A new initiative supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and UNDP is cultivating more than just plants in Georgia’s schools — it’s growing knowledge, skills, and environmental awareness.

In partnership with two civil society organisations — Georgian ‘Kona’ and the Czech-based ‘Kokoza’ — this 12-month, US$64,000 project brings innovative, practical environmental education into classrooms. Schoolchildren will explore the science and benefits of healthy soil, composting, and urban gardening, while teachers receive tailored training to guide the next generation of climate-conscious citizens.

At the heart of the project are Green Laboratories — interactive school spaces where students and teachers can work together to understand how healthy soils support food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

“Practical learning is essential to empower young people as environmental champions. Our partnership with the Czech Republic brings global expertise to the classroom and helps Georgian students develop lifelong climate awareness and green skills,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.

“The Czech Republic brings rich experience in addressing development challenges through innovation and strong community engagement. Through this project, we are combining Czech expertise with Georgian commitment to create a model that enhances environmental education and strengthens community resilience,” said Jana Zelingerová, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Czech Republic to Georgia.

In March 2025, the project was launched in two pilot schools – Public School #137 in Tskhneti and Aia-GESS in Tbilisi – with the ambition to grow nationwide, reaching kindergartens, universities, and more schools across Georgia.

Beyond the classroom, 10 organisations, including schools and private companies, will receive composters and practical training to introduce sustainable urban gardening into their daily routines.

The Georgian civil society organisation ‘Kona’ leads the local implementation, engaging teachers and students through workshops and hands-on environmental activities. Their Czech partner, ‘Kokoza’, brings technical know-how and shares proven approaches to environmental education and community gardening.

The initiative is supported by the Czech Embassy to Georgia, UNDP Georgia, and the Czech-UNDP Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub. It also complements other UNDP efforts in Georgia, including the Danish-funded project ‘Greening the Future, Advancing Rights and Stability’, piloting a green transition model in Poti and Khobi municipalities.

“The Czech-UNDP Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals connects its partner countries with innovative solutions from the Czech Republic’s private sector, civil society, academia, and public institutions. Since 2018, we have supported more than 40 projects in Georgia — advancing innovation, strengthening environmental sustainability, and promoting inclusive governance,” said Kateřina Linhartová, Project Analyst for the Czech-UNDP Partnership for the SDGs at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub.

Background

The Czech-UNDP Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a flexible development cooperation platform that brings Czech expertise to countries across Europe and Central Asia. It supports the search for innovative solutions by introducing new methods, ideas, and technologies rooted in Czech experience and know-how. 

Disclaimer

The project ‘Growing Green: Soil Education and Green Laboratories for Georgia’ is implemented by UNDP, through the Challenge Fund, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The contents of this press release do not necessarily represent the official views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.  

Media Contact

Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP in Georgia, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org