferencededicated to the World Veterinary Day held at the GAAS

World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the Every last Saturday of April month every year. World Veterinary Day 2020 was celebrated on the 25th of April 2020. The theme of the world veterinary day 2020 is 'Environmental protection for improving animal and human health'.

In regards to this day, on May 8-10, Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences organized a scientific conference on the topic: Perspectives of Georgian Veterinary during pandemic period and post corona period”.

Thirty-one members of veterinary scientific society took part in the Conference. The research results and scientific articles presented by them deserve particular attention.

The conference was attended by 31 veterinary scientists, whose scientific articles deserve attention and will be of interest to readers. 

The organizer of the Internet conference together with the Academic Department of the Academy was the Scientific Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (Academician-Secretary, Academician J. Gugushvili, Academician T. Kurashvili).

The materials of the Internet conference were published in the electronic version of the Proceedings of the conference,
 which was distributed to the conference participants. They will also be awarded the relevant certificates of participation in the
 Internet Scientific Conference.

The collection of electronic works also includes Acad. T. Kurashvili and Doctor of Biological Sciences L. Tsitskishvili's work 
"Coronavirus Infection in Animals" (pp. 42-69), which will also be of interest to readers.

(See the electronic version of the Proceedings of the Internet Scientific Conference dedicated to the International Veterinary Dayat the link).

The Suggestions and recommendations of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences in regards to Post Corona Virus Period

      The challenges caused by COVID-19 is being dealt by Georgian government, society and science, and the system oriented on rehabilitation and sustainable development of national economy is also being worked out in the result of the cooperation to address the post pandemic period successfully.

Each member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences realizes the present threat which is a big challenge for national agriculture and agrarian sector as well.

It is very important for the researchers working in agrarian sector to concentrate on the current problems and define perspectives of further sustainable development of agriculture in Georgia.

   The key concepts and mechanisms on which the further agriculture development strategy should be based on could be read below as it is presented on the link.

The academy members’ opinions and recommendations for the post corona virus period in agriculture have been collected with the help of the electronic questionnaire. The responses (suggestions and recommendations stipulated by the members of the Academy) are sited on the link .

Online scientific Seminar at Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences

On May 4, 2020, first time in Georgia, a Scientific Seminar on: “ Potential of Scientific Studies of forest and its perspectivs” was held which was organized by Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Ilia State University.  See Agenda on the link: https://www.gaas.dsl.ge/images/2020_Media/PDF/Online-workshop_-Forest-research-potential-2020.pdf).In the organization of the Seminar the following persons were involved from the side of the Academy: Vice President, Academician Givi Japaridze, Giorgi Gagoshidze, Deputy of Academician – Secretary of Scientific Department of Forest Studies, GAAS; G. Kavtaradze, Academy scholarship owner, Doctor lasha Dolidze, Also the seminar was supported by a Academician E. Shapakidze, and Administrative Department – Dr. Anatoli Giorgadze. Academician – Secretary of Scientific Department of Forest Studies;

From Ilia state University active support to the organization of the seminar was by Prof. Lars Drosler, Dr. Mari-kate Ugrekhelidze, Giorgi Gigiauri and Akaki Chalatashvili.

About 50 people took part in the Seminar. In particular they represented:

Scientific and Academic sector: Geogian Agrarian University.

Gulisashvili Research Forest Institute ( Prof. G. kavtaradze, Prof.T. Kandelaki, Prof. N. Kobakhidze. Ilia State University ( Prof. Lars Drosler, Dr. Jhana Ekhavia, Dr. Mari-kate Ugrekhelidze, Giorgi Mikeladze and Vasil Metreveli)

• Georgian Technical Univesity ( Prof. G. Gagoshidze, Assoc, Prof N. Lomidze, Dr. R. Tkemaladze. 
• The participants were also from telavi Gogebashvili University and Batumi Botanical Garden scientific workers.
• Non-governmental organizations: World Wide Fund for nature ( WWF);
  • Caucasus Office; Green Alternative; Young Foresters’ Association; Scientific Center for Conservation – Nekresi; IUCN – Georgian Office;
  • International organizations; German Society of International Cooperation; Global forest Watch;
  • Participants from Government agencies.

The Seminar was opened by Academician Givi Japaridze, Vice President of GAAS. In his welcoming address he underscored the significance of such scientific-practical seminars, and the decisions which the participants will reach during the meeting.

The seminar participants discussed material and technical potential, directions of researches and successful cases which have been carried out by the scientific- research institutes. The discussion also dealt with the weaknesses and some similarities and differences were identified with international classications drawn out by IUFRO. Some weaknesswere discovered in regards to forest studies and human research direction. https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/.

At the end of the Seminar, an electronic questionnaire was filled out by the participants and stipulated their opinions and approaches.

Based on the analysis of the questionnaire and discussions held during the Seminar, some priorities for the foreseeable 10-year period were identified, which was one of the main goals of the Seminar.

It was decided that a complete information forest studies data base would be necessary to set up to enhance communication among the researchers and government representatives.

At the end of the Seminar, Academician Givi Japaridze mentioned in his speech that the meeting has proved to be very timely and necessary becase it coinsides with the essential changes going on in this sector, which requires system approaches to the problems and better coordination of the process.  

The Members of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences in the Information system, and Media

Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences continuous tradition and publishes some important articles which deals with the problems mostly produced because of COVID-19 pandemic in the world and in our country. The publications also refers to the post-pandemic perspectives.

Today we offer an interview with Academician Nodar Chitanava, published by analytical agency “Iverioni” on website, on April 26, 2020.

Nodar Chitanava, an Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, is actively involved in scientific life of our country publishing his books, scholarly articles, interviews and monographs.

In the present interview, Academician Nodar Chitanava deals with very actual topic – Anti reccesionary plan worked out by the government which addresses social problems and business support. The activities according the plan will take place during as well as after pandemic.

The author suggests that Georgia has three most important resources: natural, geo- economic and intellectualresources. All three major resources should be used in complex unanimity. Moreover, an analytical center should be set up in office of Prime Minister to carry out comprehensive analysis, prognosis and recommendations. The center should have a close communication with Geogian scientists and scientific centers, professors and academicians who have already prepared interesting suggestions in regards to the abovementioned problems.

(Read a full text of interview with Academician Nodar Chitanava, published by analytical agency “Iverioni” on website, on April 26, 2020)

Information about the meetings of Scientific Council held at Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences

On April 27, 2020, 13.00, the meetings of Scientific Council was held at Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences on line. The following persons participated in the meeting: Academicians N. karkashadze, G. Tkemaladze, Z. Chakseliani, G. Gagoshidze, J. Katsitadze; Doctors of Agricultural Sciences R. Kikvidze, M. Kereselidze, M. Matskepladze, O. Vashakidze, N. Mamukelashvili, J, Sadaghashvili, I. Sarjveladze, V. Kvatchrelishvili, J. Kitiashvili, and Lomidze.

Agenda:

1. 1.Perspectives of development of Rabbit breedering in Georgia.

Presenters: Academician Jemal Gugushvili, Head of Scientific Department of Veterinary, GAAS. ( Short content of the presentation see on the link)

1. 2.Current problems

The presenter, Jemal Gugushvili accentuated significance of development of Rabbit breedering in Georgia after corona pandemic period andthe role of the Academy in this process.

After discussion of the abovementioned problem, the members of Scientific Countcil emphasized the problems which are necessary to address and solve in post-pandemic period.

1. 1.Elaborating Strategic plan for development of the branch post-pandemic period;
2. 2.Working out legislation about the rabbit breeding; for this purpose it is necessary to ask for support to the government;
3. 3.Rabbit is a grass-eating animal, therefore it is important to take particular measures to develop grasslands;
4. 4.Creation of cooperatives should be supported to develop the rabbit breeding branch;
5. 5.In developing the rabbit breeding branch, one of the important role should play scientific approaches and recommendations worked out by Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
6. 6.Cattle breeding and veterinary branches need specialists, and it is important to take some urgent measures in this direction.

Academician Valerian Tsanava - 85

On February 25, 2020, Real Member of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Academician Valerian Tsanava attained 85-year jubilee, and accomplished his 60 - year scientific -pedagogical work.

Dear Dr. Valerian Tsanava,

Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences congratulates You with the jubilee; Wishes you long, healthy life and fruitful scientific and pedagogical work.

We once again wish many happy returns to you on your birthday, and hope your successful activities will continue many years for the benefit of our country.