First GM-Free schools declared in Borjomi, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia
12-13 December, 2006
Borjomi, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia http://www.gmfree.caucasus.net/?lang=eng&go=&action=naxva_news&id=20
On 12-13 December 2006 the Greens Movement of Georgia / Friends of the Earth Georgia organized series of eco-seminars for schools of Borjomi town, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region on the issues of genetically modified organisms. After the eco-seminars the improvised action was arranged with the participation of pupils from all 6 schools of Borjomi town, which resulted with declaration of Borjomi schools GM-Free.
The events were organized in the ranges of project: Strengthening GMO-Free Campaigns in Georgia and EECCA Region, which is being implemented in coordination with FoEI GMO Programme and financially supported by the HIVOS Foundation.
In the ranges of the event there were organized series of eco-seminars in all six schools of Borjomi town. The pupils were introduced to the issues of GMOs and the problems they pose for the environment, health and socio-economic development. For this purpose newly developed special methodical material was used. After the eco-seminars, on 13 December there was organized the improvised action.
The idea of improvised action was that the pupils of all six schools have brought out of their schools some imitations of GM products and thus have said their NO to GMOs! After this, these pupils have collected in second school of Borjomi, where there was arranged question-and-answer session about GMOs. Children and teachers had the possibility to get answers from the representatives of the Greens Movement of Georgia. After this, pupils have put all the imitations of GMOs in one big box and throw away to trash can. Representatives of the Greens Movement of Georgia delivered special banners to the schools which indicate that these schools are GM-Free. These banners will be hanged in visible places within the schools.
It is worth to mention that this is the first case in Georgia and Caucasus when the school is declared GM-Free and hopefully this initiative will continue and other schools and institutions will follow this positive example. It is also memorable that this fact took place in Borjomi, which is famous region with its unique biodiversity.
The event had enormous resonance in society. We received requests from the schools of surrounding villages and towns to organize similar activities in their schools as well. The event was actively covered by media sources. Local TV Company Borjomi dedicated news program to it. Articles have been published in printed media as well, in newspapers Borjomi and Tsisartkela.
For further information about the project and planed activities contact the Greens Movement of Georgia / FoE-Georgia at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
George Magradze
Project Coordinator