The Minister of Environment praised the “valuable work” being carried out by GEOTEST AG in studying 22 glacial valleys across the country at the meeting with Daniel Tobler, an expert from the Swiss company. Otar Shamugia emphasised the importance of conducting studies using “modern approaches” to understand the current processes on the glaciers.

“Negative processes caused by climate change, including threats from the melting of glaciers, are a challenge for Georgia today, as well as for the whole world. That is why the Ministry continues to cooperate with one of the leading Swiss experts in the world, who are conducting research on the glaciers in the country.

The research is carried out with modern methods and approaches in order to have complete information about the current processes on the glaciers. I would like to emphasise that any measure, be it monitoring, early warning system, alarm system or other, should be based on detailed, scientific studies”, - said Otar Shamugia.

“We possess information about current processes and locations. We know who and where to start. Once begun, we will identify the hot spots and most critical places. The first step involves a thorough examination of critical areas, identifying potential scenarios, actively engaging in on-site processes, and then defining simulations to study and prepare for these scenarios. Subsequently, a monitoring system should be established, integrating hazard management practices, with a clearly defined hazard management plan. It will take one or two years. We have places in Switzerland that took three years to evaluate in detail”, - added Daniel Tobler.