AGP Executive Report

Anaklia Port Push: Georgia is accelerating the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port with new marine works: Jan De Nul has started dredging an access channel and turning basin (17.5m depth) and is building a 1,380m breakwater to shelter the harbor, with first phase targeted for 2029—an important step for the Middle Corridor and Black Sea shipping. Heat & Health Risks: A heat advisory is in effect for northwest Georgia (1pm–8pm), with “feels like” temperatures up to 107°F and low rain chances, raising concerns for vulnerable communities and outdoor workers. Protected Areas & Local Food: Environment and Agriculture Minister Davit Songulashvili toured protected-area infrastructure and regional farms, highlighting organic strawberry, snail farming, poultry and greenhouse production—plus plans to strengthen tourism services in national parks. CBRN Preparedness in Batumi: Georgia and the US DTRA ran the NEXUS Georgia 2026 field exercise on chemical and biological threats, testing inter-agency response and coordination. Biodiversity Update: Georgia opened a public comment period for its first protected species update in 20 years. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International urged Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin to Russia, citing risks of arbitrary prosecution and ill-treatment.

Protected Species Update: Georgia opened a public comment period for its first protected species list update in 20 years, proposing to expand protections from 318 to 423 plant and animal species, with rules on permits and protections for wildlife and plants. Black Sea Infrastructure: Dredging has started for the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, including a 17.5-metre access channel and turning basin, plus a 1,380-metre breakwater aimed to shelter the future port—key for the Middle Corridor. Border Modernization: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 400 million BUILD facility to upgrade rail and road border crossings across the CAREC region, including Georgia, with support for screening, procedures, and connectivity. Data Centers & Water Concerns: A lawsuit in the US claims a Meta data center contaminated nearby drinking wells—another reminder of how energy-hungry development can raise pollution and land-use questions. Public Health/Preparedness: In Batumi, Georgia and US partners ran “NEXUS Georgia 2026,” a field exercise with agencies testing responses to chemical and biological threats. Human Rights: Amnesty International urged Georgia not to deport pardoned Russian anti-war figure Denis Kulanin, citing non-refoulement risks.

Protected Species Update: Georgia has opened a public comment period for the first protected species list update in 20 years, proposing to expand protections from 318 to 423 plant and animal species, with changes to scientific names and conservation statuses and a limited exception for selling certain protected plants grown in captivity. Black Sea Infrastructure & Nature Risks: Dredging has started for the Anaklia Deep Sea Port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, including deepening an access channel to 17.5 meters and building a 1,380-meter breakwater—an upgrade aimed at boosting the Middle Corridor, but one that raises obvious concerns for coastal habitats and water quality. Urban Forest Park Comments: Batumelebi reports that comments are being collected for the “Arab City” concept in Tbilisi’s Krtsanisi Forest Park area, with the submission process already underway. Climate Hazard Watch: A report highlights how glacier retreat and instability can trigger cascading disasters like ice/rock avalanches that dam valleys and cause sudden floods—an urgent reminder for mountain regions across the wider Caucasus and beyond.

Protected Species Update: Georgia opened a public comment period for the first major update to its protected species list in 20 years, proposing to raise protected plants and animals from 318 to 423 and align state statuses with federal endangered listings, with comments running Aug. 28–Sept. 20. Asbestos Risk in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during renovation, warning about serious health risks and potential exposure for students starting classes Sept. 15. Invasive Pest Alert: Georgia agriculture officials confirmed pasture mealybug in Decatur County, urging farmers to monitor hayfields and pastures and prevent spread via equipment, clothing, and vehicle movement. Tourism + Nature Pressure: Batumi Botanical Garden reported a 10% visitor increase and plans to upgrade infrastructure and add a new tourist route in the humid subtropics phytogeographical section. Fuel Supply Waiver: Georgia adopted a temporary emergency fuel waiver to expand gasoline availability and ease pump prices, with changes effective Aug. 29–Sept. 15. Weather Watch: Hot, mostly dry conditions are expected with isolated storms possible, as heat index values climb into the 90s to low 100s.

Protests & Rights in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course rallied again in Tbilisi for the 642nd straight day, calling for political prisoners’ release and fair elections; the crowd welcomed Saba Jikia after his pardon. Urban Health Risk: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during renovation, warning of serious health dangers for workers and nearby schools. Tourism & Nature: Batumi Botanical Garden reported a 10% jump in visitors and plans to upgrade infrastructure, including new digital services and a route in the humid subtropics phytogeographical section. Black Sea / Transport: Armenia’s infrastructure minister David Khudatyan will attend the Georgia International Maritime Forum in Batumi, with the “Middle Corridor” a key theme. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia’s agriculture authorities warned farmers after pasture mealybug was detected in Decatur County, urging strict biosecurity to protect grasslands. Energy & Climate Angle: A Georgia-related report highlights Kazakhstan’s oil exports to Georgia and notes oil-related pollutants found in groundwater near Kokzhide Sands, raising environmental monitoring concerns.

Oil & Water Risks: Kazakhstan says it cut oil output by 3.5 million tons in 2026’s first seven months after attacks on Caspian Pipeline Consortium facilities; Georgia also received its first crude shipment from Kazakhstan in July (about 5,500 tons), while separate reporting flags oil-related pollutants in groundwater near Kokzhide Sands in Aktobe, after extraction resumed despite local complaints. Middle Corridor & Batumi: Armenia’s infrastructure minister David Khudatyan will attend the Batumi-hosted GIMF 2026 (Sept 7–8), with the “Middle Corridor” front and center; Georgia’s maritime push is framed as boosting regional transport links. Tourism with an Eco Twist: Batumi Botanical Garden saw a 10% visitor jump and plans new digital visitor services plus a route in the humid subtropics phytogeographical section. Asbestos Alert in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office urges Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during renovations, warning of health risks for students starting classes Sept 15. Invasive Pest Watch: Georgia agriculture authorities report pasture mealybug detected in Decatur County and urge farmers to check fields and prevent spread via equipment and movement.

Tourism & Nature: Batumi Botanical Garden reported a 10% jump in visitors and plans to modernize with QR-based services plus a new tourist route in the humid subtropics phytogeographical section, aiming to boost its scientific and educational role. Public Health & Waste Risk: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during renovations, warning about exposure risks for workers and nearby schools. Agriculture Biosecurity: An invasive pasture mealybug was detected in Decatur County, with officials urging farmers to monitor hayfields and prevent spread via equipment and clothing. Energy & Air/Water Concerns: A Georgia emergency fuel waiver lets suppliers sell certain blends and start winter-grade gasoline earlier, while a separate push in the US highlights how data centers face scrutiny over pollution and utility impacts. Policy & Rights: Protests for Euro-integration continued in Tbilisi for a 639th day, with more pardoned participants reported as freed. Climate-Linked Transport: The Middle Corridor push stresses faster, greener logistics by modernizing links from ports to rail and digital tools.

Asbestos Alert in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office is urging Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos pipes found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning of serious health risks for workers and nearby schools starting Sept. 15. Fuel Supply Move: Georgia adopted a U.S. EPA emergency fuel waiver to relax certain gasoline rules Aug. 29–31 and start winter-grade sales about two weeks early, aiming to ease gas prices and prevent supply shortages. Invasive Pest Threat: Agriculture officials say pasture mealybug was detected in Decatur County, urging farmers to monitor hayfields and pastures and prevent spread via equipment, clothing, and livestock movements. Tourism Push to China: Georgia is expanding marketing with Trip.com/Ctrip, launching a dedicated Georgia page and targeting more Chinese visitors through end-2026 campaigns and potential new direct flights. Black Sea Development in Batumi: Origami Holding plans a $200M multifunctional complex on Ambassadori Island, adding residential and commercial space as Batumi’s hospitality and tourism footprint grows.

COP29 Energy Shift: Azerbaijan, long tied to oil and gas, is pushing to diversify with more renewables, including World Bank-backed upgrades to transmission and onshore wind. EV Charging in Georgia: Anari Energy says its fast-charging stations are now operating in Georgia and other countries, positioning EV infrastructure for colder conditions. Gas Prices Relief in Georgia: Georgia adopted a U.S. EPA emergency fuel waiver to expand gasoline supply and bring forward winter-grade fuel sales, aiming to ease pump pressure. Asbestos Risk on Rustaveli Avenue: Georgia’s Public Defender urges Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, warning about health exposure for students. Invasive Pest Threat: Georgia agriculture officials report pasture mealybug detected in Decatur County and urge farmers to tighten biosecurity to protect warm-season grasses. Biodiversity Policy Link: Georgia’s PM will join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit focused on biodiversity commitments. Tbilisi Protests Continue: Eurointegration supporters marked another day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, with more pardoned protest participants reported.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Georgia is stepping up its China push with a new marketing partnership via Trip.com Group (and Ctrip), including a dedicated Georgia page and plans to boost direct flights, with the campaign running through end-2026. Fuel & Air Quality Policy: Georgia adopted a short emergency fuel waiver tied to the U.S. EPA to expand gasoline supply (Aug. 29–31) and start winter-grade sales about two weeks early, aiming to ease pump prices while keeping other safety rules. Public Health & Waste Risk: Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue renovation has sparked alarm after alleged asbestos was found; Georgia’s Public Defender urged City Hall to investigate and warned schools near the site could face exposure risk. Invasive Species Threat: A pasture mealybug detection in Decatur County has triggered biosecurity warnings for Georgia farmers, with guidance to limit spread via equipment, clothing, vehicles, livestock, and wildlife movement. Biodiversity Policy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze will join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, focused on implementing biodiversity commitments.

Health & Safety in Public Works: Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office is urging Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning of serious risks like mesothelioma and lung cancer—especially for nearby schools starting 15 September. Energy & Air Quality Policy: Georgia adopted a nationwide emergency fuel waiver tied to the U.S. EPA, allowing certain gasoline blends to be sold Aug. 29–31 and winter-grade fuel two weeks early from Sept. 1, aiming to ease pump prices while keeping other safety rules. Invasive Species Watch: An invasive pasture mealybug was detected in Decatur County, with officials urging farmers to check hayfields and pastures and prevent spread via equipment, clothing, vehicles, and livestock movements. Coastal Development in Batumi: Origami Holding says it has acquired land on Ambassadori Island and plans a $200 million multifunctional complex, positioning Batumi for more Black Sea tourism and hospitality growth. Biodiversity Policy Link: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze accepted an invitation to join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit focused on biodiversity commitments.

Biodiversity Policy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze has accepted an invitation to join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit (Oct 19–30) focused on implementing biodiversity commitments. Protest & Governance: Euro-integration supporters kept up Tbilisi demonstrations for a 638th straight day, calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections; one 69-year-old protest participant was arrested for 15 days, while another jailed activist, Fridon Bubuteishvili, was reportedly included in a pardon list. Energy & Climate Risk: Abkhazia’s fuel crisis is being discussed alongside claims of unexpected petrol supplies from Tbilisi and calls (including from Turkey) to end Abkhazia’s isolation—framed by experts as a potential de-escalation step. Nature & Wildlife at the Zoo: Tbilisi Zoo is seeing summer cooling efforts, with visitors sharing video of animals enjoying relief during hot weather. Regional Connectivity: ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings—aimed at faster trade and logistics, while also noting links to environmental and public health risks from bottlenecks.

Biodiversity & Climate Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze will join Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, after Nikol Pashinyan invited him by phone, with the agenda focused on implementing commitments to preserve biodiversity. Air & Public Participation: The US EPA is proposing to remove a federal requirement for public notice and comment on some air pollution permits, a move that could affect communities near data centers and other facilities. Water Security & Cyber Risk: US officials say hackers targeted more than 100 internet-exposed water and wastewater systems in July, raising fears about safety and resilience as operators scramble to restore control. Local Environmental Life at Tbilisi Zoo: A video roundup highlights keeping cool during hot days at Tbilisi Zoo, including “ice cream” and cold showers for animals and visitors. Protests in Tbilisi: Eurointegration supporters continued demonstrations for a 638th day, demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections—an ongoing backdrop to policy and public trust debates.

Coastal Development Watch (Adjara/Batumi): A UAE-based HOLM Developments has signed an investment agreement with Ambassadori Island Batumi to build a 140,000 sq m multifunctional waterfront complex, positioning the project as a major new FDI magnet for Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Urban Nature & Heat Resilience (Tbilisi): Tbilisi Zoo is running a summer heat plan—more water, cooling sprays, mud wallows for elephants and rhinos, and adjusted diets—to protect animals during hot spells. Climate Signal (Global, with local relevance): Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier has stopped reaching Berg Lake, ending direct calving—another vivid indicator of glacier decline tied to climate change. Air Quality Governance (US, policy with parallels): The US EPA is proposing to remove guaranteed public notice and comment for some minor air pollution permits, including those tied to data centers and generators—raising concerns for community input. Black Sea & Migration Pressure: Reports describe a long Black Sea escape by Russian deserters by kayak, underscoring the region’s ongoing security and human impacts. Maritime Strategy (Batumi): Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, aiming to boost maritime connectivity and the Middle Corridor.

Heat & Wildlife Care in Tbilisi Zoo: With summer temperatures rising, Tbilisi Zoo has switched to a cooling-focused routine—more frequent clean water, enclosure misting, floor hosing, and mud wallows for elephants and rhinos to protect from sun and insects. Coastal & Storm Watch: Georgia’s weather outlook includes showers and thunderstorms, with the risk of heavy rain and strong storms in the afternoon and evening—so expect wet, changeable conditions. Batumi Maritime Push: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, aiming to boost the Middle Corridor, transport security, and sustainable maritime transport with regional and international partners. Tourism Policy in the Region: Azerbaijan approved a tourism support programme targeting 3.8 million visitors by 2030, as arrivals and hotel activity have been slipping in 2026. Local Governance & Business: Adjara’s government met with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss investment, trade, and support for entrepreneurs and farmers, including plans for business forums in mountainous Adjara and Batumi. Education Reform Signals: Results from Georgia’s Unified National Exams after education reforms show a shift from state to private university enrolment.

Climate Change in the Caucasus: A new field observation from Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier shows the glacier has stopped reaching Berg Lake, ending direct calving into the water—another vivid sign of glacier decline tied to warming. Local Heat Relief: Tbilisi Zoo is running a summer cooling routine—more water, misting, mud wallows, and adjusted feeding—to protect animals from overheating. Coastal Water Monitoring: Adjara officials checked Black Sea water quality, keeping an eye on conditions that affect marine life and public health. Maritime Connectivity: Batumi will host the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) on Sept 7–8, with about 400 delegates to discuss sustainable transport and strengthening the Middle Corridor. Business & Investment Push (Adjara): The Adjara government met with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to plan B2B meetings, investment attraction, and expanded trade links. Governance & Rights: Protesters in Tbilisi continued their long-running demonstrations, demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections.